Queensland Farmers Today - January 2024

January 2024

Music legend’s venture

‘We give a fork’

PAGE 4

PAGE 24

Celebration of rugby in Roma

New QFF head Emerald cotton grower Aaron Kiely has been elected president of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), succeeding Allan Dingle who steps down after completing his four-year tenure.

STORY PAGE 10

Emerald cotton grower Aaron Kiely will continue his leadership contribution to QFF as its president.

Picture: COTTON AUSTRALIA

The Santos Festival of Rugby will once again feature a fierce contest between the greatest rivals in Australian Rugby, with the Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs going head-to-head in Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s pre-season trial matches.

Playing for the Santos Cup, this is a chance for the players to turbocharge their preparations for the season proper, with both states desperate to come out on top in each of the matches. There will also be plenty of action off the field with a program of activities scheduled to include junior coaching clinics, family fun activities and live entertainment on the Friday and Saturday with DJ Jonny Mac playing on Friday 9 February and a performance from Hot Dub Time Machine on Saturday 10 February. An abundance of food and beverage outlets will be on offer including, festival specific merchandise and Queensland Reds merchandise available for purchase.

COVERAGE PAGES 12-18

A bright outlook Winter crop production in Queensland plummeted in 2023, according to the Rural Bank, with just 400,000 tonnes of grain delivered to GrainCorp’s receival sites compared with 2.1 million tonnes the season before.

Widespread rain through November how-

ever will, hopefully, allow growers to plant summer crops and give them the chance to offset poor returns from last year’s winter crop.

According to the Rural Bank Australian Agriculture Outlook report for 2024, Queensland’s cattle prices are expected to continue the re-

cent trend through the past month and edge marginally higher.

It says cattle slaughter is also expected to increase on the back of strong supply available on local markets however, with most processing centres booked out months in advance,

significant growth in rates may be limited.

To the wool industry now where stability could be the defining feature for 2024.

STORY PAGE 3

TICKETS AVAILABLE

VIA TICKETEK

ROMA, 9-10 FEB, 2024

12658311-AP52-23

INSIDE

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

SANTOS RUGBY FESTIVAL ......pages 12-18

Producers will be quietly confident

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE ......pages 20-21 AGTECH DEMO DAY ...............pages 22-23 MARKET ROUND-UP ..................... page 25 BREAKING GROUND .................... page 27 FROM THE MLA ........................... page 27

By Fiona Gowers SPORT ....................................... page 28

DAM LEVELS Beardmore................................... 13.99% Bjelke-Petersen ................................. 76% Borumba ....................................... 75.8% Boondoomba ............................... 74.69% Cedar Pocket ................................. 24.1% Chinchilla Weir .................................. 52% Coolmunda .................................. 72.37% Cunnamulla (Allan Tannock Weir)... 102.75% Leslie .......................................... 81.14% Paradise ...................................... 70.39% Somerset ...................................... 74.8% Wivenhoe....................................... 61.7%

CONTACT US

Signs seasonal conditions may improve for the agricultural sector have helped underpin confidence among Queensland’s primary producers in late 2023.

The Rabobank Rural Confidence survey, released last month, found sentiment in the state’s rural sector had increased, albeit marginally.

While more Queensland producers expect the agricultural economy to worsen (49 per cent this quarter, compared with 45pc last quarter), this was offset by 19pc of producers now expecting the year ahead to improve (up from 13pc previously).

The state’s sugar sector - where sentiment showed an upswing - largely fuelled the improved confidence.

Of those Queensland producers with a positive view, 43pc nominated a good seasonal outlook as a key reason for their optimism.

However, a considerable number of the state’s producers were less optimistic about the weather outlook, with drought identified as the chief concern among those expecting the agricultural economy to worsen in the year ahead.

Falling commodity prices were also a worry, while concerns about interest rates and input costs eased.

Rabobank regional manager for southern Queensland Brad James said “anecdotally“ producer mood had lifted in recent weeks after “good storm rain” received throughout the state.

“And this kick in confidence may not have

Address: 154-156 Haly Street Kingaroy 4610 Telephone: 07 4182 0450 Website: QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au CONTACT US Editorial: Email: newsdesk@QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au Advertising: Email: advertising@QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au Classifieds: Phone: 07 4182 0450 or 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au ADVERTISING Samantha Wantling Sales & Marketing E: samantha.wantling@WarwickStanthorpetoday.com.au P: 0439 420 289 Cindy Unwin Sales & Marketing E: cindy.unwin@CQToday.com.au P: 0408 281 861 Jemma Wilson Sales & Marketing E: jemma.wilson@BurnettToday.com.au P: 07 4182 0458 Nicola Rickuss Sales & Marketing E: nicola.rickuss@todaynewsgroup.com.au

Queensland Farmer Today is published monthly and part of the Today News Group. Published by South Burnett Today Pty Ltd ACN 641 796 349.

Publisher: Damian Morgan Managing Director: Daniel Pelcl.

All material is copyright to South Burnett Today Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. For our terms and conditions please visit QueenslanFarmerToday.com.au/terms-and-conditions/

Regional Queensland punches above its weight as a sporting nursery... Greg Norman, Rod Laver, Duncan Armstrong, Anna Meares, Pat Rafter et al are all publicly proud of their rural roots.

Roma is often recognised for producing an amazing number of professional athletes — among them rugby league legends Artie Beetson, Darren Lockyer and Willie Carne, rugby union star Fabian McCarthy and Olympic swimmer Denise Spencer.

Fittingly then, that this town in south west Queensland will host the 2024 Santos Festival of Rugby in February, culminating in a pre-season match between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs.

Rabobank regional manager for Southern Queensland Brad James. Picture: CONTRIBUTED been entirely captured during the period the survey was in the field,” he said.

“These early summer storms – while very useful – have been patchy. There are still areas in Queensland waiting for a break in the season.”

The survey, completed last month, found sugar cane growers were the most optimistic producers in the state.

“Globally, 2023 saw the sugar market hit its highest prices since 2011,” Mr James said.

“Queensland growers have recorded very good yields and good sugar production during this year’s harvest.

“And it has been a ‘dry harvest’ in many cane growing regions this year, meaning growers have been able to bring in their entire crops, and not be delayed or lose crops with wet weather conditions.”

The view on the year ahead, however, was less positive among the state’s cotton growers.

“Irrigated cotton growers will be going into the next season with access to reasonable water allocations – topped up by the recent storm activity – giving those growers confidence to plan and prepare,” Mr James said.

“Although it’s a different story for dry-land cotton growers, who have experienced a challenging season.”

Beef sector confidence in the state was also

And, who knows? Maybe, just maybe, Australia’s next sporting superstar might be cheering on their hero at Gallas Fox Park, the home of the Roma Echidnas!

- Fiona Gowers

· · · ·

GEN250 SEED BOX INNOVATIVE • SAFE REUSABLE

“The annual Festival of Rugby is one of the most genuine examples of a real commitment to taking elite sport to regional communities,“ said Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham.

“We share a vision to advance and develop the game in Queensland and commitment to engage with rugby lovers in the bush. This is a landmark event which we are proud to be delivering alongside Santos.”

shown to have declined at the time of the survey, though recent rainfall and more positive price signals will have provided a boost to producers, Mr James said.

The survey found the number of Queensland beef producers expecting business conditions to deteriorate in the year ahead has climbed to 56 per cent, from 45 per cent the previous quarter.

Mr James said at the time of the survey, dry seasonal conditions followed by soft commodity prices were the state’s beef producers’ chief concern.

“Queensland beef producers are hoping that they have reached the bottom of the market, with cattle prices finding a floor in October and beginning to pick up,” he said.

“The November rain across the state and down into New South Wales has also helped lift cattle prices.”

The survey also indicated confidence had slipped among the state’s grain growers.

Mr James said winter crops harvested through the Central Highlands region were “hit and miss”, with reports of some good wheat crops achieved in areas.

“Recent rain will provide the needed moisture profile for summer plantings in a lot of areas, but will be dependent on follow-up rain as the summer progresses,” he said.

Overall, this survey found Queensland producers are continuing with their strategy of “holding back” on investment plans for the coming year, with just under a quarter (24pc) planning to decrease spending in their agricultural businesses.

Mr James said the combination of soft commodity prices and dry seasonal conditions across much of the state during the year has seen many producers take a “sensibly cautious” approach to investment.

“The tempo of the Queensland agricultural property market has certainly changed this year, possibly returning to a more sustainable pace,” Mr James said.

“However, there is a strong underlying intention amongst many Queensland producers to continue to invest in the expansion and development of their businesses through property purchases.”

Fast Facts: Queensland rural sentiment has lifted slightly.

Hopes of improved seasonal conditions among those with a positive outlook, however drought concerns remain.

Sugar sector driving upswing in sentiment.

More Queensland producers seek to decrease investment in their farm businesses.

Offering • A 1134kg capacity • A lid to reduce the risk of contamination from rodents and weather • The option to stack 4 high when full • A modular collapsible design to minimise storage needs • A smooth funnel-shaped interior with a bottom discharge port • A long service life

Visit Us at Farmfest; Our site number is H 13/b

0428 686 754 admin@wenboxsolutions.com.au www.wenboxsolutions.com.au 12629097-AI35-23

2 TODAY January 2024

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Broadly optimistic for ’24

By Fiona Gowers Winter crop production in Queensland plummeted in 2023, according to the Rural Bank, with just 400,000 tonnes of grain delivered to GrainCorp’s receival sites compared with 2.1 million tonnes the season before.

Widespread rain through November however will, hopefully, allow growers to plant summer crops and give them the chance to offset poor returns from last year’s winter crop.

According to the Rural Bank Australian Agriculture Outlook report for 2024, Queensland’s cattle prices are expected to continue the recent trend through the past month and edge marginally higher.

It says cattle slaughter is also expected to increase on the back of strong supply available on local markets however, with most processing centres booked out months in advance, significant growth in rates may be limited.

To the wool industry now where stability could be the defining feature for 2024.

The report says economic conditions for consumers are set to keep demand for wool constrained, with any price improvement likely coming from a small decline in production resulting from dry conditions.

With prices set to remain below average, the high cost of shearing continues to challenge wool growers.

The Northern Regional Indicator sat at 1214c/kg at the end of November, 9.1 per cent lower year-on-year and 17.9 per cent below the five-year average.

Queensland milk production, meanwhile, is expected to stabilise at about 280 to 285 million litres in the 2024/25 season following six seasons of declining production.

Opening farmgate milk prices are expected to fall from record highs in 2023/24 where Norco is offering 88c/litre.

Macadamia output for the 2023 season is estimated at 48,500 tonnes in shell by the industry body.

This is well down from the almost 53,000 tonnes produced last season.

The lowest farmgate prices in more than a decade and significant farm costs are key factors heading into the 2024 season. The Rural Bank estimates production will return above 50,000 tonnes in 2024.

Table grape production will reach near record levels this season. This strong forecast is a result of favourable conditions and low water costs. Dry weather through until harvest will ensure grapes are higher quality than last season.

The Rural Bank expects a more favourable economic environment to begin supporting agricultural markets in the back half of 2024.

The report finds vagriculture encountered a challenging environment in 2023, with drier weather leading to lower crop production but contributing to significantly higher cattle production and record lamb production as producers turned off stock in response.

Rural Bank head of Agribusiness Development Andrew Smith said: “As was the case for 2023, the three key themes that will impact Australian agriculture in the first half of 2024

Andrew Smith, the head of Agribusiness Development at Rural Bank. continue to be seasonal conditions, trade conditions and economic headwinds.

“But, looking to the upside, a more favourable economic environment is expected to begin supporting agricultural markets in the back half of 2024.

“Another positive is the forecast breakdown of both the El Niño and IOD climate drivers that will hopefully see a return to more average conditions for eastern Australia. “(This will) benefit the cropping sector for winter sowing and lift horticultural production in the first half of the year off the back of more favourable conditions for fruit and vegetable crops and lower irrigation costs.

