Queensland Farmer Today - April 2023

April 2023

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Rory comes full circle

Dairy farm’s national honour PAGE 10

PAGE 4

Wet brings joy, but...

Molly’s mighty mission

Australian farm production is soaring towards a new record value of $90 billion for 2022-23, smashing expectations.

But, the fun times may be fleeting.

Escalating export competition, drier seasons and tighter global economic times are predicted to shrink farmgate earnings.

The value of agricultural production is expected to fall to $81b next financial year, having jumped to within $10b of the farm sector’s oft-discussed $100b target for 2030.

And, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics and Science (ABARES), it may slip to between $73b and $79b in the following four years.

Production values remain $20b higher than the national commodities forecaster suggested for 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Molly Sage is a young gun firing on all cylinders in the feedlot game - and she is on a mighty mission.

Within the industry she has devoted herself to for the past seven years she is pushing for sweeping changes, particularly to the environmental, animal health and community pillars.

“That has always been a huge goal of mine,” she said.

WOMEN IN AGRIGULTURE, PAGES 6-8

Molly Sage at Stockyard Beef’s Kerwee Feedlot.

STORY PAGE 18

Rock-solid consortium of 10 beef cattle pastoralists throws a...

College lifeline

By Fiona Gowers When the Queensland Government closed the Longreach Pastoral College in 2019, the decision was dubbed “callous” and “disappointing”.

Now, AAM Investment Group has submitted a tender on behalf of a “rock-solid” consortium of 10 beef cattle pastoralists as it seeks

to assume control of the Longreach Pastoral College.

Its bid, which includes 17,511 hectares of land, classroom facilities and agricultural infrastructure, was the only submission made public.

AAM Investment Group managing director Garry Edwards said if the proposal was successful, the facility may offer - among other

things - veterinary studies, tourism activities and commercial farming enterprises.

“Ideally, we want to create a diverse range of courses of which agriculture is fundamental to many,” he said.

“There is a lot of interest in undertaking some regenerative agricultural courses and actually using the surrounding land area as a great demonstration site.

“There is a common need here for a common outcome and, ultimately, that need goes far beyond the individual companies directly involved in the consortium.”

Mr Edwards said northern Australia desperately needed first-rate agricultural management training as, currently, students had to leave the state to study for two years.

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WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE ..........pages 6-8 WONDAI GARDEN EXPO .............. page 11 FOOD FOR THOUGHT ................... page 24 BREAKING GROUND .................... page 24 FROM THE MLA .......................... page 25 QCWA RECIPES ........................... page 28 MARKET REPORTS ...................... page 29 SPORT ....................................... page 32 BMRG has led the national roll-out of a world-first environmental accounting system.

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Resource management organisation, the Burnett Mary Regional Group, has applied a new accounting system to help achieve major state government and Japanese oil company backing for a potentially revolutionary farm-based biofuels enterprise.

The not-for-profit group, which is the peak body for natural resource management in an area from Gympie to Gladstone, has announced it will partner with Japanese firms Idemitsu and J-Oil Mills to establish Australia’s first ever commercial Pongamia (Millettia Pinnata) plantation. The plant, a legume, yields an oil which investors say can provide renewable aviation fuel, while also showing potential as a green manure crop, litter from which can be ploughed in to condition soil and boost soil nitrogen.

Backers say this means it can be grown in association with other crops, or pasture.

The ground-up seed and pod husks can be a raw material for conversion to stockfeed, although its leaves in raw form are not a suitable feed, and the growing plant provides shelter for wildlife.

The project is held up as an example of the success of a BMRG environmental audit conducted last year, aiming at a “quadruple bottom line“ assessment of projects, taking into account environmental, cultural, economic and social factors.

BMRG CEO Sheila Charlesworth said the BMRG-corporate consortium, which is receiving facilitation support from the Queensland Government, “is another step towards the establishment of a sustainable aviation fuel industry”. “Pongamia is nature positive – it not only gives more to nature than it takes out, its

production will also create jobs,” Ms Charlesworth said.

The plant, native to India and northern Australia, is said to have a high yield of oil that can be used in the creation of sustainable aviation fuel. which is where the money is expected to come from. “When it grows, it also draws CO2 from the atmosphere, contributing to the aviation industry’s drive to realise net zero air travel. Additionally, Pongamia can grow on degraded and unproductive land, providing carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits to landowners.“ Ms Charlesworth said planting Pongamia trees will also create opportunities for local indigenous communities.

“We will be training traditional owner groups in the management and maintenance of the crop, its harvest and processing,” she said. “Pongamia is an amazing plant. It allows normal neighbouring plant growth and promotes biodiversity through the establishment of habitat for birds and other wildlife.“ A senior Idemitsu executive said the consortium has the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of a lowcarbon economy. “The demand for truly sustainable biofuels is huge. In Japan alone, our government has required that we replace 1.4 million tons of fossil fuels, with eco-friendlier alternatives for aviation by 2030. The potential for Pongamia to fulfil part of this demand is very exciting.”

A J-Oil Mills executive described the announcement as “exciting”. The BMRG has secured land for the first Pongamia plantations, after an Accounting for Nature audit of the Burnett-Mary region’s 56 million hectares.

The project is currently aimed at a site in the Gladstone district, it has been reported.

Minimise your spray drift Biosecurity Queensland is reminding farmers to check agricultural chemical labels, track weather conditions and apply best practice to minimise spray drift and avoid off-target damage this spraying season.

Biosecurity Queensland chief biosecurity officer Malcolm Letts said managing the risk of spray drift was critical to best practice spraying for growers and contractors.

“Spray drift management strategies reduce the risk of unintended impacts to neighbours and the environment and ensure more herbicide lands where it should, to maximise weed control and minimise chemical costs,” Mr Letts said. “Developing a spray plan, checking the weather forecast and selecting the most appropriate nozzles and pressures before you start spraying are all• vital.

• The spray plan should include identifying sensitive areas for which downwind ’no • apspray zones’ on the label instructions may • ply.

“Conversations with your neighbours • are about the timing of your spray operations also encouraged.”

• had Mr Letts said Biosecurity Queensland a compliance program to investigate the use of agricultural chemicals contrary to their approved label instructions.

“All users of agricultural chemicals should be aware of their obligations under the Chemical Usage (Agriculture and Veterinary) Control Act 1988,” Mr Letts said.

“This includes requirements to follow all instructions appearing on agricultural chemical labels, including spray drift constraints and to make and keep spray records. Significant penalties may apply - up to $86,250 for individuals and $431,250 for companies.”

An unprecedented show of national support is spurring the momentum of a power-packed consortium seeking to assume control of the Longreach Pastoral College.

“This goes well beyond our wildest expectations,” said AAM Investment Group managing director Garry Edwards, who is heading the tender 10 beef cattle pastoralists submitted to the State Government in February.

“We were hoping for potentially 500 letters of support so to end up with 3300 - and the sheer volume that continues to come in from throughout Australia after that - is quite astonishing.

“It just shows you how the college has touched many, many people who are passionate about it.”

Indeed, rarely has Queensland Farmer Today covered an agricultural story that has sparked such emotion from farmers, past students/ past teachers and industry leaders located from Mount Isa to Tasmania.

Agforce chief executive officer Michael Guerin captured the sentiment well.

“When Longreach Pastoral College closed in 2019, it left a gaping hole in the state’s capacity to develop the skills of the workforce required by Australia’s thriving farm sector,” he said.

“It took away part of the lifeblood of the community.

“The time has come to restore what was lost.

“The time has come to collectively rejuvenate Longreach Pastoral College to enable it to become a trustworthy, viable and intergenerational learning centre for centuries to come.”

All eyes are now on Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner whose decision is expected within weeks.

- Fiona Gowers

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New emissions road map

By Robyn Wuth, AAP Queensland farmers are being urged to start acting on emissions reductions and avoid costs and disruptions in the future, as the state releases its low-emissions agriculture road map.

Five key areas are outlined in the plan released on Tuesday 21 March: livestock emissions; cropping and horticulture emissions; energy opportunities; carbon farming and landscape management; and regional supply chains.

It will include industry-led research into methane-reduction stock feeds for livestock and the development of green fertiliser options.

Farmers will also be encouraged to be aware of alternative fuels and electricity infrastructure that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The industry will play an essential role if the state is to reach its net zero commitment by 2050, Agriculture Minister Mark Furner says.

“Those who implement plans to lower greenhouse gas emissions now will have fewer transition costs and disruption to their business than those who delay and find themselves urgently responding to market forces,“ he said.

“The aim is to provide a structured, smooth transition while minimising dramatic changes.“ Different industries in the agriculture sector are at various stages of developing and implementing emissions reduction targets.

“There are winners all around not only for reductions in savings of what you can do by transitioning out of fossil fuel into solar power ... also looking at increases in productivity, but also savings in dollars well spent,“ Mr Furner said.

“The decision to act now is the right time, to delay it will only cost more - we’re encouraging

Mark Furner says the Queensland agriculture industry will play a huge role in cutting emissions.

Picture: DARREN ENGLAND, AAP people to consider the road map, to look at the future ahead of them.“ Queensland’s agriculture industry is ready to embrace new practices and technologies to ensure the long-term sustainability of their sector, says AgForce chief executive Mike Guerin.

“As proud and responsible contributors to the state’s economy, we recognise the importance of supporting the road map and doing what we can to lower emissions to promote long-term sustainability, “Mr Guerin said.

Queensland Farmers Federation chief ex-

ecutive Jo Sheppard said the industry strove to respond to global demand for a transition to low-emissions production.

“The road map will help co-ordinate some of the messaging in what is becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace,“ she said.

“A strong agriculture sector is important to us all, and we need to make sure that farmers are supported to achieve environmental outcomes, while still being able to do what they do best in producing the world’s best food, fibre and foliage.“ However, the Queensland Conservation

Council dismissed the road map as “inadequate“ in reducing emissions in an industry that together with the land use sector, it says is responsible for 20 per cent of the state’s total emissions.

“This roadmap has no targets for emissions reductions for a fifth of Queensland’s emissions,“ QCC director Dave Copeman said.

“When it comes to agriculture, the Queensland government is actively avoiding taking climate action seriously.“ The road map will be reviewed in 2028, to ensure it remains current and relevant.

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Combining agriculture, law

By Fiona Gowers Rory Whitefield has come full circle in his 47 years of life.

Born and bred in South Africa, Mr Whitefield migrated to Australia in 2003 aged 17 and worked on large-scale stations in southwest and Far North Queensland, as well as the Northern Territory.

He then decided “for some reason” to study law at Armidale University before practising as a corporate lawyer in Brisbane for 12 years.

Now, Mr Whitefield, the chief agribusiness officer for Corporate Carbon, has been appointed the chief executive officer of Paniri Agricultural Co. He brings 26 years of agricultural experience across cattle production, law and natural asset management.

“Oh yes, the position does provide great overlap between my background in agriculture and corporate law,” Mr Whitefield said.

“Having worked on large-scale properties from the ground up, combined with big-endof-town legal experience, I began to research how to optimise capital gains by investing in agriculture.

“The no-brainer for me came from blending the environment and agriculture and drawing the most benefit from carbon production, as well as cattle production.

“And, of course, doing both sustainably.”

Launched in March, Paniri Agricultural Co is a dedicated natural asset management and agribusiness arm aiming to accelerate the transformation to an environmentally-driven agriculture industry.

A subsidiary of Corporate Carbon, one of Australia’s leading carbon abatement project developers and owners, Paniri’s formation follows the recent acquisition of the Holroyd aggregation of Holroyd River, Crystalvale and Yarraden cattle stations, located about 150 kilometres southwest of Coen on the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland.

This existing aggregation - in addition to Watson River station bought in September 2022 - sees a combined total of almost 522,000 hectares in the region under Paniri Agricultural Co management.

Representing more than 40 per cent of the growing portfolio, the expanding footprint in the Cape York Peninsula cements the strategic approach of the company to leverage the com-

Corporate Carbon managing director and Paniri chairman Gary Wyatt (left) with Rory Whitefield, Corporate Carbon chief agribusiness officer who has just been appointed chief executive officer of Paniri Agricultural Co. bination of agriculture production - starting with cattle - to complement carbon projects and to unlock growth opportunities within the industry.

Mr Whitefield said Paniri Agricultural Co would work to continue the existing cattle operations and carbon projects on both Watson River and the Holroyd River aggregation.

“Practically, we are absolutely open for agriculture, with a ‘no lock the gate’ approach,” he said.

“For example, we might walk cattle down a fence line to reduce the fuel load or we might do a different grading plan across the property

to ensure our cattle can walk towards water.

“Our day-to-day operations are based around carbon and how we best use that within our management program to maximise agricultural production.

“Farmers are very much at the forefront of a best practice, environmental approach. So that’s all we’re doing, no different to many other farmers. It’s just that we’re running a carbon project at the same time as a cattle project.”

According to Mr Whitefield, Paniri Agricultural Co assumes a local-first approach across its operations.

It seeks first to retain existing staff, contrac-

tors and suppliers and to work with local communities through employment and economic opportunities for local business and industry.

“The regeneration and protection of the natural environment is also a major priority for us, including proactively managing invasive pests and weeds to enhance our ecosystems,” Mr Whitefield said.

As a now significant landowner in the region, Paniri Agricultural Co also recognises the responsibility it has to the land and takes a long-term view in the transformation of its broader portfolio of 1.3 million hectares to sustainable agriculture.

Driving positive impact Gary Wyatt, Corporate Carbon managing director and Paniri Agricultural Co chairman says: “As a company that’s been engaged in the carbon farming industry from the very start, we’ve combined this experience with the best in agribusiness, creating a unique opportunity for us to drive positive impact at scale with Paniri Agricultural Co. “It’s our view that agriculture and the environment can exist in balance. Where our approach will reduce emissions while improving agricultural production and promote sustainability by increasing biodiver-

sity and improving the soil, pastures, natural vegetation and ecosystems.

“In taking the approach to blend the methodologies of our carbon projects with agriculture, it’s our aim to contribute positively to the challenges facing the ag sector, in particular the cattle industry and its environmental footprint.

“It’s an important challenge - and we don’t have all the answers - but believe the co-benefits of the dual activities could help secure the future of agriculture and set us up to become a leading natural asset manager.“

Paniri Agricultural Co northern Queensland regional managers Luke and Ally Quartermaine.

Picture: PANIRI AGRICULTURAL CO

Visions closely aligned Corporate Carbon managing director and Paniri Agricultural Co chairman Gary Wyatt and Corporate Carbon founder and chair Matthew Warken at the Ban Ban Springs property in the Northern Territory.

Picture: PANIRI AGRICULTURAL CO

4 TODAY April 2023

The Quartermaine family owned Watson River station for 35 years until Paniri Agricultural Co bought it then appointed Luke and Ally Quartermaine as regional managers across its northern Queensland operations.

Located in Cape York, Luke and Ally oversee about 522,000 hectares, which includes a growing cattle business, savanna fire management, upskilling staff on the ground and guiding community engagement.

