Egg-cellent endeavour
Along the peaceful back roads of Tiaro, 30 minutes south of Maryborough, you can catch a heartwarming sight: Energetic flocks of free-range chickens - lively and vibrant - scratching and pecking the ground, discovering hidden insects among the lush green grass.
Each week, in a fresh paddock, these chickens enjoy Queensland’s brilliant sun, embracing the freedom to flap their wings and dig in the soft soil.
This charming life is made possible by Nick and Amanda Kuhn, who, along with their three children, run a flourishing business called Brother Brother Organics, focusing on pasture-raised, free-range eggs.
PAGE 5
Left in limbo
In light of the bill to ban live sheep export by sea in May 2028, the federal government has increased the compensation package for the sheep industry but has announced the funding won’t be released until after the next election in July 2025, leaving farmers outraged. Since the bill to ban live sheep exports by sea was approved in July, the Albanese government received enormous amounts of backlash from agricultural and farm lobby groups regarding the overall decision and compensation package.
After receiving the backlash for just over two months, the federal government decided to add what they consider a ‘sweetener’ of $32.7 million to the compensation package on Tuesday, 15 October. STORY PAGE 4
Square Meaters are a moderate-framed Australian cattle breed. They are perfectly suited to the variable Australian temperate climate and have an ability to hold condition in hard times and flourish in normal conditions. The highly efficient animals are gaining a reputation among butchers for their consistent quality and high yield of excellent cuts. As such, Square Meaters breeders across the country are working in teams to help ensure the breed’s future success.
In south east Queensland, due to the high demand for Square Meaters beef, Lachlan Howland of Golden Pastoral Co. recently started a buy-in program with other breeders.
“Know your own market and aim to produce for that,” Lachlan says.
A game changer
By Fiona Gowers
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it sent ripples of uncertainty through many industries. Agriculture was no exception.
Queensland growers Richard and Melissa
McGruddy quickly realised they needed to find a way around supply shortages of fertiliser and chemicals for their strawberry, raspberry and blackberry crops.
Since starting Queensland Berries 20 years ago, it has become one of Australia’s largest pri-
vately-owned and -operated berry businesses. Changing their game plan was not just an option; it became essential.
Working closely with their Nutrien Ag Solutions agronomist, Millie Monk and branch man-
ager Karl Tollner - who are based in Yandina and have serviced Queensland Berries for the past 15 years - the McGruddys tackled the challenges head-on. STORY PAGE 3
Nick and Amanda Kuhn, on-farm at Tiaro. (Supplied)
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Moving on after six years of dedication
By Breanna Lloyd
After dedicating six years of presidency to the organisation, former AgForce general president Georgie Somerset has stepped down from her position.
Ms Somerset is a rural industry leader and strategist who has been heavily involved with the AgForce organisation since its inception in 1997.
After growing up on her family property in Winton, Mrs Somerset moved to the South Burnett region in 1989, where she now runs a commercial cross-bred cattle operation.
She has extensive experience across many not-for-profit, government and industry sectors and throughout her time has served on many advisory committees for regional development, tertiary institutions, industry and community groups.
Ms Somerset is also a director of the Royal Flying Doctors Service, the RFDS Foundation, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and a chair of the Red Earth Community Foundation in the South Burnett.
Ms Somerset was first elected as vice president of AgForce in 2014 and held the position for four years.
At this stage in her career, Ms Somerset felt she could contribute more to the rural community by being president, hence began her AgForce presidency in August 2018.
Being the first female AgForce president, Ms Somerset said it was a privilege.
“It has been such an insight into so many opportunities and challenges across the different sectors of agriculture,” she said.
“I appreciate all of the support from the board and members of AgForce who have helped my leadership skills along the way.
“I’m really proud of all the work we have established and I am positive our organisation will continue to serve its members with both shortterm responses and long-term solutions, understanding the importance of long-form policy work that benefits those growing food and fibre.”
Taking over Ms Somerset’s former role is AgForce deputy chair and north regional director Shane McCarthy, who was officially appointed on Tuesday, 12 November.
“I’m humbled to take on the reins as general president, handed to me by our outgoing GP Georgie Somerset after her incredibly successful six-year stint,” he said.
“It’s an honour to be your general president
for the next period.
“Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at any time, whether you are a member or nonmember, and I will do my best to ensure our organisation continues to grow in strength.”
Although she is still a board member of the organisation, Ms Somerset said she already misses her presidency role but has high faith in the future of the organisation.
“Agriculture continues to have enormous scope for growth in, Queensland and this must be capitalised upon,“ she said.
“Let’s use the opportunity of a more geographically diverse cabinet to seriously invest in rural areas to help those communities thrive, to give refreshed hope to the next generation, and give confidence to future generations to invest, so we can watch what we know the regions are capable of come to fruition.
“The past six years while I was at the helm, there have been some green shoots breaking through, which is so encouraging.
“There’s now a real opportunity for a major breakthrough, with many MPs in the new Queensland Cabinet living outside the south-east corner to connect and collaborate with. It is a welcome change.”
In between managing her other board roles and her family property, Ms Somerset strives to continue adding value to regional Australians from her member position with AgForce.
“Now I’m asking myself how I can continue contributing to rural Queenslanders and how I can help bring people together as one,“ she said.
Sure, skin cancer might not happen to you, just don’t bet the farm on it.
According to the National Rural Health Alliance, farmers have a 60 per cent higher death rate from Melanoma than the general population and skin cancer deaths in farmers over 65 are more than double the rate of other Australians.
And, while Melanoma in young people has reduced since 1982 due to the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign, the incidence in Australia overall doubled from 1986 to 2006 and continues to rise.
Australia and New Zealand still have the highest rate of Melanoma in the world, while the Darling Downs has the highest incidence of skin cancer in Queensland, according to the peer-reviewed academic publication Rural and Remote Health.
“We need to personalise the message,” a NSW Farmers’ spokesperson has said.
“The farmer feedback that came back after the quad bike safety campaign was that farmers don’t care about dying as much as they do about being paralysed or being a burden on their family.
“It’s the same for skin cancer. Most blokes will wear an Akubra, but a lot still don’t wear long-sleeved shirts.
“So the message is, if you really want to save your family from the burden of skin cancer, it means ensuring sun protection is taken as seriously as other farm safety risks such as chemicals, animals and machinery.”
The team at Queensland Farmer Today wishes you a Merry Christ mas and Happy New Year and reminds you to Slip, Slop, Slap this summer!
- Fiona Gowers
Former AgForce general president Georgie Somerset. (Supplied)
AgForce general president Shane McCarthy.
Long-range input forecasting providing a...
Silver lining from Covid
By Fiona Gowers
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, it sent ripples of uncertainty through many industries.
Agriculture was no exception.
Queensland growers Richard and Melissa McGruddy quickly realised they needed to find a way around supply shortages of fertiliser and chemicals for their strawberry, raspberry and blackberry crops.
Since starting Queensland Berries 20 years ago, it has become one of Australia’s largest privately-owned and -operated berry businesses.
Changing their game plan was not just an option; it became essential.
Queensland Berries provides year-round supply from multiple farms in the Caboolture and Stanthorpe regions in the state’s southeast under the Driscolls brand to Aldi, Coles, Costco and Woolworths.
The McGruddys produce about 15 million punnets of strawberries annually using a tabletop system, where strawberry plant plugs are grown in gutters with controlled nutrient application.
Running out of any of the critical elements that comprise their feed recipe can spell disaster.
Working closely with their Nutrien Ag Solutions agronomist, Millie Monk and branch manager Karl Tollner - who are based in Yandina and have serviced Queensland Berries for the past 15 years - the McGruddys tackled the challenges head-on.
By creating a six-month forecast for their chemical and fertiliser needs, they could finally achieve a stability that had been hard to come by.
This foresight allowed them not only to lock in stock orders every March but also to secure better pricing, helping to ease the financial unpredictability that often plagues agriculture.
“Thanks to Covid-19 we developed a sixmonth forecast for all our chemicals and fertiliser usage, which allows Karl and the team to go ahead and source that and give us really good pricing because we’re locked in,” Richard said.
“We needed a stable business partner with the capacity to source and store large amounts of the crop products that we required and Nutrien’s significant buying power and national network gave us the confidence that they could deliver.
“So, each March we lock in stock orders and extend our finance terms.”
Karl and Millie are regular visitors to the Caboolture farm, working alongside Queensland Berries’ in-house agronomists and Richard’s daughter Lucy, who has completed her first year of a Bachelor of Ag Tech and Management.
Together, they collect samples and interpret data from plant, sap and dry leaf testing, to determine what nutrients are needed to achieve optimum plant growth, fruit quality and yield.
“We take a collaborative approach by integrating the two teams of agronomists,” Richard said.
“When the test results come back, our staff get together with Karl and Millie so that we have a broad spectrum of views and initiatives on how to get the best out of the plants.“
Karl Tollner said while Nutrien Ag Solutions
agronomists deal with many large and successful growers, the scale of Queensland Berries was unique and required a proportionate level of service.
“We wanted to work with Queensland Berries because right from the start they were an innovative business willing to test new varieties and processes,” he said.
“It’s also about the people and the McGruddys - and their farm managers - have a genuinely happy workplace, so we enjoy the partnership and problem solving, as well as offering the right products and solutions.
“Our work is made easier by the sheer scale of the Nutrien network, which is amazing.
“I’ve been an agronomist in this region for 16 to 17 years and there’s always someone, somewhere, in Nutrien that has the information you need or a different perspective or point of view to learn from.”
Millie Monk has been in Yandina for two years and makes weekly visits to work with the Queensland Berries team.
“Agriculture is continuously evolving and finding new ways to improve productivity,“ she said.
“No matter how long you’ve been in the business it’s always inspiring to work with down-toearth, family growers like Richard, Melissa and Lucy, who share your passion for the industry and put their trust in your capabilities to get the best outcome for them each season.
“They always seem to be a couple of steps ahead and they were one of the first to make the move to tabletop growing, which can be much more controlled, easier to pick and provide more yield per hectare.
“We’re already well into planning for next season and leveraging the data from this year, as well as finding ways to incorporate new crop protection technology set to hit the market.“
•
Agronomist Millie Monk, Nutrien Yandina with Richard McGruddy, Queensland Berries. (Supplied)
Agronomist Millie Monk, Nutrien Yandina inspects a crop at Queensland Berries.
Agronomist Millie Monk, Nutrien Yandina, Richard McGruddy, Queensland Berries and Nutrien Yandina branch manager, Karl Tollner.
Agronomist Millie Monk, Nutrien Yandina with Richard McGruddy, Queensland Berries.
Producers left in a limbo
By Breanna Lloyd
In light of the bill to ban live sheep export by sea in May 2028, the federal government has increased the compensation package for the sheep industry but has announced the funding won’t be released until after the next election in July 2025, leaving farmers outraged.
Since the bill to ban live sheep exports by sea was approved in July, the Albanese government received enormous amounts of backlash from agricultural and farm lobby groups regarding the overall decision and compensation package.
After receiving the backlash for just over two months, the federal government decided to add what they consider a ‘sweetener’ of $32.7 million to the compensation package on Tuesday, 15 October.
This is on top of the original $107 million package, resulting in a total of $139.7 million, with $900,000 that has already been spent on administration fees.
Founding member of the Livestock Collective and Sheep Producers Australia and board member Bindi Murray completely disagrees, saying farmers would require at least $255 million.
“For all producers to be supported through this process the government would need to compensate to the sum of $255 million – $100 million in support for processors, $100 million for the supply chain, $20 million for market development, $15 million for air freight, $10 million for community support and mental health and $10 million for exit payments,” she said.
Following the announcement, Labor told Senate Estimates on Tuesday, 5 November that the financial transition package wouldn’t be implemented until July 2025.
This has raised many concerns within the sheep industry as pricing and production cycles have been immediately affected since the bill was approved.
Facing intense backlash from sheep farmers over the
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins believes the Labor government has committed to the bill and is delivering on that promise.
“We want nationwide sheep farmers and those associated with the industry to benefit from new markets and the ever-growing sheep meat export opportunities before us,” she said.
According to Labor, statistics show a decline in profits from $411 million in 2002 to 2003 to now $77 million in 2022 and 2023.
As a direct result, over 3,500 families will be affected by the bill, leaving the leader of the Nationals party and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud disgusted.
“Labor’s transition package for farmers won’t see the light of day until the next financial year and well after the next federal election,” he said.
“This funding will come years after Labor initially announced it would end the trade. It is another delay in support for our farmers, who are
having their livelihoods taken away.
“The Nationals fully support our live sheep export farmers and as our first action will reinstate the trade.
“We know our farmers want to keep their industry, not lose it with an insulting and delayed transition package.
“Labor has turned its back on the farming industry and has treated our live sheep farmers with nothing but contempt.”
Boyce says the Coaliltion aims to give farmers a fair go
By Sophie Mossman
The Food and Grocery Code of Conduct has been made mandatory and with it provides a glimmer of hope for Australian consumers and producers.
Australia produces enough fresh food to feed at least 80 million people, and about threequarters of it is exported annually.
Despite this, according to the Foodbank Hunger Report 2024, 3.7 million Australians struggle to put food on their tables amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Under the current Federal Government, food prices have increased by 12 per cent since the beginning of their term.
However, shoppers and farmers can expect some relief with the Coalition’s introduction of a mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Bill as of 4 November.
Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce said he was committed to helping consumers and small businesses through this legislation.
“Competitive markets benefit everyone by ensuring lower prices, creating more employment opportunities, and fostering innovation,” Mr Boyce said.
“(The Australian Government) has completely failed on competition policy, just like it has failed to tackle its homegrown inflation.
“Families in Central Queensland are being forced to make tough decisions about what they can and can’t afford.“
This legislation has come after Australia’s two major supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths, were recently taken to the Federal Court for alleged fake discounts on products including and not limited to: dairy, pet food, personal care, coffee, medicine, confectionery, breakfast cereal, snacks, household cleaning, pasta and soft drinks.
Additionally, over 50 per cent of fresh produce, particularly fruit and vegetables, do not make it to supermarket shelves purely because of the produce’s appearance.
When this happens, supermarkets expect the producers to give their ’perfectly imperfect’ produce to them at a heavily reduced price or even for free, otherwise it gets thrown away.
Agforce Queensland chief executive Michael
Guerin said it has been an uneven and hard negotiation to give producers a fair go.
“One of the challenges for producers is (the current code) gives no certainty about what they’re going to get for their products even if they produce good food,” Mr Geurin said.
“(Say) you’ve got a small family-owned business needing to sell the product quickly while it’s still fresh and able to be sold and essentially it’s a duopoly between a couple of supermarkets who know their power.“
This bill will give more power to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and higher, tougher penalties for breaches of the code.
The bill will also create a Supermarket Commissioner to act as a confidential avenue for farmers and suppliers to address the fear of retribution.
“We’ve advocated for better protections for primary producers for a long time (as) an enormous amount of the cost risk of producing food
is not recognised and the profit they get from that, so any code that holds supermarkets to account is welcomed by the industry,” Mr Geurin said.
“From what we can see is that it provides more of an equal playing field for small businesses and producers to have a fair voice at the table, where they can negotiate a fair price for their produce and the prophets of producing food are spread fairly.”
New legislation will give more power to the ACCC to enforce tougher penalties and hold corporations accountable when the Code is breached. (Sophie Mossman)
ban on live sheep exports by sea starting 1 May 2028, the Albanese government has responded by increasing the compensation package. However, producers have been left in limbo, as the funding won’t be available until July 2025.
An egg-ceptional business
By Fiona Gowers
Along the peaceful back roads of Tiaro, 30 minutes south of Maryborough, you can catch a heartwarming sight: Energetic flocks of freerange chickens - lively and vibrant - scratching and pecking the ground, discovering hidden insects among the lush green grass.