“We expect to see growing export demand for grains and horticultural produce along with rising beef production and further opportunities for export growth in the red meat sector, improving the outlook for Australian producers in the first half of 2024.

“Lower lamb prices should also keep export

volumes closer to current levels, but we see further appetite for lamb returning as retail prices trend lower, boosting domestic consumption, with prices likely to improve for producers in the new year.“ The Australian Agriculture Outlook report for 2024 found that improving trade conditions throughout the back half of 2023 and normalising supply chains were a positive and would continue to support Australian agricultural exports through the first half of 2024.

Mr Smith said, however, economic headwinds would again challenge agribusiness in the first half of 2024, with slow economic growth in the EU and US expected to affect global consumption.

Farm input costs are also forecast to remain stubbornly above long-term averages.

“Seasonal labour costs continue to remain high with no relief in sight,“ Mr Smith said.

“Elevated fertiliser and diesel prices will similarly continue to keep the cost of produc-

Picture: CONTRIBUTED tion high, driven by expensive gas used in fertiliser production, volatile oil production and a low Australian dollar.“ Fast Facts: commodity prices impacted · Lower Australian farmers in 2023, while im-

· ·

proved labour supply and lower fertiliser costs provided some relief, but margins continue to remain tight.

Export demand continued to rebound across the cropping and horticulture sectors, though demand for livestock and wool remained subdued, primarily due to economic pressures.

Ongoing economic challenges, the prospects of a hotter summer, and below average commodity prices are weighing on the outlook for the first half of 2024.

12647899-HC48-23

January 2024 TODAY 3

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Music legend’s ag venture

By Fiona Gowers Industrial hemp grower and country music legend James Blundell will soon open the gates to his southern Queensland property where different industrial hemp varieties are being trialled for their suitability to local growing conditions.

Mr Blundell, a passionate advocate for the hemp industry, will host a field day in Stanthorpe on 6 February.

The site is among nine across the country that make up the AgriFutures Australia national Industrial Hemp Variety Trial (IHVT) program, which aims to provide growers with independent information about the performance of grain-only and dual-purpose (grain and fibre) varieties suited to specific geographic locations within Australia.

Farmers interested in adding industrial hemp to their crop rotations are invited to attend to learn more about crop requirements, yields and varietal selection.

The field days are a culmination of a threeyear research project to determine best performing varieties and sowing times for each growing region.

Mr Blundell said the emerging hemp industry presented opportunities that excited him and he wanted to encourage more growers to become involved.

“The variety trial is an important step for hemp becoming a stable industry in Australia,” Mr Blundell said.

“I’m a big fan of the varieties called Ruby and Orion 33 but the plant is so responsive to latitude, longitude, soil types and temperatures that what works at home may not be the best variety in other areas.”

An optional agronomy session at the field days with AgriFutures Industrial Hemp agronomist John Muir will provide more in-depth information for those who are thinking about planting industrial hemp.

“The penny is definitely dropping and I can see the traction of the industry moving from intrigue and novelty to greater understanding of the enormous use benefits of industrial hemp,” Mr Blundell said.

“If I can grow it, anyone can.”

The final year of the IHVT program is evaluating the performance of a range of different varieties sourced from international suppliers including from Canada, France, Poland and local Australian suppliers.

University of Sydney Associate Professor Guy Roth coordinates the IHVT sites in Stanthorpe and said the field day would include a walk where participants can view the condition of different varieties and a presentation of results.

“Field day visitors will be able to see how the different varieties are growing and the impact of sowing times ahead of harvest,” Mr Roth said.

AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Program senior manager Dr Olivia Reynolds said the field days aimed to bring together farmers, processors, food retailers and commercial investors to learn more about industrial hemp and the diverse opportunities it offers Australian agriculture.

Country music star turned industrial hemp farmer James Blundell.

“The global industrial hemp market is projected to reach $18.6 billion by 2027,” Dr Reynolds said.

“This is a huge opportunity for Australian agriculture to produce an environmentallysustainable, multi-purpose crop that can be used for everything from food to building materials.”

Following on from the IHVT program, AgriFutures Australia is funding a $2.5 million Industrial Hemp Program of Research to assist with the growth of the industry.

Industrial hemp can only be grown under

state or territory government permits and, while it contains very low tetrahydrocannabinol content (THC) industrial hemp is high in protein and healthy essential fatty acids.

Since 2017 it has been legal to sell industrial hemp seed for human consumption.

The need for the IHVT was identified in the Australian Industrial Hemp Strategic RD&E Plan (2022-2027) developed by AgriFutures Australia, which sets out a clear pathway to grow the industry.

The plan has five major objectives covering seed and varieties including growing the crop,

Picture: CONTRIBUTED products produced from the crop, the sustainability of hemp and the regulatory environment. *AgriFutures Australia IHVT Field Days: Date: 6 February 2024 Location: Mt Malakoff, 1459 Springdale Rd, Nundubbermere, QLD 4380 Time: 10am to 12pm (includes a light lunch) Optional extra: Agronomy workshop from 12:30pm to 2pm with AgriFutures IHVT agronomist John Muir.

· · · ·

Ag tech the way of Toowoomba manufacturer’s future A Toowoomba cattle equipment manufacturer will invest in new ag tech to increase efficiency while creating up to six full-time jobs with a Rural Economic Development (RED) grant.

Leicht’s CIA is introducing specialised laser cutting equipment and an automated welding robot to help produce more equipment more efficiently.

Operational next year, the welding robot will also help the agricultural business overcome current labour shortages.

Leicht’s CIA managing director Mark Leicht said the equipment the robotic welder would make included drop-down doors that took about 35 minutes to make manually, 15 minutes with the robot.

“Labour can be hard to get these days so we are trying to diversify and set ourselves up 4 TODAY January 2024

for the future,“ Mr Leicht said.

“With the freeing up of time our workers will be able to focus on doing more structural manufacturing like cattle crushes and this project will create roles in boilermaking and welding.

“The Rural Economic Development grant has allowed us to go down the automation path and bring the project forward by a couple years.”

Fast Facts * Toowoomba cattle equipment manufacturer Leicht’s CIA named one of 24 successful businesses to receive a Rural Economic Development (RED) Grant under the State Government program. * The Darling Downs enterprise will use the grant to develop robotic welding, creating up to six local jobs.

CIA managing director Mark Leicht with a cattle crush.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

QUALITY STEEL DEALS IN STEEL

RHS - GALV - NEAR NEW

EA/LEN 28 - 8M 40 X 40 X 2.5 - $70 81 - 5.8M 50 X 50 X 2.5 - $65 18 - 8M 50 X 50 X 3 -$120 159 - 3M 75 X 75 X 3 - $75 - $105 218 - 5.8M - 75 X 75 X 3 79 - 3M 75 X 75 X 4 - $80 12 - 2.66 - 100 X 100 X 3 - $80 RHS - PAINTED - NEAR NEW

EA/LEN - $25 50 X 25 X 2 25 X 25 X 3 - $30 75 X 75 X 3 - $110 75 X 75 X 4 - $200 89 X 89 X 5 - $240 100 X 100 X 3 - $180 125 X 125 X 4 - $270 100 X 50 X 3 - $125 150 X 50 X 3 - $220 127 X 51 X 3 - $170

192 - 4M 60 - 6.50 50 - 6M 6 - 8M 40 - 8M 43 - 8M 2 - 8M 96 - 6M 16 - 8M 12 - 8M -

FARM GATES • 3.6M - 12’ • MESH I STAY

$110 EA

CATTLE GRID

LARGE DIA PIPE BLACK

• 4M x 2M - HEAVY $2700 • 4M - CONCRETE ABUTMENTS $1500/PAIR

EA/LEN 1 - 6M - 273 OD X 9.2MM WALL

CATTLE RAIL GALV 5.8M - 115 X 42 X 2 - $65 6.1M - 115 X 42 X 2 - $65 6.1M - 115 X 42 X 1.8 - $65 BUNDLES ONLY PIPE - BLACK - NEAR NEW

95 - 3M - 80NB - 5MM WALL 9 - 2.1M - 150NB - 5MM WALL 76 - 2.4M - 100 NB - 4.5 WALL

EA/LEN $90 $80 $90

CATTLE PANELS • 1.8M X 2.1M - 40 X 40 RHS 6 RAIL - PINS INCLUDED • GATE IN FRAME • RACE BOWS • SLIDE GATE

$85 $300 $80 $450

GOATS PANELS

RHS TUBE

• 1.2M X 2.2M - 25MM PIPE

NEAR NEW

8 RAIL - PINS INCLUDED

• 75 X 75 X 3MM • 3M / LENS • BLACK POWDER COATED $70EA

• 100 x 100 x 5.6mm • 2.4m x 4.2m -$77 • BUNDLES 50 SHEETS -$66EA/SHEET

8.2MM - 7 STRAND 400M - GALV $550/ROLL

$550

RHS - HOT DIPPED GALV • 2.9M BUNDLES • 75 X 75 X 3 • 75 X 75 X 4 • 90 X 90 X 3.5 BUNDLES ONLY

-

$16 $65 $80 $85

PLATE - BLACK 21 - 2400 X 1200 X 1.6 128 - 3000 X 1500 X 2 9 - 3000 X 1500 X 6 2 - 3000 X 1500 X 10 3 - 3000 X 1500 X 16 1 - 3000 X 1500 X 25

EACH - $100 - $160 - $550 - $900 - $1500 - $2400

80NB -

5MM Wall

-

BLACK

228

2.7M

-

$80

-

80NB -

4MM Wall

-

GALV

157

-

2.4M

-

$75

389

-

3.0M

-

$90

PACKS OF 19

FENCE POSTS PICKETS • 165CM - 5’6” BLACK • 180CM - 6’ BLACK • 165CM - 5’6” GALV • 180CM - 6’ GALV • 240CM - 8’ BLACK MASSIVE PACKS - 400 - ONLY

22 - 1800 X 1200 X 3 4 - 2400 X 1200 X 2.4

- $8 - $8 - $9 - $10 - $16

EA

BARBED WIRE • 2.5MM - IOWA • 1.8MM - H/T -

GALV - SHEET

400M 500

- $135 - $135

RHS - NEAR NEW EACH - $160 - $200

RED PAINTED PIPE - 6.5M NEAR NEW -$90

GALV MESH HEAVY

CATTLE CABLE

STRAINER POSTS

• 64 LENS BUNDLE - 2.4M • PAINTED • 40 X 40 X 2 • 38 X 38 X 3 BUNDLES ONLY

• 25NB - 33MM OD - 3.2MM WALL 91 LENS / BUNDLE $20 / LEN BUNDLES ONLY

DISCOUNT FOR QUANTITY BUYS.

EA $10 $12

The Foxes

Ben

Kirsty

Deb

Cec AW7367540 AW3978430

23.11.2023

Cec & Ben have 76 years experience in supplying FAX 07 3848 2099 steel to the rural market 7AM - 7PM - 7 DAYS | www.ruralsteelsupplies.com.au

The Foxes

12656958-AV52-23

Kirsty

Deb

Cec

We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our valued Rural Customers for their support this year, and to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Thank you, CEC, BEN, DEB & KIRSTY The Foxes Cec & Ben have 76 years experience in supplying FAX 07 3848 2099 steel to the rural market 7AM - 7PM - 7 DAYS | www.ruralsteelsupplies.com.au

AW3978430

Ben

AW7288697

RURAL STEEL SUPPLIES

January 2024 TODAY 5

BUSINESS IN FOCUS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Ruby Ridge Open Day In January 2024 Ruby Ridge Angus will be offering 50 Stud Registered Angus Females for sale on AuctionsPlus. These females range in age from 10 months through to 3 years of age.

Out of the 50 heifers on offer, 19 of the older heifers are in calf to our own bred Sire - Ruby Ridge Quarter North and these have been confirmed as over 4 months in calf by our Vet and are accompanied with a certificate.

The AuctionPlus Sale runs from 9am Friday 19th January 2024 through to 6pm Saturday 20th January 2024.