Ally Quatermaine says: “Paniri Agricultural Co’s emphasis on

meaningful agriculture closely aligns to our vision for the region, which is encouraging.

“There is enormous potential in Cape York, with quality cattle and talented people doing great work that we look forward to growing.

“We’re cattle producers at heart and are passionate about the future of our industry.

“By marrying these practices we have the opportunity to better the agricultural industry and create a positive impact for our herd, land and environment,” Luke adds.

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Developing leaders of class

By Fiona Gowers Principals traditionally come from the teaching ranks, although the pathway from teacher to principal can vary considerably.

The transition from teacher to principal can be challenging as classroom experience sometimes fails to develop the required knowledge, skills and leadership abilities necessary.

Therefore, developing aspiring principals’ leadership capacity to undertake the role is crucial.

Widespread consensus exists among practitioners, researchers and policy makers that professional training and development has an impact on aspiring principals by improving leaders’ knowledge, skills and dispositions.

With this in mind, the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office has created a program called the Outback Principals’ Development Squad (OPDS).

It is designed to help aspiring principals transition from being a teacher to a leader and manager who can deliver on their education system’s strategic objectives and plans.

The squad’s aim is to give aspiring leaders an insight into the role in rural and remote schools so they experience both the contextual complexities, as well as the intrinsic rewards it can provide.

It allows them to understand if they have the required dispositions, capabilities and mindsets to be a leader.

Squad members immerse themselves in the core dimensions of Toowoomba Catholic Schools (TCS) leadership – religious and educative leadership, as well as supporting the staff and community, strategic and organisational leadership.

The aspiring principals also experience living in a rural and remote setting for a short time, shadowing the existing principal and attending all relevant related activities in the school and community.

Recently within TCS there have been many staff movements where the squad has been in-

Mary Porter (left) principal of St Joseph’s School in Tara is taking seven weeks leave in Term 1 this year and during this time Kylie Williams will assume the role of acting principal. valuable in providing future leaders to fill vital roles.

Mary Porter, principal of St Joseph’s School in Tara, has taken seven weeks leave in term one, with Kylie Williams assuming the role of acting principal.

Mrs Williams is currently an assistant principal religious education (APRE) and middle

leader at St Patrick’s School in St George.

She participated in the Outback Principals’ Development Squad in 2022, where she worked alongside Ms Porter.

Ms Porter said the Outback Principals’ Development Squad was a wonderful initiative that supported the development of principal leadership capabilities.

“Interested leaders volunteer to take part in learning to develop their ability to think clearly, engage others, lead and inspire and deliver outcomes,” Ms Porter said.

“As part of the process, Kylie Williams, a member of the squad, visited St Joseph’s School in Tara, a small rural P-6 school to shadow and walk with me as a principal for a week,“ Ms Porter said.

“Kylie experienced the unique culture of the school and became familiar with the community, establishing relationships with the students, parents, staff and the parish priest during her visit, which is essential to the process.

“It is reassuring to have someone ready to take on the principal leadership role in outback schools.

“The Outback Principals’ Development Squad process is working well.“ Mrs Williams said she was delighted to be given the opportunity to lead St Joseph’s School and said: “The OPDS allowed me to have a small insight into the workings of small rural and remote schools.

“Even though I am currently in a leadership role in St George, it gave me the opportunity to see the complexities of a smaller school.

“I certainly believe that participating in the OPDS has given me the confidence to accept acting principal opportunities, which become available within the Toowoomba Diocese.“ Also, as part of this program, David Anderson, a teacher at Holy Name Primary School in Toowoomba, has enthusiastically accepted the acting position at St Patrick’s School in St George to replace Mrs Williams during this time.

Mr Anderson also participated in the Outback Principals’ Development Squad in 2022 and deputised at St Patrick’s School in Mitchell during Term 4 2022.

The 2023 OPDS program will occur in Term 2 this year.

From incredible drones to vodka made from fruit waste...

Cutting-edge agtech on display at Toowoomba event Drones, technology that turns fruit waste into vodka and an advanced weather forecasting system seem an unlikely mix but were fertile ground for discussion at an agtech event in Toowoomba.

The innovations were just some of the incredible new agtech shared at the GroundUp Agtech Showcase Day on Thursday, 16 February.

Held at the Agtech and Logistics Hub in Wellcamp, the event showcased some trailblazers from horticulture and other agricultural sectors, including 7NEWS weather presenter Jane Bunn, as well as innovations from participants in the grains industry-focused GroundUp accelerator program.

About 200 people immersed themselves in the latest tech in grains and agriculture, including growers, producers and businesspeople with an interest in agriculture.

The showcase included participants from GroundUp, an accelerator run by the Agtech and Logistics Hub, a premier innovation space, with support from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Through GroundUp, GRDC invests exclusively in innovative start-ups that have the potential to benefit Australian graingrowers.

Participants demonstrated how their products and services could benefit the grains sector, including Joseph Canning of Hawkeye Access, a drone support startup based in Gatton.

“Our drones can be taught to find something in the field that is important to the farmer,” he said.

6 TODAY April 2023

7NEWS Melbourne weather presenter Jane Bunn is the founder and CEO of Jane’s Weather, an advanced weather forecasting system to help Australian farmers boost agricultural output.

“Anything that is important and bigger than five millimetres we can find, including diseases and pests.”

Another GroundUp participant, David McGrath from MagrowTec, pitched his company’s crop spraying technology – a retrofittable device for tractors that improves spray coverage - to potential customers.

There are already 300 of the devices installed and working commercially across the world, and it is Mr McGrath’s job to deploy the tech in Australia and New Zealand.

“Spray drift is a massive problem here in Australia, and the device has drift reduction accreditation out of Europe,” he said.

“With all the connections on the Darling

Downs, where there are some of the most sophisticated grain and cotton growers on the planet, I thought the GroundUp program would be a good door- opener and it has been,” the commercial manager said.

Agtech and Logistics Hub director Thomas Hall said it was great to offer innovators the opportunity to collaborate with industry and present their products and services to potential customers to refine market fit.

“The showcase was also a fitting way to highlight GroundUp, a program designed to drive innovation in the grains sector, with a focus on being grower-led to find real solutions for on-farm problems,” Mr Hall said.

The agtech event also showcased prod-

ucts and services from a host of other innovators, including meteorologist and 7NEWS Melbourne weather presenter Jane Bunn.

Ms Bunn is the founder and CEO of Jane’s Weather, an advanced weather forecasting system to help Australian farmers boost agricultural output.

“This is achieved by combining top-performing global weather models and training them to provide guidance specifically for your farm using on-site observations,” Ms Bunn said.

In addition to standard weather variables, Jane’s Weather creates agriculture-specific forecasts such as those for good spraying conditions, growing degree days to plan the harvest and evapotranspiration to schedule irrigation.

Brisbane-based Whitestone Industries also shared its cutting-edge process that turns fruit waste into vodka.

Founder Alexander Bell said he had been developing the technology for 18 months and is finalising funding to build a distillery to produce the vodka, created via a process involving enzymes and heat pumps.

“The whole idea is that fruit waste doesn’t actually go to waste,” he said.

“We are starting off with vodka, but our goal is to address the larger supply chain waste problem through upcycling into other industrial chemicals.”

Other exhibitors included digital traceability company iTrazo, compost tech startup Monty Compost Co, precise irrigation provider N-Drip and aerial survey provider AirBorn Insight.

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Molly Sage doing a school presentation on agriculture.

And welding in the shed on Olinda Park, near Dalby.

Molly’s on a mighty mission

By Fiona Gowers Molly Sage is a young gun firing on all cylinders in the feedlot game - and she is on a mighty mission.

Within the industry she has devoted herself to for the past seven years she is pushing for sweeping changes, particularly to the environmental, animal health and community pillars.

“That has always been a huge goal of mine,” she said.

Molly said protecting the environment and enhancing soil qualities was a priority, as was discovering a cure for bovine respiratory disease and fostering a strong sense of community.

“We cannot flog the land and just expect it to give us everything we want,” she said.

“You know, we’ve got to leave this land in better condition than how we found it. We can’t do that if we just want to treat it poorly.“ Meanwhile, Molly said bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was prolific and “by far” the biggest health concern in feedlot cattle.

“If I could help someone find a cure for BRD, which is more prominent in feedlot cattle due to their scale of numbers, that would be amazing.“ A strong sense of community is Molly’s third passion.

“I think it’s so important to give back to the community where you are based to ensure it thrives otherwise our business - and others won’t survive,” she said.

“I think just having that really in-depth community involvement, you know, teaching kids how to grow food at your local school and explaining to them where fresh produce comes from.

“It means a lot and goes a long way.“ Interestingly, the environment, animal health and community pillars comprise Molly’s main responsibilities in her current role as a sustainability officer for Stockyard Beef on the Darling Downs.

The fourth is chasing the carbon neutral target by 2030.

“Sustainability is a huge job and it’s really only getting bigger every day, because it’s becoming more important for the industry to focus on,” Molly said.

“My role is to ensure that we’re running sustainably as an entire business.

“I just love the fact that it’s making such a huge difference to the industry and its focus on leaving the environment in a better place than how we found it.

“It feels really good when you know that you’re creating a better future for the next generation to come.”

In 2020, Molly Sage, who was then a mill forewoman at JBS Australia’s Beef City feedlot, was named Australia’s Young Lot Feeder of the Year.

The award recognises passion, leadership,

Molly Sage was named Australia’s Young Lot Feeder of the Year in 2020.

With one of the many calves she raised at Olinda Park, near Dalby.

development and initiative from young employees in lot feeding on a national level.

Entrants were asked to submit an essay on an issue facing the industry and discuss its implications.

Molly’s goal was for supermarkets to one day stock carbon neutral steaks and end the perception of the industry having a large carbon footprint.

She has since developed the idea, turning algae into a biofuel to power boilers inside mills and then using the by-product to feed livestock.

Molly was raised for “80 per cent“ of her childhood on the Gibson Partnership-owned Olinda Park, a 4047-hectare mixed farm and feedlot 45 minutes from Dalby, which her father managed.

“Mick Gibson (Olinda Park owner) was and still is my biggest fan and, actually, a shout out to him would probably make his world,” she said.

Molly was determined to achieve the ATAR required to pursue an agricultural engineering

how to stand up for myself”.

“They really instilled a lot of values in me that have helped in my journey so much,” Molly said.

“And, I can guarantee, that if they weren’t instilled in me, I’d probably be a completely different person. I would have let a lot of people crush me.

“There were many tough times, especially in my younger years when I stepped up into those big roles, but I just was so determined to prove that I could do the same job, or better, than a man.

“It (gender) hasn’t been an issue for me for quite a long time and I’m just so focused on the positives now.”

Molly said she hoped her story would inspire younger people choosing agriculture as a career.

“There are a lot of young people coming into the industry and a lot of people have asked me for tips on how to progress.

“It feels great to show them what it is achievable as a young person.”

degree when she studied year 12 at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College in Dalby.

She achieved the score but took a gap year on a feedlot/ mixed farm near Collarenebri where she worked initially as a feeder and stockhand before being promoted to a leading hand.

“From there, I kind of just fell in love with working and learning on the job. I wanted to study but I didn’t want to give up full time employment because I just really enjoyed it.”

Molly decided to pursue an 18-month Diploma of Agribusiness Management through the University of Southern Queensland while working full time at the Beef City feedlot.

She started there as a truck driver but was soon promoted to a leading hand role and then, nine months later, a mill forewoman. She was employed there for five years.

As a young woman of 24 working her way through the feedlot ranks, Molly said she has had her share of challenging times.

She said working alongside her parents since she could walk taught her resilience “and

April 2023 TODAY 7

QUEENSLAND’S ONLY MONTHLY NEWSPAPER FOR WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE 12582497-JW52-22

Slamming the stereotype

By Amelia Willmer In one of life’s coincidences, this young Warwick lady exactly matches the narrative of the artwork behind her at the Dairy Lounge Cafe.

According to the Wikipedia history site on the ancient medieval meanings attached to modern playing cards: “The Queen of Clubs signifies a brunette woman who Ioves to be of service. She is of warm sympathetic nature.”

That description fits this young woman like a glove.

Is she a teacher? A social worker? A nurse?

Well she is fully qualified in Advanced Occupational Health and Safety and in CPR, but no, she is not a nurse.

Meet National Rodeo Association Queen, Cheyenne Mundey, 29, of Warwick.

She is a true blue cowgirl who has roped cattle and galloped horses with the toughest of cowboys in America’s Lone Star State, Texas, and on Australian cattle stations.

She’s a feminist because she believes in fairness, equality and inclusivity.

The crown, sash, and sequins of her rodeo regalia aren’t just for looking pretty. They represent leadership, duty and responsibility for a sport she is passionate about.

For this interview, Cheyenne has specifically chosen her ordinary day wear and a location far from any showground.

“I want people to see past the stereotype of a pretty girl on a horse,” Cheyenne said.

“Most people don’t realise what’s involved in the role of National Rodeo Queen.

It’s not just about putting on a hat and some

chaps and riding round with the Australian flag.

“It’s about managing public relations to create a positive image of the rodeo culture.

“It’s about hands-on educating people that rodeo animals are treated humanely.

“It’s about helping to develop and manage local sponsorships to support fundraising for agencies such as the Royal Flying Doctor and Angel Flight.

“It’s about organising and managing local rodeo queen quests, mentoring the applicants, and organising the judging panels.

“It’s about encouraging the little kids to have a go in the junior events and giving them a hug and a lolly when they have a tumble.”

A major duty at every rodeo is organising the opening event, the Grand Entry, where Cheyenne leads the competitors into the ring and the reigning champions of each of the eight rodeo specialities are announced and applauded.

“Getting everyone there on time and in the right order can sometimes take five re-writes,” Cheyenne laughed. “It is like herding cats. I personally text each of them and remind them to get to the ring on time.”

Cheyenne receives no payment for her busy role which has seen her travel more than 50,000km since last November.

The National Rodeo Association covers scores of rodeos from Far North Queensland down to southern New South Wales.

Since being crowned last November, she has travelled from Airlie Beach to southern New South Wales and all points in between.

Cheyenne Mundey in the Dairy Lounge Cafe.

Integral to event success: Snippets from rodeo ring Australian Rodeo Queen Cheyenne Mundey of Warwick showed what’s behind the stereotype depicted here – a beautiful young woman on a horse whose only job, seemingly, is to look glamourous and get the rodeo off to a good start. Here are some interesting snippets that came out of her chat with AMELIA WILLMER. Best excuse for getting on early Often Cheyenne organises the order of events at rodeos, and competitors frequently negotiate to change their allotted times.

This request at the Stanthorpe Rodeo took the cake.

Beaudesert Competitor: “Hey Cheyenne, do ya reckon you could get my horse into the chutes early?”

Sheyenne: “Yeah? Why’s that mate?

BC: “Well, my wife’s waters have just broken and I reckon I might be needed at hospital this arvo”.

Respect for First Nations people “First Nations people make up a big percentage of rodeo competitors and they are an important part of our Rodeo family,” said Cheyenne.

