The Farmer July-August 2020

It's all in the processing

Three women, big business

Online in the age of COVID-19

Blooming businesses

Manufacturing beer, pasta & wool

The women behind Buy from the Bush

Farmers weathering the pandemic

Delving into the flower industry

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J U LY - A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 / $ 9 . 9 5

Fowl Play The decimation of two poultry farming businesses

SPECIAL REPORT:

The Grain Industry

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AN HISTORIC YEAR DESERVES A HISTORIC DEAL.

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From the editor

THE MAGAZINE

I

PUBLISHER James Wells EDITOR Michelle Hespe DEPUTY EDITOR Gifford Lee ART DIREC TOR Ryan Vizcarra SUB-EDITOR Shane Cubis

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EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES

Michelle Hespe Email: mhespe@intermedia.com.au 41 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW, 2037

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–CONTRIBUTORS Ian Lloyd Neubauer Tony Maher Tony Blackie Alexandra Bunton Michael Burt Darren Baguley Lisa Smyth Rebecca Martin Michael Sheather Martin Murray Shane Kilby NSW FARMERS

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All rights reserved. Printed by IVE Group. Getty Images were used throughout the magazine.

It's all in the processing

Three women, big business

Online in the age of COVID-19

Blooming businesses

Manufacturing beer, pasta & wool

The women behind Buy from the Bush

Farmers weathering the pandemic

Delving into the flower industry

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–

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t’s good to see that we are slowly moving into a new more positive phase of the pandemic that has gripped the world for the last six months. Businesses, organisations and the government are all busily putting together a strategy for life and work post COVID-19.

Rest assured that behind the scenes, the team at NSW Farmers are working towards establishing new policies for the NSW agriculture sector, in line with all that's being rolled out on a federal level.

Despite so many concerning stories emerging from around the world during this time, there has also been a lot of positive change, and I personally feel that people have had no choice but to re-evaluate how we live our lives and run businesses. We've had to quickly adapt to a new world.

Some companies (such as those in food delivery and hand sanitiser) have absolutely boomed, while others have cut back on staff and operating costs, becoming leaner than ever while continually looking into new ways of surviving the storm.

But overall, on a more inclusive and global level, people have seen what happens when we don’t put so much pressure on the environment. With less traffic in cities and towns, gardens and parks are greener. With barely any planes in the sky, views that the world had lost due to pollution haze have reappeared, and some species of animals are absolutely thriving.

It’s as though the planet has had some time out to heal.

The main thing I have taken from the experience is that we can’t keep moving into this new era doing the same things and thinking the same way we always have.

A crisis calls for a different way of thinking, and those who try new things and adapt to a new way of working and living will come out of this strange era more innvovative, and ultimately stronger.

It might not be about embracing new technology and doing things such as taking all meetings online. It could be that we realise there is a simpler way of doing things – instances where we can go back to basics.

It might be something we change in our day-to-day actions, such as taking time out to talk to old friends or looking more seriously at our mental and physical health.

One thing is for sure – farmers across Australia really stepped it up over the last six months, and in doing so, they’ve taken care of the masses. You’ll all continue to do that, but you might just see things in a different light and find that there is another, better way of moving forward.

MICHELLE HESPE

Editor

The Intermedia Group takes its corporate and social responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities.

As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers.

This magazine has been printed on paper produced from sustainably sourced wood and pulp fibre and is accredited under PEFC chain of custody.

PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests.

The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100 per cent biodegradable.

Photography Anthony Ong

J U LY - A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 / $ 9 . 9 5

Fowl Play The decimation of two poultry farming businesses

SPECIAL REPORT:

The Grain Industry

DISCLAIMER: This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by New Zealand and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information.

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Copyright © 2020 – The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd

JULY - AUG 2020

THE FARMER

3

IT’S TIME TO JOIN Jed was bred by Kevin and Kay Howell at Karana kelpie stud at Eugowra NSW.

www.nswfarmers.org.au

Contents THE BIG PICTURE

Foreign investment and ownership ��������

6

SPECIAL REPORT

BUSINESS

GRANULAR PROGRESS

THE MUSTER

A close look at Australia’s grain industry and what the future holds ������

THE FLOWER INDUSTRY 46

Two case studies on how the flower industry is faring ��������������������������������

72

NEWS AND VIEWS

Women in agriculture, flying foxes, the beef industry, backpacker havens and The Two of Us ������������������������������������ 14

THE AVOCADO EXPRESS

The avocado industry is doing so well, soon we’ll have an oversupply ��������������

TRADE

78

ONLINE REVOLUTION

How farmers are coping and adapting in the face of the pandemic ��������������������� 52

INSIDER

COMMUNITY IT'S ALL IN THE SCIENCE

POULTRY RETURNS

The harsh reality facing two poultry meat farmers that have lost everything �������� 30

Farming systems groups ����������������������

TREND

82

THE NEW GENERATION: THE HASLAMS

A retirement plan turns into a thriving father and son truffle farm operation ���

BIG THINGS, SMALL PACKAGES

Small accommodation onsite can be an alternative revenue stream ������������������

THE BIG ISSUE

86

58 ON MY SOAPBOX

CAN (AND SHOULD) WE MAKE MORE STUFF

RURAL REVOLUTION

IN AUSTRALIA?

In just a few months, Buy from the Bush has helped many small businesses through clever marketing and entrepreneurial spirit ��������������������������

Which parts of the food processing industry will shrink, and which ones are all set to grow? ������������������������������

36

Stamp duty hinders young farmers �������

92

TEAM PLAYER

A profile on Shane Kilby ����������������������

95

62 MEET OUR NEW POLICY DIRECTOR

Jodie Dean joins the team �������������������

INNOVATION

TOOLS

BLADE RUNNERS

THE SILENT KILLER

Meet Digital Farmhand and Swagbot – two farm robots revolutioning farming ������� 42

Organisations supporting farmers through the darkest of times ��������������������������� 68

BUSH TELEGRAPH

Bitterns return to the Riverina

Tainted grapes put to good use

At Elders we live your business like you do, we have been committed to agribusiness in Australia for over 180 years, supporting you is what we do best.

TUESDAY 4TH AUGUST 2020 1PM, Bald Blair Guyra NSW

Inspections welcome any time by appointment.

To find out more please contact: Sam White Bald Blair Angus Paul Harris Livestock Agent Elders Walcha Mark Atkin Livestock Agent Elders Guyra Wayne Jenkyn Livestock Agent Elders Guyra Brian Kennedy Stud Stock Agent

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THE TAIL END

PROUDLY SUPPORTING BALD BLAIR ANGUS

BULL SALE

96

0438 792 140 0428 600 510 0455 310 657 0428 293 556 0427 844 047

����������� 98

The big picture

6

THE FARMER

JULY - AUG 2020

Lay of the land Back in March, as Canberra put the Australian economy into hibernation to stop the spread of COVID-19, Senator Pauline Hanson warned off foreign investors sweeping in to acquire distressed Australian assets.

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Words IAN LLOYD NEUBAUER

oreign Investment in Australia agriculture is under the spotlight as the Federal Government focuses on the approval process for the purchase of Australian assets.

In March, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg introduced a ‘zero dollar’ approval threshold for all foreign investments.

Previously, only sales of residential land worth more than $60 million or agriculture land worth more than $15 million have required approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board.

But for the next six months at least, any potential sale of Australian land to foreigners requires approval from the board.

“Even in these uncertain times, Australia continues to welcome foreign investment, which remains vital to our long-term economic success and stability,” the Treasurer said. “But these measures are necessary to safeguard the national interest as the Coronavirus outbreak puts intense pressure on Australian businesses and the economy.”

Peter Wilson – a multi-generational mixed- enterprise farmer in Trangie in the Central West, and Chair of NSW Farmers’ Business, Economics and Trade Committee, says foreign investment in Australian agriculture is a double-edged sword.

“For those farmers wanting to exit the industry, it provides a wider market.

What about their rights? By telling >

“Even in these uncertain times, Australia continues to welcome foreign investment, which remains vital to our long-term economic success and stability.”

– JOSH FRYDENBERG Treasurer of Australia

Big overseas deals in the past 11 years

2009

Britain's Terra Firm Capital Partners buys Consolidated Pastoral's 5.6m hectare cattle farms in QLD, WA and the NT for $425 million

2010

Canadian crop inputs company Agrium pays $1.2 billion for AWB Landmark – a grain marketing organisation in Melbourne

2012

93,000-hectare Cubbie Station cotton farm (in sells for $232 million to Chinese-Japanese textile partnership Shandong RuYi

2015

Australia's biggest dairy farm – Van Diemen's Land Company – sells to China's Moon Lake Investments for $280 million

2016

China's Shanghai Cred and Gina Rinehart's Hancock Agriculture pays $280 million for two-thirds of S Kidman and Co – one of Australia's largest beef producers

JULY - AUG 2020

THE FARMER

7

THE BIG PICTURE

them who they can and can’t sell to, we’re reducing the availability of buyers,” Mr Wilson says.

“But for farmers trying to expand, foreign investment adds competition for land and to the cost they have to pay. And that creates a certain amount of angst. I’ve heard stories from members who went to local machinery clearance sales at farms where they’ve had to bid against foreign-owned ventures with much deeper pockets than they have. So we get those kinds of complaints.”

NSW Farmers has been lobbying for the threshold for agricultural land to be set at $5 million for years.

“That doesn’t mean we don’t support foreign investment in Australia,” says Kathy Rankin, NSW Farmers policy director for economics and trade.

“We recognise that competition makes our farms more efficient and effective. We do need to step back from finger-pointing at China and be very respectful to every country we export food and fibre to. They have a large population and a willingness to pay for our high-quality produce,” Rankin said.

“However, NSW Farmers firmly believes that the vast majority of Australian farmland must remain in Australian hands to make sure we can produce enough for ourselves and to export to international markets.”

“Another issue around foreign ownership is that it promotes the creation of large-scale corporate farms by buying up lots of smaller ones, which means we lose some of the diversity of family-owned farms.

We also know there are challenges when it comes to young Australian farmers being able to buy into Australian land.”

Foreign ownership is a contentious issue in Federal politics. One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson has fired off a long line of salvos at the Foreign Investment Review Board, which she accuses of being a ‘rubber stamp’ process that rejected only five out of almost 12,000 applications in the past decade.

The ratio is startling. So is the fact foreign investors own nearly 14 per cent of farmland in NSW compared to less than 10 per cent in Victoria and less than eight per cent in Queensland. China is the second-largest foreign land owner in Australia after the UK, but it has the largest foreign-owned stake of

Australian water, with 732 gigalitres – or nearly 50 per cent more than Sydney Harbour.

“Australia is in the most vulnerable position we have seen for a very long time and I won’t tolerate China or any other country coming in here and buying Australia up for a song,” Hanson said Chinese conglomerates also own some of the largest livestock operations in the country, including Yakka Munga cattle station in the Kimberley and Mawallok Estate, a heritage-listed sheep station in western Victoria. And with China’s pork industry now decimated by African Swine Flu, the Chinese Government is under more pressure than ever to feed its 1.4 billion people and will beef up investments in agriculture abroad.

Mr Wilson, whose family have been farming in Trangie since 1910, doesn’t give much weight to claims from Senator Hansen that investors from China or any other country are swooping down on distressed Australian farms. “The market fundamentals of agriculture in this county are still strong despite the Coronavirus,” he explains. “You can only buy something on the cheap if someone is selling on the cheap. That point has been ignored in this debate.” l

Big overseas deals past 50 years

2017

2017

Chinese company Goldwind bought Stockyard Hill Wind Farm and its 149 turbines 35km west of Ballarat from Origin Energy for $110 million

8

THE FARMER

Hong Kong's Hui family paid more than $100 million for a 51 per cent stake in Bindaree Beef – a meat processor, lot feeder and marketer in NSW

JULY - AUG 2020

2018

Canada's Saputo dairy giant bought dairyprocessing company Murray Goulburn for $1.29 billion

2019

China's Mengniu Dairy Company paid $1.5 billion for Bellamy's Organic dairy formula business, and another $600m for Lion's Dairy division

2019

China's Mengnui Dairy Company's gets a green light from the ACCC, Australia's foreign investment watchdog, to buy Lion-Dairy & Drinks from Japan's Kirin Holding Company for $600 million

The Muster l WATER SCHEME

Water rebate must keep flowing NSW Farmers' is appealing to the Federal government to reverse a decision to cease funding for the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme (EWIR).

The Federal Minister for Water Keith Pitt has advised the State government that the Commonwealth would not provide $9.1 million to continue the scheme, which provided a 25 per cent rebate, up to $25,000 on purchases and installation costs of water infrastructure projects.

“This is a tiny investment in a successful droughtproofing scheme that has far reaching benefits beyond the farm,” NSW Farmers President James Jackson said.

“It’s also a smart investment. For every one dollar from the Federal government, the farmer puts in three dollars for drought preparedness and employs local contractors along the way.”

Since 2018, more than 2,800 primary producers in NSW have received $16.8 million for EWIR rebates on eligible works.

“There is no doubt that this program has been hugely popular and successful in NSW, with ongoing demand reflecting the severity of the drought across the state.

“The State government has stepped up when it comes to ongoing drought support measures and we implore the Federal government to reconsider as a matter of urgency.”

THE KEY POINTS

The advantages of the EWIR are:

25%

Rebate, or for every $1 of federal money, farmers put in $3

2,800

NSW primary producers access the scheme

$16.8m

How much they’ve received in rebates since 2018

l FERAL PIGS

Big results for feral pig culling project Almost 35,000 feral pigs have been culled over a three-year period through a large-scale targeted program in western NSW. Infra-red thermal surveys conducted annually as part of the Western Riverina Pig Project also showed the average pig density reduced dramatically over the three years, from a peak of 11.66 feral pigs per square kilometre in 2017 to as low as 0.66 feral pigs per square kilometre in 2019.

This baseline data identified the highest priority areas for targeted aerial shoots and ground control.

“In 2015, a local NSW Farmers branch wrote to Local Land Services (LLS) requesting a coordinated approach to the management of the western NSW feral pig population,” NSW Farmers President James Jackson said.