All females for sale are our own bred females and are out of some of our original stud cows and our own bred females using different genetics both Australian and Overseas with AI over the 10 years our Stud has been going.

Specific bloodlines in these females include Millah Murrah Kingdom, Te Mania Emperor, RB Tour of Duty, LT Drifter, PC (Pine Creek), Stannum, Prime Time, Mohnen Dynamite, Talis, Ben Nevis, Valorbrook, Bowenfels, Airlie Station and Glenisa.

We have opted for an online sale using AuctionsPlus as it is an Australia wide selling platform where buyers near or far can have the opportunity to purchase one female, or they can put together a herd of these wonderful quality heifers.

To give the buyers, that cannot make the Open Day or an Inspection we have had all females professionally photographed and videoed by Five Star Creative Promotions.

Our Open Day is the 13th January 2024 from 9am to 3pm at Karingal Road, Kingaroy with all females on display and for your viewing. We will be offering morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea at the Open Day. If you are unable to attend the Open Day, please contact us to arrange another suitable time for viewing the females.

Ruby Ridge Angus started back in 2013 with the purchase of twelve Stud Angus Heifers and one Stud Angus Bull from Valorbrook Angus Stud, Bell Qld. From here we have purchased other heifers from Bowenfels Angus as well as introducing new bloodlines with AI programs.

Our plan has always been to grow our Stud herd using genetics which consist of our favourite phenotypes and attributes. Until now we have retained all our females to grow and build a Stud herd big enough to not only sell our Bulls but to now be able to sell and share our females as well as spread our genetics into other herds.

Our Stud has had great results in the show ring and some of the highlights would be winning Junior Champion Bull in 2019 at the Brisbane Ekka with Ruby Ridge Nashville who is a predominant sire in these females, Junior Champion Heifer in 2017 at the Brisbane Ekka with Ruby Ridge Mackenzie, Calf Champion at Beef with Ruby Ridge North in 2018 and Junior Champion Bull at Beef with Ruby Ridge Royalty in 2021.

We pride ourselves on docility, ease of calving, functionality, do ability and the typical moderate frame of the Angus cattle which our herd presents. We constantly get great feedback on the quietness of our Sale Bulls.

Our bulls over the years have been sold privately, through combined Bull Sales and are

Lot 17

Darren, Gorgie, Karen and Chloe Plowman

Ruby Ridge Angus will be offering 50 Stud Registered Angus Females

All females for sale are Ruby Ridge Angus own bred females

Ruby Ridge Nashville is the Sire.

Gorgie, Karen and Chloe Plowman with Midge Thompson and James Bredhauer.

Ruby Ridge Quarter North joining Sire.

now sold annually at the Aussie Angus Brangus Bull Sale at the Coolabunia Saleyards and is conducted by the Agents Aussie Land and Livestock We are always endeavouring to improve our Stud herd by introducing new bloodlines

from around Australia or Overseas where we can. This year we were fortunate enough to be able to purchase a heifer from the Millah Murrah Stud “Abigail” and a new Stud Sire from K5X “Stoked” who will have progeny for sale in 2026.

We have also introduced some new AI sires both Australian and Overseas this year and we are excited to see what that brings to our herd.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as we can at our Open Day to show off what we have to offer.

FEMALE SALE 2024

L Lot ot 110 0

50 REGISTERED STUD UD ANGUS HEIFERS HEIFER ONLINE WITH

Lot 42

19th JANUARY (9am Friday) to 20th JANUARY 2024 (6pm Saturday)

Lot 48

On Property OPEN DAY - Sat 13th January 2023 9am to 3pm - Karingal Rd, Kingaroy QLD KAREN PLOWMAN 0429 623 501 CHLOE PLOWMAN 0499 825 709 AGENT A.L.L. - MIDGE THOMPSON 0427 710 018/OFFICE 07 4162 2233 12659543-SM52-23

6 TODAY January 2024

DEALS

AUSSIE PUMPS … MORE IN 24!

JANUARY 2024

NEW YEAR

GET BUSHFIRE READY WITH AUSSIE … 25% MORE PERFORMANCE FOR FREE!

AUSSIE FIRE PUMPS WORLDS BEST

MR T TWIN...TOP PERFORMER Honda & Yanmar diesel options

BEST PERFORMANCE BEST VALUE BEST WARRANTY

Suits high pressure water transfer, LUULJDWLRQ ğUH protection Honda 9HP recoil start 104 3,4 '8 JUST $1,980 SAVE $445 Electric start option available Yanmar 10HP diesel, electric start, no battery Full gal or ss frame 3” inlet/outlet options (maximise performance)

FROM

Aussie Fire Chief Honda 5.5HP GX160 Out-performs & out features all others QP205SE/GX160 JUST $880 SAVE $200

$880

No Bleed Ad Caption: January edition 2024$19

Aussie Fire Captain Honda 6.5HP GX200 full frame Recoil version QP205SL/GX200FF SALE $1,058 SAVE $584 Electric start version QP205SL/GX200E 3 Reasons why SALE $2,189 SAVE $88 (battery not included) it’s the best!

Yanmar 4.8HP DIESEL Recoil start QP205SE/L48 JUST $3,863

QP205SE/GX160

80

Essential reading for those living in high risk areas.

– AUSSIE’S BIGGEST RANGE OF SELF PRIMERS – AUSSIE ULTRALITES 1” & 1½”

– CLEAN UP WITH GREAT AUSSIE MADE BLASTERS –

Material Instruction: Please see $548 attached the PDF of the 8page and I $261 $92 3 have also added the address to be 2”, 3” & 4” AUSSIE GUSHERS... placed theFASTbottom of the advert in a MOVEat WATER word document.

2540

3 year Honda GX FROM engine warranty Flows to 210 lpm Heads to 60m 3UITS lRE PROTECTION & high pressure transfer

1”version QP1/GX25 $548

FROM

FREE BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL GUIDE

QP205SL/GX200RFF

QPT205SLT/GX270

FROM

FRO

M

1½” version QP154SX/GXH50 $810

WAR ON WEEDS …

AUSSIE SPRAYMASTER

FROM

$428

3

QP402/GX240

Also suits ğUH SURWHFWLRQ wn duties & wash down NOW 40 bar sprayers, SAVE $121 3 outlets 5 KAPPA 43 Honda 6.5HP, 44 lpm Stainless steel scoop frame

$

SKAPPA43/GX200

LARGER MODELS ALSO AVAILABLE

NEW 2” 3” Honda 5.5HP 4” Honda 8HP Honda 4HP Flows to 1,000lpm Flows to 1,600lpm Flows to 600 lpm QP303/GX160RFF QP402/GX240 QP-2/GX120 JUST $1,151 JUST $3,166 (electric start option avail) JUST $923 6” Honda petrol & Yanmar diesel gushers also available

2” & 3” SMART PUMPS

SELF PRIMING REVOLUTION AAUSSIE GMP...CAST IRON VALUE

Leak free er chemical transfer Genuine Hondaa GX200 6.5HP

,GHDO IRU HIűXHQW & wastewater ttransfer

1.5”, 2”, 3” & 4” 4 0.75 kW to 22 kW

$579 3” HIGH FLOW 6ITON SEALS mOWS TO LPM RSE3BSV/GX200 NOW $1,852 SAVE $579 NEW 3” GENIUS 13HP Honda electric start EPDM SEALS mOWS TO LPM Full frame, belly band RTE3TEP/GX390E NOW $3,984 SAVE $687

High pressure, electric & hydraulic drive options available

ABSS30/GX200HR

Blaster with hose reel (as shown) ABSS30/GX200HR … $3,124 FREE Turbo & FREE Foamer

HEAVY DUTY ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHERS

AUSSIE BLACK BOX BLASTER 3,400 PSI EWP with FREE turbo Heavywe

Cham ight p!

1.5” 0.75kW B1.5KQ-A/ST mOWS TO LPM Single & 3 phase JUST $1,624

B2KQ-A/ST

2” 2.2kW, B2KQ-A/ST mOWS TO LPM single & 3 phase ...

JUST $2,552

3” 4KW B3XR-A/ST Flows to 1300 lpm $5,927 K7 K7 versions available

3” tanker pumps with Honda GX390 ex stock

4,000 psi HONDA BLASTERS...

Hard working Aussies SCUD 400 GEARBOX DRIVE (ABBSS400/GX390) $5,224 for professionals

Honda 13HP Bertolini triplex pump Stainless steel ergonomic frame AB40-GT (ABSS40-GT/GX390) $4,283

Scud 400 DELUXE, electric start with stainless steel reel & 30m hose ABBSS400HR/390E $7,100

– HOT WASH & STEAMERS – NEW AUSSIE SIZZLER …

BUDGET HOT WASH Sanitises & cleans, ideal for dairies, piggeries, machinery shops & farms 240v, 4 pole motor & slow speed pump, stainless SAVE steel cover, FREE protection kit, diesel burner, GREAT VALUE...

ON SALE $4,998 SAVE $1,426

$1426

$1570

$1624

AussiePumps (02) 8865 3500

3,000 psi AB30 with Honda 6.5HP FREE Turbo valued at $184 ABSS30/GX200...$2,618

JUST

FROM

RSE3BXV/GX200

2” EPDM seals...for ag chems Flows to 835 lpm, 25m head RSE2BRL/GX200 NOW $1,056 SAVE $447 2” VITON seals...for most chems Flows to 835 lpm, 25m head RSE2BRV/GX200 NOW $1,280 SAVE $394

Compact, powerful, robust Essential farm gear clean-up

Triplex pump, 4 pole motor 30 Kgs of cleaning muscle.

Includes 8m hose, gun & Vario lance

3 year warranty, self-priming ffrom 6m

SAVE

3,000 psi HONDA POCKET ROCKET

FKB8.15

INDUSTRIAL IAL HIGH PRESSURE RE BLASTERS $ 2,000 TO 5,000 PSI (CLASS A)

FRO

4,000 PSI AUSSIE HEATWAVE...

MOBILE STEAM CLEANING

2998 M

MONSOON 1400 2,000 psi, 2.2kW, kW, 240v 240v JUST $2,998 FREE TURBO valued $195 Monsoon 200 kW, 415v 415v 3,000 psi, 5.5kW, JUST $4,078

FS-D1310P4M

)DEAL FOR mOOD CLEAN UP GRAFlTI REMOVAL PLANT washdown, property maintenance.

FREE GU TURB

JUST

$13134 (valuedNatK$I4T O 52)

HSM40004HG

ABMONSS200

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUSSIE GOLD DISTRIBUTOR PRICES EX SYDNEY WAREHOUSE, GST INCLUDED - SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE

Email: info@aussiepumps.com.au Full product specs... aussiepumps.com.au

N.B 5 year warranty covers faulty manufacturing or workmanship on QP & Smart Pump components only.

BEERWAH

CLERMONT

INNISFAIL

MORAYFIELD

ROMA

The Pump House (07) 5494 6166

Clermont Hydraulic & Bearing (07) 4983 3683

NQ Power Equipment P/L (07) 4061 1941

The Stihl Shop Morayfield (07) 5497 8844

Dore Power Equipment (07) 4622 1377

BLACKWATER

CURRAJONG

JIMBOOMBA

MURGON

ROMA

Country Co (07) 4982 5122

Advanced Irrigation Services (07) 4779 2677

Pump Service Industries (07) 5546 0904

Murgon Outdoor Power Equipment (07) 4168 1668

Pumps N Solar (07) 4622 4528

BRENDALE

DALBY

KINGAROY

NAMBOUR

ST GEORGE

All Hose & Valves (07) 3205 6433

Warrego Water (07) 4669 7317

Kingaroy Plumbing Works (07) 4162 2411

The Pump House (07) 5441 4644

Myla Motors (07) 4625 4186

CABOOLTURE

EMERALD

LONGREACH

MT ISA

TOOWOOMBA

All Hose & Valves (07) 5499 3500

CQ Pump & irrigation Services (07) 4987 4748

Centretune Motorcycles (07) 4658 0800

Mitech Air & Allied Service (07) 4743 3966

Warrego Water (07) 4633 5513

CALLIOPE

GATTON

MAREEBA

PITTSWORTH

WARWICK

Calliope Rural Traders (07) 4975 7475

Superior Irrigation (07) 5462 3510

Casali’s (07) 4092 3841

Lindenberg & Co (07) 4693 1322

Warrego Water (07) 4661 4126

CHARLEVILLE

GOONDIWINDI

MARYBOROUGH

ROCKHAMPTON

Tas Mini Motors (07) 4654 1732

Broad Acre Irrigation (07) 4671 6235

Kingstons Rural Supplies (07) 4121 6634

Norosco (07) 4928 7777

CHINCHILLA

HILLCREST

MONTO

ROLLESTON

The Pump House (07) 4662 7949

Total Water Services (07) 3800 3177

Monto Irrigation & Plumbing (07) 4166 1363

Rolleston Rural (07) 4984 3166 12657477-AA52-23

January 2024 TODAY 7

RELIABLE PRODUCTS ...