A good mate with whom she works closely is Wakka Wakka man Damien Bond who is the Australian Rodeo Association’s official Indigenous Coordinator.

Damien is also an artist and is pictured here with one of his paintings done on sheepskin.

How American cowboys see us Two regular questions Cheyenne was asked during her time on a Texan ranch was: “Do you ever ride the kangaroos to work?” and “What’s it like to hug one of them Cola Bears?”

Message to Meghan Markle “Just because you get a crown doesn’t mean you only do royal duties. A Rodeo Queen’s role behind the scenes involves a lot of unpaid hard work which you do because it is in your blood and for the love of the institution.”

Gratitude to Michael Cheyenne’s partner is champion Open Sad8 TODAY April 2023

Australian Rodeo Queen Cheyenne Mundey. dle Bronc Rider Michael Neylon with whom she lives in Warwick.

“He has supported me one hundred per cent. It is lucky we both live and breathe Rodeo,“ she said.

“If I am the Rodeo Queen, the Michael is the Rodeo King. He is my mentor, always calm and always there anticipating what I need before I even know I do. Like after the Grand Entry I think: “I better put the flag in the bag” and I turn round and Michael’s already done it. I think: “Jeez I’m thirsty” and he’s there holding

Picture: CHRIS MUNRO a cold bottle of water out to me.

Plans for the Future Cheyenne says: “I am about to turn 30 and all I can say is Michael would be quite prepared to stop carrying my flag bag and start carrying a nappy bag.

“But I sure don’t think I’ll ever let him use the excuse that Beaudesert bloke did at Stanthorpe!”

Connection with horses “I love my horse Cowboy. He is my best friend and we have total trust. But he is a

Rodeo Horse and he is bred to go. Yet, when a man in the crowd asked me if his little disabled daughter could pat my horse, I was a bit hesitant. But when I saw the look of excitement and anticipation in her little face, I just had to say yes. And horses just know. We got near the little girl and Cowboy immediately went quiet and gently dropped his head for her to stroke him.”

What makes an All Round Rodeo?

The National Rodeo Association conducts 95 per cent of its events as All Round Rodeos.

This means there are eight different events.

These are: Bulls, Broncs, Barrels, Steer-Wrestling, Breakaway, Rope and Tie, Steer Undecorating, and Team Roping.

Cheyenne says: “Steer Undecorating is like Oz-tag but a bit more dangerous.”

A ribbon is glued to the back of a steer and the young rider has to get to the side of the steer and pull the ribbon off.

Myth that rodeos are cruel Cheyenne says: “I wish I could show everyone how well rodeo animals are treated.

People just see the spectacle of the rodeo but don’t understand what happens before and after it. Rodeos are an extension of human beings’ connection with horses that goes back in human history to the Stone Age. If critics could see the love and care our animals receive they might change their minds.

The correct feed, comfortable transport, appropriate rest and recovery after training, good water, good veterinary care, the correct equipment – all of these elements are part of the responsibility of owning a rodeo animal.

Ninety-nine-point-nine per cent of rodeo participants respect and care for their animals and there is an Animal Welfare Officer at every event.”

Hints to future Rodeo Queen entrants Rodeo Queens are judged on four elements: Horsemanship; General Rodeo Knowledge (rodeo rules, horses, who sponsors the local event, animal welfare); Personality (ability to interreact with a crowd and be a confident advocate for Rodeo); and Appearance (“Be yourself. Be you. Don’t worry about fancy, expensive costumes. Let your love of Rodeo shine through,” is Cheyenne’s advice.

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April 2023 TODAY 9

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

A leap of faith rewarded

By Fiona Gowers “Five generations have milked cows on our beautiful farm, every single day in the same dairy for more than 100 years. Giving that up wasn’t an option, no matter what the numbers said. It’s who we are.”

Twenty Jersey cows.

That’s all it took for Kay and Dave Tommerup to take a huge leap of faith and believe their farm in the Kerry Valley in Queensland’s Scenic Rim could stand alone as a place of extraordinary, independent produce and experiences.

It was a big, big leap.

They put this faith - and their family’s future - in 20 beautiful, brown-eyed cows that produce the richest milk; milk where the cream floats to the top and sits there like a crown.

It’s milk from which Kay makes hand-rolled butter infused with red gum smoked salt that’s demanded by top chefs and spoken of in hushed tones across the country.

Over 80 glorious hectares, this sixth-generation dairy farm has turned its back on massproduction, generic flavours and big-player supply chains.

Instead, they mix innovative farm practices with old fashioned passion and a genuine love of the land and their animals, to create a rural haven, with the circle of life loved and respected every day.

Overlay this with the courage to challenge bureaucracy, bullies and bankers and theirs is a story to tell.

Last month, their courage and commitment was rewarded when they won the Australian Farmer of the Year Innovation Award.

To be recognised as innovative makes Kay’s heart sing.

As, without innovation, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm would probably be closed and not the shining example of regenerative, sustainable farming with heart that it is today.

“The focus of everything we do - and every experience we offer - is our dairy, our farm and our desire to build a farm business that can be taken on by our children and their children on this beautiful property that’s been farmed by Dave’s family since 1874,” said Kay, who now sits on the boards of eastAUSmilk and the Queensland Farmers Federation.

This is a dream that’s been abandoned by so many farming families across Australia, because it’s just so hard to realise.

Not only are there extreme natural conditions to manage, there’s overly dominant supply chains, bureaucracy and big corporates that run the sector, as well as outdated laws and regulations.

Through this and more, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm has survived.

“We’ve gone from a dairy farm being propped up by tourism dollars, to a dairy farm leveraging the benefits of agritourism to add higher value to our farm product and now we have a legacy for future generations,” Kay said.

It hasn’t been easy. Not at all.

Kay and Dave made the bold decision to leave milk processor Norco on 2 January 2021 after establishing their own Tommerup’s Jersey Girl line of boutique dairy products in 2019.

They had been supplying Norco since 1984, when the company took over the former Lo-

Dave and Kay Tommerup have diversified their dairy farm business to ensure it survived. gan and Albert Co-Op. “Like so many others, our journey into agritourism came as a survival tactic for the farm,“ Kay said. “With three generations living on the family property - and Dave and I having just started our own family - dairy deregulation in 2000 came at us like a freight train.

“The dairy should have closed – the numbers told us so. But numbers can’t beat passion, or respect for family and tradition.

“Five generations have milked cows on our beautiful farm, every single day in the same dairy for over 100 years.

“For Dave, giving up that tradition wasn’t an option, no matter what the numbers said.

Dairy farming is not his job, it’s who he is and it’s who our family is.

“Luckily, farmers are masters of taking something they have and moulding it into something they need.

“There are few things that can’t be fixed with a bit of baling twine or fencing wire. Fixing this problem, however, was going to take more than twine.”

Dave said change wasn’t easy for him.

“There are so many family traditions linked to everything I do. Leaving Norco was a difficult decision, but it was the right one.

“Most farmers are highly innovative, they have to be to survive. It’s a matter of whether they have the financial resources, knowledge and confidence to get where they want to be.”

Six long years after deregulation, Dave and Kay assumed the family farm. It was at rock bottom.

“All savings were gone; the maintenance and capital investment had been non-existent since deregulation,“ Kay said.

“We not only had to find a new income stream to combat the ridiculously low milk prices, we had to rebuild.

“I wasn’t born in the region, so had relatively (!) new eyes and could see the beauty and uniqueness of life on our farm, often taken for

granted by those who’ve only known this life.

“For many farmers, the idea that their daily life could be interesting to visitors is … quite a stretch!

“When your confidence is diminished from years of being ‘just a farmer’ and at the bottom of the supply chain, it’s hard to realise that what you do has worth to others.”

In 2008 Kay and Dave opened the farm to a little camping, animal feeding tours and school excursions.

“Scenic Rim Regional Council saw potential in our ideas and we joined their business development program. Our teacher was none other than the godmother of agritourism herself, Rose Wright. This changed our lives.”

Now Tommerup’s Farm has key strategic pillars – The Dairy, Farm Stays, Meat Sales and Farm Experiences – and they are passionate and highly focused about the future.

Their farmstay includes The Cottage and The Homestead, both built in 1888 and steeped in family history and both booked well into the future with cancellations snapped up within hours.

“In the eyes of our guests, our farm is their farm; it’s a genuine place to connect with the land, the farmers and to make lifelong memories.”

School group excursions are a particular passion of Kay’s.

“We’re creating a connection that will shape their future opinions and consumer choices.

“And perhaps, they might just see something that draws them to a career in agriculture – bringing a new generation of enthusiastic, passionate people to our industry.”

During the recent drought, when another round of dairies shut down, Kay and Dave dug in, dropped their herd numbers to focus on quality and launched their Jersey Girl brand.

As Kay speaks about the milk, cream, butter, milk-fed pork and rose veal they produce, her eyes light up even more because, as a micro-

dairy, they shouldn’t be surviving but because of their passion - and support from chefs and customers - they are.

“We now process all of our own milk and cream within a micro, on-farm creamery – an investment funded by the success of our farm tourism.

“We separate the cream in our century-old dairy with an Alfa Laval separator of the same vintage.

“The skim milk is fed to our pigs and the cream is processed into our award-winning artisan dairy products, including our handmade cultured butter and the long-awaited Farmer Dave’s cream top jersey milk.

“Every part of the process is done by us, here. Our products are boutique, extraordinary and command a premium price.”

There’s no wastage on the farm and the animals are rotated through paddocks to have a positive impact on the land itself.

“While we do have a Farm Gate, most of our dairy, pork and veal products are supplied to high-end restaurants in Brisbane.

“These chefs have become part of our family. They know us, our farm and our ethics intimately.

“Our farm, our story and our produce is respected and showcased across their menus.”

And then Dave said something that makes the penny drop.

“Without diversification, we wouldn’t have a legacy to pass on to our kids.

“They now want to be a part of our business and the sense of pride this give me is indescribable.

“I know the history, the stories, the passion, the bloodlines and the farming craft will live on. The life will continue.”

Back to those 20 Jersey cows. They all have names - Martina, Brenda, Susie, Tali, Ruby, Sugarloaf, Friday, Rose, Muriel, Margie and more and yes, they come when called. So do the veal calves who are named after chefs!

It’s not a choice between agriculture and tourism Agriculture or tourism? “It shouldn’t be a choice,” according to Kay Tommerup.

“I’ve long felt that as agritourism operators we float along almost in no man’s land - not fitting comfortably into mainstream tourism and not sitting neatly in agriculture either.”

She said it was music to her ears that a national agritourism strategy was being launched.

“I’m very fortunate to live in a region that has embraced agritourism,“ Kay said.

Scenic Rim Eat Local Week (now a month!) hosted by Scenic Rim Regional Council over the past decade has lifted the profile and the confidence of so many farmers and producers in our region and been the catalyst for 10 TODAY April 2023

countless ventures into this industry.

Eat Local Week brings 40,000 visitors to our region, more than $3 million worth of publicity and injects $2 million into the economy.

On our own farm that equates to almost 3000 visitors and incredible product sales.

As a region we support, encourage and celebrate collaboration. We’re not competitors, we’re in this together.

“As an industry, we need recognition from government that agritourism is farm diversification.“ It’s farmers using their resources and skills to build resilience in the face of a changing landscape - environmental, climatic, social and financial.

It’s not a shift away from agriculture, rather a move to create a farm business that can withstand the challenges of the future.

“Currently, to grow our agritourism business, we are forced to choose between farming and tourism,“ Kay said.

“Agritourism isn’t a change of use, it’s a change of mindset. It’s a change in the way we promote and value our industry, our farm product and produce and it’s time it was recognised that way.

“Farmers MUST have a seat at the table for those discussions to create a meaningful reform process.”

The Scenic Rim has become an incubator for farmers wanting to diversify into valueadded farm businesses.

The culture within the region, supported heavily by the Economic Development and Tourism team, encourages farmers moving in this direction and provides platforms such as Eat Local Month.

“The camaraderie between producers fosters innovation, collaboration, a sense of pride amongst our community,“ Kay said.

“Let us keep moving forward. We now need recognition that the current land use planning framework must be refreshed to allow farmers to diversify and add value to their core farm business, without the need for a material change of use.

“Farmers moving into agritourism is a change of mindset, not a change of use.“

Dozens of stallholders and exhibitors coverthe entire spectrum of art and horticulture at the Wondai Garden Expo. 277420

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Wondai Autumn Garden Expo 2023

Budding green thumbs could gather impressions and ideas for their next big or small project at Pictures: JULIAN LEHNERT the Expo. 277420

Beautiful autumn at Expo The Wondai Garden Autumn Expo is on again and is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever! This event will see a wide variety of quality stalls for young and old, devoted gardeners or weekend warriors and for all styles and tastes.

Over the last few years, our backyards have become our sanctuaries and people have certainly taken to transforming and enjoying the great outdoors literally at their back door!

So this Autumn the Expo has you covered with all things gardening to get you out there enjoying your garden each and every day.

There will be stalls with garden art, exotic plants, fertilisers, upcycling, fruit and veggie plants, garden ornaments, pots and plant holders, outdoor furniture, botanical products, metal signs and just about any type of plant you might want!

We will also have competitions, horticultural displays, hot and cold food and drinks, crafts, clothes, local wine, honey and so much more!

This Autumn, one of our Guest Speakers will be Claire Bickle. Claire is a qualified Brisbane-based horticulturist with a Diploma in Horticulture and an Advanced Design Certificate in Permaculture Design and over 15 years of experience in breeding Arucana Poultry. Claire is also well known for her teaching, writing and radio presenting, so she’s well equipped to answer your questions. Claire will be doing 3 different talks on Saturday at 9am, 11am and 1pm. So if you want to know about Citrus Success, Gardening for the good life, or Organic Gardening 101, then make sure you’re there to hear Claire.

On Sunday we have Guest Speaker Nathan Freney from Swallowtail Nursery. Nathan’s mission is to create opportunities for people living with a disability to have a hands-on, immersive experience in a nursery setting; growing together so that no one who is living with a disability goes unnoticed. Nathan has been in the Horticulture industry for over 12 years,

This father-daughter team sold plants and succulents big and small at the 2022 expo.

Peter and Romaine Undery from RAMESA Nursery at last year’s expo. 277420

277420

During this time Nathan became aware that people living with a disability can often fall under the radar when it came to employment opportunities. With the introduction of the NDIS, people like Nathan can now access services which were previously not available. So if you want to know more about this exciting opportunity, come see Nathan at 9am and 11am on Sunday.

The Wondai Garden Expo has been running since 1996 and we have two events every year to support our local community and local organisations.

Wondai Wolves, Wondai Garden Club, South Burnett Orchid Society, Wondai and Goomeri Lions, Wondai, Hivesville and Proston CWA’s and the Wondai RSL with their stalls and raffles. Once the Expo is finished, we donate financially to our local organisations and clubs.

After all, the Expo is all about supporting our community both financially and through increased tourism to the area.

So discover the diversity of gardening in Queensland’s best backyard and see what our locals are producing by heading to Wondai, where there’s always something on!