Each week, in a fresh paddock, these chickens enjoy Queensland’s brilliant sun, embracing the freedom to flap their wings and dig in the soft soil.
This charming life is made possible by Nick and Amanda Kuhn, who, along with their three children, run a flourishing business called Brother Brother Organics, focusing on pasture-raised, free-range eggs.
The Kuhns kicked off their journey on Nick’s parents’ property near Maryborough but dreamed of having a place of their own.
Thanks to the help of a QRIDA Sustainability Loan, their dream came true.
“QRIDA, I’d heard through the grapevine, were fantastic to deal with and if you are looking to get into your own primary production business these were the guys to talk to,” Nick said.
“We already had an established business, but it was on my parent’s property. The Sustainability Loan enabled us to purchase land and we’ve been able to move our entire business operation from my parent’s place to our place.”
Now, their fresh, tasty eggs are delivered to local businesses and restaurants across the Fraser Coast and, every week, excited customers gather at the markets in Maryborough, eager to grab the first cartons of these tasty goodies.
Amanda points out that it’s truly a family effort, with their kids gaining hands-on experience in the business.
“We didn’t know anything about chickens, so we’ve kind of learned along the way but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else these days,” Amanda said.
“I think a lot of our customers love the story as well. We’re not just a husband and wife team, it’s a family effort.”
Their story resonates with customers, who connect with their heartfelt journey — it’s not just
about business; it’s a family affair.
Securing their loan came with its share of challenges, but they received essential support from Mark Barrett, their QRIDA regional area manager for Wide Bay and Fraser Coast.
“In the application process, there’s a lot of unknowns and if you’re not financially minded you might think it’s a bit difficult,“ Nick said.
“Having Mark there, the regional area manager, he was able to answer all our questions, offer a lot of assistance and help us submit the application.“
Stock horse milestone
By Breanna Lloyd
The nation’s largest horse trifecta, the annual Dalby Australian Stock Horse Sale, has left organisers in a state of excitement as this year they will not only celebrate the Australian stock horse industry, but its 50th anniversary milestone.
The five-day event offers a jam-packed schedule of three days of campdrafting from Wednesday, 27 November to Friday, 29 November followed by the sale on Saturday, 30 November and Sunday, 1 December.
Having over 250 vendors from across the nation, the line-up consists of 329 lots of mares, and geldings with Ray White Livestock team selling them under the hammer.
Australian Stock Horse Society Darling Downs branch president Rick Young said it is very exciting to see record nominations to support this.
“As always we see thousands of vendors, buy-
ers, competitors, spectators and their families make their way to Dalby to celebrate the magnificent Australian stock horses on offer,” he said.
“This year there will be action everywhere with memorabilia, horse shows, a huge entertainment line-up, a fully licensed bar, a rooftop restaurant, trade sits and reflections of our 50 years.
“The Darling Downs branch along with ray white are excited to be involved in such a huge tradition and promote the amazing Australian stock hose breed.
“We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you all for the 50th year.”
Last year’s results saw a total gross of $4,853,000 with a clearance of 88 per cent, an average of $20,653 and a top price of $96,000.
Organisers say they are expecting similar results this year.
Mark has been a regional area manager more than 15 years and says the best part of his job is getting on-farm to assist producers.
“Farmers are the salt of the earth. When you arrive on their farm to help, whether it’s a grant, loan, disaster or drought recovery, they’re very appreciative. They welcome you into their homes, they introduce you to their families and you get to pat their dog,” he said.
“It’s been great to see Nick, Amanda and their family grow their business to a point where they could purchase their own land to operate their business on. From here the world’s their ‘egg-
shell’ on where they want to take their business to next.“
A QRIDA Sustainability Loan offers up to $1.3 million to existing Queensland-based primary producers to create a viable future for their farming business.
So, the next time you enjoy a delicious, locallysourced egg, think of the Kuhn family.
Their hard work is transforming, not just their lives, but the local community’s too and is yet another farming story filled with dedication, resilience and the unyielding chase of dreams.
Make a difference in regional Queensland
Applications are invited for Committee Chair positions
The Regional Development Australia (RDA) network is seeking highly-motivated leaders with vision, drive, and strong ties to their region to volunteer to Chair local RDA Committees across Queensland.
RDA Committees are vital promoters for their region. They facilitate investment in people, places, services, industries and local economies and work with stakeholders to support delivery of the Australian Government’s strategic priorities.
Applications are sought from business and community leaders who have a proven track record of achieving meaningful outcomes in a complex environment.
Women, First Nations people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disability are encouraged to apply.
For information about the positions available, and to access an applicant information pack, including the application form, please visit rda.gov.au/Chair
If you would like further information, please email rdaapplications@infrastructure.gov.au
The Kuhn family operate Brother Brother Organics, a pasture-raised, free-range egg business. (Supplied)
Flocks of free-range chickens contently pick and scratch at insects hiding in the lush grass at Tiaro, 30 minutes south of Maryborough.
Amanda Kuhn with Brother Brother Organics’ pasture-raised, free-range eggs at the markets.
Young producers gather
An incredible 250 young cattle producers attended the 20th annual Young Beef Producers’ Forum held on Thursday, 14 November and Friday, 15 November.
Delegates heard from numerous industry professionals while soaking up outstanding networking and social opportunities. Check out who attended!
Georgie Adams, Genie Hearn and Madeleine
Thistleton.Georgia Toowoomba, Emily Waters, Bell, Phoebe Wright, Toowoomba and Bridie Shoder, Allora.
Monique McCrae, Emily Lavis and Brooke Darbyshire.
Mikaela Gauci, Sarina, Lauren Finger, Taroom, Amy Collins, Boulia and William York, Wallumbilla.
Gina Van Sliedregt, Roma, Breanna McKay, St George, Sophie White, Roma, Zarabella Bambling, Roma and Charlotte Menzies, Armidale. (Roma Saleyards)
Nick Whipp, Emily Waters and Georgia Waters.
James West, Injune and Nick Wason, Roma.
Kahla George, Alpha Station and Georgia Perkins, Casino.
Megan Norton, ACC Roma and Kate Ward, ACC Augathella.
2024 YBPF committee members Jess Paton and Lucy McGilvray.
Sophie Halliday, Palgrove and Kate Parker, Stocklive.
The future’s in good hands
By Breanna Lloyd
Young producers from across Australia gathered in Roma for the 20th Young Beef Producers Forum, where they participated in two days of inspiring, life-changing advice and information sessions with industry professionals on the future of agriculture.
The informative event, held from Thursday, 14 November, to Friday, 15 November, provided educational, networking, and capacity-building opportunities for producers under the age of 40.
This year’s theme, Looking Forward, Looking Back, reflected on the past 10 years of major events, market trends, and consumption patterns in the global beef industry.
Attendees heard from numerous industry professionals including the chief executive officer of Cattle Australia Dr. Chris Parker, the chief financial officer of MDH Julie McDonald, National Party of Australia Leader Hon David Littleproud and many more.
All presentations covered aspects of life on and off the farm, including family, personal, and business-related challenges.
The forum officially began on Thursday morning with an on-property tour of Australian Country Choice’s Brindley Park Feedlot.
This was followed by inspirational presentations from industry professionals and a celebratory cocktail evening at the Roma Saleyards to conclude the day.
Day two featured additional educational presentations and the event’s highlight: the charity auction, where producers showed their support for local charities.
Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Wendy Taylor said the event continues to be a memorable calendar event.
“This annual forum continues to be a prominent and important calendar event focusing on our youth in agriculture–who are the future of our industry’s security and success,” Cr Taylor said.
“This forum provides participants with the op-
portunity to immerse themselves in the wealth of knowledge from presenters and their host properties and learn first-hand about the opportunities and innovations that are emerging in the rural sector.
“Rural communities are reliant on our young people; they are the future of the agricultural industry.
“We need to be able to engage, connect and retain this valuable resource.”
Rabobank senior animal proteins analyst and keynote speaker Angus Gidley-Baird said the forum is a vital event for younger people in agriculture.
“It’s no longer just about your local district but the entire Australian beef-producer community as well,” he said.
“It’s important for the younger generation to work together as a cohort, exchanging ideas and innovations.
“This event reassures young producers that they are not alone and helps them build networks
with others who may be in similar situations.”
During his presentation, Angus reflected on his experiences over the past decade and shared predictions for the next 10 years in global beef production.
After consulting with colleagues worldwide, Angus identified five key factors that will shape the industry in the coming decade: sustainability, technology, the urban-rural divide, biosecurity, and protectionism.
“Sustainability and technology offer opportunities for producers to better analyse their businesses and improve productivity, which I believe we will definitely see more of in the coming years,” he explained.
“The growing urban population creates a disconnected view and lack of awareness about onfarm challenges farmers face, alongside rising concerns about their overall welfare and social issues.
“Biosecurity is always critical and can significantly impact global trade, especially during a
pandemic outbreak.
“Finally, the increasing focus on protectionism and local industry support may not be something producers can directly influence, but it positions them more favourably.”
Angus, a returning keynote speaker, recalled his previous presentation at the forum in 2018.
“Six years ago, the Future Farmers Network invited me to speak about consumer trends, as we hadn’t yet faced major trade disruptions like Covid-19,” he said.
“While there are some similarities between my presentations, the focus points were quite different.”
This year marks Angus’s tenth year in the industry, and he hopes to continue contributing to future forums.
“Depending on the theme, I’d love to speak at the next event,” he said.
“Congratulations to the organising team for running this fantastic event successfully for 20 years. You’ve all done a tremendous job.”
YBPF Agri Advocacy Panel - panel chair Amy Littleproud, chief executive officer of Cattle Australia Dr Chris Parker, co-chair Queensland Young Producers Council Emma Knight, and National Party of Australia Leader Hon David Littleproud.
2024 Young Beef Producers’ Forum committee. Jess Paton, Tom Copley, Lucy McGilvray, Imogen Ryan, Nick Whipp, Sally Finch, Maddie Morgan and Harry Mackenzie. (Roma Saleyards)
A ‘Golden’ opportunity
Square Meaters are a moderate-framed Australian cattle breed.
They are perfectly suited to the variable Australian temperate climate and have an ability to hold condition in hard times and flourish in normal conditions.
The highly efficient animals are gaining a reputation among butchers for their consistent quality and high yield of excellent cuts.
As such, Square Meaters breeders across the country are working in teams to help ensure the breed’s future success.
In south east Queensland, due to the high demand for Square Meaters beef, Lachlan Howland of Golden Pastoral Co. recently started a buy-in program with other breeders.
“Know your own market and aim to produce for that,” Lachlan says.
Golden Pastoral buys young cattle from the other breeders for a premium price, finishes them at Mount Cotton, then markets them to butchers.
“The Queensland team of breeders work together for an end-game and help each other out, that is why we have been so successful.
“In fact, we now need more commercial breeders to help us, as demand for our beef exceeds supply.“
It’s important to the group to supply reliable, consistent beef to ensure both breeders and butchers are profitable and achieve the goals they set.
“The feedback from butchers is great - they sell out in just a few days,“ Lachlan says. “There are regular customers who now pre-order from the butchers.”
Across the country, Square Meaters breeders choose to work with the breed due to its known characteristics of moderate size, excellent temperament, low inputs, natural polling, high fertility, faster maturing, superior muscling, high yield carcass with great commercial appeal.
As they reach maturity before other breeds they are perfectly suited for the domestic, restaurant and butcher trades with weights at 12 to 16 months, off grass.
For many breeders, the Square Meaters’ efficient feed conversion and moderate size enables higher stocking rates on-farm.
“As stud breeders, at the end of the day, we are seed stock producers for the beef industry,” Lachlan said.
“When others are still backgrounding, Square Meaters are finishing on grass and off to market, shortening the paddock to butcher time frame.“
Square Meaters cows have high maternal instincts and fertility rates suitable for a short joining period leading to calving maturity within 24 months.
They are excellent milk producers, which enables high weaning weights in their calves.
Square Meaters display an excellent tempera-
ment, which is optimal for low stress handling, giving ease of management throughout the chain of movement to produce the quality, tender meat expected from the breed.
Square Meaters Frame Score is directly linked to carcass maturity, with moderate-framed breeds having earlier carcass maturity in terms of degree of finish required for optimal carcass classification.
Testament to this is many years of Square Meaters’ success in carcass competitions throughout the country and, most recently, winning Ekka 2024 - Grand Champion Carcass.
“The many top achievements seen nationally in Royal Show steer competitions with carcass champions, high carcass scores, MSA eating quality awards and yearling sales results say it loud and clear for the Square Meaters breed –they well and truly meet the high industry standards of the domestic beef market and butcher trade,“ Lachlan said.
• For further information about the breed, chat to Lachlan Howland 0400 030 222, Square Meaters Cattle Association of Australia. www. squaremeaters.com.au
Warning to stay sssssafe this snake season
As warmer weather sets in, Darling Downs residents are reminded to be on the lookout for snakes.
So far this snake season (September and October), 39 people have presented to emergency departments with snake bite injuries within the Darling Downs region.
This is compared with 41 people presenting to local emergency departments within the same period in 2023 and 34 in 2022.
Executive director rural, Dr Chris Cowling has emphasised the importance of knowing and applying effective first aid for snake bites, particularly when bushwalking or spending time in more remote areas.
“While snake encounters can occur yearround, typically, we see an increase in snake bite presentations to our emergency departments in spring and summer.
“This is a timely reminder for residents to be vigilant and avoid approaching snakes. If you do spot one, the best advice is to simply leave them alone and back away to a safe distance,”
Dr Cowling said.
After a snake bite, or suspected snake bite, people should:
• Check the snake has gone and is no longer a danger to yourself and the person who’s been bitten.
• Check airway, breathing and circulation. If the patient has collapsed, start CPR immediately.
• Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Treat any snake bite as an emergency, regardless of whether you think the snake was venomous or not.
• Don’t attempt to drive yourself to hospital or walk. Sit or lie down and stay as still as possible.
• Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage as soon as possible. Apply a firm bandage over
the bite site and then cover the entire limb. Immobilise the limb using a splint. Any rigid object may be used as a splint – e.g. spade, piece of wood or tree branch or rolled up newspapers.
• Keep still and try to remain calm.
In the case of a snake bite, Dr Cowling also advised what not to do.
“Don’t wash or cut the area, try to suck out the venom or use a torniquet.
“If you find a snake on your property, it’s best to leave it to the experts and call a snake catcher for relocation assistance,” Dr Cowling said.
The most common snakes responsible for bites resulting in emergency department presentations in Queensland are brown, black, tiger and taipan snakes.
• For more information on how to treat a snake bite, visit the Queensland Health website.
Grower focus is the key
A renewed focus on grower profitability is a key pillar in the Mungbean Industry’s 2030 Strategic Plan to be released later this year by the Australian Mungbean Association (AMA).
Executive officer David Pietsch said the AMA and other stakeholders recognised the importance of delivering value to growers to ensure the industry continued the impressive growth that it had achieved over the past decade.
“The industry has increased its capacity to provide quality AMA-approved mungbean planting seed, as well as processing capacity to handle an increased crop,” Mr Pietsch said.
“The key moving forward is to invest in helping more growers to deliver more consistent supply from season to season.”
The demand for increased production of Australian mungbeans is certainly there, largely driven by exports to China and Vietnam.
Key investments for the industry over the life of the next strategic plan include a $3.6 million grower extension effort, funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
Mr Pietsch said the AMA was pleased to coinvest in this project to help more growers adopt best practice in mungbean production and achieve more consistent yields and profitability.
“The AMA also continues to work closely with breeding partners Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and GRDC to ensure the program continues to deliver varieties that have higher yield capacity, improved disease tolerance and meet export market requirements.“
The AMA is also excited at the prospect of launching two new varieties from the National Mungbean Improvement Program (NMIP).
This will include a broadly adapted variety to rival current star performer JADE-AU, and a new
variety targeted at NSW and regions, with higher disease risk to provide more opportunities and confidence to growers to expand the geographic area under mungbeans.