RELIABLE PEOPLE

Aussie Fire Chief pumps in production for NSW Fire & Rescue.

12652295-AI48-23

Aussie’s big 6” trash pump moves up to 6,000 lpm of water efficiently.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

We’re all for the farmers!

By Dhimant Patel Queensland Area Manager, Aussie Pumps As a Queensland Area Manager for Australian Pump Industries (Aussie Pumps), I know the backbone of Australia’s economy is agriculture.

Last year, agricultural productivity reached a staggering $90 billion, and with proper investment in water resources, it could double!

Here at Aussie Pumps, we understand the potential of Australian farming. That’s why our team is constantly innovating and developing faster, more effective, cost-efficient pumps that outperform cheap imports and even some traditional brands.

Better Products for Aussie Farmers Our philosophy is simple: provide more value to the consumer at fair prices. We offer a wide range of self-priming pumps, from 1“ to 6“, perfect for various on-farm applications.

Farmers love self-priming pumps because of their convenience, especially when drafting water from dams, creeks, rivers, or wells.

Getting Designs Right Aussie Pumps prioritizes quality, using more material to offer superior products at competitive prices.

A prime example is our QP self-priming centrifugal pump range, powered by Honda petrol or Yanmar diesel engines. This range includes pumps up to 6“ with flows of up to 2,900 lpm!

The flagship is the Aussie Fire Chief, considered the world’s best lightweight portable fire pump. Packed with more features and material than any other pump its size, it boasts a 25% performance advantage, bigger impellers, and the ability to self-prime from 7.6 m. Additionally, it comes with a five-year warranty, steel skids with anti-vibration mounts, and a competitive price tag.

Need to transfer water quickly?

Aussie’s got the 3“, 4“, and 6“ pumps designed for efficient water transfer.

Our 6” QP602 Honda petrol transfer pumps are available with long range fuel tanks for convenience. The 16-litre fuel tank enables the pump to continuously move large volumes of water for up to 4½ hours, translating to a staggering 783,000 litres per fuel tank cycle.

Installing large pumps means a bigger initial investment, but down the track, the faster transfer times save fuel. The larger diameter hose cuts friction loss, delivering more performance and improved efficiency.

8 TODAY January 2024

Aussie’s 3” Smart Pump is used on Goldacres Batchmate mixing equipment.

Managing Contaminated Wastewater The Aussie range of trash pumps were originally developed for construction sites, mines and quarries. Capable of handling large volumes of flow, the pumps are advanced in their efficiency, easy to maintain, simple to use and extremely effective. They are perfect for floods, wastewater and livestock effluent!

The pumps range from 2” portable Honda powered models, often used by plumbers and construction companies, culminating in big 6” series that can handle up to 6,000 litres per minute.

Aussie QP Trash Pump range feature open impellers that can pass solids in suspension.

A front mounted clean-out port enables any choke in the pump to be cleared with the need to disconnect pipework.

When floods threatened Horsham a few years back, Millers Contracting, a leading earthmoving contractor, moved swiftly to put a 6” Aussie trash pump into operation. It di-

verted water to a by-pass channel saving the town from flooding.

Leak Free Chemical Transfer Aussie’s range of Smart Pumps are specifically designed to handle corrosive ag chemicals, including liquid fertilisers. Made from 30% glass filled polyester, these 2” & 3” pumps self prime, are corrosion resistant and offer first class performance.

We found that farmers had been using pumps designed specifically for handling water, manufactured from cast iron or aluminium. The result was corrosion and often leaks because the seal material was not compatible with the liquid.

Aussie Smart Pumps are available with a range of seals, EPDM to suit ag chemicals, Buna N for diesel and salt water and Viton for more aggressive chemicals.

Now the pumps are available in a range of configurations including Honda petrol, elec-

tric and hydraulic motor drive.

Pressure Cleaning Power Our compact AB30, the “Pocket Rocket,“ is a popular choice of farms, both in Australia and internationally. These 3,000 psi cleaners with top-quality Italian pumps and Honda engines feature ergonomic stainless steel frames.

The ’Scud’ design gives our machines a huge advantage in terms of manoeuvrability and stability.

The Scud range extends beyond the AB30, with the AB40-GT offering 4,000 psi of cleaning power and a sleek, sculpted stainless steel frame. For heavy-duty applications, the Scud 400, powered by a 13hp Honda engine and featuring a 4,000 psi pump and slow-speed gearbox drive, is the professional’s choice.

For jobs that require a long reach, Aussie has stainless steel hose reels, with up to 30m of high pressure hose, that fit neatly onto the purpose designed Scud frames on these blasters. They are easy to fit and offer huge OH & S advantages.

The Power of Steam Aussie steam cleaners offer several advantages over cold water pressure cleaners. They clean faster, use less chemicals, are more hygienic, and surfaces dry instantly. We offer a range of steam cleaners designed specifically for Australian conditions.

The Aussie Admiral MK3, with its 20 litres per minute capacity and 3,000 psi output, is ideal for continuous steam cleaning tasks. It can produce 135°C steam, tackling even the toughest cleaning jobs and sterilizing surfaces.

The Aussie Sizzler Hot Wash, a 240-volt dairy special, produces 1,800 psi at 80°C. This reliable, stainless steel machine with a heavyduty pump and slow-speed motor is a Favourite among dairy farmers for its effectiveness and affordability.

Extended Warranties for Peace of Mind Our design team constantly seeks inspiration and direction from the market. We are passionate about understanding applications and learning from the people who use our products. This understanding allows us to develop reliable machines that can withstand even the most demanding agricultural environments.

That’s why we offer extended warranties on our products.

For more information, visit your nearest Aussie Pump authorized distributor or our website at aussiepumps.com.au.

Together, let’s keep Aussie farming strong

12635245-MS39-23

www.pioneerseeds.com.au

January 2024 TODAY 9

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Aaron Kiely heads QFF Emerald cotton grower Aaron Kiely has been elected president of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), succeeding Allan Dingle who steps down after completing his four-year tenure.

Mr Kiely was elected non-executive director and vice president of QFF in 2021 and is also the past president of the Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association.

Dairy farmer and current non-executive director Kay Tommerup will step into the vicepresident position, with Georgina Krieg, a cotton grower, also joining the QFF Board.

Mr Kiely said he was pleased to continue his leadership contribution to QFF as he steps into the president role.

“I would like to thank QFF’s members for trusting me to take on this important position not only for QFF but for the Queensland agriculture sector,” Mr Kiely said.

“There are many opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture sector and I am looking forward to continuing to work with

QFF members and industry to look at ways we continue working together to build a strong future for Queensland agriculture.

“I would also like to thank outgoing president Allan Dingle for his service to the sector and his leadership of QFF during the past four years.”

QFF CEO Jo Sheppard also extended her gratitude to Allan for his contribution to QFF and the membership during his time in the president position.

“QFF continues to maintain its position as a strong advocate for the future of the Queensland agriculture sector and I would like to thank Allan for his service to the organisation and farmers across the state,” she said.

“I am proud of what has been achieved however there is still so much work that needs to be done and I am looking forward to working alongside Aaron and the QFF Board to ensure we can continue working for our members and industry to strengthen the future of Queensland agriculture and regional communities.”

Emerald cotton grower Aaron Kiely has been elected president of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation.

Picture: COTTON AUSTRALIA

Community and police working together To make our communities safe.

SAFEGUARD YOUR FIREARMS Protecting Our Community A person who posses a firearm must take all reasonable precautions to ensure: • Safe storage of the firearm; and • That the firearm is not stolen or lost; and • That it does not come into the possession of a person who is not authorised to possess the firearm.

Section 60 of the Weapons Act 1990 applies penalties in excess of $10,000 or two years imprisonment for failing to secure firearm/s. A person convicted of a weapons offence becomes disqualified from holding a firearm license for five years.

If it’s an emergency or there’s immediate danger, Call Triple Zero 000 Visit www.police.qld.gov.au for more information 12628513-JC35-23

10 TODAY January 2024

ROMA, 9-10 FEB, 2024 TICKETS AVAILABLE

VIA TICKETEK

12658312-AP52-23

January 2024 TODAY 11

12658660-SN52-23

ROMA, 9-10 FEB, 2024

TICKETS AVAILABLE

VIA TICKETEK

The NSW Waratahs defeated the Queensland Reds 21-14 to retain the Santos Cup in their pre-season game at Gallas Fox Park in Roma.

All roads lead to Roma In partnership with Queensland Rugby Union and New South Wales Rugby Union, Santos is pleased to present the Santos Festival of Rugby, 9-10 February 2024.

The centerpiece of the festival will once again be a pre-season game between the Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs Super Rugby teams. Playing for the Santos Cup, this is a chance for the teams to get a good hit-out before the Super Rugby Pacific tournament kicks off.

The annual celebration of rugby will also include Roma Sevens, and men’s and women’s Super Rugby fixtures.

Besides the action on the field, the program of events includes junior coaching clinics and family fun activities. There will be live entertainment on the Friday and Saturday nights with a performance from Hot Dub Time Machine on Saturday 10 February.

The rugby bodies thank the Maranoa Council for their continued support, and the Roma Echidnas Rugby Club for hosting this event.

Maranoa Regional Council mayor Tyson Golder said the region was “extremely excited” and grateful to have the opportunity to host the Festival of Rugby.

“We look forward to welcoming the Reds and Waratahs, as well as all the Rugby 7s players and spectators to the outback,” Cr Golder said.

“I think it’s wonderful for our region to experience that level of competition in Roma. It’s certainly a big deal for our town.

“Our children are top sportspeople, so many young athletes represent Roma at the highest level and these are the professional athletes they look up to.

“For them to come to the bush and play rather than us travelling to the city, it means a lot.”

When: Friday 9 February to Saturday 10 February 2024 Where: Galas Fox Park, home of the Roma Echidnas Rugby Union Club (Warrego Hwy, Roma, QLD 4455) Program Friday 9 February: Day 1 of the Roma Sevens competition across social men’s and women’s teams and post-match entertainment by DJ Jonny Mac. Saturday 10 February: Day 2 of the Roma Sevens competition, pre-season match QLD

· · · ·

12 TODAY January 2024

A lineout during the Santos Cup in Roma.

Reds v NSW Waratahs, post-match entertainment by Hot Dub Time Machine.

Full program of events will be released soon.

Tickets on sale NOW. Tickets must be purchased online. No cash sales at the gate. Pre-purchase is recommended for quick scanning at the gate.

Proceeds from ticket sales will help support community grass-roots rugby.

Important information All VIP ticket holders must be 18+ years old.

On site car parking is available. Full details under the food and entertainment tab.

· ·

Food outlets:

assortment of food outlets will be serving · An a variety of drinks and tasty treats throughout the festival. Please note all sales will be cashless.

Car parking: Onsite car parking is available.

Free bus service: Bus service will be provided during peak times to and from the ground to Roma, Main Street.

This family friendly festival will have a dedicated family zone, parent room and activities for the kids.