Our Autumn event will be this April on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April and the gates will open at 8am sharp on both days. Entry is only $5 each with kids under 15 free and there is plenty of parking and an ATM onsite. If you have a group of 10 or more, then it’s $4 per person prepaid.

We have a plant cloakroom with drivethrough pick-up available plus a pick-up service throughout the Expo site so that you don’t have to carry your goodies around.

We also support local organisations like the

Wondai

Admission: $5.00 per day or $8.00 for a 2 day pass.

Kids under 15 FREE.

GARDEN EXPO

Concession for groups of 10 or more, $4.00 per person pre-paid.

2023

Discover the diversity of gardening in Qld’s best backyard!

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of April Wondai Sportsground and Lions Pavilion, Bunya Highway, Wondai.

Saturday 8am – 4:30pm | Sunday 8am – 1pm

Free Parking. NO DOGS Guest Speaker Horticulturalist Claire Bickle at 9am, 11am and 1pm on Saturday.

And on Sunday at 9am and 11am Nathan Freney from Swallowtail Nursery.

Wondai District Garden Club Horticultural Show, Photography competition, Hanging Basket competition and raffle along with The South Burnett Orchid Society display will also be there!

Official opening is Saturday 10:30am and Guest Speakers start at 9am.

Secretary: Jodi Biltoft 0413 115 495 | Email: info@wondaigardenexpo.com SPONSORS: Sunshine Mitre10 • South Burnett Regional Council • Ken mills Machinery, KUBOTA & Mahindra • Country Wide Bay Video Productions • WINNEWS • Boutique Marketing & Design

BurnettToday SOUTH

C E N T R A L & N O RT H

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April 2023 TODAY 11

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

National backing for bid

By Fiona Gowers An impressive list of businesses located throughout Australia are keen to collaborate with AAM Investment Group as it seeks to assume control of the Longreach Pastoral College.

In February, AAM, which operates five agricultural assets at Blackall and the Western Queensland Livestock Exchange (WQLX) in Longreach, submitted a tender on behalf of the consortium.

Later that month at Longreach Civic Centre, AAM introduced to the public its plan for a consortium to bid for control of the college’s assets.

AAM Investment Group managing director Garry Edwards said the nationwide response to the announcement had been unprecedented.

“This goes well beyond our wildest expectations,” he said.

“In a very short period - we are only talking a few weeks - the level of interest generated outside of those with a direct agricultural connection is actually quite phenomenal.

“We were hoping for potentially 500 letters of support so to end up with 3300 - and the sheer volume that continues to come in after that - is quite astonishing.

“It just shows you how the college has touched many, many people who are passionate about it.

“It has certainly got far reaching engagement well beyond the boundaries of the Longreach town limits in regards to what the college does.”

The AAM bid, which included 17,511 hectares of land, classroom facilities and agricultural infrastructure, was the only submission made public.

To date, 10 beef cattle pastoralists - Australian Country Choice, Cleveland Agriculture, Consolidated Pastoral Co, the Curr fam-

AAM Investment Group managing director Garry Edwards said the national response received to reviving the Longreach Pastoral College had been unprecedented. ily, Georgina Pastoral, Hewitt Cattle Australia, MDH, Mort and Co, NAPCO, AAM - and seven educational institutes - have committed to a role in the consortium.

Mr Edwards said if AAM’s proposal was successful, it may offer veterinary studies, tourism activities, education for school students to experience regional Australia, commercial farming enterprises and providing reliable employment opportunities within the western Queensland region.

“Ideally, we want to create a diverse range of

courses of which agriculture is fundamental to many,” he said.

“There is a lot of interest in undertaking some regenerative agricultural courses and actually using the surrounding land area as a great demonstration site.

“There is a common need here for a common outcome and, ultimately, that need goes far beyond the individual companies directly involved in the consortium.”

Mr Edwards said AAM, like the other consortium members, are invested in the region.

He said northern Australia needed first-rate agricultural management training as currently, students had to leave the state for two years.

“There is nothing here that allows them to continue to be actively engaged and complete specific short courses,” Mr Edwards said.

“We’re hopeful that we will find a solution that allows people to continue working in our businesses but also get some additional training and experience to further enhance their careers.

“Prior to the state government assuming control, Longreach Pastoral College had a strong reputation nationally.

“They had a strong focus on developing and preparing grounded employees or future management candidates for a diverse range of agricultural production interests.

“It created a great opportunity for young people to leave school at year 10 or at high school completion and become equipped with practical skills.

“It broke the mould of what was the traditional high school system and stepped them into the real world.”

The outcome is now in the state government’s hands.

“We want to secure this for generations to come,” Mr Edwards said.

“This is the first real example where you’ve seen private enterprise step up and say, ‘You know what? We can do this’.

“We would expect and hope to get some level of engagement from the government representatives assessing this to understand what we’re proposing more holistically.

“Ultimately, I think we’ve done all we can at this point in time. It’s kind of out of our hands now.

“And, given the resounding level of public interest, it would be nice to think that we can get a positive outcome”.

Hopes solidarity precedes success for Longreach skills

By Fiona Gowers The consortium bid to revive the Longreach Pastoral College (LPC) is the “perfect example” of how solidarity can precede success, according to AgForce CEO Michael Guerin.

In a big step for the rural industry, 10 prominent pastoral holdings have pledged their financial support for the AAM Investment Group proposal.

Mr Guerin said Australian Country Choice, Cleveland Agriculture, Consolidated Pastoral Co, the Curr family, Georgina Pastoral, Hewitt Cattle Australia, MDH, Mort and Co, NAPCO and AAM had created a rare opportunity to restore the college to its former glory as a teaching facility Queensland could be proud of.

“But that’s not all,” he said.

“This one in a million chance wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of our rural and regional communities.

“An astonishing 3300 letters of support for this proposal have been received by the State Government, who will now consider the bid and, fingers crossed, turn the dream into a reality.”

Also, if the sale is successful, AgForce will propose the college adopt its joint training venture with Response to deliver a modern approach to agricultural education.

“When Longreach Pastoral College closed in 2019, it left a gaping hole in the state’s capacity to develop the skills of the workforce required by Australia’s thriving farm sector,” Mr Guerin said.

“It took away part of the lifeblood of the community.

“The time has come to restore what was lost.

“The time has come to collectively rejuvenate Longreach Pastoral College to enable it to become a trustworthy, viable and intergenerational learning centre for centuries to come.

“Together we stand, divided we fall.

“I know which one I’m choosing.”

12 TODAY April 2023

AgForce CEO Michael Guerin strongly supports the bid to revive the Longreach Pastoral College.

Muttaburra grazier Boyd Webb agreed, saying it was “reassuring” to see such a large commitment from some of Australia’s biggest pastoral families and companies.

He said it added weight to the argument that the rural industry needed a training facility.

“When the Longreach Pastoral College was run independently - under its own board until 2002 - it was very successful,” Mr Boyd said.

“It was held in high regard, it was at capacity and running within budget.

“The wheels started to fall off when the original model was changed.

“The State Government became involved and it switched to a generic national training

model and cut subsidies for interstate students, to name a few changes.

“Compliance became more important than training.

“The college was changed to fit the funding instead of the funding fitting the college.

It became wobbly when it lost its autonomy and local guidance.”

The Webb family has employed LPC students and supported the college since the early 1970s, alongside many other local operators.

It was a “fantastic” way for students to learn and build relationships for future employment.

According to Mr Webb, practical agricultural training is needed now “more than ever“

due to technological advances and onerous occupational, health and safety regulations.

He said since the colleges closed in Longreach and Emerald in 2019, pastoralists had shouldered the responsibility of training employees in the bush.

“If the government withdrew its support for medical students, accountants and engineers, for example, it would create a public outcry.

“As it stands, the onus is now on primary producers with no support to train people.

Yes, there are short courses and TAFE-type training but that’s not equipping people to work in agriculture.

“You wouldn’t show a medical student around a hospital and give them a piece of paper saying they can practice medicine.

“Yet it seems to be acceptable to do that for agriculture. There is too much emphasis on pieces of paper and not enough on ability.

“In the past, students would leave Longreach Pastoral College ready to go to work. It was good, basic training, underlined by occupational health and safety best practice.

“Whether it was fencing, marking lambs, mustering cattle, changing a motorbike tyre or butchering meat.

“They were taught how to do these tasks, the science and the safety behind it all. Even basic life skills were gained.

“The general feel of the college was always so positive.“ Mr Webb said because the pathway to the bush was no longer straight forward, a college would help connect school leavers to a career in agriculture.

“Once upon a time everyone had an aunt or uncle on the land, or had a connection that provided a link to the bush,“ he said.

“Nowadays, some people struggle to even know what foods animals produce.

“If the college facilities can somehow get back to being used for training of agriculture - and other relevant subjects - that would be the best possible outcome.”

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Frustration over closures

By Fiona Gowers The decision by the Queensland Government to close two agricultural colleges in the central and western regions of the state in 2019 was dubbed “callous“ and “disappointing“.

The Longreach Pastoral College (LPC) and the Emerald Agricultural College (EAC) were established in the late 1960s.

Following a review by former Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Vice-Chancellor, Peter Coaldrake, the decision to close both schools was made, with the state’s Minister for Agriculture Mark Furner calling the teaching model “outdated“.

“Certainly in previous governments and this Government we have poured millions of dollars into this program to try and keep it viable, but we have drawn a line in the sand,“ Mr Furner said then.

The Coaldrake Review found that demand for traditional agricultural training had been declining for years, with just 16 students expected to graduate from the two campuses in 2019.

The review suggested turning the facility into a low-security jail, Indigenous training centre or refugee accommodation.

In light of the decision in 2019, AgForce Queensland’s general president Georgie Somerset said no consultation had been made with the industry.

“We’re really disappointed that we haven’t been included in the conversation about what is to become of the future of agricultural training in Queensland,“ Mr Somerset said then.

Nationals leader and Maranoa MP David Littleproud.

Leader welcomes plan to restore pastoral training Agricultural Minister Mark Furner in the Burnett region.

Former federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said then it was yet another blow to the bush.

“This is the most callous act of a Brisbanebased government that could not give a rats about western Queensland,“ he said.

The leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa has welcomed plans to retain and return critical agriculture and pastoral training services to Longreach.

David Littleproud said it was “good news” the AAM Investment Group, a consortium of private and corporate pastoral interests, had lodged an application to buy the former Longreach Pastoral College.

“It was a devastating blow when the State Labor government closed the gates of Longreach Pastoral College in 2019,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It was a callous act of a Brisbane-based government because training facilities like Longreach are crucial for the agriculture

and pastoral industry, but Labor abandoned it to save money.

“Common sense tells you a successful pastoral and agriculture industry needs successful training facilities.

“An outback college like the one in Longreach provided learning with handson training that you just can’t get sitting in a classroom or at a desk - teaching important skills such as how to break-in horses, muster cattle, butcher meat and grow crops.

“We need to give the next generation of farmers the skills they need to be the future food providers and employers of Australia.

“Reopening Longreach Pastoral College will be a step in the right direction.”

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April 2023 TODAY 13

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Past Longreach Pastoral College students Col Maunder and Rob Carr in the quart pot boiling contest at the college’s sports day in 1977.

Longreach Pastoral College Past Students and Staff Association president Rob Carr teaches windmill servicing on the former college property “Manningham”.

Set for life after Longreach

By Fiona Gowers Life skills, work ethic, practical farm knowledge - all topped with lifelong friends - is how Rob Carr benefitted from his two years as a student at the Longreach Pastoral College (LPC).

“I could do anything after Longreach,” Mr Carr said.

“If your truck broke down, you had a pretty fair knowledge of how to fix it. Not only did the college give you farming experience, but so much practical experience for life rolled in.

“It set me up.”

Rob Carr is over-qualified to talk about the LPC. He was a college student in 1976 and 1977, a staff member for 20 years to 2019 and is now president of the Longreach Pastoral College Past Students & Staff Association.

Mr Carr said there was a crucial need for first-rate agricultural education in northern Australia to underpin the booming rural industries there.

“Students from Longreach were in demand and each year there was something like a 99 per cent success rate with everyone having jobs lined up throughout the country,” he said.

“A lot of the students who went to the college over the years have gone on to be industry leaders and very successful operators of diverse agricultural businesses.

“But, not everyone who graduated went directly into agricultural business. The college gave you the background to be able to do anything you wanted.”

When Mr Carr returned to LPC as an instructor of station activities it was managed by an independent board of directors.

He said when it became the Australian Agricultural College Corporation under the State Government - and later the Queensland Agricultural Training College - everything changed.

“Originally, I would ask the finance officer for money to buy something to help the students and he would say, ‘I haven’t got that’, but always seemed to find the money!” Mr Carr said laughing.

“But, the problem with governments running things is that you have to get two quotes and put in a requisition form and by the time that went through the deal would be gone.

“And, often, by the time it was approved, the item was then too dear so we couldn’t get it.

“Governments really shouldn’t be trying to run businesses and rural industries because that’s not their job.

“Standards will naturally drop and, unfortunately, that’s what happened at Longreach.”

Mr Carr said the reputation of LPC students diminished as competency-based training created a lowest common denominator effect in that passes were granted, regardless of work standards, to secure government funds.

14 TODAY April 2023

Longreach Pastoral College foundation students in 1967 in front of a new dormitory, which has since been demolished.

“They said, ‘it doesn’t matter whether they are competent or not, you must pass them’.”

Rob Carr was raised in Mitchell in the Maranoa district on a mixed farm, which his father managed.

While studying year 10 at Mitchell State School, a Longreach Pastoral College staffer visited to promote its courses.

Mr Carr was instantly interested.

“I remember thinking, ‘now, this is a job for me’. I couldn’t wait to get to the college.”

First year provided a background in all subjects such as cattle, sheep, livestock, farming and engineering.

The following year, Mr Carr specialised in cattle and farming and then gained work on stations in Mitchell and Dalby.

After two years he was offered the mail run in Mitchell, alongside a fuel and transport business, which he ran for 17 years.

“It was a great opportunity,“ Mr Carr said.

For a change of pace, he then accepted a role with the then Booringa Shire Council as a stock route supervisor for five years before returning to the Longreach Pastoral College.

“I have very happy memories of those 22 years at the college. The staff were all likeminded. We all had a part to play and worked well together.”

Two of Mr Carr’s children attended LPC as students then also worked there for many years.

Mr Carr now runs an irrigation farm with his son at Longreach and is the town’s auxiliary fire captain.

He said the college was a big draw card for young people to the area.

“An amazing number of students that came to the college have stayed and provided a huge boost to the Longreach population over the years,” Mr Carr said.

“They’ve had contacts here for jobs and have ended up meeting a partner, marrying and having children.”

Mr Carr saw AAM managing director Garry Edwards present the consortium’s bid at the Longreach Civic Centre in February and said he felt hopeful for the future of the Longreach Pastoral College.

“I’m going to tell you, it’s going to depend on good management and the right people in

the right job. If they’ve got good people, you know, the sky’s the limit.