Growers directly invest in these mungbean research activities through payment of end point
AMA-approved seed has proven high performance under variable growing conditions.
Purchasing AMA-approved seed assures you of:
•Highest possible seed purity
•Reduced risk of seed-bourne disease
•Bred to meet market specifications
AMA-approved seed is grown under rigorous seed production protocols and fully inspected and tested for diseases, such as halo blight.
The AMA recommends Australian varieties released from the National Mungbean Improvement Program, a partnership of DAF Qld and GRDC.
Varieties include Jade-AU, Australia’s most popular mungbean variety.
This season, ask your preferred seed supplier for AMA-approved seed.
royalties, which are based on their production.
“The two new varieties Brolga and Kookaburra - as their names suggest - have been purposefully bred for success in Australian conditions,” Mr Pietsch said.
Strategic Plan charts course of the mungbean
sector for the next five-plus years:
• The key pillar will be a focus on the farmer.
• New mungbean varieties to be released late 2025.
• Increased investment in research and grower best practice.
Australian high quality mungbeans. (AgEtal)
A bright market outlook
The market outlook for Australian mungbeans looks strong, according to mungbean exporter and Australian Mungbean Association (AMA) president James Hunt.
Mr Hunt said he believed a combination of factors were positively impacting the Australian industry’s immediate prospects and would continue to support good prices for growers seeking to plant mungbeans this coming summer.
“The widening reduction between China’s domestic production and domestic demand, in conjunction with decreasing supply from dominant supplier Myanmar, bodes well for imports of high-quality mungbeans from Australia,” Mr Hunt said.
“China remains Australia’s most important market and sets the tone for Australian mungbean prices taking more than 50 per cent of our exports,” he said.
“Perceptions are key and Australia has worked hard to overcome inconsistent recent growing seasons to produce consistent, high-quality beans, which are favoured by Chinese buyers.”
Mr Hunt highlighted the important contribution made by improved AMA-licenced varieties from the National Mungbean Improvement Program, underpinned by the AMA grading standards, which served to enhance Australia’s international reputation as a provider of consistent, high-quality mungbeans.
“Australia’s mungbean growers have also played a terrific role in producing quality mungbeans, sometimes under challenging growing conditions such as has been experienced in recent seasons,” he said.
Mr Hunt said many growers had identified the consistency in mungbean pricing available from season-to-season as a positive, particularly as other commodity prices have tended to be more volatile.
This had supported the longer-term inclusion of mungbeans as a profitable, short-rotation summer crop in farming systems.
Already worth more than $150 million per annum, in the medium term Mr Hunt said he believed there was further opportunity for growth in Australian mungbean production as the processing capacity and international demand existed to support increased production.
“As the international mungbean trading market continues to grow, opportunities are also
emerging for premium, niche supply arrangements, such as those customers seeking product produced with specific chemical use,” Mr Hunt explained.
“While these markets remain in their infancy, growers interested in considering production changes to meet these opportunities should consider speaking with their marketers in order to understand the options that may exist in the future.”
Mr Hunt stressed that whatever market growers were targeting, to maximise their chances of meeting market expectations – and greater financial reward - growers should seek out proven, AMA-approved varieties produced specifically for Australian conditions, such as Australia’s most popular variety, JADE-AU.
A Mungbean plant with excellent active nodules. (Supplied)
Mungbeans getting close to 90 per cent physical maturity.
Seed quality is crucial
By AMA Industry Development Agronomist
Paul Mcintosh
Summer is really with us and of course our favourite summer legume in mungbeans comes into its own.
This short rotation crop as it is positioned in our farming systems has many benefits.
Like all crops we plant from seed, seed quality for germination and vigour are therefore main considerations.
The Australian Mungbean Association (AMA) has gone one step further by introducing the AMA-approved mungbean seed scheme.
Not only do our planting seed crops have to have good germ and vigour, they are also selected for being relatively clear of the two bacterial disease of particularly Halo Blight and the tricky Tan Spot.
These two pesky diseases are mostly seedborne, so very experienced independent paddock inspectors do regular inspections in the growing periods of these designated planting seed crops of mungs.
No, they cannot - and nor does the AMA specify - total clean or disease free seed, however it is much reduced against those painful seed borne diseases.
The other convincing reason for the AMA seed scheme also pertains to seed quality.
This point covers the genetic drift or reduced quality of the planting seed.
After two or three generations of seed production, this same cohort or batch of seed can deteriorate quite considerably - in other words the sample produced in the paddock may have dull colour or even smaller seeds produced.
Not good when our export markets are very specific on wanting large shiny mungbeans from Australia.
This quality specification when achieved certainly earns Aussie farmers the best price for our clean green mungbeans .
The AMA bags are distinctive and, in addition to reduced bacterial disease levels, there are very few if any weeds seeds in the bag.
So have confidence in your summer Mungbean crop and also have confidence that your best planting seed option is in an AMA-approved seed scheme bag.
With words long ago spoken from my father Alec, having good quality planting seed is the cheapest investment in grain farming.
For more information about growing mungbeans this summer please visit www.mungbean. org.au or email agronomist@mungbean.org.au Amungbeanpaddock.
AMAindustrydevelopmentagronomistPaulMcIntosh.(Supplied)
‘Fully Loaded’ (with veggies) Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients:
· 500gm beef mince
· 15ml vegetable or olive oil
· 1 onion, finely diced
· 1 clove garlic, crushed
· 2 carrots, grated
· 2 sticks celery, finely diced or grated
· 2 medium zucchinis, grated
· 400g pumpkin, grated
· 100gm mushrooms, grated
· 100gm tomato paste
· 1 x 400gm tin crushed tomatoes
· 1 tsp salt
· 500gm spaghetti
· 200gm grated cheddar
Method:
1. In a large heavy based pan fry the onion, garlic, carrot and celery in the oil until soft and the onion is translucent.
2. Add the mince and fry until cooked and beginning to colour.
3. Add the tomato paste and fry, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, pumpkin, mushrooms and zucchini and reduce the heat to very low.
5. Simmer very slowly for 1.5 – 2 hours, stirring occasionally and topping up with water as necessary to stop the Bolognaise from drying out.
6. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and cook the pasta according to packet instructions.
7. Serve one tenth of the pasta (approx. 100gm) with one tenth of the Bolognese (approx. 100gm) and 20gm of grated cheese.
Recipe Notes:
• Consider freezing half the batch or halving the recipe ingredients for a smaller batch.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Created by Matt Golinski, celebrity chef and Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s healthy food ambassador.
San Choy Bow
Vegetable Paella
Serves 0 Serve of Fruit (Per Serve)
Ingredients:
· 1 vegetable stock cube
· 1L (4 cups) water
· 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
· 1 medium red capsicum, chopped
· 1 medium green capsicum, chopped
· 2 medium zucchini, chopped
· 2 medium red onions, diced
· 6 garlic cloves, crushed
· 1 long red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
· 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
· 3 teaspoons ground paprika
· 1/4 cup parsley leaves, finely chopped
· Cracked black pepper
· 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
· 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped, to serve
Method:
1. Dissolve 1 vegetable stock cube in 1L (4 cups) of water and set aside.
2. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large, deep, non-stick frypan over a medium heat.
3. Add the chopped red capsicum, green capsicum, zucchini and diced red onion. Cook for approx. 10 minutes or until softened.
4. Add the crushed garlic and finely chopped chilli. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add the arborio rice, ground paprika, finely chopped parsley and cracked black pepper. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
6. Reserve 1/2 cup of the prepared vegetable stock, then add the remaining stock to the pan. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 – 25 minutes, without stirring.
7. Once the rice has cooked, arrange the halved cherry tomatoes over the top, gently pushing the tomatoes into the rice. Ladle over the reserved ½ cup of stock. Without stirring, cook for a further 5 minutes, uncovered, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid.
8. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Top with chopped coriander and serve. Recipe Notes:
• If desired, add prawns or mussels during step 7 of this recipe. Or serve with grilled meat, chicken or fish.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 – 3 days or in the freezer for 3 – 4 months. Ensure the rice is reheated until it steams.
• Mix up the vegetables used in this recipe to include what you have available and what’s in season – yellow capsicum and peas would also work well.
• If possible, choose capsicums grown locally in the Granite Belt and southern Queensland region.
5 Serves 0 Serve of Fruit (Per Serve) 2.5 Serves of Vegetables (Per Serve)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Recipe produced in conjunction with Nutrition Australia Qld. 10 Serves 0 Serve of Fruit (Per Serve) 1 Serves of Vegetable (Per Serve)
Ingredients:
· 15 – 20 lettuce leaves (e.g. little gem, cos, iceberg), washed and dried
· 1 tablespoon sesame oil
· 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
· 1 brown onion, peeled and finely diced
· 1 red capsicum, diced
· 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
· 4 garlic cloves, crushed
· 1 long red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
· 500g extra lean pork mince
· 200g canned water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
· 2 spring onions, finely sliced
· 2 tablespoons salt reduced soy sauce
· 1/2 lime, juiced
· 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, to serve
· 1 lime, in wedges, to serve
Method:
1. Heat the sesame oil in a non-stick frypan over a medium heat.
2. Add the diced carrot and cook for 2 minutes, then add the diced brown onion and red capsicum and cook for a further 2 minutes or until softened.
3. Add the finely grated ginger, crushed garlic and finely chopped chilli and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the extra lean pork mince to the pan. Break the mince up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned.
5. Add the water chestnuts and the spring onions to the pan.
6. Add the salt reduced soy sauce and lime juice. Stir well to combine and cook for a further 2 minutes.
7. Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving bowl.
8. Fill the lettuce cups with the mince mixture and top with fresh coriander leaves and serve with lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
• Leftover mince mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 -2 days or in the freezer for 3 – 4 months.
• Cooked rice, quinoa or rice noodles could be added to the mince mixture to bulk up the san choy bow filling.
• If possible, choose lettuce grown locally in the Granite Belt and southern Queensland region.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Rice Paper Rolls with Green Goddess Dipping Sauce
5 Serves 0 Serve of Fruit (Per Serve) 3 Serves of Vegetable (Per Serve)
Ingredients:
· 5 x 15cm rice papers
· 400g chicken breast, cooked and shredded
· 1 carrot, shredded
· 1 stick celery, finely sliced
· 1 avocado, cut into strips
· 1/2 red capsicum, cut into batons
· 1 Lebanese cucumber, or 1/2 continental cucumber cut into batons
· 1 cup mixed herbs (basil, mint, coriander)
Green Goddess Dipping Sauce:
· 1 ripe avocado
· 1/2 cup natural Greek yoghurt
· 1 tbs lemon juice
· 1/2 cup mixed herbs
· 1 clove garlic
· Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
1. To make the dipping sauce—Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until combined. Thin out with cold water to make a dipping sauce consistency. Refrigerate until needed.
2. For the rice paper rolls—drop each rice paper one at a time into a bowl of lukewarm water for 10 – 15 seconds, then remove and allow any excess water to drip off before laying flat on a plate.
3. Place whatever ingredients you like on the front third of the rice paper, fold in the sides, then roll up tightly to form a cylinder.
4. Eat immediately.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Created by Matt Golinski
A locally-grown cold cure
By Fiona Gowers
Garlic is a vegetable but is more commonly used to add flavour to food like a herb or spice in cooking because of its powerful smell and taste.
Its aroma and flavour comes from allicin, an organic compound also found in onions, shallots and leeks.
While garlic has been associated with boosting immunity, its main benefit is adding flavour to other foods.
Pick of the Crop regional coordinator for south west Queensland, Tilly Byrne-Kirk said garlic was a great way to season our food, such as vegetable dishes, instead of adding salt, which is linked to health problems if consumed in high amounts.
“Garlic’s superpower is that it packs a punch in a single clove, which makes it an excellent addition to roast vegetables and stir fries,’ Ms ByrneKirk said.
“Only about one in 20 Queensland adults eat enough vegetables, which means most people don’t get the nutrients they need to protect their immune system from colds and flus.
“By making vegetables more flavourful with seasoning such as garlic and herbs - rather than added salt - you can boost your immunity, enjoy more delicious dishes and eat the recommended five serves of veggies each day.“
Moonrocks in St George in south west Queensland harvests garlic from late September to mid-December, which is then sold at major retailers across Australia.
ItsupportsHealthandWellbeingQueensland’s whole-school healthy eating initiative Pick of the Crop, which aims to increase opportunities for Queensland primary school students to learn about and eat more vegetables and fruit.
Moonrocks co-owner David Moon said shoppers could spot Australian garlic by its unique purple tinge as supply started to hit the shelves in October.
“From now on until the start of winter, you’ll get nice fresh Australian garlic in the major chain stores,’ Mr Moon said.
“When you’re choosing it, choose a bulb that’s nice and firm and you can feel the cloves inside –if it’s spongy and lumpy, try and find a better one.“
Mr Moon said garlic was well known for boosting immunity to avoid colds and flus.
“We’ve been growing garlic for 15 years and
nothing beats the flavour and health benefits of freshly-grown Australian garlic.
“Even homemade dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and garlic can turn a simple garden salad into something special.
“October is a busy time of year for us with the harvest – I haven’t seen any vampires around so
something must be working to keep them away!“
• Garlic is an excellent way to season vegetable dishes or spice up a salad dressing.
• The vegetable gets its powerful smell and taste from the organic compound allicin.
• Garlic grown in south west Queensland is harvested from late September to mid-December.
Garlic after being harvested at Moonrocks farms in St George, south west Queensland.
Purple garlic grown at Moonrocks Farm in St George, south west Queensland. (Supplied)
Lynda Myburgh and David Moon from Moonrocks in St George, south west Queensland. (Supplied)
Beef Australia takes gold
Beef Australia’s 2024 event, Beef2024, has been awarded gold in the Major Festivals and Events category and the Excellence in Food Tourism category at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards.
The prestigious awards are the pinnacle of excellence in Queensland’s tourism industry, celebrating exceptional industry accomplishments, and honouring the finest individuals, businesses, and events across Queensland.
Beef Australia was awarded gold in the Major Festivals and Events category for Beef2024, recognising the event’s ability to enhance the profile and appeal of Rockhampton as well as creating economic impact, increased visitation and community involvement.
Beef Australia was also awarded GOLD in the Excellence in Food Tourism category for Beef2024, celebrating the event’s accomplishment in showcasing Australia’s beef industry and promoting food tourism.
Beef Australia Chairman Bryce Camm said both award wins reflect Beef Australia’s ability to generate economic activity for Queensland.
“Beef2024 has been recognised as Queensland’s top major event and a key player in food tourism at the State’s premier tourism awards, highlighting the vital role Beef Australia’s triennial event plays in the State’s economy,” Mr Camm said.
“This year Beef2024 set new records, creating a direct and incremental expenditure impact for the Greater Rockhampton Region of $102.0 million, and $69.6 million for Queensland’s economy.
“The event also generated a value-added impact of $92 million for the Greater Rockhampton Region, supporting 721 full-time equivalent jobs, and resulted in 163,120 visitor nights generated across Queensland.
“Beef Australia is much more than an event; it is a celebration of our beef industry, a catalyst for regional economic development, and a key contributor to the growth of tourism in Queensland.
“We are extremely proud to win this award, which reflects the hard work and dedication of all who make this event possible – our volunteers, committee members, sponsors, competitors, exhibitors, staff, fellow board directors, and our guests.”
Beef Australia CEO Simon Irwin said both awards cement Beef Australia’s position as one of Queensland’s most celebrated and iconic events attracting global audiences.
“Over 125,000 walked through the gates at Beef2024 with 62 per cent of individuals coming from outside the Greater Rockhampton Region,”
Mr Irwin said.