Those visiting Roma to attend the Santos

· ·

Festival of Rugby can find information about the region on the Maranoa Regional Council website. The site contains information about accommodation, where to eat, things to do and more.

Accommodation will sell out fast, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Festival merchandise is available for sale during the Festival from one of the merchandise stalls located around the ground.

NSW Waratahs and QLD Reds apparel will be available for purchase during the festival. If you’d like to order merchandise ahead of time, please visit their websites.

12658660-SN52-23

ROMA, 9-10 FEB, 2024

TICKETS AVAILABLE

VIA TICKETEK

Our celebration of rugby The Santos Festival of Rugby will return to Roma in 2024, with the annual pre-season trial between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds once again the centrepiece of the celebration of Rugby with the Waratahs looking to win their fourth consecutive Santos Cup. Held on 9 and 10 February, the event will offer a huge amount of top-line rugby for fans, including club Sevens, country representative matches, and men’s and women’s Super Rugby fixtures.

Country representative matches will kickstart the action on the Friday night and will culminate in clashes between traditional rivals New South Wales and Queensland for both Super W and Super Rugby squads.

Held at Galas Fox Park, home of the Roma Echidnas Rugby Club, in partnership with Santos and Maranoa Council, the event will also feature music acts on Friday and Saturday night.

NSW Rugby Union CEO Paul Doorn said: “The Santos Festival of Rugby has become the signature preseason event in the Australian Rugby calendar.

“The event continues to grow every year, now featuring sevens games, country representative games and both the men’s Super Rugby team and women’s Super W team.

“We can’t wait to get to Roma to trial ourselves against our oldest rivals, in our 150th year and the opportunity to engage with the heartland of country QLD. “We thank Santos for their continued support of this amazing festival and grassroots rugby around Australia.”

Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said: “The annual Santos Festival of Rugby is one of the most genuine examples of

Gallas Fox Park in Roma hosted the Santos Cup between the Qld Reds and NSW Waratahs. a real commitment to taking elite sport to regional communities.

“We share a vision to advance and develop the game in Queensland, and commitment to engage with rugby lovers in the bush. This is a landmark event which we are proud to be de-

livering alongside Santos.”

GA: Entrance into Festival, general admission seating areas and access to food /drink outlets, merchandise, family friend activations, and post-game entertainment.

Premium GA: Entrance into the Festival and exclusive use of an elevated undercover area. Access to food/ drink outlets, merchandise, family friendly activations and post-game entertainment. Limited tickets.

The holiday season can be a difficult time for some people. You can make a difference at this time of year by checking in and having a meaningful conversation with the people in your world who: Are grieving Are missing friends or family Have had a tough year Are struggling financially Are affected by natural disasters Are working over the holidays

Have challenging family relationships Are spending the holidays alone Feel excluded at this time Are feeling overwhelmed by world events

Here’s some tips to help you connect and support your colleagues, friends and family: Think about who in your world might be finding this time difficult and ask them, ‘are you OK?’ or ‘how are you doing?’

Meet up for a chat over a cup or tea or coffee.

If someone is grieving, ask them how they’d like to honour the memory of their loved one.

Extend an invitation to someone who will be alone during the holiday period.

Organise a picnic or activity to bring people together.

Have a virtual catch up with someone you can’t see in person or send a text message to let someone know you’re thinking of them.

Suggest a ‘walk and talk’ with someone you know who finds the holidays tough.

Drop off a meal to someone to show them you care.

Remind your friends that telephone support service Lifeline (13 11 14) are operating 24/7 over the holidays if they need extra support.

For more conversation tips visit ruok.org.au 12660610-SN52-23

January 2024 TODAY 13

12658733-ET52-23

14 TODAY January 2024

January 2024 TODAY 15

12658660-SN52-23

ROMA, 9-10 FEB, 2024

TICKETS AVAILABLE

VIA TICKETEK

Angus Scott-Young tries to evade defenders during the Santos Cup in Roma.

Hamish Stewart carries the ball towards the defensive line in the Santos Cup in Roma.

Action from last year

Ben Donaldson plays for the NSW Waratahs during the Santos Cup in Roma.

Fraser McReight is caught by a Waratahs defender during the Santos Cup in Roma.

Jake Gordon runs towards Queensland defenders during the Santos Cup in Roma.

16 TODAY January 2024

Spencer Jeans passes during the Santos Cup in Roma.

Filipo Daugunu runs towards NSW defenders during the Santos Cup in Roma.

12658660-SN52-23

ROMA, 9-10 FEB, 2024

TICKETS AVAILABLE

VIA TICKETEK

The ball boys at the Santos Cup in Roma.

SHEDS RURAL SHED SOLUTIONS

CONTACT US

MADE IN TOOWOOMBA QUEENSLAND

sales@cubexgroup.com.au www.cubexgroup.com.au 07 4699 9810 DESIGNED | ENGINEERED | MANUFACTURED | INSTALLED

QBCC No. 15178304

12548299-SN21-22

January 2024 TODAY 17

vs ACTION PACKED TWO DAY PROGRAM: Men’s and Women’s Rugby including: • Roma Sevens Competition • QLD Reds VS NSW Warratahs Live entertainment featuring:

TICKETS ON SALE

NOW

• DJ Jonny Mac • Hot Dub Time Machine And much more…

12658313-MS52-23

18 TODAY January 2024

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

NEWS

Saving marine plants, jobs

By Fiona Gowers

Monocot Pty Ltd is a plant nursery on the Sunshine Coast.

Fast Facts Sunshine Coast plant nursery Monocot Pty Ltd named one of 24 successful businesses to receive a Rural Economic Development (RED) grant.

·

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

· The enterprise will use the RED grant to · Overall, the fifth round of the RED Grants develop a plant micropropagation laboratory to help recover at-risk marine plant species, creating up to two direct full time jobs.

program has provided $3.9 million in funding and is expected to create up to 215 direct, long-term jobs.

12656957-SN52-23

A Sunshine Coast plant nursery is building a micropropagation laboratory to help grow key marine species while creating up to 32 jobs thanks to a Rural Economic Development (RED) grant.

Monocot Pty Ltd will expand into mangrove and seagrass, both of which are key for carbon storage, water quality and sea animal habitat.

The species are difficult to commercially cultivate and require sterile, climate-controlled conditions to grow, which will be achieved through specialised lighting and equipment in the laboratory. Monocot Pty Ltd will build the facility next year, with the plant products expected to be used for blue carbon farming and mining rehabilitation. Monocot Pty Ltd director Belinda Brown said the laboratory would be used to commercially trial and grow selected mangrove species using tissue culture and micropropagation techniques.

“Mangroves are important as they stabilise the coastline from erosion, improve water quality and accumulate three to 10 times more carbon than most ecosystems on the planet,“ she said. “They are also a breeding habitat for many animals such as fish, birds and crustaceans.

“The construction and fit-out of the lab will require specialist suppliers of cold rooms, air conditioning systems and lighting, as well as the purchase of laboratory equipment.

“When mangrove propagation trials are established, we anticipate that the nursery may require up to 30 additional laboratory assistants and/or nursery production staff to assist with the project.”

Overall, the fifth round of the RED Grants program is expected to create up to 215 jobs.

Grants are available for up to $200,000 with a 50 per cent cash contribution requirement from applicants to fund projects that generate economic and employment opportunities related to primary production value chains across rural and remote Queensland.

January 2024 TODAY 19

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

Champion changemakers

By Fiona Gowers Two Queenslanders are among seven recipients of the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant. Women whose creative responses to some of agriculture’s biggest challenges signal a bright future for rural industries and regional communities.

Emily McNair of Quilpie is on a mission to fill a void in the beef cattle industry.

She has established a training model to provide education, hands-on experience and pathways to support emerging leaders in embryo transfer practices.

“Embryo transfer services are critical in accelerating the rate of genetic gain and increasing efficiencies across the beef industry,“ Emily said.

“This grant will allow me to develop plans to provide training in the services that aid in improving genetics across the beef industry.“ Belinda Pooley of Eumundi is a secondgeneration European honey beekeeper in Queensland.

Belinda’s vision is to bring a ‘Bee School’ to life and deliver interactive workshops to primary-aged school children introducing them to the important roles of bees in agriculture.

“Kids love to say ‘none of your beeswax’ but I’m all about making bees their business!

“This grant will help me deliver interactive workshops to kids in primary school to teach them all about the critical role bees play in the agricultural industry.

“I want to set them abuzz with the endless opportunities this sector offers.”

Since it was launched two years ago, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant program has allowed 14 women to bring their ideas, causes and visions for a stronger regional Australia to life since it was launched two years ago.

This year’s seven successful women will each receive a learning and development bursary of up to $7000 to equip them with the skills and knowledge to develop their project from idea to reality.

AgriFutures acting general manager of Workforce, Communications and Adoption Jennifer Galloway said the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant program was another way the organisation was supporting female-led rural and regional industries, businesses and communities to build a better tomorrow.

“Regional Australia is brimming with untapped innovative and creative ideas that set local industries and communities up for the future,” Ms Galloway said.

“And as the backbone of so many regional communities, it is often the women helping make this happen - whether they’re on the farm, running a small business, leading important conversations or fighting for local causes.

“That’s why AgriFutures continues to champion diversity through our grants for women.

“In addition to our AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award - which has supported more than 300 women in their professional rural pursuits over the past 21 years - we have also created the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant. “(This) fosters the growth and development of a new generation of changemakers with ideas worthy of further work, yet who aren’t quite ready to apply for the Award program.

“We have been blown away by all the applicants and particularly the recipients this year.

“From try-the-trade workshops to making scientific information more accessible, boosting mental and emotional health in rural vets and a podcast that helps farm families through the complexity and heartbreak of succession.

“Our 2024 recipients showcase the incredible insight, innovation and impact regional Australian women can bring to driving more prosperous communities.”

Meet the other 2024 recipients: Emily Blackburn, Wongarbon, NSW Ag Journey Australia is Emily’s vision to bridge the gap between education and agriculture.

To facilitate an online platform for students to 20 TODAY January 2024

Olga Davis.

Sarah Golding.

Dr Rebecca Thistlethwaite.

Emily Blackburn.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

Gillian Fennell.

Emily McNair of Quilpie.

Belinda Pooley of Eumundi.

access information about opportunities in the industry and ‘try the trade’ workshops, which allows students to dip their toe into an industry before committing to further career development.

“We need to invest time and resources in the next generation if we want to ensure we have strong rural industries down the track and I want to keep showing students the huge diversity of jobs on offer across the sector,“ Emily said.

“Because they may not be what you think.“ Gillian Fennell, Lambina, SA Gillian’s immense experience in the agricultural industry gave her the impetus to begin a podcast series on succession. It will be an empathetic and authentic podcast that delves deep into the challenges faced by Australian agricultural and farming families when succession planning goes awry.

“We’ve all heard horror stories about succession planning gone wrong - it can bring out the best and the worst in all of us. This grant will help me build a podcast that can help those going through it, whether it’s providing some useful, practical advice or just knowing

others are going through the same. We can all use a listening ear at times.”

Dr Rebecca Thistlethwaite, Narrabri, NSW Dr Rebecca Thistlethwaite has identified a critical need for early-career researchers in industry-related roles to effectively communicate complex scientific ideas to non-scientific audiences such as advisors, growers and industry specialists. And she is aiming to bridge this gap with her vision, ‘AgriCom Connect’.

“Everyone deserves access to the same information, but for many of us not trained in complex scientific areas of research, it can be difficult and overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why I’m proud to bridge this gap by delivering a translator of sorts that will prove a game-changer for anyone wanting to find out more about all things ag.”

Sarah Golding, Inverell, NSW An experienced veterinarian, Sarah is passionate about developing a learning platform for fellow vets that builds resilience and provides the tools to manage their mental and emotional wellbeing, so they can continue and thrive long term within the industry.