“Really, it’s just finding those right people and you never know what the future may bring.”

Past Students and Staff Association The Longreach Pastoral College Past Students & Staff Association hopes to open a museum and run tours through the revived educational facility.

Association president Rob Carr said he was excited to show off the college’s memorabilia and display its history better.

“The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, who currently own the college, have given us a minimal lease on a room on-site for a few years.

“We’ve been collecting memorabilia to put in there and, ideally, we’d love to open it as a museum.

“So we’re just sort of in limbo until the new owners take it over and then, hopefully, there will be an opportunity for tours to run back through there again.”

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

New job matching website

By Fiona Gowers A sophisticated job matching tool has launched to attract skilled labour and showcase the incredible career opportunities in the Queensland agricultural sector.

Ag Jobs Queensland is a dedicated industry jobs platform connecting employers from the agricultural sector across the state with prospective employees.

Through the platform, businesses are able to advertise their vacant positions, promote their jobs through social media and create an “Employer Profile“ to showcase their business as an employer of choice.

Job seekers wanting to work in what is arguably the most exciting industry in Queensland can also use the platform to upload their resume and connect with interested employers across the agricultural supply chain.

Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) developed Ag Jobs Queensland in response to feedback from farmers state-wide that attracting a skilled workforce remained one of the critical challenges facing their enterprises.

“The outlook for the Queensland agriculture sector is positive with global demand for our top-quality food, fibre and foliage continuing to grow,“ QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said.

“While this is good news for our economy and regional communities, the sector needs to be able to attract, retain and grow an appropriate workforce in order to realise this growth.

“The entire agricultural sector and supply chain are feeling the impact of the workforce shortage and it is placing downward pressure on productivity, efficiencies and profitability and upward pressure on the cost of production.”

In 2020-21, the total value of Queensland’s

primary industries – agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food – was estimated at more than $23 billion.

In the five years leading up to the same time period, the total number of people employed in the sector grew 26.2 per cent compared with 9.1pc for the state’s overall employment.

Ms Sheppard said while the need for workers in the agriculture sector was growing, the traditional composition of agricultural and farming businesses was also evolving with a range of new skills in demand.

“It is an exciting time to work in the Queensland agricultural sector,” she said.

“Businesses are innovating to meet opportunities and challenges and are seeking talent to fill diverse roles within their operations, so no matter where your interests lie, there will no doubt be a career pathway for you in Queensland agriculture.”

Ms Sheppard said she expected to see increased future demand for skills in many areas including technology and data, automation, research and development, environmental sustainability and biosecurity, markets and trade, climate change, people management, marketing, communications and risk management.

“So, if you are an employer seeking to fill a role or a prospective employee wanting to work in Queensland agriculture, register on the platform now,” Ms Sheppard said.

“We are also looking to partner with organisations who want to contribute to building a strong future for agriculture by becoming ‘Champions of Ag’.

“If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.”

Ag Jobs Queensland can be viewed here: agjobsqueensland.com.au QFF chief executive officer Jo Sheppard.

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April 2023 TODAY 15

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Greg Burnett, Dalby and District Show Society vice-president, David Littleproud, Federal Maranoa MP, Rob Parsons, Dalby and District Show Society treasurer, Jen Tunnley and Frank Chiverton, Dalby and District Show Society patron.

Darryl Byrne, Dalby and District Show Society president, Frank Chiverton, Dalby and District Show Society patron and Federal Maranoa MP David Littleproud.

New shed rises for show Leader of The Nationals and Federal Maranoa MP David Littleproud has delivered a new multi-purpose covered area for the Dalby and District Show Society.

The shed was funded in partnership with the show society and the former Coalition Government, which provided $63,307 in funding from the successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

“As the Federal Member for Maranoa I am proud to open a brand new shaded area that will continue to improve the first-class facilities at the showgrounds,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This shed will ensure the show and the broader community have the facilities they need and deserve in the future.

“It will be used for local, state and national events, including the annual show, school

camp drafts, rodeos and the Australian stock horse sale.

“Sadly the Albanese government has scrapped the BBRF program, with local organisations now having to try to source funding, but we are asking them to introduce another infrastructure program to help regional communities.”

The Dalby project was one of many that proved why the Coalition’s BBRF was vital for the regions and all Australians, providing funding for small grassroots organisations to build facilities for visitors to enjoy.

The Dalby and District Show Society has a strong and proud history in the region, this year marking its 153rd show.

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia will also host its annual rally at the showgrounds, attracting thousands of visitors.

Paul McVeigh, Western Downs Regional Council mayor and Maranoa MP David Littleproud with ladies from the show society who catered for the event: Shirley Koenig, Nicole Collins, Dalby and District Show Society Jnr vice-president, Lesley Chiverton, Cheryl Parsons, Jen Tunnley and Julie McEwan.

Darryl Byrne, Dalby and District Show Society president, MP David Littleproud, Rob Parsons, Dalby and District Show Society treasurer, Frank Chiverton, Dalby and District Show Society patron and Paul McVeigh, Western Downs Regional Council mayor.

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16 TODAY April 2023

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Pinaroo stud cow and calf.

NEWS

Pinaroo stud.

End of an era Santa sale

By Breanna Lloyd Buyers certainly used their bidding cards on the Pinaroo End of an Era Female sale at the Roma Sale yards on the 3 March as there was 99 percent clearance on all livestock.

Over the course of the sale, 173 lots were up for grabs including 135 cows and calves, 45 unjoined heifers and 20 PTIC females.

All of the 173 lots were all sold under the hammer with an average of $4,501, and a gross of $774,250.

The top-priced cow and calf went for $13,000 to Greg Kroll, Oakdale Santa Gertrudis, Chinchilla (lot 100).

The top priced cow was $3,500 with a gross of $27,500, and the top priced heifer went for $7,500 with a gross of $121,750.

The owner of the Pinaroo stud, Robin Cupitt is dispersing the herd due to the passing of her husband Peter.

Robin will continue to be invested in livestock commercially and will be selling the last of her stud bulls at the Heartland sale in Roma.

PJH livestock agent Steven Goodhew said how the sale went.

“The sale went very well, we sold all of the females offered, 100 percent clearance, lot of inquiry lot of inspections, and a good crowd on the day,” he said.

Between 48 none registered bidders at the sale and 58 registered bidders through online elite livestock auctions, the females were spread all throughout the country.

“The females got a spread on them from South Australia to the bottom of NSW onto the

Steve Goodhew PJH Rural, Greg Kroll, Oakdale Santa Gertrudis, Chinchilla and Cameron Boot, stud master Pinaroo Santa Gertrudis.

Darling Downs, locally, West of Blackall and up into the Burnette and up into Monto and Mundubera,” Steven said.

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The Cupitt family, according to Steven, has been ongoing vendors for a number of years.

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April 2023 TODAY 17

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Bonus from wet weather

By Fiona Gowers Australian farm production is soaring towards a new record value of $90 billion for 2022-23, smashing expectations.

But, the fun times may be fleeting.

Escalating export competition, drier seasons and tighter global economic times are predicted to shrink farmgate earnings.

The value of agricultural production is expected to fall to $81b next financial year, having jumped to within $10b of the farm sector’s oft-discussed $100b target for 2030.

And, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics and Science (ABARES), it may slip to between $73b and $79b in the following four years.

Production values remain $20b higher than the national commodities forecaster suggested for 2017, 2018 and 2019.

But, they warn farmers that drought-like weather, persistent inflationary pressures and higher global interest rates are assumed over the coming years.

ABARES, however, is also tipping big grain and oilseed crops and record volumes of wheat, barley, canola, cotton and sorghum exports to fuel farm exports to $75b this financial year.

Despite high shipping freight costs, export activity and returns have spurred high global commodity demand and prices that remain near last year’s 30-year highs.

And, Australia was reaping the benefits of a third consecutive year of high rainfall, said ABARES executive director Dr Jared Greenville.

Biggest ever winter crop While flooding and waterlogging in parts of eastern Australia disrupted harvest and saw localised crop and livestock losses, exceptional conditions in most cropping areas would deliver the nation’s biggest ever winter grain crop.

“It shows in the figures,“ Dr Greenville said.

ABARES executive director Dr Jared Greenville.

“We’ve seen record levels of production driven by exceptional growing conditions and high commodity prices.

“The winter crop is estimated at a new re-

Record for winter crops Winter crop production in Australia is estimated at a new record of 67.3 million tonnes in 2022/23, surpassing the previous year’s record by an additional four million tonnes.

This represents an upward revision of around 8.4 per cent from the December 2022 edition of the Australian Crop Report.

Production of wheat and canola are estimated to have reached new records, while the third highest barley production is expected.

Australian winter crop production, 2022/23.

18 TODAY April 2023

cord of 67.3 million tonnes in 2022-23, beating last year’s record by 4m tonnes.“ Western Australia and South Australia had made up for the eastern states setbacks to produce exceptional yields, resulting in new records for wheat and canola and probably the third largest barley harvest on record.

“High values of livestock production also contributed to these record numbers, with producers increasing their output while also benefiting from historically high prices,“ Dr Greenville said.

Leaner years ahead ABARES, however, is bracing for drier, leaner times ahead.

It warns the prospect of El Nino weather patterns replacing the past three years’ La Nina conditions could create productivity and balance sheet pressures for producers.

As such, the area planted to irrigation crops, grapes and cotton may shrink by a third by 2027-28 as a drying scenario accelerated adjustment across the farm sector, pressuring lesser productive enterprises to consolidate.

ABARES calculated the impact of drier conditions and macroeconomic pressures on global demand could cut the value of Australian agricultural production by as much as $37b over the next five years.

In the coming financial year alone the value of crop output was tipped to fall about $8b, to $46b.

The winter crop is expected to lose about 30pc of its worth; livestock output was expected plateau at about $35b and horticulture could increase by $2b in value to a record $18.2b.

While good soil moisture conditions and high water storage levels would continue to support production - and the past three years had created a buffer that helped farmers recover from the last drought - Dr Greenville said the shift to a drier climate sequence, com-

bined with global economic uncertainty continuing for longer, would put greater pressure on farm sector growth.

“Recent high international prices have been driven by drought conditions in major exporters and disruptions from the war in Ukraine,“ he said.

“But seasonal conditions are expected to improve in major overseas producing regions, which will see major exporters getting back on track in 2023-24.

“Over the medium term to 2027-28, seasonal conditions are expected to return to a more normal sequence and commodity prices are expected to fall.“ Financial risks He said many farmers would be well positioned to ride through the domestic and international changes, but ABARES predicted the financial positions and investment behaviour of those remaining in the industry was likely to be affected by the changing risks ahead.

Investment in future production or productive capital would be curbed.

Farmers would be less able to take on debt because lower farm returns were expected.

Producers could also choose to forego planting crops or increase livestock numbers to minimise farm costs.

Key points Value of agricultural production to reach a record $90 billion in 2022/23.

Value of exports to a reach a record $75b in 2022/23.

Production and export values to fall in 2023/24, to reach $81b and $64b, respectively.

A return to drier conditions in 2023/24 to drive falls in production, particularly for crops.

International commodity prices forecast to ease as global production of key commodities recovers.

· · ·

·

·

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Sheep, goat industry help Across regional and rural Queensland, 10 sheep and goat companies will inherit more than $1.8 million in funding from the Palaszczuk government.

The Rural Agricultural Development (RAD) is granting new opportunities and positions for applicants interested in the industry.

Round two of the RAD (sheep and goats) Grant Scheme was designed to adhere and support the industry economically in regional and rural areas by creating a strong bond with primary production and by supporting the meat supply, processing and value of the sheep and goat industry.

RAD will provide $4 million over two rounds of the project, leaving the sheep and goat industry with a significant increase in its economy and benefitting the rural and regional areas.

Eligible applicants will undertake certain activities ranging from upgrading the infrastructures to acquiring farm technologies.

These activities will open new opportunities for the industry to improve or create employment and increase sales of products from sheep and goats.

Round two of the program is open now for applicants having a two-step application online process and opened on 23 February and will close on 31 March.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner explained what they were hoping to achieve.

“The successful projects focus on adopting on-farm technology like automated feeders, weighing systems, low-stress stock handling equipment and feed mixers and also improving on-farm infrastructure including constructing yards, feedlots, internal fencing, grain storage, meat processing equipment and more.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to cluster fencing has played a key role in revitalising the sheep and goat industries and these grants will help businesses and local communities to reap the benefits.”

Mr Furner said he believed many new jobs would be created from the successful program.

“It is anticipated that with round one proj-

Mark Furner, Peter Thomas, Beaconsfield Station owner and AgForce Sheep and Wool vice president Paul Donelly. ects underway approximately 77 new good jobs will be created.

“Projects from round one are expected to create approximately 40 jobs during the short term, 37 direct jobs after project completion in the long term.”

Applications for the grant close on 2 June and starting on 17 June, successful applicants will be notified.

To be eligible for this project candidates must maintain and be able to expand the businesses capabilities with supply chain production, processing manufacturing and selling, contribute to specialised training/equipment and assist in developing a new market derived from the sheep and goat industry.

Eligible applicants must submit their expression of interest form and accepted participants will be urged to submit their full application for the grant.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Mark Furner, Peter Thomas, Beaconsfield Station owner and AgForce Sheep and Wool vice president Paul Donelly.

New red meat industry educational resources on offer Senior and primary school teachers across Australia have access to a range of new resources for their students, covering key aspects of the red meat and livestock industry.

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) have developed the in-depth Australian Good Meat Education resources for the 2023 school year, covering all grades from foundation/prep to year 10.

MLA group stakeholder collaboration manager Samantha Jamieson said the resources were linked to the current version 8.4 of the curriculum and the new version 9.0 of the curriculum.

“These resources are free and easy to access on the Australian Good Meat website and are designed to be used in both print and digital format,” Ms Jamieson said.

The cross-curriculum resources are designed to meet curriculum outcomes for design and technologies, science, mathematics, english, humanities and social sciences.

Sustainability is a large focus across the resources to support this as a key area in the Australian curriculum.

In all, there are 178 new resources available for teachers.

Ms Jamieson said the education resources were designed to be interactive and engaging for students, being created in consultation with teachers to ensure the materials were practical and resulted in the best possible outcomes for students.

“By accessing the teaching resources on the Good Meat website, teachers will find resources such as instructional videos for teaching support, lesson plans, student activity worksheets, and supplementary classroom materials such as posters and more,” she said.

Primary Industries Education Founda-

tion Australia (PIEFA) chief executive officer Luciano Mesiti said there was huge value in bringing agriculture into the classroom.

“Agriculture is innovative and evolving and full of exciting opportunities around maths, sciences, technology, and much more,” Mr Mesiti said.

“PIEFA is excited to have worked with MLA on these resources.

“It’s great to be able to help provide these resources for teachers and we encourage teachers all around the country to visit the website and make these resources work for them and their students.”

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April 2023 TODAY 19

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Gran Elly Orchard fruit trees in drought.

Dennis Angelino on his open day.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Stanthorpe’s fresh fruits

By Breanna Lloyd Gran Elly Orchard is a successful horticulture business established over 70 years ago and is now owned by second-generation orchardist Dennis ngelino.