“What has been achieved in the years since has been an outstanding result that not only shows the the importance of a coordinated approach in pest animal management, but the importance of our grassroots members.”

Riverina Local Land Services General Manager Ray Willis said: “This project crossed three LLS boundaries and showed the value of our partnership with NSW Farmers in ensuring the General Biosecurity Duty was exercised by both public and private land managers.”

The LLS continues to work with landholders in the project area to control feral pigs and other pest animals.

It has been expanded to include the likes of deer, and will now be known as the Western Riverina Pest Project.

“An outstanding result that not only shows the the importance of a coordinated approach in pest animal management, but the importance of our grassroots members.”

–

JAMES JACKSON NSW Farmers President

JULY - AUG 2020

THE FARMER

9

The Muster l INLAND RAIL REVIEW

Inland Rail review needed in NSW NSW Farmers has welcomed a review of the Inland Rail route through the Condamine floodplain in Queensland, and continues to call for a similar review in NSW.

N

SW Farmers’ Inland Rail Taskforce Chair Adrian Lyons says northern areas of the state share Queensland’s concerns around increased flooding due to the Inland Rail route.

The Inland Rail route is now under review after it was ordered by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack in response to warnings the route will exacerbate flooding in parts of southern Queensland.

“Like in Queensland, NSW Farmers has concerns around the hydrology modelling provided by Australian Rail Track Corporation. We have been calling for increased scrutiny over particular sections of the route for years.” Mr Lyons says.

“Our Queensland counterparts have exposed major discrepancies

with hydrological modelling for the Condamine floodplain section of the route and have serious concerns about potential flooding impacts.

“The Inland Rail line is expected to be built over two metres high, distorting the usual movement of flood waters and putting properties and communities at risk.”

Mr Lyons says the risks posed by the Inland Rail route to landholders and communities in northern NSW have not been properly addressed. He added any review into the route will only garner support if it is independent.

“There is particular concern around the Macintyre floodplain in northern NSW. It has been suggested an embankment along Whalan Creek will redirect flows north into the Macintyre

River, generating an increased flood risk for landholders along the floodplain and communities such as Toomelah, Boggabilla and Goondiwindi.

“The major public safety risks associated with the route through parts of northern NSW have not been properly assessed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation or the Australian Government. This has been a fatal flaw of the project.

“The Queensland review has potential to improve our understanding of the route’s impact on floodplain areas. But the review needs to be independent in order to be successful, and must include a comprehensive analysis of the social, economic and environmental impacts of the proposed route.”

“The major public safety risks associated with the route through parts of northern NSW have not been properly assessed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation or the Australian Government. This has been a fatal flaw of the project.”

–

ADRIAN LYONS NSW Farmers’ Inland Rail Taskforce Chair

10

THE FARMER

JULY - AUG 2020

l ES G STANDARD S

A chance to reshape environment laws As attention turns to agriculture’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) is asking NSW Farmers members to share their views on the design of a system.

Words TONY MAHER, NFF CEO

T

he NFF strongly believes farmers should be financially rewarded for the biodiversity assets they manage and protect on behalf of all Australians.

Finding a way to value, measure and ultimately reward farmers for biodiversity assets has been a long-sought idea. But now, if the right systems are put in place, it may be closer to reality than ever.

In 2019, the Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud announced funding for an Agricultural Stewardship package where the NFF was tasked with developing an Australian Farm Biodiversity Certification Scheme Trial. Work on the three-year trial began earlier this year.

The purpose of the project is to develop schemes that reward farmers, and to test market values to establish viability.

It’s also to ensure Australian farmers can showcase best practice sustainability and biodiversity management of natural resources – and ensure these actions are

recognisable by the community and other farmers.

The Australian Farm Institute (AFI) has been engaged to carry out the first phase of this work. The initial consultation phase has involved 15 online meetings to garner the views of hundreds of farmers, stakeholders and experts. AFI has also carried out an extensive desktop analysis to assess the current state of play in this space. Elected Members from NSW Farmers members have been part of the online consultation process.

What AFI has found is a huge diversity of systems and programs across multiple industries, regions and parts of the supply chain – all with varying environmental accounting systems and methods of measurement. Managing the inconsistency and complexity of these systems is a serious and emerging challenge that faces Australian farmers and will be a key part of the work on establishing the trial.

The next phases of this work will focus on how we meet that challenge – to give clarity and choice to Australian land managers. The NFF is aware we are not the first to try this. There have been many past attempts, including some notable failures. That’s why it’s critical that the right systems and tools are created this time.

The key to making this work will be ensuring the process is led by farmers, and designed around their needs. That’s why the NFF is now calling on farmers to provide their insights on how such a framework might work. It’s a chance to help reshape the interaction between agriculture and environmental regulation into the future.

A survey is now live to seek feedback from all corners of industry. Please take a moment to have your say at: nff.org.au/ programs/australian-farm-biodiversitycertification-scheme-trial/

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We know it’s tough right now for rural and regional businesses all over Australia.

In a time of uncertainty, we want you to know we’re still here for you.

Are you having financial trouble?

If you’re experiencing financial hardship and you’re worried about whether you can make your next insurance payment, you can talk to us.

If you have a Car or Home Insurance policy, you might be able to reduce the excess or premium, or switch from annual payments to more manageable monthly payments (at no extra cost).

Support for small businesses If your business is eligible, we can offer support by deferring your business insurance premium payments for up to 6 months, reviewing your cover with you over the phone, and more.

Now is the time to look after each other, more than ever. That’s why our team at WFI have undergone Lifeline facilitated training to better enable our staff to identify, cope and empathise with our customers during the already testing and now unprecedented times.

To find out how we can support you, call your local Area Manager on 1300 934 934 or alternatively you can find your Local Area Manager by visiting wfi.com.au/find-area-manager. You can also contact NSW Farmers by calling (02) 9478 1042 or online at www.nswfarmers.org.au/wfi

To see if our products are right for you, always read the PDS from the product issuer, Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11000016722 AFSL 227681 trading as WFI (WFI). This flyer doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should consider these matters and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you act on any advice. You can get a copy of our PDS from our website at www.wfi.com.au or by calling 1300 934 934. If you purchase any WFI product we will charge you a premium, plus any taxes and charges, based on your risk profile and circumstances. NSW Farmers is an alliance partner of WFI and does not make any recommendation or provide an opinion about WFI’s products. If you take out a policy with WFI, the NSW Farmers receive a commission from WFI of between 5% and 10% of the value of the premium payment (excluding taxes and charges). WFI Staff and/or Contractors (to include AR’s) of WFI/ IAG are not trained counsellors and any information given is general in nature and if you or someone know is experiencing hardship or is suicidal reach out to 000 in case of emergencies or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

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The Muster l FARMING GROWTH

Women in agriculture The contribution made by women to Australian farming is incalculable and often unheralded, as it’s certainly not just farm work they do. Many women also undertake outside jobs while juggling the myriad unpaid domestic farm duties of home maintenance and child-rearing. And yet, more and more women are taking up farming in Australia with ABARE estimating that 32 per cent of the farming workforce are women. And the number is growing.

Words TONY BLACKIE

A

ustralian women have always been at the centre of farming in this country. Without them the multi-billion-dollar industry would likely grind to a halt.

Their role of ‘keeping the home fires burning’ has been immortalised in various bush ballads but, more often than not, these women also worked alongside their farmer husbands on the land. Not much has changed on that score, and neither has the strength, versatility and resilience of rural woman in the face of drought, floods, fire and the vagaries of the marketplace.

FROM ACADEMIA TO THE LAND

Eight years ago, Louise Freckelton, was working in the sandstone cloistered world of the University of Sydney, battling the daily grind of academic life. But she always felt that she was meant to be elsewhere.

“I often say some people are born in the wrong place. I always knew I was meant to be a farmer,” she says.

Louise decided to trade the erudite University life for an 830-acre farm near Mt Adrah, just off the Snowy Mountains Highway in New South Wales.

The land is box gum grassy woodland, previously common to the backslopes of the Great Dividing Range, from Queensland to the Victorian border, but is now mostly cleared.

Approximately two-thirds of the property is conservation land protecting critically endangered species. Before the fires came through earlier this year, Louise and ornithologists had identified 137 bird species including some that are endangered.

With husband David, Louise began building a herd of Dorper sheep. “We always liked sheep and we’re foodies. We wanted to be able to feed ourselves and with the excess, feed others,” she

14

THE FARMER

JULY - AUG 2020

TRUE CALLING

Above and right: Mt Adrah Dorper sheep farmer Louise Freckelton traded the academic life for Highfield Farm and Woodland.

says. “Because I’d always been a closet farmer, I knew of Dorpers and when we got here I knew I didn’t want wool – I wanted meat sheep – even though everyone told me I should go with wool.”

Louise refers to the learning process of moving to the farm as ‘participatory observation’. She took as many farming short courses as she could find.

“For the first two years I was doing them all, using my university brain to lap up all the information I could,” she says. “But I didn’t have a framework to put over it. That’s when I decided to do an organic farming course through the National Environment Centre in Albury. That helped me contextualise the process.”

Louise and David’s property, Highfield Farm and Woodland, is a mixed farming proposition. They run Dorpers and, thanks to the land’s conservation listing, they’ve been able to incorporate farm stay accommodation in eco-huts.

Their offering to visiting guests of high quality food grown on the farm was given a major boost in late May 2020. Highfield Farm and Woodland Grass-fed Dorper Lamb has been judged a State Winner for Lamb in the 2020 Delicious Magazine Awards (Paddock section).

“Two lamb producers have been named as exceptional quality by the Delicious Magazine judges.

We are honoured to be considered in the same league as the wellknown Moorlands Lamb from near Boorowa,” says Louise.

“In a week or two we will be submitting samples for the National Delicious Magazine Producers Award,” she adds. “Here we are, farming novices but we have a bloody good product. The Dorpers get derided as hobby farmer sheep but who’s laughing now?”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Further down the Hume Highway, some 40 kilometres out of Albury, Allysa Leverton runs a 250-acre, agroecological modelled, multienterprise farm, growing food for local communities in southern NSW and north-eastern Victoria.

She has worked the land on

Eaglerise Farm with her partner Gerard Lawry, through good and bad times, but Allysa admits the recent drought was almost too much.

The impact on the mental health of farmers was something that Allysa believes many people would not understand.

“I wasn’t set up for how bad it would be, how draining it was,” she says. “I now have a greater appreciation for farming women and what they go through.”

She points out that the drought caused many farmers to lose income and had to dramatically change their lifestyles: going from bottled to cask wine, not being able to afford to go out to dinner, having to practice extreme water conservation with infrequent showering and bathing.

“You don’t reach out because you don’t want people to know you are struggling. It’s just easier to say nothing,” Allysa says.

But with the rain that came after the fires, the landscape has changed dramatically.

“The dam is now five metres deep, twice as much water as we have ever had. That is making me more enthusiastic.”

As a result, Allysa has been able to plan ramping up sales of Eaglerise farm produce.

FROM MINING TO FARMING

At the other end of the country, Cecily Richardson was working in harsh conditions as a geologist at the Argyle Diamond mine in the Kimberly near Kununurra in Western Australia. As the mine was about to close, the owners Rio Tinto offered all permanent staff retraining. Cecily opted for an agriculture course focussing on organics which most of the smaller farms in the Kununurra area have adopted.

As a geologist, Cecily was well acquainted with soil chemistry so the scientific side of the study came naturally.

With her partner Nick, whom she met while trekking in Africa, Cecily bought a small farm 30 kilometres from the Northern Territory border out of Kununurra, right on the banks of the Lake Kununurra – which is the dammed Ord River.

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THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

The property is currently broken into three sections – 380 mango trees, 8,000 banana plants, general farming and vegetables. Both Cecily and Nick work part time to ensure cash flow, Cecily in the local library and Nick as a mechanic.

Cecily believes that women farmers bring special skills to farming and the land, and that these work in concert with the traditional skills attributed to men.

“When I first came to Australia, I came up to a remote part of the Canning Stock route to help with a muster. In the evening I spent time with the station owner’s wife and it struck me that she was the planner and the doer. She was tough and strong,” says Cecily.

“Women tend to work smarter,” she says, hastening to add that she does not mean this to be derogatory to men. “An example might be that we have 100 metre rows of vegetables growing with tomatoes on frames. To move those frames we use a forklift, not manual labour and the need for excess strength. Women can now do those jobs.”

Among other things, Cecily also takes on the marketing. Her farm is surrounded by broad-acre farming properties and the need to differentiate product is vital when selling into the Perth market.

But she is philosophical about the return on farming investment: “It is not important for me to earn the big mining salary any more. We just need to be sustainable.”

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MOTHER NATURE

Above left: Cecily Richardson with partner Nick on their Kununurra farm that grows (among other things) mangoes and bananas. Above right: Tasmania's Susan Wills and husband Andrew have turned to ‘people farming’ with a number of cabins on the property, and they plan to run support programs.

There is advice out there on the best way to make the move from the city to the land, and author Susan Wills has contributed to this with her book – The Flamboyant Farmer. Susan found the transition from suburban Darwin to 130 acres in Tasmania to be very difficult, but now, five and a half years down the track, she is able to look back on how her farming dream has changed.

With husband Andrew, former Director of Darwin’s Botanic Gardens and Herbarium, Susan arrived in central northern Tasmania with the idea of running cattle on their newly acquired farm.

They had wanted to enter the organic meat market.

“There was only one organic abattoir nearby but it closed just after we arrived,” she says. “So we decided to attack the organic food market with a stand at the Hobart markets. But they only had one stand per area and our neighbour got that spot.

“We then focussed on growing garlic. We had this garlic crop and it was beautiful – lots of people wanted to buy it but not for the right price. When I did the numbers I realised that we’d only made $300.”

Susan says that was when they gave up on the farm making money, but not all has been lost.

Andrew returned to teaching and Susan is studying psychology and counselling. They have now turned to ‘people farming’ with a number of cabins on the property, and they plan to run support programs.