“The veterinary industry is in crisis, espe-

cially rural vets who are doing it all and serving the communities they love, without referral and after-hours emergency centres nearby to help lighten the load. This initiative aims to equip vets early on with the skills required to remain resilient to the ever-growing pressures that come with being a vet, so they can continue providing the best care to local animals and their owners.“ Olga Davis, Glenrowan, VIC Olga Davis envisions creating an inclusive and innovative online portal focused on homesteading practices, aimed at empowering individuals and communities to become self-sufficient and healthier, focusing on skills such as growing organic produce, preserving food and sustainable living.

“Everyone wants to live a healthier life, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

I want to provide practical advice that can help anyone - whether you’re on a farm with the family or in a sharehouse in town - to live a more sustainable, self-sufficient life.“ * Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant and Rural Women’s Award will open in August 2024.

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

Brewing new opportunities

By Fiona Gowers Australians love their coffee, with more than six billion cups consumed annually.

The coffee bean market in Australia is worth $1 billion however the majority of beans are sourced internationally.

Australia’s home-grown coffee industry now seeks new opportunities to build national demand through the promotion of Australia’s unique ’taste of place’.

The Australian coffee growing industry is long established and today consists of about 50 growers split between North Queensland, south-eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, who have successfully created a distinct and high-quality product that services small domestic, tourist and specialist export markets.

Australian-grown coffee has a unique terroir, commonly known as the ’taste of place’ and, while the terroir of wine is well-known and provides competitive advantages for highquality wine producers, it is not so well known for coffee.

AgriFutures Australia senior manager emerging industries Dr Olivia Reynolds said part of AgriFutures Australia’s remit was to build the prosperity of emerging rural industries to address that disparity.

“New research completed in conjunction with Southern Cross University, Processing Methods Bootcamp and the Australian coffee industry has confirmed that Australian-grown coffee has unique and measurable terroir with a sweeter, more nutty and fruity flavour that coffee drinkers appreciate and enjoy,” Dr Reynolds said.

“Producing clear flavour profiles, depending on where and how Australian coffee beans are grown, will assist coffee producers in defining and communicating the unique characteristics and flavours of their coffee.

“Importantly, consumers can start to identify their preferences depending on where that coffee is produced, much in the same way as wine.

“We believe this is a really important step forward globally.

“But, in particular, for an emerging coffee industry in Australia that will reduce our reliance on imports and give consumers an opportunity to support home-grown Aussie produce and its unique terroir.

“And, what better way than through a locally-produced flat white.”

Defining terroir of Australian coffee report As part of the research, AgriFutures Australia and Southern Cross University produced the ’defining terroir of Australian coffee’ to increase demand.

More than 100 Australian-grown single-origin green beans from 28 farms were analysed, along with 50 international single-origin green beans.

The green beans were roasted using a fixed roast profile to ensure equal treatment and was then tasted by 15 coffee panels across Australia.

The panellists included coffee growers, green bean buyers, importers, roasters, baristas, trainers and coffee judges. These coffees were also analysed chemically to provide a unique fingerprint.

In a global first, this project has developed a Coffee Character Wheel to standardise acidity, mouthfeel and aftertaste sensory terms, allowing us to define coffee terroir around the world.

Research Fellow of plant science at Southern Cross Universiry Dr Simon Williams said the research confirmed Australian-grown coffee had unique measurable terroir to assist with consumer choice.

“The aim of the Coffee Character Wheel is to suggest and unify the vocabulary used for describing the acidity, mouthfeel, aftertaste and overall characteristics of coffee that are not specifically flavour,” Dr Williams said.

“Using the Coffee Character Wheel, Australian-grown coffee has been described as having a low-medium intensity acidity with citric acid and malic acid characters similar to apple

AgriFutures Australia senior manager of Emerging Industries Dr Olivia Reynolds. and berry, a smooth texture and light medium body mouthfeel, a medium-long aftertaste and flavours described as fruity and nutty.

“It is this sort of information that will allow us to inform consumers that Australia is a sophisticated and established coffee producer with enormous potential based on the unique characteristics of the region where that coffee is grown and produced.

“We firmly believe that the Australian coffee industry can be an absolute success story, helping to strengthen the profitability, productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of our rural industries and the regional communities who work on the land.

“Australia has a strong reputation for our clean and green food and fibre production and coffee can have an important role in telling that story in key international export markets.

“We look forward to toasting the future success of coffee growers with a double espresso from North Queensland, south-eastern Queensland or northern New South Wales, depending on your personal coffee preferences.”

Fast facts: Australian grown coffee industry looking at new promotion opportunities to build demand.

A clearly defined ‘taste of place’ will be a key driver for this growth.

New research has confirmed Australiangrown coffee has unique and measurable characteristics giving it a ‘taste of place’.

World first coffee character wheel launched

by AgriFutures Australia and Southern Cross University.

Pictures: CONTRIBUTED

· · · ·

Coffee beans.

January 2024 TODAY 21

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Cutting-edge plant tech Digital versions of farms, autonomous vehicles that identify and control weeds, a satellite mapping platform and drones dominated discussions at an agtech event in Toowoomba.

Cutting-edge plant health innovations were showcased during the OpenGround Demo Day, held at the Agtech and Logistics Hub last month.

The event featured trailblazers in agtech involved in the OpenGround plant health program, run in conjunction with Meat & Livestock Australia.

In all, 150 people immersed themselves in the latest tech with the potential to transform crop and pasture health, including growers, producers, agribusinesses, venture capital firms and academics.

OpenGround participants who demonstrated how their products and services could improve plant health solutions included Tim Howell and Stu Adam, the founders of Agronomeye.

Agronomeye’s digital twins and AgTwin platform deliver on-farm insights that are actionable and marketable in areas such as erosion control, carbon farming, biodiversity, animal welfare and sustainable land management.

Using highly detailed imaging technology combined with advanced data modelling, their goal is to enable farmers, land managers and their stakeholders to make informed, risk-free decisions that are nature-positive and profitable.

“Agronomeye provides the fundamental digital building blocks to help contextualise and transform farmland management,“ Mr Howell said.

“Through the creation of our digital foundation and AgTwin platform, we offer a comprehensive solution to drive productivity and sustainability.“ Another OpenGround participant who

AgriBusiness CEO Grant Statton and Queensland chief entrepreneur Julia Spicer.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Meat & Livestock Australia program manager Dr Allan Peake.

Peter Johnston from Hone.

John Whitfeld from Rural Boss.

DataFarming managing director Tim Neale.

demonstrated their tech was Tim Neale, who co-created DataFarming with wife Peta.

DataFarming’s platform allows farmers and agronomists to gain a range of insights, including pasture growth, where to target crop and pasture issues and where to soil test.

DataFarming is looking to enhance pasture health and management by using satellite data to determine the amount of available green feed in a paddock.

This is particularly important in intensive-

ly managed pasture systems such as dairies, sheep/wheat properties and high-value cattle operations.

Their technology is a leading global digital agriculture platform, covering 36,000 farms across 50 countries. Of those farms, 70 per cent are livestock producers.

Kelpie was also at the demo day, demonstrating its autonomous ground vehicle technology, which uses an advanced, autonomous navigation system and AI-based veg-

etation recognition to identify weeds to avoid over spraying.

AirBorn Insight exhibited one of its drones, which are equipped with advanced sensors to collect data on plant health and traits.

Researchers analyse the data to understand plant health, growth patterns, stress responses and other phenotypic characteristics as affected by genetics, treatments, environment and management practices.

KEEPING OUR LOVED ONES SAFE! IN ONE YEAR

drowning 141 Coastaldeaths

23%

16%

51%

OFFSHORE

ROCKS/CLIFFS

AT THE BEACH

49% AT LEAST 5KM FROM A LIFESAVING SERVICE

89% MALE

202306122580_1-ET25-23

22 TODAY January 2024

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Sara Wolski and Jerome Leray from InFarm.

Agtech and Logistics Hub manager Owen Williams.

Agricultural AI company InFarm demonstrated how its technology allowed farmers to target weeds, saving up to 95pc in herbicide use on-farm.

The other OpenGround participants who demonstrated at the OpenGround Demo Day were NonTox, Hone, WeedScan and Calix.

Agtech and Logistics hub manager Owen Williams said OpenGround was an industryleading program with a focus on solving important industry challenges.

“OpenGround is a unique opportunity, with the challenge of bringing together scale-ups and other innovators with market-ready in-

Andreas Glanznig from WeedScan.

Agronomeye co-founder Stu Adam.

Nat Parker and Loren Otto from AirBorn Insight. novations and leading minds from academia, industry, agribusiness, research and government to collaborate on solutions to address challenges around plant health,” he said.

“With a growing world population, a changing climate and the rise of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), plant health has

never been more important.

“It is critical to address challenges around plant health given our food supply relies on plants that can grow and produce strong yields in the face of pests and environmental challenges.”

12658383-SN52-23

Agronomeye co-founders Tim Howell and Stu Adam.

NEWS

January 2024 TODAY 23

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Showing we give a fork

By Fiona Gowers Now is the time for the public to stand up and say “we give a fork” about our growers, says Queensland’s state industry body for fruit, vegetables and nuts.

The Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) association has launched a national campaign, designed as a “call to action“ for farmers and consumers to unite in drawing food from the paddock to their plate.

The We Give A Fork campaign will run through 2024. It will focus on the real stories of individual growers and encourage the public to show they appreciate and support our horticultural industry.

QFVG chief executive officer Rachel Chambers said “now is the time“ for people to demonstrate they truly care about the future of fresh fruit, vegetable and nuts being grown in Australia.

“The challenges falling on our growers’ shoulders have never felt heavier,“ she said.

“Over the past 100 years, Australian growers have faced numerous floods, droughts, cyclones, hailstorms and a pandemic.

“Yet, right now, things have never looked more challenging for their industry with the ongoing and cumulative impact of three years of rapidly rising input costs combined with what can only be described as an onslaught of poor policy making.

“Growers are at breaking point.”

With a recent AUSVEG survey finding more than 30 per cent of Australia’s vegetable growers want to leave the industry in the next 12 months, the campaign seeks to draw attention to the very real issues currently facing the entire sector.

Ms Chambers said the campaign hoped to spotlight three key takeaways.

“The first one is that input costs have risen over the past three years, between 30pc and 65pc. Nationally, the average is 37pc and pro-

Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) CEO Rachel Chambers.

Among the growers to participate in the We Give a Fork campaign is Bundaberg producer Trevor Cross (right) who loves what he does but is finding it increasingly difficult to make a living.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED ductivity has decreased by up to one third.

What business model can continue to sustain that?” she said.

“The second is that growers have been sustaining this business model by eating into their savings, eating into their capital and eating into their superannuation. I’ve got growers saying there is nothing left.

“And, thirdly, the policy pile-on in the past 18 months - including regulation and compliance changes in industrial relations - has dramatically changed how growers do business.

“There has been a raft of changes so rapid in succession that growers are struggling to keep up.”

Real stories from real growers released over the coming 12 months will highlight the challenges the industry faces.

“Horticulture is an immensely complex industry,“ Ms Chambers said. “We need to tell

many stories so there can be understanding of its nuances. Good understanding is key to good decision making.“ QFVG is encouraging growers to come forward and share their stories to ensure the message is heard loud and clear.

Among the growers who will take part is Bundaberg producer Trevor Cross who loves what he does but is finding it increasingly difficult to make a living.

“Farming is a passion that if you didn’t love doing it, you wouldn’t do it,” he said.

“All of our input costs have gone up. A lot of stuff is 30 to 40 per cent higher. Labour is running at about 50 to 60 per cent of our income.”

Judy Shepherd, a former Queensland grower, said a key issue that needed highlighting was that growers wanted to be paid fairly for their work and what they produce but not at the expense of the consumer.

“We want to continue growing Australian food, we grow the best food in the world, the safest food in the world,” she said. “This will only happen if it’s within or in a fair and balanced market.”

Shane Fitzgerald, a Queensland-based agronomist, said while those in the industry were resourceful many were at breaking point.