His parents Paul and Renata purchased the land at Thulimbah (north of Stanthorpe) in 1946 and planted many of the old varieties of apples and pears grown there still today.

“It’s predominantly apples and pears, a lot of heritage varieties that other growers pulled out years ago when supermarkets told them to grow specific newer varieties for them,” Dennis said.

“My favourite is the Stanthorpe Ordinary Dell. They’re an A1 apple, and I have trees over 70 years old, that are still loaded with fruit each season.”

When Dennis was in year six he was pulled out of school by his father to help out on the farm, and he has been working with the business ever since.

He took over the reins of the family orchard around 40 years ago, changing the direction of the business.

He introduced a variety of stone fruit and made the decision to reduce the use of chemicals.

Instead of using chemical pesticides, or weedicides, Dennis relies on supporting his trees with mineral nutrition based on soil and leaf analysis.

“A healthy tree doesn’t attract pests, but pest management is a challenge,“ he said.

“I persist with it because so many people commend me on the quality of the fruit and juice.

“I wouldn’t want to grow it any other way.”

Supporting over 2500 trees, Dennis uses biodynamic and organic farming practices.

Trees are well spaced and the ground is worked regularly to retain moisture and allow oxygen into the soil.

“I grew well-sized fruit throughout the drought because of the way I work the land where many other growers were trucking in water to keep their trees alive.“ His main goal is to provide fruit free from chemical sprays and with their full flavour, and does this with good soil management, expert pruning and care of his trees.

For over 30 years, Dennis would personally deliver their fruit every fortnight, up the Queensland coast to Townsville in their ACCO International truck, which Dennis still drives to this day.

Nowadays Dennis mostly supplies his fruit, and famous apple juice, to small local businesses and co-op groups who buy boxes and cartons.

Having just recently held an open orchard day on the 4 March, with tours and samples of fruits and juice tasting, Dennis said why he loves doing what he does.

“Open orchards are just my way of sharing my passion with others,” he said.

“I love sharing my knowledge and seeing the joy of the kids picking their first apple, or someone who remembers picking these old type apples and peaches when they were at their grandparent’s years ago.”

Dennis sells his fruits and juice directly to retail outlets, specialising in organic and biodynamic food markets across the southeast, including Warwick, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast and Nanango.

No matter the season, Dennis and his team practices on the farm are all done by hand.

“The trees are all hand-pruned, thinned and picked,“ he said.

“I get some help to pick at the start of the season, but all the rest, plus the sorting and packing is my job, and I’m the delivery man too.

“I’ll have to retire one day, and I would love to see someone take on the orchard and keep it going.

“If you’re keen, Iet me know!”

Dennis Angelino packing the apples.

Dennis Angelino picking fruit off of his trees.

20 TODAY April 2023

Dennis Angelino’s apple trees.

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Pictures: SUPPLIED

AgForce calling for action The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) has an extreme agenda to stop the use of animal products and is impacting Australian consumers and retailers.

The organisation is pressuring companies and retailers as they stated the purpose of producing animal nutrition options for consumers.

The group holds annual consultation webinars for viewers to observe their missions and goals for the future of farm animal welfare.

AgForce believes the group will target Australia’s livestock department and is calling for

Australia’s most prominent companies to stop supporting the group.

“The long-term effect if they get their way is that we won’t have a diverse range of food options in our stores that we have taken for granted for generations,” AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said.

“Australians for generations have been able to walk into a supermarket seven days a week, 365 days a year, and buy fresh, healthy, locally-grown produce and make our own dietary choices.”

AgForce and the National Farmers’ Federa-

tion (NFF) have sought support from governments at both federal and state levels.

Mr Guerin said the focus of the meetings was on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in the agriculture industry.

He said the new global standards designed by the United Nations are designed to support a healthy planet.

“ESG pushes an enormous opportunity, probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Australian agriculture, to tell its story much more strongly,” he said.

“To use the ESG metrics to talk about that

in a way that is valid and verifiable and a way that is in line with the science, and then when you see things like BBFAW, the facts don’t back it up.

“Because of a emerging conversation about ESG, we can finally tell our story that they support, and that’s the good news of the opportunity in this.”

BBFAW is planning to have a multi-billion dollar livestock industry by 2040 by committing to reducing reliance on animal consumption and by supporting the National Farmers Federation.

Testing plans for Mary River catchment biodiversity Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) staff recently completed a second round of water sampling to map the region’s environmental DNA (eDNA).

The project utilises emerging technology and is linked to BMRG’s world-first regional scale Environmental Account that includes native vegetation and native fauna.

BMRG’s Director of Research, Tom Espinoza, said the sampling would provide valuable information.

“It means you can take a water sample and learn what species are in that section of the waterway by picking up fragments of their DNA,” he said.

“We did similar sampling in June 2022, but the rivers were in flood and the DNA may have been diluted, so we decided to do a second round to establish an accurate baseline.”

Mr Espinoza said 120 sites across the region were sampled to match the 2022 data.

EnviroDNA were engaged to undertake

The Mary River at Moy Pocket. the analysis and results should be available soon.

According to the company’s website, eDNA enables earlier detection of species, more efficient detection of species that are hard to find or hard to identify, and ultimately, more effective management outcomes.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED It applies broad-scale surveying to more easily generate baseline data, as well as targeted, more sensitive detection of single species for conservation and biosecurity.

EnviroDNA says the BMRG samples will be analysed using “metabarcoding methods to detect native and introduced aquatic verte-

brates in the area”.

“These numbers are being used alongside other methods to provide a comprehensive environmental baseline for native vegetation and terrestrial fauna, along with culturally significant assets defined by Traditional Owners, and measures of soil and forest carbon.”

Future plans include comprehensive eDNA sampling across the Mary River catchment in conjunction with conventional testing methods to map threatened species.

The water sampling project was funded under the Australian Government’s program for Emergency Flood Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat.

In partnership with Minderoo Foundation, Accounting for Nature, and Pollination Group, BMRG recently completed the world’s first regional scale environmental account – essentially, a 5.6 million hectare stocktake of the region’s natural assets such as vegetation cover, plants and animals.

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April 2023 TODAY 21

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Eromanga Natural History Museum.

Live music at the Outback Festival Winton.

Pictures: SUPPLIED

Artifact at Eromanga Natural History Museum.

Best of outback tourism New awards and adventures have arisen for Aussies as the Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) traveller guide for 2023 was unveiled on Wednesday the 8 March.

This new guide contains 29 of the latest OQTA events and experiences and also the OQTA Excellence award winners for 2023.

The winners have contributed to the significant increase in tourism across Queensland and they are recognised for their achievements.

The awards are based on four categories including, social media legend award, young achiever award, vice evert memorial for outstanding contribution in tourism award, and best new visitor experience award.

Outback Pioneers received the Social Media Legend award for their historic journey called the Pride of the Murray, a 100 tonne paddler which travelled from Echuca in Victoria all the way to the Thompson River near Longreach.

The business is owned by a local family the Kinnons and hosts a range of different experiences for guests to partake in.

This event alone intrigued 3.2 million people and received over 600,000 views over all social media platforms.

The Young Achiever award went to Corey Richards for his contributions to the Eromanga Natural History Museum.

Being the museum’s operation manager at a young age, Corey has been to several building partnerships and conferences which has already shown a large amount of growth.

Robyn Stephens has been awarded the Vince Evert Memorial for Outstanding Contribution in Tourism Award for the support and the dedication put into the Winton Outback Festival.

Robyn has put over 50 hours of assistance for the five day bi-annual event which commemorates the local community.

In 1972, Robyn assisted the launch of the first Outback Festival which significantly boosted the regional economy.

Now the event hosts thousands of guests/ visitors creating over a million dollars for the community in 2021.

Quilpie visitor information centre (muesum and art gallery) was awarded with the Best Visitor Experience award for their recent new show, the Quilpeta Night Show.

The innovative event allows visitors to relax on premium outdoor lounges and watch a movie under the stars.

Since their launch in 2021, there has been an increase in booking numbers leading the team to receive the award.

22 TODAY April 2023

Pride and Murray boat from Outback Pioneers.

Sunset dinner at the Outback Festival Winton.

Quilpeta Night show.

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Branding underway Highlight

on Brangus calendar

By Breanna Lloyd Thousands of farming families have heated up their branding irons for the 2023 branding season, which is well underway.

While branding has been the traditional way for graziers, neighbours, and even locals to identify livestock. In November 2022, the Queensland Government sought feedback from farmers on their new/proposed legislation for branding and ear tagging.

The government was testing the waters with Queensland farmers, with the current Brands Act from 1915, which is more than 100 years old and hasn’t been changed for decades.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) plan to have a new system in place by 2024.

The options include keeping the current legislation in addition to a renewal fee, or providing farmers with the choice of branding under a streamlined system, with a renewal fee with two sub-options.

The sub-options include granting owners the option of exemption from mandatory branding or giving owners the option to voluntarily brand.

DAF have also come up with another three options for ear tagging, with earmarks either able to be registered within their districts, anywhere in the state, or, completely de-regulating earmarks.

As Queensland is the only state in Australia where branding is still mandatory, Queensland officials want to make it voluntary.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said there was a need for change.

“The current branding requirements are outdated, and impose unnecessary costs on livestock owners, supply chain operators and government,” he said.

“Cattle brands are no longer used for biosecurity purposes and, with advances in technology, the National Livestock Identification System now provides a far more effective way of tracing cattle in a biosecurity emergency.

“The AgTech Roadmap provides an exciting opportunity for Queensland agribusinesses to be at the forefront of the digital revolution.

“I encourage cattle producers to provide feedback on the draft roadmap by visiting the DAF Engagement Hub and searching for ‘AgTech roadmap’ by 6 April 2023.”

Tyron Lloyd holding the calves back leg ready to be branded.

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Elegance is an understatement when it comes to the Brangus Ladies Invitational Notable Genetics sale (BLING) on 27 April, at Paradise Lagoons, Rockhampton.

The herd will be in the spotlight on both 26 and 27 April as they are being used for the barrier draw for The Archer horse race, an event named in honour of the first Melbourne Cup winner worth $775,000.

The event starts at 5pm at Paradise Lagoons on 27 Aprili with cocktail dress and canapes served, followed by the auction of the Brangus females at 6pm. It will also provide buyers with an online bidding option via Elite Livestock and will be live-streamed to World Brangus Congress in Argentina.

GDL agents will be auctioning off 24 exquisite lots and one flush of Brangus heifers.

BLING is an exclusive sale which promotes never sold before female genetics from a star-studded line up from 12 stud vendors.

GDL, Rocky Amateurs and Racing Queensland have come together to showcase the heifers and it is attracting statewide and international interest.

GDL stud stock agent Georgie Connor said how she sees the interaction for the sale.

“It is a unique opportunity to showcase the Brangus Breed to interstate visitors who will also be in attendance,” she said.

“It will be an empowering moment for Brangus Females.

“There is a strong line up of heifers from a powerhouse of studs who have never released this caliber of female.

“All of these exquisite heifers are normally retained in the herd.”

Georgie said with the amount of interest they are receiving for the sale, GDL will definitely be holding the occasion annually.

“This is our first BLING sale and will definitely won’t be our last.

“It will become an annual event,” she said.

“The sale is a highlight on the Brangus calendar and has had a strong inquiry to date.”

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By Breanna Lloyd

April 2023 TODAY 23

OPINION QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Not all that glitters is gold FOOD FOR THOUGHT TOM MARLAND Since the Federal Government’s commitment to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 in May last year - there has been an explosion of activity in the renewable energy space right across Australia.

For Australia to achieve a 43 per cent reduction in its carbon emissions by 2030, it must transition its entire electricity network to be 80 per cent renewables in seven short years.

Chris Bowen - the Federal Climate Change Minister - has stated that to achieve this we will need to install 64 million solar panels, 4000 wind turbines and 20,000 kilometres of new powerlines. There is also going to be a requirement for large scale battery storage projects which will need to be constructed to store or “firm” the grid.

The renewable energy industry in Australia has been expanding since 2005 where it started from basically zero to now providing 35 per cent of Australia’s domestic electricity.

Australia now needs to double that in half the time including the significant upgrades to our transmission and storage systems.

The scale and the timeframes required to achieve these lofty goals reminds me of the early days of the CSG industry in Queensland when large scale CSG projects funded by large multinational companies suddenly arrived with limited notice or knowledge in the early 2000’s. Not many people knew what a coal seam gas well looked when they arrived like let alone the myriad of pipelines, powerlines, sub-stations, and water storage tanks required to drill, operate, and maintain them.

Fifteen years later and the agricultural industry and the Government regulators are still playing catch up with the often-adverse impacts of developments which occur too quickly and with limited regulatory oversight.

While not perfect, today there is a greater balance of rights and interests between CSG companies and landholders. Much of this balance has come from individual landholders who fought hard to have their land and businesses and communities respected.

Now we have a “new wave” of development in the form of renewable energy projects and landholders would be well advised to remember the hard lessons learned during the CSG boom.

Wind and solar proponents don’t have the same powers of compulsion which have often been abused by traditional resource companies to force access to land - but already we are seeing high pressure and underhanded tactics

being used to sign up landholders to long term agreements with long term ramifications.

Initial agreements can lock up land for five to 10 years before a project even starts and then the “leases” can be in operation for 30 to 60 years.

Commercial rates are being linked to “per tower” for wind or “per acre” for solar based on the amount of electricity that can be generated with limited appreciation of the value of the land under the tower or the panel nor of the livestock and business interruption during their construction, ongoing maintenance, and operations.

Similar to the CSG industry - the wind turbines and solar panels are only part of the disruption - it’s the complex connection of cables and trenches, roads and culverts, powerlines and batteries, telecommunication towers, construction pads, lay down areas, batching plants, pits and kiosks, switching yards, transmission and collector stations, transformers, operations and maintenance buildings, camps and water storage facilitates that can make the scale and impacts of these projects difficult to manage.

Many agreements are provided to landholders without a defined map or site plan which needs to be developed after the landholder has signed their rights away. Unless the

process is well defined - landholders are at risk of losing control of their land and the impacts to their business.

Construction scheduling is often vague and opened ended with limited timeframes and phases defined.

Wind and solar infrastructure needs to be replaced every 15 to 20 years which may see a rolling schedule of works being undertaken over the life of the project.

Landholders need to consider not just their day-to-day issues such as their biosecurity obligations, access protocols, impacts to fences, watering points and yards, impacts to the use of helicopters and drones, impacts to two-way radios and mobile reception but also the potential impacts to their insurance premiums and legal liability, the capital value of their major asset and the things that currently pay the bills - their livestock or crops.

Noise, light and vibration disturbance needs to be considered and where appropriate mitigated.

There is an increased risk of bushfire, stormwater impacts and spread of noxious weeds and feral animals.

There is an unknown process for decommissioning and who is responsible for the residual infrastructure if a company becomes

insolvent either during or at the end of a lease agreement.