“The size and complexity of the event are outstanding; with 276 ticketed events and over 300 free events, 4,509 cattle entrants, 617 registered international delates from across 39 countries and a further 1,200 international visitors attending the event, 5,133 school students, 604 trade sites, 10 celebrity chefs, 34 food vendors and 3 onsite restaurants, 35 entertainers, 65 seminars and tech talks, 17 property tours and 200 volunteers, the event is truly like no other in Queensland.
“And for those who couldn’t make the iconic event, our Beef TV program reached over 79,000 people with 60 per cent of those viewers from overseas.
“We also focus on showcasing Australia’s beef
industry through food - from live cooking demonstrations and farm tours to showcasing local beef producers and supporting local restaurants with beef on the menu, we are honoured to be recognised for being a key player in promoting food tourism.
“This award recognition reinforces the event’s critical role in driving Queensland’s tourism economy and celebrating all facets of Australia’s beef industry.
“On behalf of the organisation and board of directors, I’d like to once again thank our local, state, and federal government partners, our competitors, sponsors, and the local community who have all been instrumental in the event’s success.
“Beef2027 is scheduled to take place back in the heart of the Beef Capital of Australia between the 2nd and 8th of May 2027, and we can’t wait to deliver yet another record-breaking event.”
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP congratulated Beef Australia on the award win.
“Beef Australia’s Beef 2024 is one of the most significant events in the Agricultural calendar, bringing a huge range of stakeholders from right around the world to Rockhampton,” Mrs Collins said.
“Beef Australia is a worthy recipient of this award.”
Minister for Primary Industries, Honourable Tony Perrett MP said Beef Australia’s triennial event provides a substantial contribution to the Central Queensland economy.
“As a celebration of all things beef, the industry and people who produce it, Beef Week is a major highlight on the local, national, and international calendar,” Minister Perrett said.
“I’ve attended every Beef Week since 1991 and have seen it evolve and grow into the world-class event it is today.
“Its reputation as a renowned drawcard for the people who produce beef, the industry, supporters, consumers, and visitors to the Rockhampton region has made it a substantial contributor to the Central Queensland economy.
“Cattle production is a significant driver in Queensland’s agricultural trade and the importance of the industry as an employer and economic contributor to Queensland is impossible to ignore.
“The Crisafulli Government looks forward to supporting the Beef2027 event to ensure it is even bigger and better, with record State Government investment.”
Vendors left smiling from ear-to-ear at CQ Invitational
By Breanna Lloyd
The fifth annual CQ Invitational Droughtmaster Sale kicked off strong with lot two selling as the top-priced bull, leaving vendors ‘smiling from ear-to-ear’.
Held on Monday, 21 October at the CQLX Saleyards, Gracemere, the sale saw 42 out of 53 bulls sold under the hammer, resulting in an 80 per cent clearance rate.
Altogether, the herd averaged $7810 and had a gross of $328,000.
Yellowwood Upton offered by John and Shannon Williamson, Cebella and Yellowwood, Pimpama, erupted a bidding war between graziers in the stands, leaving purchasers, Redskin Droughtmasters, Mornish to pay $26,000.
Yellowwood Upton is a 23-month-old homozygous poll bull, sired by 2021 Sire Shootout viewer’s choice winner, Cebella Brunswick and out of Yellowwood Tanya third.
It was not over for the Williamson family as they sold the second top-priced bull, Yellowwod Urle, for $16,000 to Bill Neill-Ballantine, Waratah, Baralaba.
After selling all four of their offered lots, the Williamson’s herd averaged $16,500.
Elders agent Randall Spann said although the high content bulls didn’t sell as well as they normally would, everything ended up being a good result.
“Overall, the sale concluded in a good result,” he said.
“All of the vendors seem happy to have a widespread through the sale.”
Vendors and buyers ventured from throughout central and southern Queensland to attend the event.
Top-priced bull, Yellowwood Upton (PP) D5 sold for $26,000 to Redskin Droughtmasters, offered by ohn and Shannon Williamson, Cebella and Yellowwood. (Shannon Williamson)
Crowds at Beef2024 where over 125,000 people attended the event.
Beef Australia wins Gold at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards in Major Festivals and Events and Excellence in Food Tourism. (Supplied)
Dreams finally realised
By Bundaberg Today
Since she was a young girl proudly leading the Bundaberg Christian College steers around the local showground, Maddie Davidson has dreamt of auctioneering on the saleyard stage.
Ten years later and she would make her longawaited debut, selling two Angus cross steers in support of the Dolly’s Dream foundation at a local sale in Wauchope on 23 October.
A week later and the 27-year-old was still struggling to put the feeling into words after finally taking the reins on stage.
“It was really good. It all went off without a hitch and I didn’t choke which was my biggest fear,” Davidson said.
“It’s a huge rush of adrenalin but I was very
fortunate we had a hobby sale on afterwards, so I went to help out with that as well and everyone was there to give me a big hug and show their support.
“It’s hard to describe what it means but I have just followed auctioneering for such a long time now and it’s hard to believe I finally gave it a crack.“
Davidson said she had all but given up on a career as a livestock agent until she joined the Nutrien Boulton’s team six months ago.
“It is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time but due to different life circumstances I thought I had missed my run and that it was something I had to let go of,” she said.
“I used to show cattle through school, I’ve worked on properties and now live on a family
farm with my husband, so I’ve always had an interest in livestock.
“When my husband and I moved to Walcha two years ago I started working for another local merchandise store but as soon as a position came available at Nutrien Boulton’s I took the opportunity to join the team.
“I am officially based in the Walcha office in an admin-based role, but Mat Larkings and Simon Newton gave me the push and confidence to finally give auctioneering a crack,“ she said.
“They both sell, and I have loved being able to follow them and watch what they do the last couple of months.”
Dolly’s Dream congratulated Maddie Davidson on her very first livestock sale.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this special milestone as Maddie auctions two head of steers on behalf of Nutrien Boulton’s in support of Dolly’s Dream.
“Maddie first reached out to Tick and Kate Everett, Dolly’s parents after losing Dolly, offering her support through her own business, Max and Jelli,“ the Dolly’s Dream team said.
“Since then, she has been an unwavering advocate, organising fundraisers and spreading messages of encouragement, all while pursuing her dream of becoming an auctioneer.
“A huge thank you to Nutrien Boulton’s for standing alongside Maddie and for your continued support.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Maddie and the heart she puts into everything she does.“
Charlotte set to take on the US on back of scholarship
Angus Australia is proud to announce that Charlotte Nugent, a promising young producer from NSW, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Angus Foundation Kansas State University Scholarship.
As the recipient of this scholarship experience, Charlotte will head to the United States in 2025 and take on college life for a semester at one of the leading agricultural universities in the country.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity that Angus Australia, in collaboration with Kansas State, has offered me,” said Charlotte.
“I hope to utilise my time at Kansas State to build valuable connections, knowledge and skills to put towards my future career in the Australian beef industry.
“The opportunity opens a myriad of doors to conversations and experiences that will contribute towards both personal and professional growth and, for that, I am eternally grateful to be the 2024 recipient of this amazing scholarship and look forward to my spring semester in Manhattan.”
During her time abroad, Charlotte will interact closely with undergraduate and graduate students at K-State and will take part in courses aligned with to her specific interests.
“Visiting scholars attend lab classes and assist with university livestock herds and the annual K-State Angus bull sale in March,” said Professor Dan Moser, Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture, Kansas State University.
“They also typically visit livestock operations in the state of Kansas and beyond. They sometimes spend as long as two or three weeks
assisting on ranches.
“They may attend agriculture industry events, such as the national Cattle Industry Convention, national livestock shows, K-State’s own
Cattlemen’s Day or other events they choose.
“They may also travel to other parts of the US on their own or as part of tour groups. They will visit the American Angus Association
headquarters in St Joseph, Missouri and can visit other registered or commercial Angus ranches.”
“Charlotte is an excellent representative of the young people in our industry,” said Jake Phillips, Angus Australia.
“Charlotte is dedicated to educating and immersing herself in all things relating to the beef industry and, through this experience, we hope she can gain further perspective of the agricultural industry and production system on a global scale.
“We look forward to hearing from Charlotte during and post her time abroad to hear about her experiences and take aways from the experience.”
About Charlotte:
Charlotte has been fortunate to spend her whole life in the agriculture industry, with her family trading sheep and cattle on their property in Tarcutta, NSW. Charlotte completed her Higher School Certificate in 2020 and graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management.
Charlotte has been the recipient of a number of scholarships including the Angus Australia Charles Sturt Internship, an AgriFutures Horizon Scholar and an internship with the American Hereford Association (AHA).
In 2023, Charlotte began a Graduate Diploma in Communications through Charles Sturt and is currently in the position of Marketing and Communications Coordinator with Genetic Hub, servicing the Australian Limousin, Shorthorn Beef, Simmental, Gelbvieh and Red Poll beef cattle societies.
In a unique twist, Women On The Move celebrates...
Positive male role models
By Fiona Gowers
In a show of solidarity towards positive male role models, Women On The Move last month hosted lunch at the Downs Club in Toowoomba to celebrate International Men’s Day.
This year’s theme was Positive Male Role Models, which highlighted the strength, wisdom and compassion that men bring to our families, work places and wider community.
Women On The Move president Mikaela Smith said the event united community leaders, advocates and supporters to recognise the contributions of men and encouraged open conversations about the challenges they faced, particularly around mental health.
She said with global suicide rates among men remaining high, the event underscored the need for greater awareness and support.
“I have three sons and it was my idea to bring it to the committee that we celebrate International Men’s Day because we celebrate International Women’s Day,“ Mrs Smith said.
“I wanted to, I guess, celebrate the men in our lives. So, obviously a lot of us have husbands, fathers and sons and that was probably the real take home of it.
“I would like to see my boys grow up in a gender-equality community and celebrate and acknowledge both men’s and women’s challenges and, I guess, that’s why I felt so strongly about bringing the idea to our committee.
“Together, we will aim to break down the stigma around mental health and remind men of their value, resilience, and the importance of seeking support.“
Masters of Ceremony Chris Black and Alisha Weston hosted the lunch, which featured a panel of speakers, including Amanda Dalton of women’s support centre Protea Place, Chris “Millsy“ Mills, a paramedic, farmer and entrepreneur, Bob Carroll of Australian Events and Adair Donaldson, a lawyer and advocate.
Together, they shared personal experience and insights on the role of men in society and discussed ways to create a supportive environment for men’s wellbeing.
Following their individual presentations, a panel discussion invited guests to engage with the theme and explore mental health advocacy for men.
Women on the Move began in 2003 with the aim of providing a platform for members to connect, build relationships and expand their professional networks.
Vox Pops:
Guest speaker Adair Donaldson highlighted the importance of collective effort, saying:
“It was great to be in a room of individuals who are motivated to play their part in addressing the challenges that men of all ages are facing.”
Chris ’Millsy’ Mills, another guest speaker, added:
“Thank you for the invite and opportunity.
Great event to have open conversations and meet new people. Let’s have more of them.”
Bob Carroll captivated the audience with a powerful analogy about trees, encouraging attendees to consider the roots of their own health and wellbeing. “Once you understand your family tree and any genetic impairments within it, you can actively seek advice and take steps to ensure that you have the very best future health and wellbeing.”
Amanda Dalton from Protea Place spoke of the importance of safe spaces for both men and women, highlighting that although there is still much work to be done, organisations like Protea Place have supported men in the past and would continue to advocate for both genders. Her message reinforced the idea that we are better together in the journey towards improved health and wellbeing for all.
Chris Black, who co-hosted the event alongside his wife Alisha, shared a thought-provoking reflection on the evolution of masculinity:
“Today really highlighted the evolution of masculinity and the changing role of men in society and as a part of the family unit. While we can sometimes focus on poor behaviour, it’s wonderful to be reminded of the incredible male role models in our community that we can all aspire to be like.”
Gay Hold, representing one of the supported charities, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the event’s impact: “I am deeply grateful to Women on the Move for its unwavering support and generosity. The funds raised today will make a meaningful difference in our community, thanks to the incredible contributions and dedication of volunteers. As a representative of one of the three charities, I was so moved by the unity, friendship and shared vision on display. It was truly heartwarming to see everyone come together to show support and celebrate the amazing men in our community.”
Guest speaker Bob Carroll, masters of ceremony Chris Black and Alisha Weston and guest speakers Adair Donaldson, Amanda Dalton and Chris Mills. (Tamara Silvester, Butterfly Kisses Creations)
Guest speaker Amanda Dalton, Pat Weir and Women on the Move president Mikaela Smith.
A panel discussion involving Amanda Dalton, Chris Mills, MC Chris Black, Bob Carroll and Adair Donaldson.
Masters of ceremony Chris Black and Alisha Weston.
Women on the Move committee: Anna Nicholls, Nat Fogarty, Sue Barford, Sarah Latcham, Suzanne Mason, Kim Cahill and Mikaela Smith.
Excellence in healthcare
Adj Professor Ruth Stewart has received the prestigious 2024 Life Fellowship award from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
It recognises her exceptional contributions to rural, remote and First Nations healthcare.
Life Fellowship is the highest honour conferred by ACRRM, reserved for Fellows who have rendered outstanding and meritorious service to the College or have made internationally significant contributions to rural and remote medicine.
Throughout more than 30 years of service to ACRRM and the profession of rural generalism,
Adj Professor Stewart has held pivotal leadership roles that have been instrumental in advancing the rural health agenda.
ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin acknowledges her significant impact, stating: “Adj Professor Stewart has been a determined and zealous healthcare advocate rural, remote and First Nations communities.
“Her leadership, collaborative approach and deep commitment to improving healthcare where it is most needed will leave a lasting legacy.
“She always places the needs of rural doctors and their patients at the forefront of her efforts
and her respectful, inclusive approach ensures that all voices are heard.
“Her ability to focus on solutions while highlighting the unique benefits of rural healthcare has made her a trailblazer in the field; and we are confident she will continue to have impact.“
A long-serving contributor to ACRRM, Adj Professor Stewart represented members on the ACRRM Board from 2002 to 2022, undertaking multiple roles including director of Women in Rural Practice, Victorian director, vice-president and president from 2016 to 2018.
Her influence extended beyond the College, as
she held critical roles on various external boards, committees and working groups.
Most notably, she served as Australia’s National Rural Health Commissioner from 2020 to 2024, addressing crucial issues such as Rural Generalist recognition, development of the Ngayubah Gadan Consensus Statement, contributing to the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, advocating for rural maternity care and addressing the impacts of Covid-19 on rural, remote and First Nations communities.
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Next Edition out on December 26th 2024
Adj Professor Ruth Stewart has received the prestigious 2024 Life Fellowship award from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin, Adj Professor Ruth Stewart and ACRRM immediate past president A/Prof Dan Halliday. (Supplied)
Country homes
Relocatable homes
Kit Homes What you need to know
Driving a career change
By Fiona Gowers
After living in Caboolture for 20 years, Jeff and Catherine McGuinness decided to build a Paal home on a family block in Raleigh, northern NSW.
“The property has been in Catherine’s family for more than 100 years,” says Jeff. “We decided to build to increase the value of the land.”
The couple looked into transportable homes, but the property was difficult to access.
“We needed to build something on site,” says Jeff. “And I was keen to build something myself although I had no building experience - I’ve been a truck driver all my life.”
So, the couple met with Mauree at Paal’s Caboolture office and decided to build a Met-Kit.
“We didn’t want an over-the-top home,” says Jeff. “We only wanted something reasonably small.”
Plans fell into place and, thanks to Jeff’s surprise redundancy, they were able to start building sooner than expected.
“That was the turning point,” says Jeff. “We decided to bring it forward six months.”
Jeff and Catherine made modifications to the design, including re-positioning the two smaller bedrooms, adding a second verandah and removing a wall in the open living room to let in the magnificent view.
“The beauty of Paal is you can take one of their designs and move the interior around to suit you,” says Jeff.