“The idea is not totally fleshed out yet, but we want to contribute to society in the best way we can,” Susan says.

The agricultural activities have continued with garlic still being grown along with fruit trees and bee hives. Land improvement is also underway with soil and water management and new dams.

“Maybe we will never be top-notch farmers but we will have a great farm resource,” Susan says.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Women in farming The NSW Farmers' Association is proud of the fact that more than two thirds of its team – including key management roles in policy, workplace relations and communications – are women. Here we look back upon seven inspiring stories about female farmers.

JUNE 2018

company uses insects to manage waste, and in the process produces an alternative livestock feed. >

We visited Clare Cannon’s Woomargama Station – where a third of her property is under a nature covenant due to 600 hectares of the 2,631-hectare farm property being home to endangered box-gum woodlands. She’s merged cattle, merino sheep and sustainability to create a thriving business.

Alpaca farmer Angela Smith is co-owner of Blackwattle alpaca farm in Murrumbateman. Twelve years ago she went to buy a goat to keep the grass mowed on her newly purchased property, but instead came home with a pair of alpacas. She has never looked back, and today she and her husband own 70 alpacas and sell the animals and luxury products made with the yarn.

JANUARY 2020

JULY 2019

We shared the remarkable success story of Breadalbane farmer Vanessa Bell – a former catwalk model who created online store called Sarah Jane Bond, which sells high-end baby blankets from merino wool. She was inspired by a baby blanket that her mother gave her, that was knitted by her great grandmother (named Sarah Jane Bond) in 1940.

After losing 1,000 of her 7,000 sheep from her farm in the NSW Central Tablelands to stock thieves, Marian McGann developed a stock monitoring app – MPMSK – to help producers keep track of their animals.

MPMSK ensures critical information is kept in one safe and secure location, tracking the location, movement and activities of livestock. >

We stepped into the fascinating world of insect farming when we met award-winning farmer and founder/ CEO of Canberra-based company Goterra, which is helping to redefine the world’s approach to waste management. The

AUGUST 2019

We met farmer and octogenarian Wendy Bowman, who spent three decades taking on and beating giant coal mining companies in the rich agricultural landscape of the Hunter Valley. “This is my home. It’s in my blood and I won’t see it destroyed. I won’t let them have it as long as I am alive,” she said.

AUGUST 2018

>

JULY 2018

APRIL 2019

>

>

Apple and cherry farmer Fiona Hall from Caernarvon Cherry Co. runs an innovative operation called BiteRiot! which takes care of the things that many farmers don’t want to deal with – such as cooling, sorting, packing, marketing and exporting the fruits of their labour. She has proven that growers can work together, making the most of their own talents and leaving the growing up to those who simply want to grow.

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l ENVIRONMENT

Flying foxes continue to decimate farming income They’re being touted as the source of a global pandemic, but for horticulturalists in New South Wales, damage from bats hits much closer to home.

Words ALEXANDRA BUNTON

A

s flying foxes move further inland in search of food, growers are fighting an ongoing battle to protect their orchards from significant damage. In 2017, some growers reported up to 100 per cent loss of fruit from flying foxes.

Chris Stillard, a persimmon grower from Barooga in the Riverina region, first noticed the impact of flying foxes four years ago. “The second year we had them, I lost around 10 per cent of my crop and another five per cent had damage on the fruit,” Chris says.

“They try to pull the fruit off the tree, then they will fly to a higher tree and eat the fruit. If they can’t pull it off, they will eat it on the tree and leave just the calyx.”

Chris says that drought conditions have driven flying foxes to new regions in search of native food, pushing them into areas that haven’t had bats before. The animals leave a trail of destruction in their wake – not just in crop damage but causing stress and sleepless nights to farmers.

“There’s definitely a mental health impact when a farmer has nurtured a crop to the point of harvest, only to see it damaged from a pest we previously didn’t have to deal with,” Chris says.

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“Financially, we’re impacted by missing fruit and a significant percentage of marked fruit, which is generally thrown out due to health concerns.”

Growers have limited options to deal with flying foxes, which are protected under environmental law. A small number of landholders have licenses to shoot the animals, but these expired at the end of June 2020.

Netting is the only real solution, Chris says.

“You can keep them moving at night with a scare gun, but your neighbours would hate it.”

Depending on the level of protection needed, flying fox exclusion netting can cost from $50,000 to $100,000 per hectare.

For many growers dealing with the ongoing impacts of drought, bushfire and Coronavirus, this cost is simply unaffordable.

Previously, a popular staterun flying fox netting scheme provided assistance to growers severely impacted by flying fox incursions through a rebate for netting that protects the crops and reduces the risk of harm to the animals.

NSW Farmers is asking the state government to reinstate the netting program on a dollar-fordollar basis, providing assistance for the remaining un-netted orchards in NSW.

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Guy Gaeta, who Chairs the NSW Farmers' Horticulture Committee, installed $80,000 worth of netting under the program. An apple and cherry grower in Orange, he’s been seeing damage from flying foxes in his region for the last 15 years.

“When they’re feeding, they scatter everywhere,” Guy says. “They’ll keep going back to certain places if you’re not scaring them away. They’ll come back to the same tree every night and they’ll take any bit of fruit.

NET RESULT

A netting program is seen as the only solution to stopping the significant impact of flying foxes that are protected under environment law.

“I know a local grower who has lost over 200 tonnes of apples to flying foxes, that were going to go into apple pies for McDonalds.

It impacts the food system and if there’s less fruit, it can increase the price that consumers pay.”

Guy has been lobbying the state government to reinstate the netting program since it wound up in 2017, but he feels that his appeals have fallen on deaf ears.

Growers say that they’ve been ignored, and that government doesn’t want to talk about management options.

“I’m very disappointed – we’ve been told different stories by ministers,” Guy says.

“You cannot expect one of the lowest-paid professions in this country to wear the full cost of environmental rules. If the

government protects flying foxes because they’re endangered, what are we supposed to do when they ruin our crop? They cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars in income.”

In 2019, Member for Calare Andrew Gee announced $2.5 million to assist growers in Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee and Cowra with flying fox netting.

Despite efforts from Gee to follow up on the funding, Guy says that any mention of the program disappeared after the last change in the Federal ministry.

“Why does the government expect growers to sacrifice fruit to feed flying foxes? We don’t grow food for bats, we grow it to feed the Australian public so we can make a few dollars and keep our farming businesses alive.”

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The Muster l TRADE

Beef exports take a licking, but keep on ticking With international borders closed, America’s hospitality industry flailing, and China imposing beef bans, what does the future hold for cattle farmers?

Words IAN LLOYD NEUBAUER

A

s the world's largest exporter in dollar terms, traders predicted consumption of Australian beef overseas would see a big decline because of COVID-19 market and logistics disruptions – predictions that gave beef farmers in NSW still reeling from the worst droughts and bushfires in living memory another reason to lose sleep.

“About 70 per cent of Australian beef is sold overseas so the ability to maintain market access is absolutely vital to the industry and all the industries that depend on it,” says Warwick Powell, an adjunct professor and economist at the Queensland University of Technology.

But the fall has been softer than projected, with data for April showing only a 2 per cent drop in beef exports compared to the previous month March when the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

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“Currently the pandemic has not had a big effect on farmers in NSW because with most parts of the state transitioning out of the drought, people are withholding stock to build herds up again. That's caused a bit of a shortfall and kept prices high,” says Derek Schoen, a grazier in Corowa on the NSW/VIC border who chairs of the NSW Farmers cattle committee.

“It's not exactly business as usual – inputs like parts for tractors are hard to get and new tractors are almost impossible to get hold of,” Schoen says.

“But there is lots of optimism for the season ahead, especially here in the south of the state where we farmers no longer have to buy fodder and are fuel prices are at historic lows.”

A report by financial consultancy Deloitte confirms Australian agribusiness has“benefited from reduced competition” for inputs like crude oil that is trading at

50 per cent or less of its historical value; as well as “stark depreciation of the exchange rate. “Compared to the start of the year, the Australian dollar is around 10 cents lower than the US dollar,” the report notes, adding optimism was further buoyed by the fact “that people still need to eat”.

But people in target markets like China are changing the kind of beef they eat – and where they eat it.

“It is obviously a concern is that Australian beef is generally more expensive,” says Andrew Cox, MLA's general manager of international markets.

“During the lockdowns, discretionary spending has been down, events, weddings and banquets have been cancelled and restaurants have been closed,” Cox says. “So a lot of businesses that buy Australian beef are struggling because they're not pulling through our

products. That hits the carcass balance because people in these markets are not consuming highquality cuts like tenderloin.”

Sino-Australian relations are also a concern. In May, four large Australian export beef abattoirs, including one in NSW, were suspended from accessing the Chinese market.

Beijing said the suspensions were imposed because of inconsistencies in “labelling and documentation” for shipments made in 2019.

But some in Canberra suspect the move was politically motivated – blowback for Australia's call for an independent probe into the source and spread and COVID-19. “I can understand why people draw a link,” Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said at the time.

John Seccombe, chairman of the Northern Rivers Meat Cooperative, one of the four abattoirs temporarily banned, does not believe this is the case. “We are aware of those assertions but we do not share them,” he says. “This is a technical issue about labelling that goes back six to 12 months.”

Australian beef exports to the US are also in a significant state of flux, Seccombe says, following the closure of scores of meat processing plants there because

of workplace-related COVID-19 infections: “America right now is a very complicated market. Their foodservice sector has collapsed and the American supply chain is in all sorts of disarray, so it's hard to pick where the market is heading. But since a lot of the meat we export to America is frozen lean trim into hamburgers, our beef exports are going quite well there.”

Professor Powell agrees: “The US market has been significantly affected by the closure of meat plants and that has created more demand for Australian beef. But we could experience possible bottlenecks because of access to containers and ships about to dock in ports.”

The issues are very fast-moving but MLA remains confident that Australia's beef exports will ride out the current COVID-19 storm.

“There is a lot of volatility at the moment but farmers will see there are a lot of positives,” says Cox. “The global goods supply chain has held up really well and our customers are getting products to market despite border closures. And we're hearing lots of evidence that in this crisis, consumers are gravitating even further towards foods with good strong eating credentials they can trust – like Australian beef.”

DEEP CUTS

As overseas businesses struggle and as a result discretionary spending drops, markets are not consuming high-quality beef cuts.

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l TRADE & REVENUE

Backpacker safe havens Every year, more than 140,000 backpackers in Australia spend in excess of one billion dollars. But how is this important economic stream faring in the face of COVID-19?

Words TONY BLACKIE Photography ANDRE GARCIA

T

hey come from everywhere – France, Portugal, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Africa, the USA and all points in between. And without them rural Australia would be far worse off. Every year more than 140,000 backpackers travel throughout our country, working in regional towns and providing vital seasonal labour on farms. They spend in excess of $1 billion per annum and they help to grow our $60 billion plus agricultural sector.

All in all, backpackers are important to farmers and townspeople alike – but things have been tough for them recently. The COVID-19 virus has left as many as 100,000 of these young people in limbo, unable to go home but with no jobs or local support. That is until a few farmers put their hands out to help.

Throughout NSW, farmers have been providing young backpackers with food and lodging in exchange for farm work while they wait out the virus.

Gerard Lawry and his partner Allysia Leverton, of Eaglerise in Mullengandra 50 kilometres from Albury in south-eastern Riverina, are two of these. They currently have five backpackers staying and working on the farm, and previously they had nine.

“Our farming sector wouldn’t operate without the backpacker kids,” Allysa Leverton says. “We invite them here, they spend all their money here and they help to keep our farms going. It’s not good enough to just dump them.”

Eaglerise Farm is a 100-hectare Agroecological-modelled, multi-enterprise farm growing food for local communities. When Gerard isn’t farming he’s a lecturer in agriculture, organic farming and agroecology at a university near Albury.

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A home away from home Matt Heyes is founder of the Backpacker Job Board – an employment marketplace for working holiday-makers which has been in operation for more than 10 years.

“The past few months have been the most dramatic in our history,” says Heyes. “We’ve experienced an 85per cent drop in job vacancies being posted since March 2020 and the usual pool of job vacancies in the hospitality sector has run dry.”

Heyes says he continues to hear stories of Australians offering a place in their home in return for work on the property. In addition, there has been an increase in calls for au-pairs and home tutors as rural families look for help with home schooling and managing the balance between the home and business.

“These opportunities are of great help for backpackers, particularly those travelling as a couple where one is more suited to physical labour while the other lends a hand with domestic duties or school studies,” he says. “In just the past few days, we’ve received paid opportunities for farm hands in Goondiwindi (QLD), Young (NSW) and Mildura (VIC). We hope these are encouraging signs of things to come.”

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has extended the visas of working holidaymakers and seasonal workers to ensure farmers had enough labour to plant and pick their crops.

“What we are saying to those visa holders is that if you’re prepared to stay in this country and help us get through the Coronavirus pandemic, then we’ll extend your visa,” Mr Littleproud told the ABC. “Only if they are working in agriculture or a critical industry, such as health and aged care.”

It should be noted that at the moment the backpackers have to be paid award rates which is beyond the capacity of many farms who can only afford food and a safe haven.

Mr Littleproud says the Government would also make the workers exempt from a rule that means they cannot stay with the same employer for more than six months.

“The primary producer, state and local governments should work together to provide accommodation — whether that be on a farm or in an accommodation that is suitable for them to self-isolate in the community for 14 days,” Mr Littleproud says.

“The accommodation of these workers as they move around the country is imperative. It is imperative we work with state and local governments in ensuring they have adequate and healthy living environments in which Coronavirus will not spread.”

Paul McGrath, CEO of YHA Australia – a not-for-profit organisation providing youth hostels across Australia – says: “The reciprocal Working Holiday Maker program offers a unique opportunity for young people from around the world to experience other cultures, and really get to know a country.

“Some of the most memorable experiences for backpackers come from working on the land, and meeting Australians in rural communities. Apart from providing a valuable service to farmers by undertaking casual harvest work, these young people then spend most of their earnings on travelling around regional areas in Australia – so it’s win-win.”