If a friendly wind farm proponent says that wind turbines don’t make any noise - ask about the warning sirens. Or just take a drive through the Coopers Gap project between Bell and Kingaroy.

Like in the CSG industry there are proponents who are seeking to implement best practice and actually engage with landholders and communities to build sustainable projects not simply ride rough shod over them for short term profits. Knowing which ones are the good ones is the hard part.

All of these issues should not deter landholders from assessing the opportunities that renewable projects might provide to their business and local community. However, it would be unwise to not consider and seek to mitigate the risks and ensure that the “balance” is agreed and enforced from the start not once the large renewable horse has already bolted.

The “power” associated with these projects is literally in the landholders’ hands.

The “power” is to make sure that these projects are constructed and operated sustainably for the future not just for today’s political expediency.

The hot new acronym in agriculture to pay attention to Agriculture is full of acronyms – GRDC, DAF and QFF are just a few prominent ones in the sector.

Another that’s becoming increasingly well-known is ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social and Governance.

ESG – essentially a set of sustainability guidelines – was a hot topic at evokeAG, an event held recently to connect the agrifood innovation community across the Asia Pacific and around the world. Everyone at the industry forum, from growers to investors, was focused on understanding ESG and how to achieve it.

An increasing number of growers, agribusinesses and innovators visiting the Agtech and Logistics Hub are also asking, what is ESG and why is it so important?

ESG guidelines direct how businesses manage risks and opportunities around sustainability issues. And it’s becoming increasingly important in Australian agriculture for several reasons amid predictions more funding will be available for businesses that meet global ESG standards.

With farm gate output set to hit a record 24 TODAY April 2023

BREAKING GROUND WITH THOMAS HALL $81 billion this financial year, agriculture is one of our biggest sectors. So there needs to be a focus on reducing environmental impact, including bringing down greenhouse gas emissions and improving water use efficiency.

The social aspect of ESG is also essential in agriculture, given the crucial role farmers play in regional and rural communities and because their actions can impact the livelihoods of many people. Ensuring the welfare of farmers, workers, and communities is considered in agricultural practices is vital for sustainability of the industry.

The sector needs to focus on good governance to ensure farmers can build trust with consumers, stakeholders and investors,

which is essential for growth and development. This includes having transparent business practices, responsibly using resources, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

So, how do we advance ESG practices in agriculture? The key is agtech.

Agtech can help improve environmental sustainability by reducing waste, water usage and chemical usage via precision agriculture platforms. We are already seeing agtech play a crucial role in helping with carbon counting in the agriculture industry. By using precision agriculture tools, drones and sensors, farmers can monitor and reduce carbon emissions while promoting sustainable farming practices and earning additional income through carbon offset programs.

When it comes to social impacts, agtech has the potential to deliver significant improvements through the measure of key aspects such as sustainable agriculture and food security. It can also deliver major change to farmers’ social wellbeing, with agtech solutions reducing their workloads to free up time to spend with families and engage in other activities that benefit the community.

On the governance front, agtech is delivering strong outcomes by providing transparency and accountability in the agricultural supply chain. For example, data-driven approaches like traceability platforms can be used to track the use of pesticides and fertilisers, ensuring farmers comply with regulatory requirements.

While the agricultural industry is making progress when it comes to ESG, there is still much to be done.

Although there has been a lot of work on reducing environmental impact, supporting social responsibility and good governance practices are also important when it comes to ESG. That’s why the Agtech and Logistics Hub is constantly looking to innovators working in this space to ensure they get the support they need.

As always, collaboration is key. Agtech has a critical role to play in delivering strong ESG capacity in Australian agriculture, but growers and agtech companies must work together to achieve a level of ESG that will create a more sustainable and prosperous industry for all.

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

OPINION

Water infrastructure vital FROM MY DESK COLIN BOYCE FLYNN MP There’s been welcome rain and good falls throughout many areas in Queensland. Many northern areas have again been flooded and I appreciate that we have been fortunate to have not received that much rain in Flynn.

With the excessive downpours, it raises the question - why have we not built more dams, weirs and water infrastructure to take advantage of these rain events?

Water is the essential ingredient for prosperity and life. How can Queensland expand and give security to high value agriculture, industry, business, and modern urban living without the provision for more water? Our populations are continuing to grow and with this is the need to feed Australia.

Emerald may not have become the centre of the food bowl it is today if not for a decision in 1948 by the British Food Corporation to grow sorghum in the area. Sorghum’s success demonstrated the viability of cropping in the region’s rich black soil, and Emerald’s fortunes changed.

As agriculture grew, the need for stable water supplies grew with it, and the decision was made in 1968 to build the giant Fairbairn Dam, the state’s second largest. Construction was completed in 1972 and the storage it formed, Lake Maraboon, holds 1,301,000 ML. As of 11am on the 21st of March 2023, Fairbairn Dam’s current water capacity is 44.56%.

Colin Boyce MP at Rookwood Weir The Bjelke-Petersen era built 53 dams and weirs in Queensland in 19 years of government.

In the past 20 something years in Queensland we have only seen one major piece of water infrastructure completed – Paradise Dam on the Burnett River which is also (arguably) the greatest engineering debacle in Queensland’s history, after the current Labor Government halving the capacity. This puts at risk the future of a multibillion-dollar food growing industry in the Bundaberg area. A region that supplies 25% of Australia’s fresh food needs.

The Rookwood Weir on the Fitzroy River was announced in 2016. Six years later it is still being built. It is too slow. Why has it taken so long?

With agriculture poised to reach $100 Billion by 2030, this need for infrastructure is only increasing.

The hydrogen industry plans for Gladstone will also need water. It takes approximately 10 litres of fresh water to make 1 kg of hydrogen.

If we are serious about making a world class hydrogen industry in Gladstone that can create industrial quantities of hydrogen, and I am talking about millions of tonnes annually,

where is the water going to come from? Where are the ideas and plans for the supply of more water?

If the Nathan Gorge Dam at Taroom was built with its planned capacity of 880,000 ML and an annual yield of 66,000 ML – half of this would only create 3M tonne of hydrogen. Not even close to industrial capacities needed for the hydrogen industry to function.

To the Federal and State Governments, I say let’s get on with building more dams to improve water security and reliability for Queensland.

Summit showcases the very best of the stock industry FROM THE MLA JASON STRONG The Australian Good Meat Summit is a follow-up to a similar event held in Dublin, Ireland, last October. Following that event in Dublin, more than 850 scientists from around the world signed the Dublin Declaration, which endorses the positive role of red meat for our society. This a show of faith in our industry and is a big step forward in tackling the simplistic anti-meat agenda that we often hear about in the media.

The Australian Good Meat Summit brought an Australian perspective to the scientific evidence presented in Dublin and

featured terrific international and Australian presenters. These included speakers who contributed to the papers that will be published in Animal Frontiers in April. We look forward to sharing more details from these papers as soon as they are published in this prestigious scientific journal.

The Good Meat Summit highlighted the important role red meat plays in our society and in human history and development.

Human civilization was built on livestock and it continues to be a bedrock of food security for modern societies today. Livestock, and particularly red meat, is the long-proven method to create healthy nutrition and secure livelihoods.

Today, red meat production is regularly challenged by those from privileged backgrounds advocating for a reduction or complete elimination of red meat from our diets and planet.

These groups often neglect to mention

that that compared to other foods consumed in the Australian diet, the water and cropland footprint of Australian beef and lamb is low because their production is typically not reliant on irrigation and occurs predominantly on marginal land not suitable for cropping.

The work at the Australian Good Meat Summit demonstrated the ongoing commitment to the red meat and livestock sector and its pivotal role in modern society.

Red meat is healthy, nutritious and sustainable and is part of the answer in feeding our ever-growing world.

The Australian red meat and livestock sector needs to keep telling this story and selling its successes. It’s up to industry and its producers to generate a growing snowball of scientific evidence that demonstrates immense value and contribution of the Australian red meat and livestock industry.

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Eating meat has been a feature of a nutritious meal across the globe throughout time. At Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) we’re committed to promoting and maintaining the role of red meat on our plates and in broader society.

Australian red meat is more than just good for you. The Australian red meat and livestock industry has a production system that is leading the world with environmental sustainability, animal welfare, biosecurity, and much more.

On 21 March in Sydney, MLA worked with the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) and others to host an event called the Australian Good Meat Summit. The purpose of this summit was to bring together industry leadership to hear the key messages from a series of research papers that will be published in the journal, Animal Frontiers, looking at the positive contribution of red meat and livestock production.

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Bot-ready berries in works Strawberries specially bred for automated picking will soon become a reality in Australia after the launch of an initiative to develop varieties that can be easily harvested by robot.

Scientists will naturally meld together the flavour, colour and aroma traits Aussies love the most with premium strawberry varieties from the world that feature single stemmed fruit ideal for robotic picking.

The $11.5M, four-year effort is being delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland (DAFQ).

Hort Innovation chief executive Brett Fifield said recent data showed the horticulture workforce had decreased by 20 per cent over the past three years, which has resulted in 40 per cent of Australian growers adopting advanced machinery.

“The development of a sweet, rich red and aromatic strawberry that is ideal for automation will prove a game changer for growers who want to apply new technologies on-farm,” he said.

“While harvesting strawberries using automation is not common practice yet in Australia, it will be before we know it.”

Mr Fifield said Hort Innovation is working with tech companies and researchers on various horticulture related automation projects, and scoping discussions with the berry industry to identify opportunities for technology adoption are underway.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland principal plant breeder Dr Jodi Neal said the program would reduce the time needed to pick and pack strawberries, resulting in a more profitable outcome for growers.

“It takes the same amount of time to pick a small strawberry as it does to pick a large one,” Dr Neal said.

“This breeding program is focusing on delivering a consistent fruit size that is preferred by consumers on unbranched flower stems

Strawberries specially bred for automated picking will soon become a reality in Australia.

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner believes Queensland is a leader in agricultural innovation.

– meaning that the fruit can be picked faster – either by conventional methods or through automation.”

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said Queensland was a leader in agricultural innovation.

“Queensland remains on the cutting edge of AgTech, which will be vital to the future of agriculture and the thousands of good jobs it supports in our state,” Mr Furner said.

“I commend the great work of Hort Innova-

tent, high-quality fruit for Australians and the world.”

The Australian national strawberry industry has an estimated farm gate value of $417 million (2021/22 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook). Varieties developed by the Australian Strawberry Breeding Program currently capture 45 per cent of the national market and 90 per cent of the subtropical industry. These varieties currently provide approximately 11,000 jobs in production alone in Australia and are estimated to have a farm gate value of approximately $174 million last year.

tion and my department and look forward to seeing the fruits of this investment benefitting the industry for years to come.”

Berries Australia executive director Rachel Mackenzie said the nation’s strawberry growers were ready to reap the benefits of the program’s efforts to reduce the cost of harvesting.

“Breeding bespoke varieties to suit strawberry growers across the country is a priority for our industry,” she said.

“We are looking forward to this program equipping us to profitably deliver consis-

Community and police working together To make our communities safe.

L O C K Lock up (cars and property) Out of sight (valuables and money) Contact police (crime or information) Keep a look out (community awareness) If you don’t get it, they will!

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26 TODAY April 2023

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Research a game-changer An Australian first study has found changing how community members view a career in agriculture, fisheries or forestry, may hold the key to securing a reliable and dynamic rural industries workforce for the future.

The research, done by data science company Voconiq as part of AgriFutures Australia’s Community Perceptions and Worker Experiences Research Program, involved surveying more than 5000 people to understand the key drivers of workforce retention and attraction across rural industries.

AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey said the research was a gamechanger for the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.

“We now have data on what workers want from a career in rural industries, why people have left the workforce and what will attract more workers from other sectors,” Mr Harvey said.

“What is clear from the results is that rural industry workers are much more positive about a career in the sector than those from the community.

“Many community perceptions about working in rural industries are still based on stereotypes, such as having to live regionally or work in a paddock with livestock or crops.”

Other key insights from the research, include: 18pc of community members surveyed believe that Australian rural industries have not changed much in the past 50 years.

54pc of workers surveyed intend to stay in rural industries for more than 10 years.

70pc of workers think there are meaningful careers in rural industries.

69pc of workers surveyed said that they agree/strongly agree that new technologies will make rural industries a more attractive career in the future.

·

· · ·

Lead researcher and Voconiq CEO Dr Kieren Moffat said the data showed the importance of closing the gap to align the perceptions of community members and workers more closely.

“The data suggests this gap can be closed if community members can learn more about the actual experiences of rural industry workers to develop a more realistic understanding of what a role in one of these industries can look like,“ he said.

“There is also an education component to help potential recruits understand that agricultural, fisheries and forestry jobs can be based in a metropolitan area, involve working with advanced technologies and be officebased,” he said.

“Importantly, 13pc of community members surveyed said they were very or extremely likely to consider working in rural industries.

“That represents at least 1.7 million people, which is a huge number considering the current rural industries workforce is around 280,000 people.”

The Community Perceptions and Worker Experiences Research Program delivers key insights into community perceptions on working in agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries and explores worker experiences and the impact it has on workforce attraction and retention.

The Project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and is a component of the Australian Government’s AgATTRACT initiative.

Lead researcher and Voconiq CEO Dr Kieren Moffat.

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April 2023 TODAY 27

country k tchens recipes Everyday Food

Sumac Roasted Chicken and Cauliflower

Ingredients: • ½ medium cauliflower, cut into florets • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • ½ teaspoon ground sumac • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika • 2 chicken tenderloins, fat trimmed • 150g cherry tomatoes • 2 large kale leaves, inner stem removed, roughly chopped • 2 lemon wedges, to serve • 2 wholegrain bread rolls

• PLACE the cauliflower florets in the pan and drizzle with half the oil.

Roast for 15 minutes.

• COMBINE the sumac and paprika on a plate. Using a clean plastic bag, add remaining oil and chicken and toss to coat before covering chicken pieces with spices.

• ADD tomatoes and the chicken to the roasting pan and cook for 5 minutes.

• ADD kale to the roasting pan, basting with pan juices. Roast for a further 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked.

• SERVE with lemon wedges and a bread roll on the side.

Method: • PREHEAT oven to 200oC. Line a small roasting pan with baking paper.

Recipe courtesy of Cynthia Daniels, Maleny Branch

Serves: 2 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes 1½ serves per portion

Trini Corn Soup Serves: 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 60 minutes 3 serves per portion

Ingredients: • 2 tablespoon olive oil • 1 onion, diced • 2 chives, sliced • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped • 2 celery stalks, diced • ¾ cup split peas • 1 capsicum, diced • 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced • ¼ cup coriander, chopped (optional) • 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground • 300ml vegetable stock, reduced salt • 300ml water • 400ml can coconut milk, reduced fat • 5 cobs of corn, sliced into 4 pieces • 400g can corn kernels, drained • 1 carrot, diced • 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and diced • 1 habanero chilli, whole (optional)

Method: • HEAT olive oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat.

• SAUTÉ onion, chives, garlic, and celery until soft and translucent.