To help with the build, Jeff called on a friend who happened to be a gyprock plasterer. The pair completed the home in a year, organising trades when needed such as a plumber and concreter.
“My son is an electrician, so he wired the home,” says Jeff. “We were going to get a roofer, but we thought, ’How hard could it be’?”
Jeff was very happy with Paal’s process. The manual was detailed and easy to follow and help was a phone call away.
“Anything we got stuck on, we’d sit down, have
a cup of coffee and ring Sydney on loudspeaker while Liz explained it,” says Jeff. “She was fantastic.”
Building with Paal was also affordable. The kit cost approximately $114,000, and the couple’s final total for a new home was around $250,000. “It would have maybe been an extra $100,000 to get
someone to build it,” says Jeff.
However, it was the experience of building a home from scratch that Jeff really appreciated.
“When I’m walking back from the shed, looking at the home, I think, I put that there, I achieved that,” he says.
“It’s really satisfying.”
You CAN build your own KIT HOME
Paal ... DESIGNS FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS
David and Lisa Stuart wanted to design their own home - and thanks to Paal’s flexibility, they got exactly the outcome they wanted. With help from Mauree Grace and Jamie Thomson of Paal in Queensland, the couple chose the popular Elizabeth elevated design that o ered the flexibility of a floorplan they could adapt, a budget that suited, and freedom to build at their own pace. They were thrilled with the Paal building process and the end result, as well as being proud of their achievement.
DELIVERY AS NORMAL ... No materials and supply shortages at Paal ... we are ready to go!
DISPLAY HOME
You are invited to a personal tour of our Stanthorpe display home at Caboolture. By appointment
or visit our Showroom, 67 Morayfield Road, Caboolture. 07 5495 4070
Jeff and Catherine McGuinness built their own Paal home on a family block in Raleigh, northern NSW. (Supplied)
Jeff and Catherine modified the design, including re-positioning the two smaller bedrooms, adding a second verandah and removing a wall in the open living room to expose the magnificent view.
Jeff and Catherine McGuinness found building with Paal affordable. The kit cost approximately $114,000, and the couple’s final total for a new home was around $250,000.
Country homes
Relocatable homes
Kit Homes What you need to know
Tiny house buyer’s guide
For farmers, securing affordable, flexible and convenient housing is an increasing necessity.
Whether you’re looking to house family members, provide accommodation for workers or even add a cost-effective home office, tiny houses can be an appealing solution.
But, with the market full of options, it’s crucial to know what you’re getting into and how to make an informed choice.
Here’s a no-nonsense guide to help you navigate the tiny house market and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Understanding Tiny Houses
Tiny houses are small, transportable homes designed to provide essential living space at a fraction of the cost and time associated with traditional builds. They’re especially attractive for rural and remote properties where conventional housing can be financially impractical or logistically challenging. These homes are typically under 50 square meters and are built off-site, then delivered and installed on your property. While they’re not considered permanent structures by most councils, they’re versatile enough to serve as family accommodation, worker housing or a farm office.
2. The Advantages of Tiny Houses for Farmers
• Cost-Effective: Tiny houses can be up to 80 per cent cheaper than building a traditional home, which makes them ideal for farm budgets.
• Quick Turnaround: Unlike traditional builds that can take a year or more, reputable companies can deliver a tiny home in about 12 weeks.
• Flexibility: Tiny houses are relocatable, so they’re perfect if your needs change or you move location.
• Low Maintenance: Tiny homes are typically easy to maintain. Most require simple cleaning and a power wash now and then.
3. Common Pitfalls in the Tiny House Market
• * Beware of Importers Without Experience: Many sellers in the tiny house industry are merely drop-shipping imported products, usually from overseas. These companies often lack
construction or trade experience and will ship a product without the essential structural integrity or suitability for Australian conditions. Look for companies that manufacture locally and understand Australian building standards, climate and terrain requirements.
• DIY Installation Claims: Some companies will promise DIY installation, which can be misleading. Tiny homes, even the relocatable kind, often require skilled installation, especially if you’re working with plumbing and electrical systems.
• Limited Warranty and Support: If you buy from a third-party seller or importer, getting support and repairs can be challenging. Go for compa-
nies that provide long-term customer support, so you know help is available when you need it.
4. Navigating Council Regulations
• Check Local Rules: Every council has different rules regarding tiny houses, especially in rural or agricultural zones. Some councils are more lenient with relocatable homes, while others may have strict requirements for safety, habitability and aesthetic compatibility with the surroundings.
• The Class 1a versus Relocatable Home Distinction: Tiny houses are generally not Class 1a builder-built homes, which is the standard for permanent residences in Australia. Because of this, they may not meet all requirements for a
primary dwelling. Some councils prefer a primary residence to be Class 1a, so it’s essential to know the legal limitations before buying.
• Approval Pathways: Due to engineering challenges, getting council approval can be tough with poorly built relocatables. However, some manufacturers engineer their homes to meet council standards and offer a clear pathway to approval. This level of effort can make all the difference in avoiding future issues.
5. Key Features to Look for in a Tiny House
• Structural Integrity: Ensure that the tiny house is designed to withstand local weather conditions.
Council rules and regulations across the regions
SCENIC RIM COUNCIL
Where a tiny house is proposed to be built on a vacant property and used for living in or as a place of residence, it is referred to as a Dwelling house under the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020 (Planning Scheme).
You can also use a tiny house as a temporary home while an approved Dwelling house is being constructed on the same property. This will require a permit under Council’s local laws for a temporary home.
Where a tiny house is proposed in addition to an existing Dwelling house on the same
property, it is referred to as a secondary dwelling under the Planning Scheme. Examples of a secondary dwelling include a granny flat or teenager’s retreat.
Council regulates temporary housing structures and uses to protect the health and safety of residents.
• Please visit www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/ for more information.
ROCKHAMPTON REGIONAL COUNCIL
The Rockhampton region is being featured in Regional Australia Institute’s multi-milliondollar national awareness campaign, Move to
More, which aims to encourage Australians living in metropolitan areas to consider living, working and investing in the regions.
The multi-million dollar relocation campaign, which includes an interactive website, positions regional cities as an attractive option to achieve a more affordable lifestyle and turn work-life balance into a reality.
• Please visit www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov. au/Home for more information.
LONGREACH REGIONAL COUNCIL
A tiny house or a livable shipping container conversion, intended to be used as a permanent
residential building will typically be treated in the same was as other common forms of dwellings.
Their use may not require planning approval on a vacant rural or residential zoned lot, or where they can meet the definition of ‘secondary dwelling’ or ‘dual occupancy’. Regardless of whether planning approval is required when a tiny house or a liveable shipping container conversion constitutes one of these uses, they will still usually require building and plumbing approvals before being lived in.
• Please visit www.longreach.qld.gov.au/ for more information.
Cottage Cabins builds homes with N3 wind ratings to ensure they can handle high winds common in rural areas. (Supplied)
• Local Manufacturing: Homes made locally are better suited to Australian conditions and often meet higher standards for materials and safety.
• Complete Fit-Out: Look for homes that come fully fitted with plumbing, wiring and insulation to Australian Standards. This ensures that you’re getting a home ready to live in.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Many councils worry about tiny houses looking like makeshift shelters. Choose a home that’s well-designed and aesthetically pleasing to blend in with the environment. Features such as thermal cladding, farmhouse doors and window hoods add value and make the home feel more permanent and welcoming.
7. Questions to Ask Before Buying a Tiny House
• Who manufactures this tiny house and where is it built?
• What support and warranties are available after purchase?
• Is this tiny home equipped to handle Australian conditions (for example: wind rating, tempera-
ture control?)
• Will you install the tiny house or is installation left to the buyer?
• What is the process for council approval and who will assist you with it? In Summary
Tiny houses can be a brilliant solution for farmers needing quick, flexible and affordable housing. However, there are plenty of “cowboy” sellers out there, so it’s essential to do your research and choose a company that truly understands the needs of rural Australia. Reputable tiny house companies will provide a complete, compliant and durable product designed for long-term use and satisfaction.
Tiny homes are much more than temporary housing — they’re a pathway to sustainable and affordable living, bringing independence and ease to Australian farmers and families.
Ensure you choose a partner who values your investment as much as you do.
Country homes Relocatable homes
Kit
Homes What you need to know
Australia’s housing crisis
The Australian housing market is in a state of crisis.
Affordability and availability are issues spiralling out of control and, despite well-intentioned efforts, the measures taken are insufficient to tackle the challenges faced by Australians. In response, Australians are turning to alternative solutions such as relocatable tiny homes. Tiny homes present a viable option for various situations:
• Ageing Parents: For families seeking to keep elderly relatives close, tiny homes serve as an excellent granny flat option. This not only fosters familial connections but also helps preserve family wealth that might otherwise go to aged care facilities.
• Young Adults: For young adults stepping into independence, tiny homes offer a way to move out without the crippling costs of rent. This independence is crucial for personal development and maturity.
• Avoiding Overcapitalisation: Building a $600,000 house in a rural or remote area often doesn’t make financial sense when financial institutions value it at half the cost. Tiny homes provide a more economical alternative.
• Financial Freedom: Families can avoid the strain of dedicating both incomes to a hefty mortgage, allowing for a better quality of life.
• Worker Accommodation / Home Office: There is a pressing shortage of affordable and accessible worker accommodation for Australian farmers and rural businesses. Tiny homes can fill this gap efficiently.
The Cottage Cabins Advantage
Choosing a tiny home from Cottage Cabins comes with numerous benefits:
• Cost-Effective: With costs being roughly 20 per
AreputabletinyhousecompanysuchasCottageCabinswillprovideacomplete,compliantand durableproductdesignedforlong-termuseandsatiasfaction.(Supplied)
cent of an established home build, our transportable tiny homes are an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers.
• Quick Turnaround: We pride ourselves on efficiency. We can have a home on-site within 12
Current state of the housing industry
By Colette Montgomery, Cottage Designer, Cottage Cabins
Both housing affordability and availability in Australia is currently on fire.
It’s a fire raging out of control. And the Government isn’t equipped to manage it.
They are hobbled by a cross of their own making, and nothing so far attempted will fix it.
That’s a stark and uncomfortable truth. Let me explain. We manufacture and sell tiny homes. Daily I talk to hard working Australians, of all ages, backgrounds and education levels who cannot afford a home. Most are verging on homelessness. The homeless of 2024 is not a drug user. Welfare dependent. Unemployed.
The Homeless of 2024 has stable employ-
ment. Often dual income families. Educated. With no offence or bad debt history. They are you. And they are me.
weeks, not the 12 months often associated with traditional builds.
• Customisation: Our designs are adaptable, accommodating different lifestyles and life stages. We work with you to create a space that
feels like home.
• Move-In Ready: All plumbing, wiring and fittings are completed to Australian standards. Your home arrives ready for you to settle in.
• Relocatable: Life is full of changes. Our homes can be packed up and moved to a new location, offering flexibility that traditional homes can’t match.
• Easy Maintenance: Our homes require minimal upkeep — usually just a power wash and occasional cleaning of windowsills.
Navigating the Challenges
While tiny homes offer many advantages, it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls:
• Quality Matters: Not all tiny homes are created equal. Most sellers are drop-shippers, with products that may not meet Australian standards or suit local conditions. At Cottage Cabins, we designed our homes locally with Australian RPEQ engineers, ensuring quality and compliance with 2016 NCC Structural Code and have achieved N3 wind ratings
• Comprehensive Service: Unlike others who might leave installation to the buyer or thirdparty contractors, we provide a complete solution. We handle foundation installation and assembly, standing by our product every step of the way.
• Council Regulations: Regulations can vary between councils. It’s crucial to check local rules regarding tiny homes. We focus on safety, habitability and aesthetic appeal, crafting charming cottages that owners can be proud of.
• Approval Pathways: While council approval can be challenging due to the nature of relocatable homes, our commitment to engineering excellence means there’s a clear pathway to approval with Cottage Cabins.
The cost of housing in Australia is shackled by our increasingly burdensome Class 1a regulations. The government’s recent introduction of 7-star BASIX energy ratings and LHSA mandatory provisions has added further costs and made Class 1a builder-built homes further out of reach for many. The well-intentioned reduction of red tape from some councils, particularly across NSW, was a much-needed response. But it’s a drop in the bucket to what’s needed to tackle the challenges the average Australian faces at ground level. So, Australians are turning to temporary solutions, relocatable tiny homes. ColetteMontgomery,cottagedesigneratCottageCabins.(Supplied)
DALBY REMOVAL HOMES
Trading as Dalby Removal Homes since 1992, the company has developed a market niche in the purchase and sales of many older style homes.
Coming from a rural background, Robert and wife Kristine became interested in Colonial and Queenslander homes when renovating their first home and they have continued to renovate.
Demolishing dilapidated farm houses and selling the materials lead them to source better homes more suitable for removal. Robert has extensive knowledge to guide you in the process of purchasing your own removal home.
Dalby Removal Homes, a member of the National Trust, operates from its Dalby office and provides sales advice to customers on price, relocation costs, design and renovation. We purchase from developers, government, primary producers and others who need to relocate homes for land development and new construction.
The business services inquiries from local and interstate customers thinking of relocating in South East Queensland. Our removal contractors are professional and experienced operators. Robert Smiley
RELIABLE PRODUCTS ...
Prepare now for flood, fire
By Aussie Pumps
Destructivestormcellsdeliveringadelugecaused chaos and grief across South East Queensland last month, while other parts of the state sweltered through a record heatwave.
Both extremes demonstrate our vulnerability to mother nature and we know more will follow.
One Australian manufacturer, Australian Pump Industries understands what communities go through when racked by fires and floods.
Their design team develop pump products that are built to tackle issues during these destructive weather events.
RESILIENCE THROUGH PREPARATION
Recently the company was asked to air freight large six“ pumps to South Sudan, for use by the United Nations in a flood mitigation program, to redirect the Nile around the city of Juba.
“Our MQ600TDs are a huge hit with the UN because they are simple self-priming pumps that are robust enough to handle even primitive conditions.
By deploying a battery of these pumps in Juba, it has been spared this time, but the city remains under further threat,” said Aussie’s Export Manager, Melinda Jansen.
The Aussie MQ600TD six” trash pump can deliver flows up to 6,000 lpm. Put three of these in a bank and you have the capability of moving ‘1 million litres of water’ per hour.
The pumps self-prime within a matter of minutes, expelling the water from the pump body and creating a vacuum.
That automatically primes the pump, drawing water up as high as a 7.6-metre vertical lift.
These trash pumps feature a built-in frontmounted clean-out port that enables the pump internals to be cleared of blockages without the need to disconnect pipework.
MOVING
FLOOD WATER … AUSSIE’S RANGE
Moving surplus water from inundated basements and carparks after a deluge is best tackled with a specialist self-priming trash pump.
These pumps feature open vane impellers that will move large volumes efficiently and can handle solids-contaminated water.
Aussie’s range of portable QP trash pumps (with port sizes from two”, three” and four”) use either Honda petrol or Yanmar diesel engines.
These self-priming pumps are fast to set up and are easy to maintain.
They are ideal for use in quarries, on construction sites and for clearing trapped water from low lying areas and basements.
FIRE PUMPS STANDBY
Aussie Pumps’ high-pressure fire pumps are an everyday tool for a wide range of applications around the farm.
They’re used for plant washdown, high-pressure water transfer and of course fire protection.
They can run sprinklers, be used in irrigation systems and can washdown a dairy yard or stock crate fast and efficiently.
However, their primary task is for the fire protection of outbuildings, homes, and sheds, in what fire authorities call the “Urban Interface”.
There are over a million houses lying on the outskirts of cities and towns in a rural or semi rural environment.
Owners are at risk of losing their homes, livestock, pets and even lives should a bushfire strike.
Aussie Pumps believes there are practical
steps that can be taken to prepare properties for bushfires, but that planning is key.