“They take enormous risks all the time and they are used to that,“ he said. “But they cannot overcome this situation where they are operating in an unfair and unbalanced market. It’s incredibly frustrating. And one by one they’re gonna give up.”

For the public to be part of the conversation throughout 2024, they can participate in the #WeGiveAFork campaign across social media.

“As the peak body for fruit, vegetable and nut growers for 100 years, we are determined to ensure growers are being heard,“ Ms Chambers said.

“There must be change, our sector and the Australian public – who rely on their produce – depend on it.” * To learn more about the campaign visit wegiveafork.com.au

ARE YOU IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR? Do you have a story to tell, new projects to talk about or just simply highlight an achievement....

Call Fiona Gowers | E: fiona.gowers@queenslandfarmertoday.com.au Breanna Lloyd | E: breanna.lloyd@queenslandfarmertoday.com.au

For all your classified and advertising enquiries, contact our team.

Samantha Wantling | P: 0439 420 289 E: samantha.wantling@warwickstanthorpetoday.com.au Cindy Unwin | P: 0408 281 861 E: : cindy.unwin@cqtoday.com.au Jemma Wilson | P: 07 4182 0458 E: jemma.wilson@burnetttoday.com.au Tayla Graham E: tayla.graham@maranoatoday.com.au Daniel Pelcl | P: 0408 956 830

17,000 copies published.

Inserted into the following newspapers: • South Burnett Today • Central & North Burnett Today • Warwick Today • Stanthorpe Today • Leader Today • Jimboomba Today • Beaudesert Times • Emerald Today • CQ Today • Goondiwindi Argus Also available from the follow outlets: • Hartleys Newsexpress Toowoomba • Roma Sale Yards • Warwick Sale Yards • Highfields News & Post • Pittsworth Newsagency • News Extra Central City

E: daniel.pelcl@burnetttoday.com.au

Classified Advertising Sharon Jones | P: 07 4182 0451 E: sharon.jones@burnetttoday.com.au 12656961-MS52-23

24 TODAY January 2024

Next edition out on the 25 January 2024

Monthly market report brought to you by Herefords Australia.

12535648-BL08-22

Regional market round-up Cattle Report Date: 13/12/2023 Saleyard: Dalby The supply of stock at Dalby for the last sale of 2023 reduced by 3,000 head to 4,554. Cattle were drawn from South Australia, NSW, Western QLD plus the regular supply area. All the usual buyers were present however not all processors operated on a market that could not maintain the rates of last week. Yearling steers-in the 200-280kg range returning to the paddock held firm and sold to 421c with an average of 351c/kg. Yearling steers over 280kg to background made 393c to average356c with those to feed at 346c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to background made 368c to average 333c and to feed at 336c/kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed made 318c to average 306c/ kg. Yearling heifers in the 200-280kg range to restockers made 312c to average 255c/kg. A line of yearling heifers with high content to processors averaged 215c and sold to 236c/ kg. Yearling heifers over 280kg to background topped at 314c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed for the domestic market made 299c to average 265c/kg. Heavy yearling heifers to feed averaged 301c and sold to 316c/kg. Grown steers over 500kg to feed sold to 317c and averaged 310c/kg. A handful of grown steers over 600kg to processors made 260c/kg. Grown heifers to processors averaged 255c and sold to 285c with those to feed topping at 298c to average 267c/kg. Light weight cows to restockers made 188c to average 156c/kg with those to processors at 158c to 195c/kg. Score 2 heavy cows to processors sold to 191c and averaged 174c/kg.

The score 3 cows made 224c to average 200c/ kg. Light weight bulls to restockers made 306c to average 291c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to 248c/ kg.

Market Reporter, Errol Luck Report Date: 14/12/2023 Saleyard: Emerald There was a smaller yarding of 1646 head at Emerald sale- back 1483 head on last week, for the last sale of 2023. Quality was good through most of the yard with just a few light conditioned and poorly bred lots on hand. The processor panel was very light on for buyers with just a couple of the regulars in operation. However, the feeder section was keenly contested by regular and travelling buyers. Values were firm to a little easier for most of the yearling pens. The largest samples of light weight yearling steers sold to average 309c to 344c/kg to restockers. Medium weight pens made from 314c to 345c/kg average, for best bred lines.

Light weight yearling heifers topped at 311c/ kg, returning averages from 212c to 285c/ kg mostly to restockers and backgrounders.

Medium weights averaged 228c to 259c/kg mainly to feeders. Grown steers were lightly supplied and under finished, going to processors from 209c to 232c/kg. Feeders paid 217c/ kg to 269c/kg for heavier pens of grown steers, with the lighter lines making 273c to 325c/kg.

Trade heifers reached a top of 223c/kg, averaging 220c to 222c/kg. Those grown heifers

to feed sold to average 216c to 261c/kg. Two score cows averaged 165 to 185c/kg to processors, while they paid to 227c/kg for heavy, four score pens to average 216c/kg. A small number of bulls sold to make from 185c to 189c/kg for heavy weights.

Reporter, Richard Thomson Report Date: 12/12/2023 Saleyard: Roma The last sale for 2023 numbers remained high at Roma with 7,379 head. Cattle were drawn from across Queensland general supply area also Northern Territory and N.S.W. The regular processors operating as well as feedlotters and backgrounders. Most steers eased slightly due to quality and type with the heifers selling firm and cows sold to stronger demand. Light weight yearling steers under 200kg sold to 404c to average 340c/kg. Yearling steers under 280kg made to 430c to average 375c/kg. Yearling steers under 330kg averaged 336c sold to 392c/kg. Yearling steers under 400kg sold from 240c to 356c/kg. Yearling steers 400 to 480kg made to 332c with the over 480kg selling to 270c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers under 200kg made to 252c and averaged from 189c to 251c/kg. Yearling heifers under 280kg topped at 302c/kg to restockers. Yearling heifers under 330kg also sold to 302c/kg to feed. Yearling heifers under 400kg to feed for domestic market topped at 344c/kg. Yearling heifers 400 to 480kg to feed made to 263c/kg. Grown steers 500 to 600kg made to 270c to processors with the 600kg plus selling to 250c/kg. Grown heifers 400 to 500kg sold to 275c/kg. The 2 score cows 400 to 520kg sold from 170c to 210c with the 3 score cows 520kg plus topping at 216c/ kg. The heavy weight bulls made to 232c/kg.

Market Reporter David Friend

+.-&$5(38 +IQ?L <OFF =IMN J?L =;F@ Q?;H?>

Report Date: 11/12/2023 Saleyard: Toowoomba The last cattle sale at Toowoomba before the annual break in the selling program attracted an increased number of 217 head. Overall quality was very mixed with only a few pens of well bred lines. The usual panel of buyers was present and operating plus a large number of onlookers. Prices generally remained within a few cents either way of the previous sale with only quality related changes. Yearling steers under 200kg to restockers made to 364c/kg.

Yearling steers under 280kg also returning to the paddock made to 374c with a fair sample averaging 342c/kg. A handful of yearling steers to feed averaged 325c and made to 342c/kg.

Light weight yearling heifers to restockers made to 268c and averaged 249c/kg. A small selection to feed averaged 272c and made to 280c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows made to 192c to average 188c/kg. Good condition medium weight cows made to 210c/kg. One heavy weight bull found a new home at 254c/ kg. Cows and calves made to $1,400/unit. The next cattle sale in Toowoomba will be held on the 15/01/24.

Market Reporter, Trevor Hess Report Date: 19/12/2023 Saleyard: Warwick Warwick agents penned 142 cattle for the last sale of 2023. The yarding contained excellent lines of supplementary fed yearling steers and heifers suited to the wholesale meat trade plus restocker lines. The regular wholesale buyers and local restockers attended contributing strong prices for the end of the year sale. Light weight yearling steers to restockers made 362c with those over 200kg at 376c to average 343c/ kg. Yearling steers in the 400-480kg range to local wholesalers made 338c to average 313c

with those over 480k at 277c to average 273c/ kg. Light weight yearling heifers to background made 256c to average 251c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed for the domestic market made 254c to average 252c/kg. Heavy yearling heifers to the local wholesale meat trade made 352c to average 301c with those to feed at 256c to average 254c/kg. Yearling heifers over 480kg to processors made 322c to average 289c/kg.

Market Reporter, Errol Luck Sheep Sale Report Date: 20/12/2023 Saleyard: Warwick Isolated falls of rain across the supply area resulted in agents penning 264 lambs and 89 grown sheep at the last sheep for 2023 at Warwick. The yarding contained good lines of well finished trade lambs and mutton with several pens of lambs suited to the feeder operators.

Strong competition from the butchers and wholesalers pushed prices up on the suitable pens with restockers and feeder buyers competing strongly for replacement stock. Hoggets and mutton also sold to dearer prices. Light weight young lambs to restockers averaged $57 and sold to $66 with one pen of heavier young lambs to restockers at $133/head.

Young lambs to feeder operators averaged $106 and sold to $125/head. Light lambs to the butcher trade sold to $171 and averaged from $144 to $166/head. Heavy lambs to the wholesale meat trade made $185 to average $180/ head. Hoggets to processors sold to $74 and averaged $54/head. Heavy ewes to processors made $55 with the wethers at $50/head. Ram lambs to processors sold to $139/head.

Market Reporter, Errol Luck

FY] MRXS WYWXEMREFMPMX] [MXL LIVIJSVH KIRIXMGW

%$13(+(38 +C@N JL?AH;H=S ;H> Q?;HCHHA L;N?M

INCREASE WEIGHT %.1 &$ At weaning, joining and carcase

04 +(38 2OJ?LCIL ,2 (H>?R ION=IG?M

READY TO BUY? Scan for upcoming Hereford Sales Want to know more? herefordsaustralia.com.au 12659602-RR52-23

January 2024 TODAY 25

NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

networkclassifieds.com.au networkclassifieds.com.au

Trades & Services

12524291-CG48-21

V Shedding

OFFICE & DISPLAY CENTER – 97A McEVOY ST. WARWICK

Toowoomba’s Downlands College students who won the 2023 Ekka Grand Champion Pumpkin.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED V Water Solutions

WATER BORE DRILLING 4TH GENERATION CLASS 1 & CLASS 2 LICENCED DRILLERS

Call 1300 037 455

12590425-HC08-23

Professional service | Specialists in irrigation & stock bores E water@geodrillaustralia.com.au W www.gdwaterbores.com.au

Rural V Farm Services

Fish For Farm Dams • Golden Perch • Murray Cod • Silver Perch

Phone: 0400 792 986

Motoring

WANTED Caravan & Motorhomes 12502294-SG27-21

General Classifieds

26 TODAY January 2024

’Tis the season!

The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is opening entries for its iconic giant pumpkin competition.

Some $3400 in prize money is offered, including last year’s new bonus prize of $1000 for the heaviest pumpkin more than 350 kilograms.

Pumpkin patches across southeast Queensland will pump up their produce as growers vie for the heaviest title.

Prize money on offer for the Open and Youth classes is $600 for first place, $400 for second and $300 for third.

All pumpkins more than 80kg are eligible for the coveted title of Champion Heaviest Pumpkin of Show and $850.

Veggie patch kings and queens and 2023 Champion Heaviest Pumpkin of Show title winner Downlands College return in 2024 hoping to recreate their history-making win.

Last year the college was the first school ever to take top honours over an Open Class competitor with their 202kg pumpkin.

The minimum weight for entry into the Youth/School class is 10kg and the competition is curriculum-aligned for foundation to year 8, planting the seed of knowledge about the importance of agriculture.

Also, back to compete in 2024 is Open Class heavyweight, Minden grower Geoff Frohloff, who has seen his fair share of prize money over the years and still holds the Ekka giant pumpkin record of 215kg set in 2015.

The weight target for the 2023 bonus prize of $1000 for the heaviest pumpkin has been lowered from more than 500kg to more than 350kg to encourage more growers to get their green thumbs on.