• ADD split peas, capsicum, sweet potato, coriander, black pepper, vegetable stock and water and stir to combine.

• BRING to the boil then reduce to simmer for 30 minutes or until the split peas are soft.

• BLEND the soup mixture with a stick mixer.

• ADD coconut milk, cobs of corn, corn kernels, carrots, pumpkin, and whole habanero chilli (optional).

Simmer for another 20 minutes on low heat.

• REMOVE the habanero chilli before serving.

Everyday Food

Recipe courtesy of the Country Kitchens 2023 Country of Study Recipe Collection – Trinidad and Tobago

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/.

28 TODAY April 2023

Monthly market report brought to you by Herefords Australia.

12535648-BL08-22

Regional market round-up Cattle Report Report Date: 23/2/23 Saleyard: Blackall Blackall combined agents yarded a total of 2,700 head of cattle for the first weaner and store sale for 2023. Most cattle were drawn from the local supply area and overall quality was good. Most of the yearling cattle presented in forward condition and buyers adjusted their prices accordingly.

Restockers were preffering to buy weaned yearlings with light weight restocker steers 200 to 280kg making to 484.2c to average 452c, while steers 280 to 330kg sold to 500.2c averaging 435c/kg. Medium weight steers to feed made to 374.2c while those returning to the paddock sold to an isolated 462.2c to average 390c/kg. Some very good quality lines of heavy yearling feeder steers, many of which were over 500kg, made to 382.2c with most around 375c/kg.

Light weight restocker heifers saw prices to 390.2c to average 347c, restocker heifers 280 to 330kg sold to 374.2c averaging 338c while ‘D’ muscle lines averaged 290c/kg. Medium weight heifers to the restocker sold to 364.2c to average 336c/kg.

Cows under 520kg to the processor sold to 270.2c while good heavy cows made to 272.2c to average 263c/kg. Cows and calves sold to $2320/unit.

-Market reporter, Sam Hart Report Date: 22/3/23 Saleyard: Charters Towers Following last week’s cancelled sale due to wet weather, Charters Towers Combined agents yarded 1544 cattle. Quality was every mixed with only 490 prime cattle on offer. Despite a large attendance in the gallery, there was a reduced buyer panel consisting of three regular processors, one live exporter and several opportunity local restockers. Values for all classes eased in line with other selling centres, particularly poorer quality lines. Yearling heifers fell 40c, yearling steers averaged 15c lower and cows finished firm to 4c easier.

Light steers to restockers topped at 498.2c and steers above 200kg reached 458.2c while yearling steers above 280kg returning to the paddock sold to 420.2c to average 318c/kg.

Yearling steers above 330kg to live export sold to 332.2c to average 323c and similar weight weight bulls reached 348c/kg. A good sample of light heifers to restockers sold to 330.2c to average 308c and heifers above 280kg for breeding sold to 346.2c to average 309c/kg.

Grown steers to the trade sold to 288.2c to average 280c and similar heifers to the trade sold to 286c/kg.

A small sample of bullocks topped at 304.2c to average 282c/kg.

Medium weight 3 score cows averaged 231c reaching 248.2c and a good sample of prime heavyweight cows topped at 246.2c to average 244c/kg. Heavy bulls to live export sold to 340.2c to average 332c/kg.

An increased offering of good quality aged

cows and calves sold from $1,450 to $1,800per unit.

-Market Reporter, Mick Kingham Report Date: 22/3/23 Saleyard: CQLX Gracemere Numbers increased at CQLX Gracemere sale by 482 head with a yarding of 1705 head on offer. Cattle came from Bowen through to Miriamvale and west to Clermont and Theodore.

Quality was good throughout most of the sale as was condition with the exception of some coastal cattle from Mackay districts which were lighter in condition. The normal buyers were in attendance with most again working on reduced limits.

Light weight yearling steers sold to a 511c/ kg top, to average from 420c/kg to 455c/kg to restockers and backgrounders. Medium weight lines averaged from 355c to 407c/kg.

Light weight pens of yearling heifers sold to a 397c/kg top, to average 301c to 345c/kg to restockers. Medium weight pens averaged 285c to 315c/kg.

Grown steers sold to feed to average 319c to 344c/kg, whilst the few bullocks on offer averaged 314c to 319c/kg to processors. Finished, grown heifers to the trade averaged 260c to 291c/kg and topped at 299c/kg.

Heavy, score four cows reached 268c/kg to average 258c/kg for the best on offer. Heavy bulls topped at 262c/kg to processors Very well bred cows, PTIC were well supported, selling for $1,900per head. Cows and Calves made from $1,300 to $2600 per unit.

-Reporter: Richard Thomson Report Date: 22/3/23 Saleyard: Dalby The supply of stock at Dalby increased by 791 head to 3,696. Export buyer attendance and activity was not as good as the previous week with some absent from the buying panel and others not operating. However some additional restockers buyers from Tambo Emerald and Dingo helped stabilise prices for young cattle.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock averaged 17c/kg better. Selected lines of yearling steers to feed for the domes-

tic market also met fair demand. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed lost a further 15c/kg.

Medium weight yearling heifers to feed met solid competition. Cows continued to sell to a cheaper market on top of the losses experienced the previous week with average prices 10c to 20c/kg less.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to a top of 524c with a good sample averaging 470c/kg. Yearling steers under 330kg returning to the paddock made to 430c and feeder lines made to 420c with most in the early 380c/kg range. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 378c to average 342c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers to restockers made to 316c to average 293c and poor quality lines 259c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged 300c/kg.

Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 318c to average from 284c to 287c/kg.

Heavy grown steers to export processors made to 315c to average 313c/kg. Good heavy weight cows made to 265c to average 255c/kg.

-Market Reporter Trevor Hess Report Date: 16/3/23 Saleyard: Emerald There was another very small yarding at Emerald sale with just 387 head on offer. - 643 less than last week. The yarding included a large number of yearling and mickey bulls along with a good offering of finished cows. The regular feeder and processor buyers were in attendance although restricted by the size of the yarding. The few restocker cattle went to local homes mostly.

Light weight yearling steers sold to 437c/kg to average 399c/kg whilst the medium weight pens averaged 361c to 387c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers averaged 335c/kg and sold to 350c/kg. A few finished grown steers to processors made from 356c to 357c/kg. Those to feed sold to average 357c/kg. Grown heifers to the trade averaged 278c to 296c/kg whilst those to feed sold from 300c to 317c/kg.

Heavy, four score cows reached 275c/kg to record an average of 267c/kg. Consignments of yearling bulls and mickey bulls sold from 288c/kg to 333c/kg average to backgrounders.

-Reporter: Richard Thomson

Report Date: 21/3/23 Saleyard: Roma Numbers jumped to 6800 head at Roma this week. Overall quality was good and most cattle were sourced from local areas with a handful from Western QLD. Crossbred restocker steers met with good competition from Central Queensland however pressure from the southern markets affected prices for British cross yearlings. Feeder cattle followed a similar trend and prices for prime cattle generally softened by 20 to 40c.

Increased numbers of light weight restocker steers under 200kg saw prices lift to 536.2c to average 505c while light weight restocker steers 200 to 280kg lost 8c selling to 530c to average 473c/kg. Restocker steers lost ground selling to 460.2c to average 414c/kg. Medium weight restocker steers also saw prices ease with prices to a top of 400.2c to average 375c while feeders averaged 369c/kg. Heavy feeders topped at 372.2c to average 358c while restockers paid up to 400.2c/kg.

Light weight ‘c’ muscle restocker heifers sold to 350.2c with most around 311c while those to the processor averaged 285c/kg. Restocker heifers330 to 400kg made to 334.2c to average 315c and those to feed lost 29c averaging 304c/kg.

Grown steers over 600kg to the processor lost 40c selling to 309.2c to average 288c while heavy heifers sold 276.2c averaging 261c/kg.

Medium cows sold to a top of 261.2c to average 248c and good heavy cows eased 18c selling to 270.2c to average 257c/kg. Good quality PTIC cows sold to 292.2c and cows and calves made to $2600/unit.

-Market report, Sam Hart Sheep report Report Date: 22/3/2023 Saleyard: Warwick The number of cattle penned at Warwick increased by 222 head to 897 and overall quality was very mixed. Buyer attendance was not as good as the previous week. Prices across most classes could not maintain the levels of the previous sale.

Young cattle generally lost 20c to 30c and up to 40c/kg on poor quality lines. Bullocks averaged 20c/kg less and cows sold to a market 20c to 27c/kg cheaper.

Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to 446c to average 370c/kg.

Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market averaged from 333c to 339c with sales to 361c/ kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 354c to average 328c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock averaged 304c and made 326c and poor quality lines 250c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed made to 338c to average 300c/kg.

A handful of bullocks made 318c to average 302c/kg. Heavyweight 3 score cows averaged 237c and the best of heavy weight cows made to 260c to average 253c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 260c/kg. Cows and calves made to $2,800/unit.

-Market Reporter, Trevor Hess

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QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Gambling cash for groups Member for Warrego Ann Leahy is pleased to announce 10 community groups in Roma, Injune, St George, Thallon and Dirranbandi will receive $287,207 from Round 115 of the Gambling and Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).

Also, Roma’s Easter in the Country will receive a grant of $35 000 to buy a portable grandstand and assist with the event.

The Lifeflight Foundation will buy safety equipment with a grant of $32 449 for the

·

·

· ·

Roma base and the Roma Aero Club will receive a $35 000 grant towards the construction of an aircraft hangar.

The Maranoa Equestrian Club will buy a trailer with a grant of $19,800 and the Roma Showjumping Group will buy a trailer with its grant of $15,500.

The Injune Campdrafting Association will construct an office building with a grant of $35,000 and the Injune District Tourism Association will upgrade the museum with a

grant of $35 000.

St George Golf Club will build a shed ex· The tension with a grant of $23,088.

Thallon State School P and C will install · The softfall with a grant of $25 800.

Dirranbandi Landcare Group will put its · The grant of $30,570 towards venue hire and purchase of machinery.

The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is a quarterly program providing up to $35,000 to community groups.

In this funding round, a total of $524 315.66 was given to 19 community groups across the Warrego electorate, Ms Leahy said.

“For more information or to request a letter of support for your next funding application, please contact my electorate office on 1800 625 430,” Ms Leahy said.

Community groups may also subscribe to Ms Leahy’s monthly funding list, which details a range of available sources, by emailing warrego@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Mayor welcomes new CEO Food rescue funding boost Toowoomba Region mayor Paul Antonio has welcomed the announcement of Greg Bowden as the new chief executive officer of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE).

“Greg brings a wealth of experience in local government and economic development in regional areas,” Mayor Antonio said.

“The head of TSBE brings with it great responsibility and I look forward to working with Greg to pursue the Bold Ambitions of the Toowoomba Region.”

In welcoming Mr Bowden to the position, Mayor Antonio thanked outgoing CEO Ali Davenport for five years of service as head of TSBE and the vibrancy she brought to the organisation.

“Under her leadership TSBE has continued to attract significant business and industry investment,” Mayor Antonio said.

“TSBE’s involvement in health, agriculture, resources, education and a wide range of industries has brought tremendous opportunities to the broader Region.

Greg Bowden is the new chief executive officer of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE).

“I wish Ali and her partner all the best for their future endeavours and look forward to seeing what future opportunities will arise for our region through TSBE.”

Ten food rescue organisations will get a funding boost to purchase or upgrade infrastructure and equipment, and help operational costs like staffing.

In addition to rescuing food, the projects will see more than 13 full time equivalent jobs created. It’s the second round of the program, which saw six projects successfully funded under Round 1 with a Palaszczuk Government commitment of $905,000 and while the porgrams are based in the city will have positive impacts in the future on those living in regional and remote areas.

Organisations receiving grants under Round Two of the Food Rescue Grant Program include: FareShare Australia, Morningside, will receive $360,000 for specialised equipment, food ingredients and staff costs, to enable them to produce foods with an increased shelf-life, for distribution to south-east and regional Queensland. The organisation estimates that

by June 2024, some 75 tonnes of food will be saved from landfill with this funding.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was no secret that cost-of-living pressures had an impact on the household budget and that includes at the dinner table.

Food that would have been previously go to landfill can now be given a second life.

Environment and Science Minister Meaghan Scanlon said every meal from these organisations equated to half a kilogram of rescued food. “With this funding, we’ll be able to create an estimated 5.97 million meals for Queenslanders in need,“ Ms Scanlon said.

SecondBite acting chief executive officer Lucy Coward, whose organisation received further funding through the Food Rescue Grant Program, said, “We recognise that, along with similar organisations, we are playing a role in helping the government achieve its organic waste reduction goals – but for us, our mission is twofold – to end waste and end hunger“.

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April 2023 TODAY 31

SPORT QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Womens Polocrosse Queensland.

Picture: SUPPLIED

The battle begins with the Australia VS New Zealand polocrosse competition.

A truly Aussie sport

By Breanna Lloyd Polocrosse, created in Australia in 1938 by Mr and Mrs Hirst and Mr Alf Pitt, is recognised as being one of three of Australia’s truly Aussie sports.

The overall goal of the game is to try to get the ball into the opponent’s goal by utilising their horsemen skills, racquets and teamwork capabilities.

Consisting of a total of six players to a team, they are divided into two teams of three, which alternate between halves.

The sport contains the aspects of three other sports including netball, lacrosse and polo.

Australians won the first two World Cups in 2003 and 2007 at Morgan Park in Warwick.

In 1976, Max Walters established the International Polocrosse Council, which is now a worldwide played sport.

With more than 10,000 players worldwide and currently played in more than 18 countries, the sport is popular with both men and women of all ages.

Cunningham Polocrosse president Warwick Murnane said how even the gender orientation was.

“The gender spilt is more 50/50 and the best part about it is you can get from little kids to families playing and it’s a great family-orientated sport,” he said.

“All age groups can play it, no comparison in genders or in age.”

Mr Murnane said this is why he and his family enjoyed the sport.

“I have come over from campdrafting five or six years ago and my family and I love polocrosse,” he said.

“It’s a whole family sport that can be played with families and grandparents that’s why we like it.

“All of our kids have done it, I’m still doing it and so is one of our daughters and it is a big commitment because your horses have got to be 100 per cent fit and you have got to really commit to it.

“People are getting more enthusiastic about it. The problem with any horse sport, is the amount of fuel people use getting there, but definitely the sport is getting stronger.”

Mr Murnane explained how the seasonal conditions have altered the course of the game.

“Last year we took a big hit because of the wet season, but I imagine this year will be a lot better because the seasons have been a bit better, so I think we will be back,” he said.

Polocrosse’s biggest and strongest zones in Queensland is the South East zone surrounding Toowoomba and Darling Downs regions.

Both under-16 and under-21 teams are competing in June and July in the Australian Gold VS the Australian Green.

The Australian open Polocrosse teams are competing in the World Cup and the World Cup team versus New Zealand in June and July.

32 TODAY April 2023

Action shot of the Australian women’s compete international.

The Australian men’s team preparing for the match.

Australia v New Zealand polocrosse competition 2022.