AUSSIE’S BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL GUIDE
Every year, Australian Pump produce a revised version of their free Bushfire Survival Guide.
It gets better each time with more input from not just the fire authorities but also from people who have had practical experience in protecting their homes and assets.
The guide is a terrific document that shows a wide range of actions that need to be taken to protect property and livestock.
The guides are distributed through Aussie Pump Shops around Australia.
The guide covers the basics on how to fill gutters with water and move debris from around the house.
However, there are a score of other practical ideas that can be easily achieved.
For example, the guide covers instructions on how to set up sprinklers for a roof-mounted reticulation system.
The “halo” effect of water sprayed over the
building can be a lifesaver.
There are real risks involved. People living in the “Urban Interface” who intend to stay and defend need to be prepared and practised at using their equipment.
BE PREPARED
The first essential is to have an adequate water source in the form of either a swimming pool, water tank, dam or well.
The Aussie Pump team believe that if you intend to fight the fire and protect your property, it is worth doing the research to make sure you have the right equipment.
After water, the next thing is having the right product in the form of a firefighting pump that will give you the best chance.
The company has a movie that illustrates the benefits of the Aussie Fire Chief, their flagship product.
They claim the Fire Chief is the world’s best and most effective lightweight, portable fire pump.
The movie shows exactly why the Aussie Fire Chief is better than competitor products.
Those advantages include heavy-duty components that deliver true reliability and increased performance.
In some cases, it’s 25 per cent more than for other products.
Plus all Aussie QP pumps are backed with a five-year pump end warranty.
BUY LOCAL
Aussie Pumps has an extensive network of Queensland Gold Distributors.
They are ready to assist with pump selection advice and service support on the Aussie QP range of fire, transfer and trash pumps.
The company has also released its latest Pump Smart nine Catalogue online (hard copies are available too) with over 300 self-priming pumps to choose from.
The comprehensive selection guide includes the latest Aussie developments, application details, performance curves and QR codes with links to further reading and videos.
To download the Aussie Pump Smart catalogue or Bushfire Survival Guide head online to aussiepumps.com.au or contact your nearest Gold Distributor.
Aussie’s Bushfire Survival Guide assists property owners plan and prepare.
Aussie QP60TD trash pump to be set up to move excess rainwater from a road construction site. (Supplied)
Responding to relevance
Commercial producers from throughout Queensland underpinned the strong demand for quality grey and red genetics at the Great Northern Brahman Sale on 24-25 October, with heifers topping at $26,000 and bulls at $34,000.
A premier fixture on the northern sale calendar, the fifth annual Great Northern Brahman two-day sale bonanza was held in the Whitsundays and resulted in a 100 per cent clearance of 82 bulls with an overall gross of $981,500.
The multivendor event kicked off on Thursday 24 October at Airlie Beach Hotel with the live and online heifer and genetics sale.
All nine heifers sold to average $15,222 and grossed $136,998 while the semen packages averaged $725 per straw and grossed $14,500.
Interfaced with Stocklive, the live auction on Friday at the Proserpine showgrounds resulted in a 100 per cent clearance of 82 grey and red bulls to a top of $34,000 and an average of $7378 while 43 from 51 heifers were sold under the hammer for an average of $4884 and 84 per cent clearance.
Robert and Mandy White, Wilangi Brahmans, Charters Towers, snapped up lot 34, NCC AL 6244 (H) for the top price of $34,000 from vendors Vella Brahmans, Proserpine.
The 24-month-old son of NCC Eli and out of NCC Silhouette 4258, weighed 862kg, and had a raw eye muscle area of 144sqcm, scrotal circumference of 40cm, intramuscular fat scan of 5.5 per cent, rump and rib fat of 13 and 11mm, motility of 80 per cent and morphology of 83 per cent.
The young sire was sold as a three-quarter share and full possession with semen retained for in-herd use only.
He was one of the last NCC Eli sons to be offered and impressed with his length, volume, temperament and structural soundness.
Lot 1, Cambil Polled Emperor 6527 (IVF) (PS), the 38-month-old son of Kenrol Darrocca 2761, opened the sale, boasting a thumping live weight of 1005kg, scrotal circumference of 41.4cm, raw eye muscle scan of 151sqcm, 95 per cent motility and 80 per cent morphology.
The young sire was snapped up by Belfrost Grazing, Winton, for the second top price of $20,000 for vendor the Camm family, Cambil Brahmans, Mt Julian.
Emperor was sold for a three-quarter share and full possession with 100 straws of semen
included and was a full brother to the top-price heifer sold the evening before.
Sired by Cambil Diango 6400, the grey bull Cambil Perkins 6910 (IVF) (PP), lot 15, made $16,000 to Queensland Rural account LG Grazing.
TheBlueWaterHillsCamson,lotfive,NCCBill 6098 (H), sold for the fourth top price of $15,000 to Emanuel Pace, Blue Water Hills Brahmans, Mackay, by vendor Vella Brahmans, Proserpine.
Geoff and Scott Angel, Glengarry Brahmans, Rockhampton, outlaid $15,000 for the 21-monthold grey bull, lot seven, NCC Amos (IVF) (H) from vendor Vella Brahmans.
In the heifer and genetics sale on day one, lot one Cambil Holly 6851 (IVF) (PP), a grey daughter of Kenrol Darrocca 2761, was sold under the hammer to Mitch and Tenille James, Boomerang Brahmans, Mt Julian, for the top price of $26,000.
The December 2022 drop heifer was PTIC to US sire Mr H Pride of Maddox 684 and sold by the Camm family, Cambil Brahmans.
The second top price was $22,000 outlaid by the Pace family, Blue Water Hills E Brahman Stud, Mackay, for lot 11 Badilla Sapphire (IVF), a May 2024 drop cherry red heifer by Kariboe Valley Ventura 1161/0 sold by Blake and Renee Chiesa, Badilla Brahmans, Ingham.
Great Northern Brahman Sale chairman James Kent said the sale drew both repeat and new buyers from across Queensland to compete on a catalogue of world-class genetics.
Mr Kent said buyers came from the local Proserpine area as well as leading bullock producers from Clermont, Alpha, Charters Towers, Georgetown, and Collinsville regions.
“Commercial buyers were chasing industryrelevant bulls with strong carcase characteristics, and this was underpinned with a significant increase in demand for strong horned bulls,” he said.
Grant Daniel Long Rockhampton branch manager Joshua Heck said with the increased offering this year it was encouraging to see such a solid result through the entire sale.
Selling agents were GDL Rockhampton and Elders Rockhampton.
The Great Northern Brahman Sale was proudly sponsored by Greater Whitsunday Vet Services, Williams Stock Feeds, Inventia Genetic Technologies, Gener8, GB and AR.
Perfect clearance rate and record average at sale
By Breanna Lloyd
This year’s Lancefield Brahmans Invitational Sale, held on Monday, 28 October at CQLX Saleyards, Gracemere, achieved a 100 per cent clearance rate and an overall record average.
Buyers from across the state attended the event and purchased all 96 grey bulls offered, with an average price of $11,635.42 and a gross of $1.1 million.
The top-priced bull, Elrose Gold Dust 22998, lot five, sold for $70,000, offered by Scott and Lizette McCamley, Lancefield S Stud, Dululu, and purchased by Everingham Pastoral, Oak Park Brahmans, Einasleigh.
By sire Elrose Blockbuster and dam Elrose Wendy, the 27-month-old bull weighed 800kg, with fat depth scans of nine and six millimetres for P8 and rib fat.
The second top-priced bull, 24-month-old 2AM Josiah 8726, by sire 2AM Jasper and dam 2AM Jay, was sold for $55,000 to the Sharpe Stud, Mount Moore.
Hourn and Bishop Qld agent Brad Passfield agreed with vendor Ross McCamley, Lancefield Brahmans, that it was another great sale.
“It really was a great sale again this year, especially with the gross and average totals,” Mr Passfield said.
“We had a lot of commercial support from the Northern Territory, strong stud competition, and many return buyers.
“It’s good to see those stand-out sires in the current marketplace as well.
“It’s a fantastic result for the McCamley family, and we are ready to do it all again next year.”
Mr McCamley thanked Mr Passfield and the entire Hourn and Bishop QLD team for their support.
“The sale was a terrific success thanks to our agents, return buyers, and underbidders. We couldn’t have done it without you,” he said.
Lancefield Brahmans Invitational Sale saw a 100 per cent clearance rate and a record average. (Breanna Lloyd)
Cambil Holly 6851 (IVF) (PP), a grey daughter of Kenrol Darrocca 2761, was snapped up by Mitch and Tenille James, Boomerang Brahmans, for the top female price of $26,000. (Great Northern Brahman Sale)
The evening heifer and genetics sale sold nine heifers to average $15,222. (Mallee Media)
49 - 6.5M - 25 X 25 X 2 - PTD - $14
72 - 8M - 50 X 50 X 4 - PTD - $80 160 - 2.9M - 75 X 75 X 3 - GALV - $55
DEALS IN STEEL SPECIALS
• 165CM - 5’6” BLACK - HEAVY - $7.50
• 180CM - 6’ BLACK - HEAVY - $8.50
• 180CM - 6’ HDG - HEAVY - $9.00
• 8.2MM-7 STRAND GALV
• 400M X 150 KG - $550 HINGED JOINT/ FIELD FENCE FIXED KNOT
• 115 X 42 X 1.8 - 6.1M - $55 LEN • 115 X 42 X 2.0 - 6.1M - $60 LEN • 115 X 42 X 2.5 - 6.1M - $70 LEN BUNDLES 21 LENS ONLY
• 1.8M X 2.1M - 6 RAIL
• 40 X 40 - GALV RHS
• PINS INCLUDED 92 - PACK BUYS - $85EA LOOSE BUYS - $100EA
• SLIDE GATE - $400EA
• 1.2M X 2.2M
• 8 RAIL - GRADUATED
• 2.5MM OD - GALV PIPE
• PINS INCLUDED PACK BUYS - 93 - $90EA
LOOSE BUYS - $100EA
• GOAT PANEL GATE - $250
• 10’-3M - MESH - $120
• 12’-3.6M - MESH -$140
• 14-4.2M - MESH -$160
• 10-3M - 5 BAR LIGHT -$140
• 12’-3.6M - 5 BAR LIGHT -$160
• 14-4.2M - 5 BAR LIGHT - $190
• 12’-3.6M - 5 BAR HEAVY -$180
• 14-4.2M - 5 BAR HEAVY -$210
• 2.5MM-IOWA-400M ROLLS
PALLET BUYS - 27 ROLLS - $125EA
SINGLE ROLLS - $135EA
• 1.8MM - HIT - 500M ROLLS
PALLET BUYS - 36 ROLLS - $115EA SINGLE ROLLS - $125EA
• 4M X 2M-800 KG - $2700 CONCRETE ABUTMENTS 4M-3000KG/PAIR - $1600
• 3000 X 600 - $200 • 3000 X 750 - $220
• 9-8M-125 X 125 X 4-GALV -$160 • 9-8M-125
•2.4M -80NBX4MM-GALV -$65
•3M -80NBX4MM-GALV -$75
• 65NB - 76mmOD x 3.6mm wall
• 6500 mm /LENGTHS
• 37 LENS/BUNDLE - 1550kg
e care, the responsibility and the companionship of horses play a big part in the physical and mental health of riders. ERLE LEVEY talks to Ken Moir, who has been around horses for six decades.
A rich life with horses
There is nothing so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse.
That’s the truth, according to Gympie’s Ken Moir.
And he ought to know. Ken started riding horses at the age of three. That was in Scotland with his older brother Alex.
Now, in his 70s, Ken owes much of his physical and mental health to horses, particularly with endurance riding.
The Kilkivan Endurance Blue Ride for Men’s Health scheduled for last weekend had to be cancelled due to the rain and storms.
Yet it wasn’t for the want of enthusiasm for the ride, and Queensland Endurance Riders Association (QERA) is looking to reschedule the event in the new year.
Although disappointed, the Kilkivan Endurance Riders Club said the location of the ride had rainfall in excess of 100mm in one night and this, on top of several storms over the previous few days, led to the call being made.
There was potential for more storms on the Saturday, meaning lightning and thunder activity.
The ride base was compromised and the area to be used for holding horses would be restricted.
The number of horses travelling over paddocks opened up by landowners would have chopped up the land.
For Ken Moir, the relationship between horse and rider has been invaluable.
I spoke with him during the 2024 Tom Quilty Gold Cup at Wirrina Cove in South Australia. Then again this week at Chatsworth, where he was working with a rescue horse.
Persistence beats resistance is what he lives by.
I have seen Ken a number of times working softly with horses - taking time to gently persuade a horse to cross water where the reflections can spook it.
Then again, I watched him slowly twirl a rope in his hands in the peripheral vision of a horse to encourage the horse to walk up the ramp into a float.
Both times there was much more success from this approach rather than using force.
Endurance riding is about understanding the horse so that the course can be safely negotiated.
The 160km course needs to be completed within 24 hours, with the Tom Quilty regarded as Australia’s premier endurance event.
“There’s an attachment to horses on the physical side but also the mental side,’’ Ken said.
“It brings about a commonality with horsemanship. They have this connection with the horse.
“That’s what the addiction is. It continues our attachment for hours upon hours rather than just a few minutes.’’
With almost 70 years of working with horses, Ken attributes the connection with his health and fitness.
So much so that the quality of his riding now is as good as when he won the Queensland State Championships in 2013 and 2015.
Back then he weighed 89kg - almost in the heavyweight division. Now, at 80kg, he is feeling
There’s an attachment to horses on the physical side but also the mental side.”
can easily let things slip.
The Movember campaign for awareness of prostate cancer has been going for a while.
The Blue Ride is seen as a low-key strategythe start of an ongoing campaign but done in a non-intrusive way.
For Ken Moir and his older brother Alex, they have been involved with horses right from their early days growing up in Scotland.
“With endurance riding, you’re looking after an animal which is under your responsibility and care,’’ Ken said.
“You really have to look after it. Do all the things you can to make sure it is fit, and as healthy as possible.
“For me, it’s not a beauty contest for the horse. As long as it is good inside and good mentally.
“They’re a working animal.
“With endurance generally, it’s not such a big issue about riding style. It’s a matter of settling into a rhythm and then when you need to increase the pace you can.’’
This week I watched Ken work with a 12-yearold rescue horse that has been traumatised in some way.
He was a good looking gelding but lacking in condition and hadn’t been handled much.
“He is semi wild and never been ridden,’’ Ken said, “but has a really nice nature.
“He’s a very soft horse but very afraid. He has beautiful eyes.
really fit.
He has undertaken 174 rides and covered nearly 16,500 km, earning six Tom Quilty buckles along the way for completing the event.
He finished fourth middleweight in last year’s landmark Winton To Longreach Ride - 220.0km in 18 hours 52 minutes.
“It’s better for me than sitting in the truck or lifting pipes,’’ he said.
“Doing five days a week and 30 km a day riding and exercising the horses - if you ride properly it strengthens your core and your back.
“The amount of time hunched over a computer or phone impacts posture and eyesight.’’
The physicality is keeping fit yet horses can be fundamental to the mental side.
The Blue Ride for Men’s Health is a QERA initiative that has been talked about for some time due to the success of the Bony Mountain Pink Ride for Breast Cancer at the start of the year.
The fact is we talk about women’s health quite openly today.
Not so much in previous times but it has been a more public thing in the past 30 years.
Men are different. They do not talk about things as much.
Those who saw the real horrors of war tend not to talk about them.
Men see themselves as needing to be strong but that tends to lead to being silent, when in fact they are unsure.
Australian men are more likely than Australian women to get sick from serious health problems.
Their mortality rate is also much higher. They die in greater numbers than women from almost every non-sex-specific health problem.
Overall, for every two women who die, three men die.
However, Australian men generally enjoy better health and longer life expectancy than men in most other countries in the world.