Farmers, gardeners, schools and students can request their free Giant Atlantic pumpkin seeds and an information pack through the Ekka website at www.ekka.com.au The giant gourds will roll into the Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday 9 March 2024 for judging, with the competition held outside of the August Ekka dates to take advantage of the premium pumpkin growing season.

Entries close 1 March, 2024.

Agrotrend field days back up and running in 2024

12596228-JC13-23

12551031-AV21-22

Good gourd, give it a grow

Quick settlement & finance paid out Joe’s Caravan Sales Ipswich • Call Joe - 0418 876 395

After taking the year off in 2023 this much loved agricultural event Agrotrend will be back in 2024 with a strong focus on connecting vendors, farmers and the community.

“While it was a hard decision to make for this year this time has given us the opportunity to reassess the event, regroup and reinvent ways to ensure that this event is meeting the needs of our agricultural industry.” said Matt Griffiths, president, Bundaberg Field Day Society.

Agrotrend, an initiative of the Rotary Club of Bundaberg, has been held for 46 years and the agricultural industry will remain the core focus of the event with leisure and lifestyle and community interaction key.

The return of Agrotrend has seen a new time of the year with the event being held

20 and 21 September.

Traditionally Agrotrend has been in the first half of the year with the event being moved to September to avoid clashing with the Bundaberg Show and to allow different sectors of the agricultural industry to engage.

“We are calling on business and community to get behind this event and help make 2024 a success.

“We see this as a community event and we want to support the Bundaberg business and community groups by engaging in Agrotrend again” said Matt.

Exhibitor applications and sponsorship opportunities are now open.

For further information visit the website at agrotrend.com.au or contact Ainsley Gatley, event manager on 0488 197400 or email event@agrotrend.com.au.

QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

OPINION

MLA - the year in review There have been plenty of challenges and uncertainty in the livestock sector this year. Markets and weather dominating so much of the commentary.

While we are aware of the challenges and supporting the industry as best as we can, at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), we’ve also been busy telling Australian red meat’s good news story to industry and consumers, here and overseas. I wanted to quickly share with you what we’ve been up to this year and some personal highlights as I sign off as Managing Director at Christmas.

Australian Good Meat Summit In March, 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 were published in the journal, Animal Frontiers, looking at the positive contribution of red meat and livestock production.

The Good Meat Summit highlighted the important role red meat plays in our society and in human history and development. The Summit brought an Australian perspective to the growing body of scientific evidence around the world, highlighting the immense contribution of red meat towards our society.

Adoption outcomes This year, MLA’s successful adoption program delivered $1.04B* in total net benefits to participating producers who adopted a new practice between 2015 and 2023.

During 2022-23 9.3 million sheep, 8.7 million cattle and 536,179 goats were positively impacted by practice change programs rolled out by MLA. Landholders participating in adoption initiatives were responsible

lift program will modernise Australia’s data capture, storage, and distribution system for tracking livestock and their movements, helping industry and producers adapt to changing consumer and market needs into the future.

Launched at the MLA Updates in 2022, the electronic National Vendor Declaration (eNVD) app has continued to roll out to more producers. The app aims to increase adoption of digital livestock consignments – even when there’s no mobile connectivity.

We also relaunched the myMLA platform.

The platforms contains quick access to MLA’s services, localised weather and news, and a gateway to all MLA tools and resources.

We also launched two new market indicators that cover online livestock transactions, one for the lamb market and one for the cattle market.

MLA Updates About 350 producers attended this year’s MLA Updates event in Bendigo in November.

The Updates focused on Sustainability from Paddock to Plate and featured a range of engaging speakers, with highlights including presentations from Holly Kramer, who serves on the boards of Woolworths, Fonterra and ANZ. The Updates also included practical demonstrations of drone mustering with the Sky Kelpie, a carcase breakdown with MLA chef, Sam Burke, genetics and livestock, and innovations in value-added products.

These examples are a sample of the outputs from programs MLA is working on make more and better information and solutions more readily available to all producers across Australia. We look forward to continuing this work in 2024. *Calculated as net present value of adoption to 2045, discounted at 5% annually.

FROM THE MLA JASON STRONG for 157.5M hectares of Australian agricultural land.

MLA’s flagship programs for producers include Profitable Grazing Systems (PGS), Producer demonstration sites (PDS) and EDGE Network. These programs provide information on key management practices through supported learning packages (SLPs), peer-to-peer learning and workshops.

MSA outcomes The Meat Standards Australia (MSA) program delivered $259 million in estimated additional farm gate returns to MSA beef producers in 2022–23, a significant increase from the estimated high of $204 million in the previous year. Which brings approximately $1.8 billion worth of benefits since 2010.

Aussie Meat Trade Hub and international markets Also in March, MLA launched the Aussie Meat Trade Hub. The Hub contains resources and services to assist with buying, selling and marketing Australian beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat across global markets.

We were also happy to host our annual Lambassador event in Victoria and several Aussie Beef Mate events in New South Wales and Queensland.

The Lambassador delegation in May immersed 19 chefs from all around the world in all things Australian lamb. This included farm

visits, butchery demonstrations, cooking masterclasses, and exploration of Melbourne’s vibrant food scene and local industry trends.

The Aussie Beef Mates delegations also brought globally acclaimed chefs and food professionals together to showcase Australian beef production. The groups visited beef properties, feedlots, state-of-the-art processing facilities, and top-tier restaurants across both states.

All these delegations were valuable partnerships between MLA and the respective State Governments.

NLIS, eNVD and myMLA MLA is continuing to develop new digital tools for producers that help them deal with increasingly sophisticated supply chains. In July, Integrity Systems Company commenced a three-year project to develop a new and improved traceability platform to replace the 23-year-old National Livestock Identification System database.

Over the next three years, the data up-

Stepping up to grow our sustainability efforts Doing more with less. That’s what is happening across Australia’s vast industries and modern agriculture is no exception.

As sustainability grows in importance, farmers are having to find ways to produce food using fewer inputs and natural resources while delivering more in terms of efficiency, productivity and profitability.

As our population booms and the environment comes under increased pressure, growers and producers are being required to adopt more environmentally friendly practices and join the transition to a more circular economy.

While sustainability in agriculture is by no means new, the circular economy movement is something many farmers are only just starting to learn about.

Broadly speaking, circular economy is a sustainability model focused on minimising waste by sustainably reusing resources.

In other words, products are reused, rather than discarded.

BREAKING GROUND WITH THOMAS HALL In agriculture, for example, this can involve taking waste or residue and turning it into fertilisers or energy sources.

As a sector, it’s fair to say we are well into our sustainability journey and are beginning the race towards circularity.

In fact, Australian agriculture has an internationally enviable environmental sustainability record, according to report released

by Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) at the beginning of the financial year.

The government department’s analysis shows our use of pesticides and fertilisers is

among the lowest in the world and we have shifted large swathes of land out of agriculture and into conservation.

Our emissions intensities are below average for cattle, specialist beef production, and grains compared to major developed country producers and exporters. We have also reduced agricultural emissions more, percentage-wise, than most other developed countries in the past three decades.

Australian agriculture has made major strides in reducing its environmental impact, but we can always do more.

And we need to do more. If our sector fails to become more sustainable, we run the risk of not meeting international sustainability standards and regulations, which would lead to export challenges and allow other countries to gain a competitive edge in global markets. Not keeping up with sustainable practices may also lead to consumer concerns around the quality and safety of agricultural products.

We know many farmers and agribusinesses want to step up their sustainability efforts, but many lack the resources or knowledge to do so.

We also know agtech will play an important role in helping farmers become more sustainable.

That’s why the Agtech and Logistics Hub is about to embark on an open innovation discovery program, OpenGround, focused on circular economy and sustainability.

The purpose of this program is to advance and expand upon the ongoing efforts of Queensland agribusinesses. It acknowledges the valuable work already in progress while actively seeking new ideas and innovative solutions to address the challenges currently faced by the state’s agribusinesses.

The program will run throughout 2024. We are looking forward to seeing what products and services innovators bring to the table to help accelerate our sector’s transition to a circular economy. Watch this space.

Want your business exposed to

30,000 Queensland readers!

Call today and speak to one of our sales consultants • WESTERN DOWNS - Daniel Pelcl | P: 0408 956 830 | E: daniel.pelcl@burnetttoday.com.au • CENTRAL QLD - Cindy Unwin P: 0408 281 861 | E: cindy.unwin@cqtoday.com.au • MARANOA REGION - Tayla Graham | E: tayla.graham@maranoatoday.com.au • SOUTH CENTRAL & WIDE BAY BURNETT - Daniel Pelcl P: 0408 956 830 | E: daniel.pelcl@burnetttoday.com.au

FarmerToday QUEENSLAND

12649920-AV48-23

January 2024 TODAY 27

SPORT QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au

Roma abuzz for rugby fest

By Fiona Gowers Roma is buzzing as it prepares to host the 2024 Santos Festival of Rugby on 9 to 10 February.

An annual pre-season trial between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds once again forms the centrepiece of the celebration, with the Waratahs hoping to win their fourth consecutive Santos Cup. The event will offer a huge amount of topline rugby for fans, including club Sevens, country representative matches and men’s and women’s Super Rugby fixtures.

Country representative matches will kickstart the action on the Friday night and will culminate in clashes between traditional rivals New South Wales and Queensland for both Super W and Super Rugby squads.

Held at Galas Fox Park, home of the Roma Echidnas Rugby Club - in partnership with Santos and Maranoa Council - the two-day festival will entertain fans both on and off the field. Highlights include junior coaching clinics and family fun activities.

NSW Rugby Union CEO Paul Doorn said: “The Santos Festival of Rugby has become the signature pre-season event in the Australian rugby calendar.

“The event continues to grow every year, now featuring sevens games, country representative games and both the men’s Super Rugby team and women’s Super W team.

“We can’t wait to get to Roma to trial ourselves against our oldest rivals, in our 150th year and the opportunity to engage with the heartland of country Queensland.

“We thank Santos for its continued support of this amazing festival and grassroots rugby around Australia.”

Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said: “The annual Santos Festival of Rugby is one of the most genuine examples of a real commitment to taking elite sport to regional communities.

“We share a vision to advance and develop the game in Queensland and commitment to engage with rugby lovers in the bush. This is a landmark event which we are proud to be delivering alongside Santos.”

Roma Commerce and Tourism general manager Debbie Joppich said she looked forward to welcoming the Santos Festival of Rugby back to Roma in February.

She said the festival was a much anticipated event, with visitors and residents alike enjoying the action and entertainment.

“Events like this are huge for our town and highlight the many great assets we have here.

“Roma is not only a great place to visit and attend events such as this, but it has also so many career and lifestyle opportunities available to make it home.

“The accommodation, retail and hospitality sectors will all be preparing for a busy Santos Festival of Rugby weekend, with the increase in people in the region, providing a substantial economic boost to the region.

“Following on from the energy and excitement created from the 2022 festival, the 2024 event will not disappoint. Local tip: book your accommodation and tickets early!”

Roma Commerce and Tourism general manager Debbie Joppich expects the Santos Festival of Rugby to drive a significant boost in economic activity for the town.

Picture: CONTRIBUTED

· Friday 9 February is day one of the Roma ·

Sevens competition across social men’s and women’s teams. DJ Jonny Mac will provide the post-match entertainment.

Saturday 10 February is day 2 of the Roma Sevens competition, featuring a pre-season match between the QLD Reds v NSW

· · ·

Waratahs. Hot Dub Time Machine will provide the post-match entertainment.

Full program of events to be released soon.

Tickets are on sale now.

Tickets must be bought online. No cash sales at the gate. Pre-purchase is recommended for quick scanning at the gate.

· Proceeds from ticket sales will help support community grass-roots rugby. · All VIP ticket holders must be 18+ years old. · On site car parking is available. · Please visit www.santos.com/festival-ofrugby for updates.

2024 Here We Come!

ROMA Easter In the Country • 28 March to 1 April 2024 www.easterinthecountry.com.au 12657525-RR52-23

28 TODAY January 2024