McGrath went on to say that on returning home backpackers often encourage their family and friends to visit.

“They become life-long ambassadors for Australia,” he says.

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The Muster With the onset of COVID19 restrictions, Gerard and Allysa, along with many other farmers in New South Wales, saw an opportunity to keep their farms running while helping out stranded backpackers.

Allysa placed notifications on various online backpacker sites and chat rooms, letting young tourists know Eaglerise was offering food, lodging, labour and even skills development for the duration of the crisis.

Bethan Streader, 22, and Chris Hallett, 23, both outdoor education instructors from Southampton, England, had been travelling through Asia when the virus first struck.

“We were in Thailand and countries were starting to close their borders, so we decided it would be best to be stuck in Australia rather than anywhere else,” Bethan says.

On arrival they were placed in quarantine and rented a flat for the duration. Once tested for COVID-19 and found to be negative, they bought a van with their rapidly disappearing funds, planning to wait out the pandemic on the side of the road.

“But we were kicked off the spot where we had parked,” says Bethan, “So we started researching Facebook and after numerous attempts we found that farmers at Eaglerise were offering food and accommodation in exchange for farm work.”

After a Zoom meeting and agreement to the terms (including no smoking or discussing politics at the dinner table) a deal was struck.

According to Chris Hallett, the pair has learned new skills: “We’d never been on a farm before, but now we’re looking for more farm jobs.”

For German business and finance graduates, Ekaterina Weigel, 24, and Steven Pawelski, 26, their trip to Australia was a post-degree dream.

“We arrived in Melbourne in January,” Ekaterina explains. “I got my Responsible Service of

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Alcohol (RSA) accreditation but couldn’t find any work.”

Steven tried to get work on construction sites but nothing was going there either. Rent and living expenses were draining their savings. Having bought a car, the pair contacted Eaglerise Farm and decided to make their way to Mullengandra.

The whole experience was an eye-opener for the young travellers.

Ekaterina says: "It's mindblowing. We’ve been very surprised by the number of people here who have opened up their homes to us. It really is an experience to remember.”

Steven adds: “Gerard is a great teacher. I had no idea how to swing a block splitter but Gerard made it look so easy. He also taught me to drive.”

Now proficient on several farm vehicles, Steven is formally applying for his learner’s permit.

Andre Garcia, 27, is a restaurant manager in his native Portugal. He found work in Sydney after arriving in November 2019, but the restaurant closed down when the virus hit.

“I searched for work but there was none, and I was still spending money to live. Then I found Eaglerise farm on the Internet and a week later I was here,” he says.

Andre says he has learned new skills along with a great deal about farm basics, permaculture and organics.

All of the backpackers have travelled around to nearby farms that were impacted by the recent bushfires – working voluntarily to repair fences and do other remedial activities to help get the farmers back on their feet.

In return, the backpackers can count their voluntary bushfire recovery work as part of the 88 days needed for a second year visa extension. Unfortunately for the crew at Eaglerise farm, volunteering elsewhere, while sheltering from COVID-19 doesn’t contribute to their 88 days, but they were happy to do it anyway. l

JULY - AUG 2020

NEW SKILLS

Above: Backpackers aren't just riding out the crisis on farms, they're learning invaluable new skills that they can take with them when they leave Australia.

niche programs, big hearts

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ruralaid.org.au | 1300 327 624

The Muster l THE TWO OF US

New blue horizons Natalie Bell and Paul Lloyd own Tallogum Berries in Lindendale near Lismore, Northern NSW. Their different personalities and skillsets are what make this partnership tick.

Words MICHELLE HESPE Photography ANTHONY ONG

B

y marrying Ridley Bell’s daughter Nat, Paul married into blueberry royalty.

Having introduced the first blueberry into Australia in 1976, Ridley Bell is considered the grandfather of Australia’s blueberry industry. His thriving business – Mountain Blue Farms – has partners across five continents with an estimated 22 million plants being grown globally.

It also produces 1000 tonnes of blueberries for the domestic and international market.

“I am the typical farmer, and I also generally do a lot of the dreaming,” says Paul with a bit of a laugh.

“Nat is a realist – making sure that we take the right steps and not get too far ahead of ourselves. It’s hard to not dream when you see Ridley growing all these new types of blueberries!

“We always joke that dad sees the world in blueberries only. Sometimes he says that he has a slight interest in blackberries,” Nat adds. “And even though I left the farm and went off to Brisbane to study business, you could say that I have blueberries in my veins.”

Nat gained a degree in business at University of Queensland and then a Master of Professional Accounting from Southern Cross University.

“Sales, marketing and business, that’s Nat’s skillset,” Paul says. “I’m always out there on the land doing this or that, finding new things to do.

But we both understand that for a business to work, it has to be based in realism. That’s where Nat comes into play. She pulls me up and gets me to see the bigger picture, questioning things such as – ‘is it the right time to invest? Or should we see how something else pans out right now?’ That’s why we work so well together.”

Paul grew up and went to school in Geelong, and his first hands-on farming experience was row cropping of vegetables. He studied at Burnley College in Melbourne and was interested in vegetable seeds and genetic companies, later working with a company releasing new varieties of vegetables. He then moved into an agronomy role – consulting to all farmers on all levels.”

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“I am the typical farmer, and I also generally do a lot of the dreaming. Nat is a realist – making sure that we take the right steps and not get too far ahead of ourselves.”

– PAUL LLOYD

FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP

Above: Natalie Bell and Paul Lloyd bring their diverse skillsets together for successful results at their farm near Lismore.

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27

Paul then took on a role at renowned Perfection Fresh – a company that prides itself on finding the tastiest, freshest fruit and vegetables from all over the world, and introducing new varietals to the Australian market. Its innovative marketing and patenting of end products that most of us have seen or bought – such as Broccolini, Qukes baby cucumbers, as well as Kumato and Mix-a-Mato tomatoes – suited Paul to a tea. And that brought him another step closer to meeting Nat. “We gradually moved from vegetables into more categories, and then eventually into berry lines,” he explains. “At that point in time we were looking to develop new varieties of berries as we didn’t have much of a presence here outside of Driscoll's – the California-based berry seller. I was involved in all things supply chain including product-growing locations, right through to our products being in supermarkets. This led me to being out there in the field looking at new varieties and to meeting the best blueberry breeder in the world – Ridley Bell.”

Discussions between Perfection and the Bells then went on for three or four years, with Perfection wanting to work with the Bells on further developing and marketing new product. “Basically, my family kept saying that we’re not interested because we had a strong partnership with another company, and then eventually we decided our companies were the right fit,” says Nat. By this stage Nat had experience working on communications for the Australian Blueberries Association and in 2013, the two started dating.

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PICKING A PATH

Above: Paul and Nat somewhat broke away from family tradition and started growing raspberries.

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GROWING THE BUSINES S

Paul and Nat now have 50 to 60 pickers on their farm during harvest time, and no doubt they'll soon need more.

“When COVID-19 came into play, one thing that hit home straight away were dad’s words – everyone in the world will always have to eat. The pandemic cemented that philosophy in my mind.”

– NATALIE BELL

Two years later they married on a safari in Uganda and shortly afterwards they bought the farm next to her family’s farm.

Breaking away from the family tradition of only growing blueberries, Paul was keen to get into raspberries and the pair naturally moved into Paul’s area of expertise of dealing with licensed varieties of berries from all over the world. “Our company is very dynamic, and there is so much room to learn,” says Nat. “And dad being dad has really helped us from the start.”

The couple then bought part of Ridley’s farm in 2016. “Now we’re in this transition period – moving towards better growing techniques such as growing fruit under tunnels, and with hydroponics. There are always new ways of doing things,” says Paul.

Nat, as always, pulls the reins on elements of the business if she feels that they are moving too quickly or taking a step in the wrong direction, as they’ve both learnt that applying innovations means more money.

One thing is for sure – there will always be people who love berries, and Nat and Paul are currently moving about 70 tonnes of berries a years – mainly shipping within Australia and in peak season, to Asia.

“My dad always used to say that you can go off and work in the latest and greatest thing, but the world is always going to eat,” says Nat. “When COVID-19 came into play, one thing that hit home straight away were dad’s words – everyone in the world will always have to eat. The pandemic cemented that philosophy in my mind.” l JULY - AUG 2020

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INSIDER THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

Poultry returns

Chicken meat is a popular protein choice for consumers.

Per capita consumption has increased by 670 per cent since 1966 and Australians now eat more than 47kg per person ofchicken per year. So why is the number of family-owned poultry meat farms in sharp decline?

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Words MICHAEL BURT Photography ANTHONY ONG

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C

hooks have been a part of Phil Partridge’s life since the day he was born. Phil’s parents, Henry and Esmae, raised him on the family poultry farm at Bangalow, which supplied chickens to local processor Sunnybrand.

Henry worked at the Sunnybrand factory for many years and then achieved his dream of running his own poultry farm that he could pass onto his son one day.

That day came much earlier than expected after Henry suffered a farm accident in 1995 that resulted in a lengthy hospital stay. Phil, then 15 years old, took over managing the farm and relished in the inevitable role of being a farmer. “School really wasn’t my thing, I just loved working on the farm. You are always moving and there is always something to do,” Phil says.

Such was his success in keeping the business going that his parents decided to fly the coop and go travelling after Henry had recuperated.

Only a few years later, a succession plan was kicked into motion with discussions about expanding the family business.

With his wife Sam, Phil purchased 120 hectares of land at Tatham in 2004 to start their own contract poultry meat farm. “My parents sold the farm at Bangalow and helped us purchase the land at Tatham, where we built sheds,” Phil says. “We could not have done it without them.”

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FAMILY LEGACY

Above: Phil and Sam Partridge with their three children (L-R) – Serena, Lilly and Parker. The succession plan for the Partridge family has come to a grinding halt.

Three children – Serena, 17, Lilly, 8, and Parker, 4 – joined the Partridge brood and the poultry meat business enjoyed some security with a 10-year contract growing around 210,000 chickens every eight weeks.

A farm manager was employed as Phil and Sam diversified into transporting chicken manure and growing sugarcane and macadamias.

“Things were looking good and we had a working farm to pass onto our kids,” Phil says.

But this traditional farming story all began to unravel last year through no fault of their own.

“Phillip walked into a meeting with our processor thinking that he would be walking out with another 10-year contract, but he was instead told that our time as contract chicken growers would be coming to an end in a short 12 months,” Sam explains.

Twelve months has now passed and everything is coming to an end for the Partridge’s business.

“Our last chickens went out in June and the sheds are now empty,” says Phil. “We owe the bank $2 million and have outstanding loans. We have no idea how we will pay back the bank. We’ll generate a small income from the nuts and when we harvest the sugarcane, but when it comes to the sheds, we have no idea what to do. Our dream of one day passing the poultry business on to our children and being able to retire has gone. It’s devastating.”

Phil and Sam are one of 13 growers in the Northern Rivers region who have been left with no contracts and

CHICKEN SHED S NO LONGER

Once the chickens are gone, Phil and Sam need to find an alternative option to re-use their vast, expensive sheds.

expensive, empty sheds – a result of consolidation in the poultry processing sector that has left only two significant chicken meat processors in NSW. NSW Farmers' Poultry Meat Manager, Peta Easey says it is estimated almost 30% of independent contract growers in NSW have exited the industry in the last six years. “Including turkey and duck growers, there are now only about 200 independent, familyowned poultry meat farms contracted in NSW. The growth in farming capacity in NSW over the last 10 years has largely come from corporate farms.

Just over a decade ago there were nine significant chicken meat processing plants in NSW owned by six different companies. “Today, there are only four chicken meat processing plants in NSW owned by just two companies,” Peta says.

Nationwide, chicken meat production in Australia is dominated by a small number of large, vertically integrated businesses. The duopoly that exists at the retailer level is now mirrored at the processor level.

Inghams Enterprises and Baiada Poultry supply 70% of meat chickens and 90% of Australia's chicken meat is supplied by just six processors.

“Processors contract multiple farms and the market for poultry meat is national, with product being moved all over the country,” Peta says. “In contrast, the market for farmers’ growing services is regionally specific and many now operate in a monopsony environment.”

AUSTRALIAN RETAIL PRICES OF MEAT

PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION OF CHICKEN, BEEF, PIG MEAT & SHEEP MEAT

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INSIDER THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

Farmers are contracted to provide the land, sheds, equipment, utilities and labour necessary to grow the processor-owned chickens. The processor supplies the birds, feed, medication and pick up crews and control the supply chain.

“Investment in sheds requires high capital outlay and the infrastructure is specific to the industry. To be successful, farmers need long-term commercial relationships with a processor to meet financial obligations,” Peta explains. “Some growers are paid per bird and some growers are paid per square metre in NSW. On average, growers are paid 60 to 80 cents per bird. It’s a complex payment system used in Australia, where chicken growers are forced to compete against each other in a pool system and the final price can vary significantly from batch to batch for individual growers.”

NSW FARMERS LEAD CALLS FOR CHANGE

NSW Farmers is spearheading calls for a change to the Australian Consumer Law to incorporate the principle of fairness into contractual dealings between processors and farmers.

Armed with support from the National Farmers' Federation (NFF), the Victorian Farmers' Federation (VFF) and the Australian Chicken Growers Council (ACGC), NSW Farmers is seeking a Treasury led ACCC inquiry into the poultry meat industry as a first step in addressing the current imbalance in market power.

NSW Farmers' President James Jackson says there are competition issues right through the poultry meat

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INVESTMENT AND PAYMENT SYSTEM

Above: Phil with the last of his chickens.

Australia has a complex payment system for chickens where growers are forced to compete against one another.

supply chain. “Contract poultry meat growers are sadly the canary in the coal mine when it comes to impact of poor competition policy on farmers,” James says.

“There are problems at the retail level with the price of chicken being kept artificially low, and problems at the processor stage with limited competition restricting the ability of farmers to negotiate their contract terms.”

James said farmers’ contracts with processors are marked by shorter terms, complex provisions weighted against their interests, and requirements for additional expenditure.