In some areas, they now maintain good preventive health practices - only one in 10 men smoke daily. This is far removed from the 1920s when more than half of the young male population smoked cigarettes but that figure has progressively declined.
Today, 27 percent of men maintain recommended physical activity levels.
Mental disorders are the third most common health issue in Australia (14 per cent of the total), after cardiovascular diseases (20 per cent) and cancers (19 per cent).
Anxiety, loneliness, stress and depression are the most common factors.
There are many factors why men’s mental health issues may go unrecognised for a long time.
Social norms and expectations pressure men to be strong, stoic and independent. Upbringing and role models can teach them to cope with problems by themselves or use unhealthy coping mechanisms.
There can be a feeling of being ashamed or embarrassed to seek out help, as well as a lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms.
That brings us to the question of how often men get a medical check-up.
It’s about taking best care for yourself to enjoy your life, and not being ill.
Men are not the best at doing preventative care. We get caught-up in the busy-ness of life and
“When he came here, he was quite wild and just running around. Now he will come and follow me around.’’
It was just amazing to see the way he follows Ken.
There were scars that could have been from being caught up in fencing at one time, but the horse has that innate feature of being curious about humans ... wanting to be friends.
As well as moving around the yard, he would quite easily walk up to Ken and breathe the same air.
“I want to get him going under saddle,’’ Ken said. “So I’ll ask Gavin Bartlet to do it.
“He’s been working with horses all his life, following Buck Brenneman.
“Buck was the advisor to the film The Horse Whisperer with Robert Redford, about a horse that had been in an accident and was rehabilitated.
“I see a horse such as this and realise it’s got so much potential - so much good breeding - so we will give him a chance.
“Poor treatment brings resentment.
“With horses, they can understand people.’’ When you’re interacting with horses you have to be mentally as well as physically fit, Ken said, otherwise you’re not going to do as well.
“You have to understand that the horses are a prey animal and humans are a predator. So you have this prey-predator dichotomy.
“As the relationship builds, the man becomes less of a predator and the horse less of a prey animal.
“It’s about building up understanding rather than force, fear and intimidation.’’
Sadly, many people rely on that. They revert back to being the dominant animal if a horse or a dog reacts in fear.
Treating a horse with understanding brings better results than intimidation, Ken has found. (441562)
Ken Moir and Soliloquy at Wirrina Cove for the 2024 Tom Quilty Gold Cup. (441562)
Ken Moir and Soliloquy after the first leg of the 2024 Tom Quilty Gold Cup at Wirrina Cove in South Australia. (441562)
Ken Moir and Soliloquy prepare for the third leg of the 2024 Tom Quilty Gold Cup. (441562)
“While a dog is a predator as well, you can see how they become confused if accidentally badly treated. They don’t know what to do or how to react to that.
“It’s the same with horses.’’
That interaction with horses can also be where people get tied up, Ken said.
“If you’ve got a horse, don’t think you’ve got to ride it ... you don’t. You can treat them like a dog and just have them around.’’
For endurance horse riders there is the aspect of going for a ride of a morning, just like going for a walk or a bike ride.
“It’s exercise in the fresh air,’’ Ken said, “... a way of giving perspective to the day.
“It’s a bond. It’s an acceptance between you and the horse and that’s a very good thing for the emotions.
“Just like dogs, they can smell suspicion or nervousness.’’
At Wirrina Cove in late October, Ken and his horse Soliloquy, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding, were very competitive in the first two 40km legs of the Tom Quilty, riding into third or fourth position at some stages.
Yet on the third leg he was riding with Peter Field and both sensed some sort of issues with their horses.
“Peter knew his horse was acting up a bit. He was saying, when we come in, I’m going to withdraw. Yet I was looking at continuing as the horse had picked up.
“He had me bluffed - I thought he was trying to tell me something but I was reading him incorrectly.
“Being 10km from home made for a long walk with the horse but it was the best thing.
“We were basically off our horses and walking because we understood they were not up to completing the course.
“Yet we realised, we’re here, we’re at the Quilty.
“Look at the environment. A beautiful spring day, grass blowing in the breeze.
“We were walking towards the ocean at the time so we said: ’Okay, our day hasn’t gone as planned but there’s a lot to like about it. It’s not all negatives.’
“That’s how we chatted on the way home. That ability to talk with someone openly with the horses.
“Someone you’ve known for awhile. Both had some issues on the day and we’d resolved to the fact the ride finishes here.’’
In his life Ken has been involved with bringing damaged horses and damaged humans together so they can find a bond of caring for each other.
“There should be more of that, I believe.
“You don’t need to ride horses. You can just interact with them.’’
We see young people who are unsure being around horses but after a few weeks of encouragement they will reach out and pat the horse.
Then they move onto hand feeding them. It’s amazing to see the delight in their faces.
“You need to be interacting with horses on a daily basis,’’ Ken said, “otherwise you don’t feel good.
“It’s like gardening - constant attention is better than waiting for six months.
“Horses need the attention and so do you.
“To have a prey animal allow you to ride them. I still think it’s fascinating as to why they allow us to do it.
“They do allow us, at the end of the day.’’
Ken reflects on American author Tom Dorrance who, with his brother Bill, are considered founders of the modern natural horsemanship movement.
On his deathbed, Tom was asked what he would like to pass on - anything he may have left out.
“Never knock the curiosity out of a young horse.’’
You could certainly apply that to a young person as well.
Ken Moir, front, and Peter Field at Wirrina Cove for the 2024 Tom Quilty Gold Cup. (441562)
Where Ken walks the rescue horse follows. (441562)
Respect brings sincere bonding. (441562)
Alex Moir, at the age of six, and the family shetland ponies in Scotland. (441562)
Ken Moir after winning the 2013 Queensland State Championship. (441562)
JBS Beef City toasts 50th
JBS Australia is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Beef City site, a pivotal part of Australia’s largest beef processing and feedlot operations.
Located just 35km west of Toowoomba on the Darling Downs, Beef City plays an integral part in the business of grain-fed beef production and has an essential role in consistently supplying safe, quality Australian grain-fed beef to customers all over the world.
Originally purpose-built as one of Australia’s first large-scale feedlots, Beef City has gradually expanded to 26,500 head and inducts 64,000 cattle annually.
Beef City is one of only two integrated feedlots and processing plants in the country, both owned by JBS, where livestock are walked directly from the feedlot to the processing facility.
The Beef City processing facility can process around 1000 heads daily and produce 89,500 tonnes of beef and 277,000 hides annually.
JBS Australia chief executive officer Brent Eastwood reflected on Beef City’s remarkable journey, saying that the dedication and tenacity of the team over half a century combined with their hard work and commitment to quality reinforces our position as a leader in the industry.
“With a steadfast reputation for consistency and reliability, JBS Beef City embodies our commitment to nourishing the world and providing the high-quality Australian beef our customers have come to expect,” Mr Eastwood said.
JBS Northern chief operating officer Brendan Tatt expressed pride in the diverse range of brands produced at Beef City, enjoyed by customers worldwide.
“Our grain-fed brands including Beef City Black, celebrated both domestically and internationally, have been reaching customers we’ve served for over 50 years, earning their status of superiority,” Mr Tatt said.
“No plant has a more distinguished reputation in Asia, North America and Australia than Beef City and Establishment 170.
“Beef City is an integral part of JBS Northern’s five plants and five feedlots and our grain-fed business as a whole.”
Sean Sturgess, the Beef City feedlot manager with over 35 years of service at Beef City, has a deep-rooted connection, following father Richard as the previous feedlot manager prior to his retirement in 2008.
“Beef City is more than a workplace; it’s home to a passionate team dedicated to producing
quality beef from the region,” Mr Sturgess.
Beef City plant manager, Justin McCormick said they are honoured to be a cornerstone of the local community and an employer of more than 850 dedicated staff members across the site.
Beef City induction and yard areas in its early establishment.
“Our team’s passion is integral to our operations and success,“ he said.
“As JBS Beef City celebrates this significant milestone, the operations remain committed to its legacy of excellence.
“It stands proud of its rich history as a vital community member, and we look forward to its continuous contribution to employment and the economic prosperity of the region well into the future,” Mr Eastwood added.
Sires selected to join Cohort 15 of the ASBP
Twenty-five Angus bulls have been selected to join Cohort 15 of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP).
More than 50 nominations were received, with the final line up comprising 20 Australian sires, three New Zealand sires and two American sires.
Sires were selected based on their merits in various areas, including genetic diversity, their current and future impact on the Angus seedstock and commercial industry and their performance for the ASBP cooperator cow herds and commercial supply chain partners.
The Cohort 15 sires will be joined to about 1900 Angus cows through one round of fixedtime artificial insemination across seven cooperator herds in NSW and Victoria.
The Cohort 15 sires average in the top five per cent of the Angus breed for $A and $A-L indexes (Ref: October 2024 TACE).
One of the major objectives of the ASBP is to continue growing the comprehensive Australian Angus reference population using contemporary Angus cattle that represent a diverse range of pedigrees and genetics.
The ASBP progeny are comprehensively
phenotyped and genotyped from birth to slaughter in the steers and from birth to first calf in the heifers.
Since the beginning of the ASBP, a total of 489 Angus bulls have entered this world-leading research and development project.
Most importantly, the ASBP progeny provide extensive genotypes and phenotypes for the Australian Angus Reference Population, with particular emphasis on hard-to-measure traits such as feed intake, methane emissions, immune competency, fertility, carcase and eating quality traits.
The ASBP is a major R&D initiative of Angus Australia, supported by industry partners such as Meat & Livestock Australia, University of New England, CSIRO, Rangers Valley, Stockyard, John Dee Pty Ltd, Australian Country Choice, Vetoquinol, Neogen and Zoetis.
• For further information please contact Dr Liam Mowbray, Research and Development Specialist at Angus Australia liam.mowbray@ angusaustralia.com.au.
Beef City plant manager Justin McCormick, Beef City feedlot manager Sean Sturgess, Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton, chief executive officer JBS Australia Brent Eastwood and chief operating officer JBS Northern Brendan Tatt. (Supplied)
JBS Australia celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Beef City site on Friday, 1 November.
Located just 35km west of Toowoomba on the Darling Downs, Beef City plays an integral part in the business of grain-fed beef production and has an essential role in consistently supplying safe, quality Australian grain-fed beef.
Weather drops numbers
Report Date: 20/11/2024
Saleyard: Casino
Casino penned 1040 head 262 more from last sale. Quality was mostly of plainer types although better presented weaner steers to background and feed saw firm to dearer trends. There were quite a few plainer types in the 200c to 212c/kg bracket which caused averages to result in negative trends. Very light weaner steers were 10c/kg dearer selling 200c to 450c/kg. Light steers to feed 340c to 400c/kg however similar weight background steers slipped 35c/kg and made 230c to 446c/kg. Weaner heifers under 280 kgs softened 14c/kg 212c to 342c/kg with plainer types affecting the better averages. Light processor heifers were firm 238c to 280c/kg. Light feeders 270c to 300c/kg. Light yearling steers to feed made to 370c/kg and medium weights considerably dearer 304c to 348c/kg. Medium heifers to feed 262c to 288c/kg. Heavy grown steers substantially dearer 318c to 354c/kg. Grown heifers lost 10c/ kg. Medium cows were firm. Heavy cows to 5c/ kg cheaper 252c to 290c/kg. Cows to the paddock 160c to 265c/kg and plainer types 120c to 220c/ kg.
Market Reporter, Stephen Adams MLA
Report Date: 20/11/2024
Saleyard: Dalby
The return to good falls of rain across most of the supply area reduced cattle numbers at Dalby by 1,411 head to 3,305. Export buyer attendance was good and the buying panel in the young cattle section improved with the return of one operator. Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock experienced only quality related price changes. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market followed a similar trend. However heavy weight yearling steers to feed averaged 10c/kg better and the over 480kg lines were noticeably dearer. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock improved in price by 6c to 16c/ kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed averaged 12c/kg dearer. Cows were firm to 5c/kg better. Light weight yearling steers to restockers averaged 397c and sold to 427c with some under 200kg to 432c/kg. Medium weight yearling steers to feed averaged from 372c to 377c with the occasional sale to 406c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed averaged 375c and made to 390c with some over 480kg also making to 390c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock averaged from 296c to 321c with sales to 346c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged from 314c to 331c with an outstanding pen to 360c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 352c to average 334c/kg. Bullocks made to 360c to average 354c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows made to 266c to average 259c/kg. Heavy weight 3 score cows averaged 281c and made to 285c while the best of the cows made to 290c to average 288c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 296c/kg.
Market Reporter, Trevor Hess
Report Date: 19/11/2024
Saleyard: Roma Store
Even with some very beneficial rain Roma Agents yarded 5,292 head. All the regular processors
feedlotters and backgrounders present and active. A mixed quality penned with cattle drawn from the NT South Aust and the regular supply district.The market stronger for all descriptions.
Yearling steers 200 to 280kg sold from 320c to 430c/kg. Yearling steers 280 to 330kg almost 25c/ kg dearer and made to 436c/kg. Yearling steers 330 to 400kg with the majority making to 426c/kg.
Yearling steers 400 to 480kg topped 398c to average 382c/kg. Yearling steers over 480kg topped 392c to feed and made from 298c/kg. Only a
small number of Light weight yearling heifers under 200kg and made to 222c/kg. A large portion of 200 to 280kg heifers however sold from 210c to 330c/kg for the better lines. Yearling heifers 280 to 330kg sold from 240c to 348c to restockers and 310c/kg to processors. Yearling heifers 330 to 400kg also improved and sold to 366c as did the 400 to 480kg heifers. Grown steers 500 to 600kg topped 348c/kg. Grown steers 600kg plus made to 356c/kg. Grown heifers over 540kg sold to 366c/ kg. The 400 to 520kg score 2 cows sold from 210c
to 270c/kg. The 3 score cows topped 306c for young cows with the majority selling from 260c to 295c/kg. A large yarding of heavy bulls penned sold from 238c to 308c/kg.
Market Reporter, David Friend Report Date: 19/11/2024
Saleyard: Warwick
With only one sale left for the year the supply of stock lifted by 591 head to 1,674 at Warwick. All the regular buyers attended and operated in a yarding that was dominated by export and heavy feeder lines with only a small sample of light weight yearling cattle. All the bullocks and cows sold to a very strong market and any price variations were attributed to quality and finish. Yearling steers in the 200-280kg range to restockers sold to 419c with those over 280kg at 409c to average 375c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market sold to 392c and averaged 362c/ kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed sold from 368c to 382c and averaged from 363c to 365c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers sold from 332c to 345c/kg. Yearling heifers over 280kg to feed made 344c/kg. Medium weight heifers to feed made 350c to average 326 with the wholesale meat trade paying to 416c/kg. High yielding heavy yearling heifers to feed sold to 388c/kg. Well finished bullocks over 600kg to processors made 370c to average 353c/ kg. Grown heifers to feed made 318c to average 284c with those to processors at 360c to average 338c/kg. Light weight cows to restockers made 238c with those to processors at 265c to average 236c/kg. Score 2 heavy cows to processors sold to 266c and averaged 251c/kg. Good heavy score 3 and 4 cows sold to 295c and averaged from 281c to 288c/kg. Light weight bulls to restockers made 330c to average 321c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors made 328c to average 312c/kg.