“Over the last decade, we’ve seen the closure of multiple chicken processing plants in NSW and this has left growers with virtually no choice in who to contract to in their region,” James says. “The situation has

One Fowl Swoop weakened the bargaining power of farmers, restricting their capacity to negotiate fair contract terms. Worse still, growers like those in the Northern Rivers region, have been left with stranded assets and no ability to contract to a different processor.”

Like in the dairy industry, we firmly believe that a Treasury-instructed ACCC inquiry will demonstrate the need for a Mandatory Code of Conduct covering the contracts between processors and contract farmers.”

NSW Farmers, NFF, VFF and the ACGC have written joint letters to Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud requesting an inquiry and outlining a long list of contract clauses that disadvantage contract growers.

Shadow Agriculture Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has backed a Treasury directed ACCC inquiry into the poultry meat industry.

The ACCC has said they are aware of potential competition and unfair trading issues in the chicken meat industry and will conduct a review of the sector between July and December 2020 which will focus on the trading relationships between processors and growers.

“Although this is a step in the right direction, this review will not compel processors or retailers to provide information nor will the government be compelled to act on any recommendations from the ACCC.” James said the state of the contract poultry farming in NSW would serve as an ideal test case for the NSW Government’s proposed Agricultural Commissioner. “We want the Commissioner’s role to focus on investigating and drawing attention to the challenges facing the future of family farms.

Competition policy or a lack thereof is one of those challenges.”

An ACCC inquiry will not help Phil and Sam Partridge pay almost $30,000 a month in fixed costs for empty chicken sheds, but they are sharing their story with the hope of inspiring action from the Federal Government. “Our immediate future is still up in the air,” Phil says. “Some of us thought about forming our own cooperative processing plant and chicken brand for the region, but the bank managers would not back us. I’m trying to get manure out of Brisbane to keep the trucks going, and I have a bit of work carting mulch and lime, but it won’t be enough to pay for the trucks.”

The couple have looked at other options for using the sheds, but they all require seed money to get started. One of these options is to use the sheds to grow cattle using silage.

The NSW DPI has produced a report on repurposing poultry sheds for other uses, which outlines the pros and cons of options such as egg production, aquaculture, mushrooms and rearing pigs.

“We will pick ourselves up and keep going,” says Phil. “I am always thinking and moving.

Plus, my son loves the farm so much that he comes out with me to work three or four times a week. He just wants to do stuff with me.” l

I

t was May 2017 and John and Jenny Courtney faced a hard decision about the future of their poultry meat farm. Should they sell their farm near Casino to a potential buyer for $6 million, pay off debt and take a path towards retirement or take the succession planning option and extend the family business into the next generation?

In August that same year, news emerged that processor Baiada would cease using contract growers in nearby South East Queensland and transferred production interstate.

The interested buyer was spooked.

It was an uncertain time, but there was still hope of reaping some reward from 15 years of hard work. Almost three years later and those two roads to retirement have been wiped off the map.

The Courtneys finished their last growing contract in early June, the family farm is now valued at $1.1 million and there is little prospect of income to service debt.

“It’s a very scary situation,” said Jenny. “We’re both of an age where we should be enjoying life, instead we are having a horrendous time, both mentally and physically. It’s all been taken from us in one foul swoop. We were just starting to reduce our debt load in recent years and starting to enjoy having a little extra money after 18 years.”

The couple’s chicken growing infrastructure has fallen from a value of around $4 million to $120,000. “When you take off our bank loan we are left with very little, and like most other farmers, this farm was our super fund,” explains Jenny. “Now we are both looking to find employment, which is challenging at our age, and we’ve been farmers all our lives. I can do the books very nicely, but I haven’t got that bit of paper to say that I can to get a bookkeeping job.”

John and Jenny moved to the Northern Rivers region from a mixed broadacre cropping and livestock farm in the Darling Downs region.

John suffered a back injury that made it difficult to operate farming machinery, which motivated research into other farming ventures.

Growing chickens emerged as a winner and they invested $1.85 million in the farm at Casino, which had four sheds housing 120,000 birds.

“Since then we have extended the existing four sheds and built two brand new sheds, which is why we still have debt,” John says.

“Once you had your contract, you could then apply to build more sheds or even perhaps a new farm. Now that has all gone by the wayside.

Corporate businesses, super funds and foreign investors are taking over with mega farms being built and the contracts are being handed on to them.”

The situation has not only affected John and Jenny’s family. “We had a great farm manager with a young family and three loyal casual workers who have to find new jobs,” John says.

Resilience is a familiar trait of farmers and the Courtneys are not giving up the farm just yet, and have enlisted a consultant to explore potential diversification options.

“We have looked at every option for repurposing the sheds. Eggs, mushrooms, blueberries, rabbits, horse stables and even medicinal marijuana. But it all costs money of course and the banks are unwilling to provide finance,” Jenny says.

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Can (and should) we make more stuff in Australia?

With borders closed and trade wars with China rife, is it time for Australia to start producing more of the products that are in high demand? And is it economically feasible?

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Words IAN LLOYD NEUBAUER

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THE BIG ISSUE FOOD PROCESSING

Photograph by Rachael Lenehan

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THE BIG ISSUE FOOD PROCESSING

Photographs by Rachael Lenehan

E

arly this year, when COVID-19 panic buying stripped supermarket shelves of staples like pasta and red meat for the first time in living memory, it was a rude wake-up call for all Australians.

Despite being a net food exporter – three-quarters of our agricultural produce is sent overseas – this country is a net importer of six major food categories – seafood, processed foods, fruit and vegetables, soft drinks, oil and fats, bakery products and confectionery.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics show food imports to Australia increased 4.8 per cent per annum over the past 30 years, while a focus on mining and services-led growth has concurrently gutted the country's manufacturing capacity. More than 200,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost since 2008 and “the rate of job loss is accelerating”, according to the Australia Institute.

The conundrum has sparked calls for Australia to rebuild its weakened manufacturing base to bolster food security and fuel the post-pandemic recovery in regional areas. “Crawling out from this dangerous era of primary commodities dependence is more urgent than ever,” says Alison Pennington, senior economist at the Australian Institute.

Financial consultancy Deloitte argues “COVID19 has clearly exposed some of the supply chain weaknesses in a globalised world and there are opportunities for transformation and growth.”

Niall Blair, a professor of food sustainability at Charles Sturt University, believes there is an opportunity to export more processed food to Asia. “There are enough people with enough disposable income there for us to be able to make a lot of money out of our higher quality, clean and green, value-added food and fibre products,” he said.

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MILLING ABOUT

Doug Cush (Above left) from Bellata Gold MIlling feels as though the government overlooked his lucrative operation as they struggled to get through the drought.

But is the call for self-sufficiency a bunch of hot air or misplaced nationalistic sentiment from a bygone age? Does private industry have the ability, and does our government have a real desire, to retool this country in the image of food and fibre manufacturing powerhouses like Brazil, Italy or Japan?

ANTI-MANUFACTURING POLICY

Since the crisis began in March, Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has repeatedly stressed food-processing facilities are essential services that needed to stay open. But the Minister is wary of talk of bringing back food manufacturing jobs, saying the focus should instead be on “new jobs in innovation and science”.

Online newspaper The Guardian argues Australian lawmakers have pushed an aggressively antimanufacturing agenda for decades. Much evidence exists to support the claim. As recently as April, lobbying by NSW Farmers for some of the state's $140 million Bushfire Industry and Recovery Package to be invested in manufacturing failed to yield results.

“Rebuilding is important, but let’s also look at a stimulus for new investment in regional food and fibre processing,” NSW Farmers' President James Jackson said at the time.

Executive director of the Australian Farm Institute Richard Heath told Fairfax newspapers there was little potential for more food manufacturing until the government brought in “very different” policies.

“We'd have to add some sort of economic stimulus or export and import restrictions to create a competitive processing sector,” Heath said.

Floyd Legge, a sheep farmer in the central-west of the state who made his wedding suit from scratch

with wool from his own sheep, says in addition to government regulation, the main disincentives for more manufacturing in Australia are high energy and labour costs.

“If we want to make anything here, something has to be done about these things or Australia will continue to lose its competitive advantage to countries that don't have such high labour costs,” Legge says.

“I'm certainly not advocating a reduction in wages to the level of the Third World. But one could argue it's quite unfair we still operate in a highly regulated employment market when all our products have been deregulated in the wisdom of fair trade, which is only equal if all parties are operating by the same rules.”

AGRICULTURE IN THE MIDDLE

Adjunct professor Warwick Powell, an economist at Queensland University of Technology, says Australia's high labour costs are not necessarily an impediment to boosting our manufacturing base. “People often have an idea in their mind of factories full of workers. But modern manufacturing is not labour-intensive. It is heavily mechanised for better quality control and to reduce costs,” he says.

Powell also believes the days of ever-increasing energy costs in Australia are over. “We have gone through the hard years of rising costs,” he says. “Very soon, returns on investments in green energy will make running a factory cheaper.

“One of the things that might come out of the crisis and this demand for more manufacturing,” he continues, “is what is called 'agriculture in the middle' – something in between massive-scale production and the village economy – a medium where new technologies make production easier.”

FROM SHEARING TO WEDDING SUIT

Sheep farmer Floyd Legge made his wedding suit from the wool he sheared off his own sheep to create greater understanding of the supply chain.

James Jackson, President of NSW Farmers reckons 'micro-manufacturing' that builds on the concept of micro-breweries and which are supported by government grants are the answer for the bush.

“Endless opportunities exist for the establishment of small-scale processing plants close to growers to extend product freshness and shelf-life and support market expansion,” he says. “Take for example how nearly every town in rural NSW has a little brewery or gin distillery today. It is extraordinary how quickly they have been able to set up these businesses and disrupt the alcohol market.”

However Peter Glerber of Pioneer Brewing Co. near Orange says government grants for small manufacturing businesses remain a pipe dream in Australia. “Right now there is effectively no support from the government,” he says. “You need to turn over $1.5 million per year to apply for most of these grants but it's not the large corporate businesses that need them. It's the small mum and dad businesses that need support if we want to change the way food is produced in this country.”

THE SUPERMARKET DUOPOLY

The strongest disincentive for more food and fibre manufacturing in Australia according to sources interviewed for this story is the supermarket duopoly.

“Apart from the high cost of labour, the biggest disincentive to manufacturing in this country is our competition laws that have allowed two supermarket chains to take 70 per cent of market share,” James says. “As a small manufacturer you have no leverage – you are a 'price taker' – and they trim the bottom line.

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THE BIG ISSUE FOOD PROCESSING

own products.”

Doug Cush of Bellata Gold Milling – a durum farmer and manufacturer in north-east NSW concurs.

“We cannot compete against a factory overseas that pays its staff $2 an hour and either way that's not something we should aspire to. “But the bigger problem,” he argues, are Woolworths and Coles.

“We supply raw materials to a major pasta maker in Melbourne and the second their products leave their factory and go to the supermarkets, the price of production doubles. If the whole supply chain can produce a packet of pasta for $2 but the supermarkets sell it for $4, then that's clearly where the problem lies,” he says. “In America, they have laws that prevent retailers from marking up anything produced by the food industry by more than 20 per cent. That's why they have such a vibrant food manufacturing base over there. Even with our high cost of labour, food doesn't have to be more expensive in this country than it already is if we produce it here. But nothing will change in this country until government steps in and breaks up the duopoly.”

There is however a way around the duopoly that has gained much traction in recent months because of the brief but long-lasting images of empty supermarket shelves in March: farmgate sales. “There are thousands of farmers who are doing it,” says James. “They are shortening supply chains by selling directly to the consumer. It's a very good solution.”

WIN-WIN

Beyond the disincentives and opportunities for more food and fibre in this country is the over-riding question of consumer choice. Without new laws to break the supermarket duopoly, do grocery shoppers in this country have the stomach for higher prices?

“The problem with self-sufficiency is not a free proposition. It comes at a cost and someone is going to have to finance these things,” Professor Powell argues. “We have to be sure the business case sticks and historically, this kind of sentimentality has to have been supported by consumers in Australia.

We can look at our failed car-making industry for an example.”

Powell breaks the problem down a step further yet, asking if food security in Australia is even remotely a problem.

“If you look at what happened with panic buying, people simply brought forward their consumption by three weeks. Instead of buying one item, they bought five or ten,” he says. “So now they say we need more factories. But that's not something you can do in a few months. To make it work, you need supply chains, you need continuity of inputs and a place to sell the products.

“We need to take a very sobering view,” he continues, “to make sure we don't inadvertently commit to fighting yesterday's battles. We need sustainable manufacturing businesses, not white elephants. It's not black and white.”

James at NSW Farmers agrees. “The cost of

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GOLDEN DURUM TRIANGLE

Durum is a strain of wheat used to make pasta, and the Golden Durum Triangle in northcentral NSW is said to produce the best durum in the world.

labour, regulatory impediments, competition law, the high cost of capital – all these things will put a brake on the idea,” he says. “What we are anticipating instead is a slow and sustained increase in micromanufacturing, especially in rural areas. By being innovative and leveraging our core strength – the world-class integrity of our produce – we can create more opportunities for farm diversification, create rural jobs and enhance food security. It's a win-win,” he says.

CASE STUDY 1: FROM AUSTRALIA TO ITALY

Durum is a strain of wheat used to make pasta, and the Golden Durum Triangle in north-central NSW is said to produce the best durum in the world – renowned for its high protein level, consistent gluten quantity and rich golden colour.

Farmers in the triangle typically sell their unprocessed durum to pasta makers in Australia and Italy. There, they mill the grain into semolina to make top-quality pasta for European consumers as well cheap pasta blended with bread flour for Australia and other export markets.

“We are just a dumping ground for surplus processed food from other countries, most of which is not the same quality as we make this country,” says Doug Cush, a grain farmer in the golden triangle since 1975.

The dilemma convinced Cush to make a batch of pasta with his durum and enter it in the Fine Food Show in Sydney, where it won numerous prizes. “It had a natural flavour that's so good you can eat it on its own with just a sprinkle of parmesan,” he says.

“But the dry pasta sold in supermarkets, you have to put a sauce on it.”

Cush also took his pasta to Italy for taste-testing.

“I met an old lady there, a pasta maker’s grandmother who said she hadn't tasted pasta that good since she was a little girl,” he says.

Buoyed by the positive feedback, Cush imported in a computerised durum mill from Italy in 2006 and started making high-quality durum semolina through his company Bellata Gold Milling. He even patented the product's name: Duralina.

“When we started milling, it was just our own grain,” says Cush. “Now we use other growers but they're all from the same area so we have full traceability. Many high-end restaurants and fresh pasta makers in Australia use only our Duralina.”

Belatta Gold Miling now exports Duralina to pasta makers in Italy as well as dumpling makers in Asia.

Last year the company sent 120 containers abroad.

CASE STUDY 2: FROM SHEARING TO SUIT

It's not unusual for couples to spend six months or longer planning their wedding. But Floyd Legge, a sheep and cattle farmer in Cudal in central-west NSW, spent six months making a suit for his wedding day using wool he sheared off one of his own sheep.

Floyd, whose family has produced merino wool in the region for more than a century, says the project was inspired by a desire to gain greater understanding of the wool supply chain after it leaves the farm, and to measure the feasibility of turning the project into a profitable micro-manufacturing business.

“The idea was to wear my own wool on my wedding day. But I also wanted to do some market research about the value proposition for people buying tailor-made suits that are fully-traceable from the farm to the end product,” Floyd says. “I see it as an opportunity to add value to our business and the domestic wool industry, and to help retain the technical expertise of wool processing in Australia because it's being forgotten.”

The project was successful. Floyd wore his suit on his wedding day. And every step, except for spinning the wool, was carried out in Australia.

However, the project is yet to translate into a viable business concept. “Right now with the crisis, people are not holding many weddings or buying suits for business meetings, so it's put my ability to market the concept on hold,” he says.

“Even before the crisis, it was very difficult to manufacture in Australia because there are so many processes and steps wool has to go through until it becomes a finished product. I'm not saying there are less of these steps overseas but the cost of doing business is significantly lower in other parts of the world.”

CHEERS TO THAT

Pioneer Brewing Co west of Orange is the only brewery on the eastern mainland that grows its own malting grains – brewing and packaging the finished product on site.

like vanilla, coffee, chocolate as well as rainwater harvested on the farm, Pioneer Brewing Co beers have a cult following in the region.

“Orange has become quite a prominent food and wine region but it only ever had one brewery and you couldn't visit it,” says Peter Glerber. “In December 2017, we opened a brewery on a farm you could visit and our unique 'grain to glass' selling proposition.

Consumers today are looking for provenance and a story they can buy into and we can identify where the exact batch of barely used to make their beer came from. And because we use rainwater, our beer has no fluoride aftertaste.”

Pioneer Brewing Co does not sell beer in bottles but in cans. “Cans have a longer shelf life, sustain less damage, are lighter to freight and we can get more cases on a pallet. Plus they're fully recyclable,” Glerber says.

The biggest obstacle Glerber and his wife Tamara faced launching the business was finance. “We'd done our market research, both had professional success in business, but the banks are super cautious and decided we were not worth the risk,” he says. “So we had to cough up a 30 per cent deposit and do everything on a shoestring budget.

“My advice to anyone wanting to go into manufacturing in Australia is that it will not be an easy journey,” he says. “Lots of doors are going to close and you're going to meet a lot of naysayers. But if you're determined, if you refuse to take no for an answer, you'll find ways to do it as we did.” l

CASE STUDY 3: FROM GRAIN TO GLASS

There are more than 700 craft breweries in this country, according to the Australian Craft Beer Brewery List. But Pioneer Brewing Co west of Orange is the only one on the eastern mainland that grows its own malting grains – brewing and packaging the finished product on site. Infused with ingredients JULY - AUG 2020

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INNOVATION FARM ROBOTICS

Blade

RUNNERS

Modular, upgradeable, general purpose ag robots that cost about the same as an ATV are not quite here yet, but they are closer than ever.

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Words DARREN BAGULEY

W

hether you are spot spraying with herbicide or chipping out manually, there are few jobs on a farm more mind numbingly boring or back-breaking hard than weeding, and farmers and farm hands hate it. But what if you had a farm hand that tirelessly went out into the fields day after day and conscientiously went up and down the rows weeding without complaining?

While this may sound like an impossibility, the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) has been working on just such a beast and they are scheduled to be commercially available in about a year.

Actually, it’s two beasts.

MEET SWAGBOT & DIGITAL FARMHAND

Since the first field trials in 2016, ACFR has been developing two agricultural robots – the pastoral-focused SwagBot and the agriculturefocused Digital Farmhand. They recently spun the technology off into Agerris, a company tasked with full commercialisation of an easily modifiable, longendurance, electric platform fitted with smart sensing and tools, to do real time crop and soil intelligence, and automated weeding. > JULY - AUG 2020

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INNOVATION FARM ROBOTICS

According to Agerris CEO and University of Sydney Professor Salah Sukkarieh: “The Digital Farmhand project started six years ago with funding from a donor at the University of Sydney who was interested in building robotic tools for smallholder farmers both in Australia and overseas. It started out that way but now it is a more elaborate tool not just for small holder farmers but larger growers as well, predominantly focusing on horticulture -– vegetable and tree crops.”

It comes in a base form, which is just a remotecontrol platform that farmers can add whatever tools they want, whether it’s tines, seeders, sprayers, all the way through to intelligent weeding and spraying modules as well.

“For example, it can now do per plant weeding or spraying instead of blanket spraying using herbicide,” says Salah. “Another tool is a mechanical weeder – almost like a digital chipping hoe. It finds and removes individual weeds mechanically so you don’t need to use herbicide.”

The Digital Farmhand can do all this remotely as the unit has autopilot functionality that enables the farmer to basically tell it to go to Paddock A or B. Once it is in the paddock it has collision avoidance sensors and capabilities and it is also able to go up and down crop or tree rows without the need for GPS guidance. “There are different grades of sensors depending on the grower and the size of the plot and by using some Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning the Digital Farmhand can do things like crop yield estimations for vegetable and tree crops,” says Salah. “It’s not yet available but we’re also working on pest and disease detection.”

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THE LOWDOWN

ALL TERRAIN

Below: Nimbler than the Digital Farmhand, the SwagBot can pivot within its own length and handles rough terrain better.

With a maximum speed of 8 km/h, the Digital Farmhand can run up to 15 hours on solar electric.

This gives continuous on-farm coverage but it’s small enough to fit on the back of a ute. A farmer can take it from one paddock to another to save power. In latitudes, or on days where the solar is not as effective, the Digital Farmhand gets about seven to 10 hours of battery life, depending on what it is doing, and the type and condition of the soil.

“In its current configuration it’s easy for us to add more batteries and make it go further,” Salah explains. “But the aim is that the farmer gets a full day’s work out of the machine and at the end of the day they plug it into a power point to charge it up for the next day. When the solar panels are on you get constant recharge of the battery so it’s able to go for longer.”

Using the highly scientific method of piling four people onto it, the Digital Farmhand can carry up to 400kg and because the electric motor has immense amounts of torque from standstill it is able to tow loads as heavy as a Landcruiser.

“Obviously being battery operated, hauling heavy loads reduces battery life,” says Salah. “So, we’re also looking at the option of adding a small diesel generator when extra grunt is needed, and a tray for use during harvest.”

The spindly looking SwagBot started development at roughly the same time as the Digital Farmhand and is designed for remotely or autonomously working with livestock grazing operations and more difficult terrain. The SwagBot has also been spun out into

BY PHIL SOMERVILLE

Agerris and the new version of the robot is now undergoing field validation.

The Digital Farmhand is good for doing straight line manoeuvres on relatively flat country and row crops whether they’re vegetables, tree crops, or broadacre. The SwagBot is nimbler – it can pivot within its own length and handles rough terrain better.

“Just recently we completed a set of trials where we looked at how it could move along dirt farm roads avoiding animals, people and moving amongst trees, as well approximating various livestock situations,” says Salah.

The SwagBot has a top speed of 20 km/h and has been field tested in environments across central NSW. Like the Digital Farmhand, the SwagBot can be loaded with a range of sensors according to its function. During a two-year trial, the farmbot was used to herd livestock while thermal and vision sensors that detect changes in body temperature and gait identified sick or injured animals. It can also tow a standard trailer which can be loaded with firewood, fencing materials and tools – anything that is needed by a farmer.

CAPABLE HAND S

Above: Once the Digital Farmhand is in the paddock it has collision avoidance sensors and can go up and down crop rows without the need for GPS guidance.

AUTOMATION ON FARMS

Automation has become commonplace when it comes to high-end farm equipment such as headers and large tractors, but one of the barriers to deploying autonomous equipment has been the need for farmers to adhere to standard regulations. According to Salah, with the increasing adoption of drones over the last several years the situation has changed significantly.

FAST FACTS

Digital Farmhand has a maximum speed of 8 km/h; 20 km/h for  The the SwagBot.

 The Digital Farmhand can carry a load of up to 400 kg. modular and modifiable, the Digital Farmhand can be loaded  Highly with a wide variety of sensors and tools ranging from infrared and optical cameras, intelligent sprayers to a manual weeder.

“There are now published standards about what needs to happen for an autonomous system to operate on farm, ranging from what has to happen on the robot. For example, a blinking light on the front, and colours that light up to indicate that it's operable and moving, right through to how the farmer has to interact with the robot. That has made it easier for us to operate the Digital Farmhand and SwagBot. Not without reason, the advent of robots has led to concern about loss of jobs in rural areas. Salah notes that many pastoral operations and farms struggle to attract workers and suggests that the jobs of the future in agricultural areas will be in maintaining and supporting agricultural robots.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As part of a program to bridge the digital divide in rural areas, the NSW State Government has funded Agerris to take the Digital Farmhand to rural schools.

“We put the real robots in school and leave them there for a few terms along with some study guides,” says Salah. “The kids thus learn about robotics in agriculture – they run the robot and do a whole bunch of different things with it, including giving it tasks.”

Right now, Agerris has several Digital Farmhands working with growers doing weeding, spraying and crop intelligence on a contract basis. However, Salah says Agerris is “embedding the farmbot into the farm operation so that the service eventually turns into a handover”.

Can you get one right now?

“Not quite, but it is close,” says Salah. “The aim of Agerris, with much investment, is to speed up the process of getting the Digital Farmhand into production.

We are hoping that in just over a year, farmers will be able to walk into a dealership and buy one. A Digital Farmhand with a full sensor loadout could go for $200,000, even $300,000 but we’re aiming to get the base model down to around $50,000.” l JULY - AUG 2020

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45

Granular progress It’s been three tough years for NSW grain growers but in the wake of the best autumn break for years, in some regions the best autumn break ever, the outlook for grain growers is buoyant despite the shadow of China tariffs and COVID-19 restrictions.

–

Words DARREN BAGULEY

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SPECIAL REPORT GRAINS

A

ccording to NSW Farmers grains committee chain, Matthew Madden, “On the production side, the outlook is incredibly positive for all of NSW. There are some areas on the Queensland border where the rain is variable, but otherwise, the whole of NSW south to the Victorian border is in very good shape. That’s a huge turnaround from January onwards.”

Most grain growing regions in NSW missed out on the early summer rain and it was looking a bit bleak, Madden explains, but from January the season turned around and a lot of the state received enough good rain to build the subsoil reserves. “All of this could lead to a very promising production year,” he says.

National peak body Grain Growers CEO, David McKeon, is similarly upbeat.

“The preceding years – 2018 and 2019 – weren’t great years for east coast grain producers, and then along came 2020! The traditional planting window for winter grain crops is around ANZAC Day and there was widespread rain then. It’s been a great autumn break for Victoria and NSW, and for both states 2020 is shaping up to be a really good year. Queensland cropping areas had some great rain early in the year, but a lot of that moisture has been soaked up,” he says.

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SPECIAL REPORT GRAINS

McKeon goes on to explain that for South Australia, the last few years have been average, with some areas doing better than others, but that 2020 is also shaping up to be a good year.

“Many growers were able to get their crops in at exactly the right time,” he says. “Planting earlier would have meant crops being hit by frost, and planting later would have resulted in running out of soil moisture.

In Western Australia, the northern half of the cropping belt has been fairly dry while southern regions have had a reasonable year. Growers in the west, however, have been planting larger acreages so even though they planted dry this year, Western Australia is moving towards an average season overall.”

According to Madden, in southern NSW concerns about planting dry and an overall lack of soil moisture held most growers back from sowing dual grazing crops such as wheat and canola for the last two seasons but there has been a swing back into both due to the good autumn break.

“The meat sector is doing well so there is strong demand for dual grazing crops, but people have been concerned about planting canola for the last few years with dry starts and lack of subsoil moisture. As a result, there is a bit more confidence there.”

FAST FACTS

USDA has forecast world wheat  The production in 2020-21 at 768.49 million

tonnes, up 4.17 million tonnes from 764.32 million tonnes in 2019-20.

2018, China took $1.5 billion of  InAustralian barley primarily to go into beer and other food-based products.

chicken producers use 50kg of  Broiler grain per head per year.

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CHICKEN FEED

While the demand for malting barley (for beer) was hit hard by the closure of of pubs and restaurants due to COVID-19, feed grain demand remains strong.

Similarly, large parts of NSW from Dubbo to the north have not taken a crop off for a couple of years and producers have responded to good levels of soil moisture with large cereal plantings, wheat and barley.

“Some fava beans have gone in as part of the rotation and chickpeas will go in later,” added Madden.

Although the world is looking at another record wheat crop Madden is also upbeat regarding prices for 2020. The USDA has forecast a slight drop in US production but Australia and other major exporters such as Argentina, Canada and Russia, are projected to have larger crops in 2020-21.

“World wheat prices have been holding up reasonably well,” says Madden. “The drought induced high prices, but we can still sell new wheat here for US$280/tonne, which is not a bad price for a normal production year.”