Market Reporter, Errol Luck
Sheep Report
Report Date: 20/11/2024
Saleyard: Warwick
The widespread rain event across the supply area reduced numbers to 806 sheep and lambs at Warwick. All the usual wholesalers and processors attended however most failed to complete orders with all classes of lambs and hoggets selling to prices $8 to $42/head dearer and more in places. Young lambs in the 12-16kg range to restockers sold from $60 to $90 with those to processors selling from $101 to $126/head. New season lambs in the 16-18kg range to the wholesale meat trade sold from $144 to $152 with those over 20kg at $231 to $237/head. Older lambs in the 18-22kg range to processors sold from $180 to $221/head. Trade weight lambs sold from $190 to $240/head. Light weight hoggets to processors sold from $70 to $90 with the heavy hoggets at $116 to $180/ head. Light weight ewes to processors sold from $30 to $60 with the heavy ewes at $70 to $127/ head. A small sample of wethers sold to $75/head. Ram lambs to the wholesale meat trade sold from $83 to $185 with the older rams to processors at $30 to $126/head.
Market Reporter, Errol Luck
Veggie Egg Tartlets
Serves: 6 people
Ingredients:
· 12 large eggs
· Pinch of salt
· Good grind of pepper
· 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (garlic infused if you like)
· 1/4 red onion, finely diced
· 3 mushrooms, diced
· 3 asparagus, diced
· 2 slices lean ham, diced (optional)
· 6 sheets filo
· 60 g feta
· Small handful fresh basil & parsley, finely chopped
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush a 12-hole muffin tray with extra virgin olive oil.
2. Crack the eggs into a bowl and season with a pinch of salt and a good grind of pepper. Whisk and set aside.
3. Heat a frying pan and drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil. Sauté the onion, mushrooms, asparagus and ham for a few minutes until softened and a little browned.
4. Meanwhile fold a sheet of filo in half and then again into a quarter. Cut in half to create two rough squares of 4 layers of filo. Press each into a hole of the muffin tray. Repeat with the remaining sheets of filo to give you 12 filo lined muffin holes.
5. Spoon the sauteed vegie and ham mixture into each tartlet. Divide the feta, crumbling a little into each tart, along with the fresh herbs, and finally pour over the whisked egg to fill each tartlet.
6. Pop the tray into the oven to bake for 15-20 minutes or until slightly brown on top and the egg cooked through. Carefully remove each tartlet from the muffin tray with pallet knife and serve straight away or allow to cool on a rack before storing covered in the fridge.
French Vanilla Ice Cream
Prep time: 20 mins
Serves: 6 people
Ingredients:
· 600ml thickened cream
· 500ml full cream milk
· 1 cup (220g) caster sugar
· 6 large egg yolks
· 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Method:
1. Heat cream, milk, and half of the sugar together in a large saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until the mixture just comes to the boil, stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Beat egg yolks, remaining sugar and vanilla together in a large bowl with electric beaters until pale in colour and thickened, about 5 minutes. The mixture should fall in thick ribbons when lifted with the beaters. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the warmed cream mixture.
3. Pour the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan containing the warmed cream and heat over mediumlow heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Ensure that it doesn’t boil.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl. Cover the surface of the custard with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight until very cold.
5. Churn cold custard in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When ice cream is thick, transfer to a metal cake tin or container suitable to freeze. Cover and freeze until ready to enjoy.
Tip:
· Reserve egg whites by freezing in a container. These can be thawed to room temperature and used to make meringues or a pavlova.
Recipe courtesy of Australian Eggs
Zanda McDonald
The Zanda McDonald Award, Australia’s premier accolade for emerging agricultural leaders, has revealed its highly anticipated 2025 shortlist.
Ten outstanding young professionals from across Australia and New Zealand have been selected for this prestigious recognition, now in its 10th year.
The coveted award recognises future leaders working in agriculture and provides an impressive prize package centred around tailored mentoring and education.
This year marks the awards’ 10th anniversary of inspiring and nurturing agricultural leadership.
The shortlist of ten - five from Australia and five from New Zealand - have been selected for their leadership skills, passion, and the contribution they’re making within the primary sector.
The Australian Shortlist:
• Will Creek (35), general manager - properties livestock for vertically integrated beef and cattle company Stanbroke, Queensland
• Matt Kelly (33), farm manager at thoroughbred breeding and cattle breeding and finishing business Coolmore Australia, Hunter Valley
• Jack O’Connor (32), manager of Oxton Park (family cropping, wool and prime lamb farm), based in Harden, Southern NSW
• Kate Power (30), livestock operations and development manager at Kilcoy Global Foods, Queensland
• Felicity Taylor (29), area manager at Rabobank, Moree, Country NSW
The New Zealand Shortlist:
• Hamish Best (34), sheep and beef farmer and founder of red meat brand Conscious Valley, Wellington
• Maegen Blom (24), operations manager of family business Mills Bay Mussels, Marlborough
• Sarah How (33), co-founder and GM of Landify Ltd, South Canterbury
Young M?ori Farmer Award
• Claire Williamson (34), founder of sustainable wool fashion brand Velma and Beverly and managing director of My Mortgage, Waikato
Shane McManaway, chairman of the award, shared his excitement about the calibre and diversity of this year’s applicants.
“This award has been instrumental in fostering growth and development in the industry for the past decade, and we continue to be inspired by the individuals coming forward.
“We look forward to meeting this year’s shortlist and learning more about their vision for the future of agriculture.”
At this event, one Australian and one New Zealand winner will be announced at a special celebration evening, attended by industry leaders and award partners.
• Ben Purua (30), farm manager at Waimakariri Lands Limited and winner of the Ahuwhenua
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the talent emerging from the next generation of agricultural leaders,“ he said.
The ten will undergo interviews next month, with three finalists from each country chosen to attend the Zanda McDonald Award Impact Summit on the Gold Coast in March 2025.
The winners will each receive a personalised professional development package, including a mentoring trip across both Australia and New Zealand via private jet, $10,000 in tailored education or training, media coaching, and ongoing networking opportunities to help further their leadership journeys.
Will Creek, general manager - properties livestock for vertically integrated beef and cattle company Stanbroke, Queensland.
Jack O’Connor, manager of Oxton Park (family cropping, wool and prime lamb farm), based in Harden, Southern NSW.
Kate Power, livestock operations and development manager at Kilcoy Global Foods, Queensland. (Supplied)
Felicity Taylor, area manager at Rabobank, Moree, Country NSW.
Matt Kelly, farm manager at thoroughbred breeding and cattle breeding and finishing business Coolmore Australia, Hunter Valley.
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Calliope brothers triumph
By Breanna Lloyd
The 2024 PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Final Championships recorded never seen before history as 19-year-old Boston Leather was not only crowned Rookie of the Year but the 2024 Australian Champion.
The event held in Townsville on Friday, 1 November and Saturday, 2 November, saw 22 riders compete for the championship title infront of a sold-out crowd of 10,000 fans.
Boston scored one qualified ride over the two nights on Cattle King Volatile from Dittmann Bucking Bulls, scoring 84.50.
His outstanding season gave him the edge he needed to secure the championship title, leaving him 123.85 points ahead of second place.
Standing alongside Calliope’s champion bull rider on the podium was Boston’s older brother Macualie Leather, who finished as the runner up.
Taking home both $90,000 in prize money and the golden buckle, Boston said he couldn’t believe it at first.
“I tried to rest this weekend and not put too much pressure on myself, but I think it’ll sink in over the next few days and I’ll be jumping,” he said.
“I didn’t expect to be and to be here, I’m very grateful for that I’m excited to see what’s next.”
The brothers achieved an Australian first record, as this is the first time siblings have achieved consecutive victories, as Macaulie was crowned as the 2023 Australian Champion.
Macaulie was unable to compete earlier in the year due to an injury which gave the 23-year-old a rough start to the season.
He didn’t give up without a fight though, because Macaulie came back with vengeance and took home the veent win, as the rider with the highest average over the two nights.
Macaluie was the only rider to make four qualified rides which left him in a secure position in runner up on the leaderboard.
His final ride was in the championship round on Revolver from Dunne Bucking Bulls, was Macaulie’s highest score of the tournament scoring 88 points.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome, to be a runner up to my little bro, there’s no better feeling,” Macaulie said.
“He’s our standard.
“From the time he was getting on calves I knew he’d be something special and he’s proved it to everyone all year and proved it to everyone here tonight - he’s s superstar in the making and I’m super proud of him for it.
“He deserves everything and I’m happy with the way I rode and just stoked to be here.”
Boston said he couldn’t be more proud of his brother.
“I couldn’t be happier for him,” Boston said.
“He’s an absolute unit he just goes out and does what he does best and loves every bit of it.
“All credit to him, to be honest if he didn’t have four months off at the start of the year, he’d be standing here doing this interview.”
International rider Daniel Keeping achieved the highest score of the event with 88.25 on Razor Sharp from CF7 Bucking Bulls.
Riders aren’t the only athletes in the PBR, and with lots of buck-offs, it was a great night for the bovine athletes.
It was Dittmann Bucking Bulls’ Mr T who took home the YETI Bucking Bull of the Year. Mr T’s highest scoring ride of the night was 44.0, bucking off Boston Leather in 55.56 seconds.
Australian Contractor of the year went to Colin
Fry (CF7 Bucking Bulls).
PBR General Manager said it was a great way to end the 2024 PBR Monster Energy Tour.
“It’s the first time, in history, we’ve seen a Rookie of the Year also win champion of the year, and to top it off with brother’s coming first and second, it was a very special night for the Leather family,” Mr Young said.
“This year saw a number of international riders join the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals, which truly is a testament to the quality of riders we are producing in Australia.”
“It was great to welcome some of the world’s best riders to compete with us, it was a huge international event, and it was still our Aussies riders who took home most of the wins.
“It was also pretty special to welcome back Brady Fielder, Qynn Anderson and Zane Hall, who have all been competing in America and made the trip to Australia to compete in the Grand Finals.
“We’re not quite finished just yet, with our two rookies Ben Bode and Boston Leather taking on the PBR Canada National Finals next weekend.”
While he’s not sure about the vast change in temperature, going into the Canadian winter, Boston said he’s looking forward to the opportunity.
“The change of bulls will be awesome, I haven’t been in the states so the change of bulls will be very good, and meeting lots of people will be good to get my name out there,” he said.
Mr Young said PBR Australia will be back in Townsville for the 2025 PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals, and fans better get in quick.
“We take this tour all over Australia, from Cairns to Bendigo, giving fans a taste of a PBR event, but it’s nothing like Townsville, and they want to see a grand final.
“We sold out last year and we sold out this year, so my advice would be get in quick if you want to be a part of something special next year, and keep an eye out for the 2025 tour dates so you can get in early.”
Calliope brothers Macaulie and Boston Leather were the top two riders in the 2024 PBR Australia championships. (PBR)
APRA crowns new champs
By Liam Emerton
The Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) National Finals have left their mark after riding away at CQLX in Gracemere from Thursday, 7 November to Saturday, 9 November.
Stronger numbers through the gate saw an increase in both revenue and volume as athletes from across Australia put it all on the line for a National Championship.
After a gruelling three days, battling the heat and other competitors, the golden buckles were handed out on Sunday evening.
APRA’s executive chairman Glen Mansfield said it was an outstanding finals series with the well-deserved winners earning their championship glory.
“It all played out well in the end,” he said.
“We had a few new champions, everyone worked their way through the heat and we got it done.
“It’s quite a good venue and it is a big job to put it all together.
“There’s plenty of thanks needed for the locals at Gracemere with Shane Iker and his team of people.
“They do a great job in getting it happening.”
Pine Grove’s Terry Evison was named the official All-Around Cowboy of the Year following another outstanding performance.
Emerald’s Leanne Caban secured another two incredible accolades to her enormous resume as she took home the All-Around Cowgirl as well as the Barrel Race National Championships.
Fellow Emerald cowgirl Angela Simpson was named the national champion in Breakaway Roping.
Central Queenslander and four-time AllAround Cowboy Campbell Hodson took home the Team Roping Header as well as the Rope and Tie National championships with Aaron Bookluck securing the Team Roping Heeler.
Victorian Jarrod McKane showed his class in the Bareback National Championship event, being crowned first once again.
Tumut cowboy Dylan Weir claimed the top spot in the Bull-Riding competition as Charters Towers’ Ryley Gibb became a five-time Australian Steer Wrestling champion.
And Michael Johnston rounded off the nationals with a win in the Saddle Broncs competition.
2024 National Champions:
• All-Around Cowgirl – Leanne Caban
• All-Around Cowboy – Terry Evison
• Bareback – Jarrod McKane
• Breakaway Roping – Angela Simpson
• Team Roping Header – Campbell Hodson
• Team Roping Heeler – Aaron Bookluck
• Rope and Tie - Campbell Hodson
• Saddle Bronc – Michael Johnston
• Barrel Race – Leanne Caban
• Steer Wrestling – Ryley Gibb
• Bull Ride – Dylan Weir
The All-Around Cowboy National Champion Terry Evison gets into his work. (Purple Fairy Imagery)
Double National Champion Campbell Hodson in action.
The National Champion for Bareback Jarrod McKane riding at CQLX.
Dylan Weir was named National Champion for bull riding.
Breakaway roping champion Angela Simpson. National Champion and All-Around Cowgirl Leanne Caban in full flight during the barrel race.
Saddle Bronc champion Michael Johnston in action.
Ryley Gibb took home another National title for Steer Wrestling.
Aaron Bookluck was crowned champion of the Team Roping Heeler event.
Mental health top of mind
By Fiona Gowers
Wayne Wigham’s journey highlights the oftenhidden struggles many people face behind the façade of success.
In the 1970s and 80s, the professional rugby league player for the Balmain Tigers was seemingly at the peak of his powers.
Mr Wigham was, however, enduring mental health struggles that would take a significant toll on his life, eventually culminating in a suicide attempt.
His experience shines a light on the stark truth: even those who appear to be winning can be losing a silent battle.
Now, in his role as a “lived experience speaker“ for the Black Dog Institute, Mr Wigham has shared his story with men across the Darling Downs in a series of men’s mental wellbeing presentations.
He hopes he can convince other men to open up about their struggles.
“My friends thought I was happy-go-lucky. Not letting people know who I truly was, was exhausting,” Mr Wigham said.
“What’s beautiful is that when we start talking about things like this, we realise that we don’t have to suffer alone,” he said.
The presentations – held in Kingaroy, Toowoomba, and Warwick – aimed to help educate men on the red flags to notice in themselves and others, while also making them aware of the different services and resources available to help.
Sadly in Australia, men account for about 75 per cent of suicides.
The results of previous Black Dog Institute surveying found 58pc of men who had experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts did not access support.
They’re figures Darling Downs Health Mental Health and Alcohol and other Drugs health promotion officer, Richard Henshaw, said he hoped to change.
“Our mental wellbeing affects so many aspects of our life,“ he said.
“When we are struggling, it can impact our relationships and social wellbeing, right through to our physical health. It can impact how we react to situations and deal with stressors.
“The literature indicates men have much lower rates of engagement with professional mental health support; we really need more men to reach out to seek help.
“We hope that Wayne’s story has helped inform participants that help is available and lead to better engagement with services and further reduce stigma in this space.”
Darling Downs Health Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs executive director Greg Neilson said taking the step to attend these presentations was a “powerful act of self-care”.
“By attending, these men have not only improved their own well-being, but have also become better informed to recognise and support others who may be doing it tough,” he said.
These men’s mental wellbeing presentations were presented in collaboration with the Black Dog Institute, Southern Downs Regional Council, Toowoomba Suicide Prevention Network and Centacare Family and Relationship Services Kingaroy.
As part of the presentations, participants also learned about the Under the Radar men’s mental health research led by Black Dog Institute and funded by the MRFF Million Minds Mission Suicide Prevention grant (APP1200195).
These presentations complement a range of mental health and wellbeing services already being delivered by Darling Downs Heath, including free mental health first aid courses and Mental Health Toolbox Talks throughout the Darling Downs.
• For more information on these programs, contact the Darling Downs Health Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Unit on (07) 4616 5201.
• If this story has raised any concerns for you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Wayne Wigham, Southern Downs Regional Council Cr Russell Wantling and Darling Downs Health Mental Health and Alcohol and other Drugs health promotion officer Richard Henshaw. (Supplied)