Time will tell whether wheat prices continue to hold up, but most growers are expecting barley prices to come off significantly in the wake of the COVID19 shutdown measures followed by the imposition of punitive tariffs by China.

According to McKeon, the tariffs are significant as Australia was looking at a crop of 12 million tonnes of barley for 2020 and China has been Australia’s number one export market.

“It was devastating news, China applying tariffs to Australian barley,” says McKeon. “The announcement came at the same time as demand decreased for Australian malt barley – a prime component of beer – due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Australian market is diversified, Japan, Korea and Vietnam are all markets as is Saudi Arabia; but in some of these alternative markets, growers won’t get a premium because the barley will be going into stock feed rather than being used for human consumption.”

Madden is more optimistic on the outlook for NSW barley growers and grain growers overall.

“A lot of NSW barley production is used domestically. Most beer is domestically produced and

the boom in craft beer has created demand. It is a good time to be growing high quality malting barley.

With the demand for feed barley as well, we have built up a reasonably resilient domestic demand on the east coast.”

Nevertheless, Madden says that the grains pipeline has been decimated in the last few years due to dry weather. “Stocks are low, but there was a chance to rebuild them. Growers were expecting a fall in price as the world returned to normal production, but it has been exacerbated by the China situation.

Growers will need to rejig things while they find alternative markets. Australian barley is generally world renowned for good malt – characteristically clean, dry and white. It could command premium prices in discerning markets.”

Investment in on-farm storage is providing another level of resilience for NSW grain growers.

“Growers large and small have invested a lot in on-farm storage,” says Madden. “The bulk grain handlers are on the export path so farmers that have the opportunity to service the growing domestic market are investing in on-farm storage so they can store and wait for opportunities to arise. Markets go up and down so some growers will take the opportunity to sell parts of their crop or those products that are showing a good return – such as wheat and canola – and store those products that are under pricing pressure at harvest time.”

While demand for malting barley (for beer) has been hit by the closure of pubs and restaurants under COVID-19 restrictions, generally Australian grain demand remains strong.

There has been growing demand for feed grain.

The cattle feedlot industry has grown strongly in the last 10 years and there has been a swing to intensive pork and chicken production. These use a lot of grain and it is all produced and consumed in Australia.

When the pub and restaurant trade starts up again, malting barley consumption will obviously resume to

Food security One of the positives to emerge from COVID-19 is that the wider public has been made aware of why food security is so crucial to the nation. “This pandemic thrusted the world’s leaders, and the world population into what Australian farmers deal with every few years – drought. Very little money. Feeling isolated.

Struggling against the unknown force,” says Steven Morrison, HE Silos’ Forbes Managing Director.

But as one of the leading silo manufacturers in the Australian and international market, HE Silos is safeguarding the nation’s all important grain stocks.

The company, which has factories in both Forbes and Gunnedah, has been supporting grain producers and providing grain storage solutions for over 50 years. Its products include grain, fertiliser, pellet and mash silos, field bins, livestock feeders, bulk storage and kit silos, and customised silos. They also deliver a socially responsible message via their award-winning Thermal Insect Control System® (TICS®). It is 100 per cent recyclable and reusable and meets the Australian Standard for sealed grain-storage silos.

The system’s sealing requirements for insect control provide many benefits for on-farm grain storage quality, while also assisting on-farm WH&S by reducing the amount of times staff have to climb a silo, and the safe handling of chemicals.

a higher level, but Madden is not sure how long it will be before it returns to where it was.

“More tourists come to Australia than leave Australia, so overall demand will stay down until the borders reopen,” he says. “When will that be? Have people changed their habits? Will things go back to the way they were before?” he asks. “My crystal ball is not that good.”

Justin Everett, a grain grower in the Riverina near Brocklesby, is optimistic about the season and sanguine when it comes to the China situation. “We’ve had the best soil moisture I’ve seen in the 20 odd years I’ve been farming, and we’ve stuck to our normal rotation of canola, lupins, barley and grazing wheat over our 800 hectare farm,” he says. “Hopefully it continues to rain. When it comes to barley prices, it’s a long time between now and harvest. We’ll get the crop to harvest before we worry about that stuff.” l

We share your passion in food security.

Because every grains counts Storing the Nations’ Grains since 1969.

www.hesilos.com FREE CALL 1800 046 046

“We’re pleased to support building a stronger regional Australia through affordable loans with almost $450 million in loans approved for NSW farmers since 1 July 2018.”

–

BRUCE KING RIC CEO

RIC loan progress this financial year The RIC has approved approximately 570 loans valued at around $639 million this financial year as of 31 May 2020.

RIC loans building a stronger regional Australia RIC loans provide affordable finance for farmers and farm-related small business owners to improve their productivity, profitability and ongoing financial resilience.

While these are not quickfix grants, they do help eligible farm businesses return to viability and continue contributing to the industry in a meaningful way.

RIC loans are available country-wide, providing a consistent approach to applying for and managing a loan. RIC loans don't come about overnight – it currently takes about six months to settle a RIC loan from the time a completed application is submitted and loan approval sooner than that.

Applicants can be assured

that measures are in place to continually improve the loan application process.

prompted him to look at the long-term sustainability of his enterprise.

To meet this growing demand and continue to support struggling farm businesses around Australia, the RIC has expanded its team and wound back some of the red tape that slows down the process.

“It makes you sit down and really analyse where you’ve been and where you’re going,” he said.

With an additional 16 Orange-based credit assessors and loan administrators recently appointed, as well as a further 38 online assessors working remotely from every corner of the country, the RIC is making customers their priority, despite the pressure.

RIC loan customer Chris Blunt from the Central West of NSW said the application process

Chris said it was important to realise that a RIC loan is not a handout.

“There’s still an old, very conservative attitude in the bush, even with some of our younger farmers that, ‘Oh we don’t take handouts’. But it’s not a handout. It’s a loan and you’ve got to pay it back,” he said.

“In the middle of a drought as savage as this one, it’s going to help us feed a lot of stock and a lot of breeding stock. Take advantage of it as it can make all the difference.”

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TRADE ONLINE IN COVID

Online revolution Livestock auctions, field days, farmers’ markets – when COVID-19 restrictions shut down the mainstays of the NSW agriculture industry, farmers moved their businesses online in droves.

–

Words LISA SMYTH

R

egional NSW has been calling out for improved internet and connectivity for more than a decade, but this year’s global pandemic may just be the turning point the agricultural industry needs to make it a national priority.

“I think it’s an opportunity,” says Professor Robin Stonecash, Dean of the School of Business and Tourism at Southern Cross University. “Everything on the farm these days needs good technology, from self-guided tractors to drones to make sure animals are not in strife and to monitor soil, temperature and water usage. We need really good internet in regional areas and Australia should be able to supply that to its farmers.”

While the industry continues to wait on promises from the government, farmers and agribusinesses have pivoted to online channels to keep their businesses going. Operations that were once purely wholesale or part of retail supply chains are now supplying direct to consumers, with better margins,

and there’s every likelihood many new business models forged during this crisis will continue on.

“Right now farmers are building up trust with people, which means the farmer gets more money directly and they don’t have to go through a third party,” explains Stonecash. “I do think there’s going to be an increase in directto-consumer sales in the future and I think it’s a way for farmers to capture more of the value in the value chain.”

The Farmer learns how three NSW businesses pivoted online in the time of COVID-19.

Fanelli Organics -

CENTRAL COAST HINTERLAND FANELLIORGANICS.COM.AU

Eden Fanelli is a fourth-generation farmer who also happens to be a qualified personal trainer. His keen understanding of health and nutrition meant that when he bought the family farm from his parents 10 years ago he knew he wanted to grow organic produce only. >

“Everyone we know has adapted.

That’s farming in a nutshell. We’re always adapting to the weather. We’re always adapting to the seasons. So I guess going online is just another variable we have to deal with.”

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TRADE ONLINE IN COVID

“Before COVID-19 the business model was a mix. We had wholesale, bulk things like zucchinis and collard cabbages, and we were at Carriageworks Farmers Market and a few others around Sydney and the Central Coast. And we did a lot of retail as well,” explains Fanelli.

“But in early March, we could see that things were going to change. We still had a lot of customers that wanted to buy our local and seasonal produce, so we decided to give the produce box and home delivery system a go.”

While the business already had Facebook and Instagram accounts, Eden and his girlfriend Louise realised they needed someone to help them to build an e-commerce website quickly. They turned to online marketplace Airtasker and had the website up and running within a week.

“We partnered with a few other farmers that have organic eggs and also grass-fed meat, and we started offering boxes and hampers online that we deliver direct to homes. We were really blown away by how quickly people jumped onto it,” exclaims Fanelli.

Despite the stress and fear of pivoting to a brand new business model virtually overnight and the uncertainties of the future, Fanelli believes there have been some positives. “People are used to just going to a supermarket and always being able to buy

NOV 19

COVID-19 timeline

54

THE FARMER

The earliest case of the virus detected in Wuhan, China. It was not then known as COVID-19

8 JAN 20

Scientists in China announce the discovery of a new coronavirus

JULY - AUG 2020

TALL ORDER

Fanelli Organics staff hard at work harvesting vegetables in order to fulfil deliveries.

an orange or an avocado. Whereas in the last few months, I think people are understanding that you can’t get everything all the time. And I think that’s a really good thing.”

Fanelli has discovered that there is less wastage and slightly higher margins with the online model and believes it is definitely something they will continue with into the future. “If people can still go to a farmers' market and have that social aspect, but pre-order the majority of their stuff, it’s going to help everyone.”

“Everyone we know has adapted. That’s farming in a nutshell. We’re always adapting to the weather.

We’re always adapting to the seasons. So I guess going online is just another variable we have to deal with.”

Norco Primex Field Days – CASINO PRIMEX.NET.AU

In 2017, when Bruce Wright, Director of Norco Primex Field Days, took full ownership of the business that his father established in 1985, he knew it could no longer be business as usual. “We’ve been rebuilding the event and repositioning it to address the evolution of field days as we see it,” he says. “Our strategy has been to make sure the event remains relevant and services the needs of the farmers throughout the year.”

25 JAN 20

First recorded COVID19 case in Australia – a Victorian man in his 50s who had been in Wuhan. Then three more confirmed cases reported in NSW, also returned travellers from Wuhan.

Australia says “Do not travel to China."

5 FEB 20

Two Australians contract the new coronavirus on the cruise ship Diamond Princess, quarantined off Japan Australia announces a 14-day ban for noncitizens arriving from China. Ban extended further on 20 February

1 MAR 20

Australia’s first COVID19 fatality – a Perth man who'd been on the Diamond Princess

3 MAR 20

RBA slashes cash rate to record low of 0.5% and Australian supermarket panic buying begins in earnest around this time

This meant that when COVID-19 hit the business was already looking for ways to service their exhibitors better, and had found ‘Map Your Show’, an online event and conference management system that was already being used by field days in the USA. “Earlier in the year we were in the process of fast tracking a range of additional features within the system in case there was a need for a virtual event to happen. So everything sort of came together when we had to cancel our May expo to allow us to launch virtually,” explains Wright.

What launched on May 11th was an eight week event that is Australia’s first ever virtual field day exhibition. While the physical event that attracts 25,000 people to Casino each year has been postponed until September 10-12, the virtual expo allowed

The NSW Government has announced a $100 million Gig State project that aims to deliver new network infrastructure and boost internet capacity for regional communities and businesses.

PIVOT & ADAPT

Above: Norco Primex launched Australia's first ever virtual field day on May 11. Held in Casino, the Norco Primex Field days attracts thousands of visitors to its annual event, and organisers were ready to adapt when COVID-19 hit.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/nsw-opensau100m-gig-state-better-internet-project/

11 MAR 20

WHO declares COVID-19 a global pandemic

12 MAR 20

Australian Government announces first round of business financial assistance to the tune of $17.6 billion

15 MAR 20

Australia reports 298 cases of COVID-19, and five deaths Australian Government bans gatherings of more than 500 people

16 MAR 20

People arriving in Australia from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days and social distancing rules are implemented Australian supermarkets impose purchasing limits on staple items

farmers to take advantage of the federal government’s $150,000 depreciation write-off that must be used before 30 June 2020.

“For a range of major global brands that have launched new technology in Europe and the USA, the logistics wouldn’t normally allow them to launch here until machinery was shipped,” notes Wright.

“It means that Australia is no longer isolated from an overseas launch and that farmers can see innovations today rather than wait for them to roll out over six to 12 months.”

More than 300 exhibitors signed up for the virtual expo and farmers are able to see first-hand demonstrations, ask questions and attend webinars as they would at the physical event. While Wright believes COVID-19 has fast-tracked the adoption of online technologies in the farming community, he doesn’t believe in-person field days will disappear anytime soon. >

17 MAR 20

Australian Government bans all international travel

20 MAR 20

Australian Government imposes strict social distancing of four square metres per person

20 MAR 20

Australian Government announces second round of business financial assistance of $66 billion and greater leniency for insolvency and bankruptcy as well as temporary relief for directors trading whilst insolvent

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TRADE ONLINE IN COVID

“Farmers will always want to kick the tyre; to see and touch the technology. Nothing is going to take away from the social or business networking aspect of a physical event. And that’s why the physical event will always be primary, but the virtual event will be a supporting mechanism prior to, during and following a physical event. That’s how we will be structuring it.”

West Walla Farm - EASTERN RIVERINA WESTWALLAFARM.COM. AU

Tobias Lehmann and his wife Amy are typical ‘tree changers’ – Sydneysiders who moved to the country in 2016 to try their hand at farming. They tried eggs, pigs and snails, and found that free-range egg production was their most viable option.

Complementary to the eggs, they also make homecrafted mayonnaises and aioli, and before COVID-19 restrictions were put in place they supplied their eggs and finished products to caterers, cafes and delis across NSW, and were regulars at a range of farmers’ markets.

Their ‘tree change’ was becoming more permanent with each successful sale.

“But when COVID-19 hit we lost all the cafe and restaurant business, almost instantaneously,” laments Tobias Lehmann. “We also lost both our most profitable farmers’ markets, which left us with an awful lot of eggs to sell.”

The Lehmanns had long encouraged customers at the farmers’ markets to join their email and text messaging lists to ensure they didn’t miss out around peak times like Easter and Christmas, and this paid dividends when other revenue sources dried up.

“We used that information to communicate with our customers and direct them to our website. My wife spent a week setting up a payment ordering system that allows people to subscribe for egg pickups every two weeks, or make one-off purchases,” explains Lehmann. “Since that point we’ve managed to sell all of the eggs we produce, which was an outcome we never thought we’d achieve when we first moved online.”

Utilising their existing socials channels of Facebook and Instagram, the Lehmanns decided to

23 MAR 20

COVID-19 timeline

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Australia begins lockdown. Bars, clubs, cinemas, places of worship, casinos and gyms are closed. Schools start to close It's the peak of the growth of new daily cases in Australia

JULY - AUG 2020

GOING FREE RANGE

Above: With their young daughter and son on West Walla Farm.

offer another value-add to their customers – a free virtual farm tour with a live Q&A. “I certainly believe we have been successful in selling not just some, but all, of our eggs because of the connection that we have developed with our customers, where they know the story behind the food and the provenance of it.”

“People are always asking us questions about our eggs and we thought this would be a very good time to invite them into our home. It was quite remarkable, because I’ve had customers the week afterwards thanking us for doing it, saying ‘what a wonderful thing you did. Thank you so much for doing this for us’. They saw it as us giving a gift to them, which was really quite lovely.” l

25 MAR 20

Australia officially closes its borders

29 MAR 20

The Australian Government states that no more than two people may be together in public

30 MAR 20

22 MAY 20

1 APR 20

16 JUNE 20

Australian Government announces third round of business financial assistance – $130 billion Australia has 4,864 cases and 21 deaths, with the growth rate of new cases reducing significantly

NSW has 3,084 confirmed cases, 50 deaths, and 2,648 people have recovered from COVID-19 Australia has 102 deaths and 15 new cases. NSW has 3,131 confirmed cases, 48 deaths and 3 new cases

SPOTLIGHT ON

Managing uncertain times These are uncertain times. Bushfires, drought, COVID19, a recession and increasing unemployment has nearly everyone feeling worried. We worry about what could happen, the uncertainty and unpredictability of life right now. To deal with this, the number one thing each of us can do is to focus on what is within our control. Easier said than done, so here are some tips to help you.

Words REBECCA MARTIN

1 BELIEVE IN YOUR CAPACITY TO COPE

Recall times in your life when you have overcome difficulties and challenges. Make a list of them.

Don’t be humble – you earned your track record of tenacity, grit, and strength.

Tip: Acknowledging our past resourcefulness helps us to be resilient now.

2 STAY INFORMED, BUT DON’T BINGE ON NEWS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Watching, listening or reading excessive news and social media distracts us from taking more positive actions and can make us anxious.

Tip: Limit your news and social media each day

3 DISPLAY KINDNESS AND GRATITUDE

When we are kind, we feel good, and make others feel good. Kindness promotes kindness and helps us feel connected to one another and less isolated in difficult times. If others aren’t being kind, be patient as they’re possibly stressed.

Tip: Notice the positive things that others are doing and thank them.

4

5

AVOID RUMINATING ABOUT THE PAST

FOCUS ON YOUR WELLBEING

We often mull over what we should have done or what happened in the past. This can lead us to wasting a lot of negative emotions. If you find this happening, ask yourself “what could I change if anything?” If you can’t change the situation, let it go. If there was something you could change, learn from this and try to change it in the future.

We know that we feel better when we exercise, eat healthy food, and have good sleep. It’s good for our psychological health and helps us deal with uncertainty.

Set yourself wellbeing goals. It may be as simple as a walk in the paddock each day. Tell a friend about your goal. Get them to hold you accountable.

Tip: What can you change? If you can’t change something, let it go.

Tip: Set wellbeing goals and get a friend to help you achieve them.

These are powerful ways to deal with the stresses of uncertainty.

Be kind to yourself and others. heath-martin.com

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TREND TINY HOUSES

Big things small packages

The small home movement is making big inroads into Australia, and savvy farmers can reap the benefits.

Words IAN LLOYD NEUBAUER

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TREND TINY HOUSES

T

he birth of the smallhouse movement can be traced to the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-09, when a 225 per cent spike in home loan foreclosures in the US saw small homes set on wheels come into vogue.

And while stricter banking regulations and the mining boom insulated Australia from mass foreclosures, we did not prove immune to the allure of reality TV shows like Tiny House Nation and glossy magazine spreads of small houses.

With low construction costs and energy-efficient designs, the small home movement plugged into minimalism, counter-consumerism, environmental consciousness, selfsufficiency and a whole raft of social trends.

But a mess of red tape and zoning regulations stuck in the 1950s have until now prevented the small house movement from gaining real traction in Australia.

“We did a survey about 18 months ago and found there were about 200 small houses in the country,” says Kim Connolly, president of the Australian Tiny House Association (ATHA). “But we don’t know the real number as most small houses go under the radar because by definition they are moveable dwellings on wheels.

“Legally they’re considered caravans and in NSW you cannot live in a caravan full-time unless you are a member of another household on the same land. As a result, you can’t get a mortgage for a small house or even insure it like you would a normal house, so the idea never really took off.

“But since the pandemic began,” Connolly says, “lots of people are building them anyway because small houses make a lot of sense for those suffering from mortgage stress or farmers with great big blocks of land. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if every farmer in the state was allowed two tiny houses tucked away at the back of their property?”

ENDLESS APPLICATIONS

Small homes have an almost endless number of applications.

When 23,000 homes were destroyed during the Californian wildfires of 2018, around 50 small homeowners towed theirs to Walmart car parks so that they could be used for emergency accommodation.

At the University of Saint Brieuc in France, small homes are being used for student accommodation.

In Tokyo, which has the second most expensive real estate in the world after Hong Kong, family homes with space-saving appliances that can sleep four have been built on footprints as small as 86 square metres.

In Sweden, a chef couple launched a new forest-to-table movement from a group of small houses for rent among the pines.

And on Australia’s eastern seaboard, people are now erecting tiny houses in their backyards in response to the new economic realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These can be used by family members or leased to tenants.

Designer Eco Tiny Houses in Ulladulla on the South Coast of NSW, which sells a customisable threebedroom small house dubbed ‘the mansion of tiny houses’ by realestate. com.au, have received a massive influx of enquiries since March.

In Queensland, Aussie Tiny Houses, which has a portfolio of 20 different tiny homes on wheels, has doubled its production this year on the back of orders from elderly couples with adult unemployed children who have had to move back home.

“We're getting all sorts of demographics, which isn’t unusual, but now we’re noticing the urgency.

We’re being asked, ‘when is your next available delivery?’,” Aussie Tiny Houses managing director Fabio Paulucci told Fairfax newspapers.

“We’ve got so many people coming to us with urgent jobs that we’ve doubled our production and we’re hiring staff. It seems that we’re in the right industry at the right time.” >

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PERFECTLY POSITIONED

Jamie McKeen of Wild & Seek in Sydney shares Paulucci’s sentiments.

“If you look at our business model, we’re perfectly positioned to meet the demand created by the COVID19 crisis,” McKeen says of the start-up that circumvents laws that prohibit landowners from letting small houses for longer than 60 days by offering them exclusively as holiday lettings. “Not only that, but farmers have had it tough with fires and floods, so small holiday homes provide a way to supplement their income.”

Marrying luxury touches with off-the-grid living, Wild & Seek’s first unit, which sits on a farm near Oberon, has French doors to let in the light, a loft bedroom for star-gazing, solar-powered lighting and a rain-fed water tank. Being on wheels, it does not require a Development Approval, while the compost toilet does away with the need for sewerage.

Wild & Seek plans to have three more units operating this year. “Picture a farm with rolling green hills with a river running through it or backing onto a National Park – a wilderness experience where guests can disconnect from the city, but one where their comfort isn’t compromised,” McKeen says.

Wild & Seek’s cabins will rent out for about $230 per night. Landowners, who do not have to invest capital, will receive a 30 per cent profit share.

“We build the unit, do the marketing and generate bookings,” McKeen says. “All the landowner has to do is wash the linen and clean the house. They can also provide things like breakfast hampers and horse riding to make extra money and create a sustainable eco-tourism business to unlock the value of their land.”

THE DOME

It would not look out of place on the set of a Star Wars movie, but the Flexdome, an igloo-shaped small house, was invented for a very different reason.

“My father in South Africa was a genius inventor.

He held 27 different patents for everything from aeroplanes to cars,” says Heila Lessing of Capsolate, which manufactures the Flexdome in Australia.

“One of his inventions was a fibreglass dome that was used by lots of farmers in South Africa to provide affordable accommodation for fruit pickers. But about five years ago, after seeing all the refugees living in

FAST FACTS

houses cost a fraction of the price  Small of normal houses – between $31,000 and $150,000.

world’s first master-planned small The house subdivision – T.I.T.A.N. Hills – can

be found at Apollo Bay on Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road.

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TINY HOME , BIG D OME

Above: The innovative Flexdome would not look out of place on a Star Wars film set.

Right: A Wild & Seek tiny house on wheels.

Three great books about small houses

1

Walden (1854) American naturalist Henry David Thoreau writes of his experience living for two years and two months in a small cabin near Lake Walden.

2

Tiny Houses: Or How to Get Away From It All (1987) Filled with photographs and sketches of beautiful small homes like a 5-square-metre shack set on a raft.

3

The Not So Big House (1998) The first of a series of best-selling architecture and design books about small houses built upon the philosophy of quality over quantity.

tent camps in Southern Europe, he thought – ‘How can I provide aid agencies with something easy to transport to help refugees get their dignity back?’ So he re-invented it using modern materials – 10mm thick PVC foam that is flat-packable.”

The Flexdome comes in two sizes – 18 or 30 square metres. The smaller model has enough space for a double bed, lounge and coffee station, weighs only 400kg and can be assembled by two people in as little as two hours.

“Small house on wheels can be very cramped with only about 10 to 15 square metres of floor space,” Lessing says. “But our smallest model is 18 square metres and they are modular, meaning you can add more units to make it as big as you need, whereas with small houses, you are stuck with the original design. And any small house you buy has to have a bathroom and things such as solar panels, generators or water tanks. But with a Flexdome, it’s plug and play; you don’t have to invest in any feature you don’t need.” l

The FlexDome™ : Affordable Pop-Up Accommodation

• Affordable, instant accommodation or work spaces, assembled within a few hours • Plug and play kitchen, toilet, shower and water tank options available • Ideal for rural and agricultural use

Call us on 02 8328 1318

www.flexdome.com.au

Capsolate Pty Ltd

ABN 80625328289

BRAINSTORMING IN THE BUSH

Left to right: Millie, Georgie and Grace at a Buy From The Bush strategy meeting in Dubbo.

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TREND BUY FROM THE BUSH

Rural revolution Grace Brennan started her Buy From The Bush campaign in the hope she might bring a little optimism to the drought-stricken businesses of rural Australia. Today, she and her partners have hundreds of thousands of social media followers and the kind of business clout that many corporations only dream about.

Words MICHAEL SHEATHER Photography CLANCY PAINE

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TREND BUY FROM THE BUSH

M

odern success stories don’t usually begin at the kitchen table. But for Grace Brennan, founder of the hugely successful Buy From The Bush campaign, the kitchen table in her farmhouse near Warren in North West NSW proved to be the most natural place in the world to begin a rural revolution.

Grace was in her kitchen when, a few months before Christmas last year, she had a conversation with a friend. “We were chatting about her plans for Christmas,” recalls Grace, a 36 year-old mother of four. “She told me how she wanted some Kris Kringle gifts for her family. She was going to buy them from country businesses to show some support for people in country areas during the drought.”

A switch flicked in Grace’s mind. “I’d already been playing with some ideas about what I could do to help businesses during the drought,” Grace says. “I’d watched my husband come in from the daily grind on the farm, and I’d been down to the main street and I’d seen how the local businesses were battling and how stale everything was going under the weight of years of drought.

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WOMEN UNITED FOR COUNTRY AUSTRALIA

Above: (L-R) The dream team behind Buy From The Bush, Georgie Robertson, Grace Brennan and Millie Fisher.

“So, it had been in my mind for a while. I’d fallen in love with a lot of the beautiful boutiques out here and I knew that if my friends in Sydney could only see them then they would fall in love with them too.

Then when my friend said she would buy gifts from the bush; it just clicked that social media was the perfect platform. It was just a brilliant idea to promote these businesses beyond their local community where the cash flow had dried up.”

On October 16 last year Grace turned that brilliant idea into a reality by posting photographs of goods for sale from rural businesses with the aim of enticing city dwellers to buy from the bush.

“At the same time, I found out Channel Nine’s TODAY show was coming to broadcast from Warren,” says Grace. “We had some Buy From The Bush T-shirts made up and managed to get them on the show.”

And then everything changed. Virtually overnight, the numbers exploded from less than a few dozen to 80,000.

At its heart, the Buy From The Bush campaign is all about giving people in the city both the opportunity and the knowledge to purchase from rural businesses and, in the process, help alleviate some of the overwhelming financial gloom.

Grace’s friend Millie Fisher came on board to help.

She and her husband Simon – a contract farmer – also lived in Warren and they had witnessed the psychological effect the drought was having on people during the five years they’d lived there.

“For the first three years of drought everyone had a very stiff upper lip and a ‘she’ll-be-right’ kind of attitude. But then as it dragged into the fourth year and the work and cash dried up, you could see that people were starting to lose hope,” says Millie, 35.

“There were darker conversations and a lot of stress and a lot of helplessness. Both Grace and I were born in Sydney and we knew there were plenty of people who wanted to help but didn’t know how.

Then Grace came up with the brilliant idea of showcasing the wares from the country to city folks via social media.”

Of course, the girls knew there were no guarantees. “I didn’t know if it would work. But I did know that if we got it right then local businesses might get just enough of a lift in sales to make it through some exceedingly difficult times,” says Grace.

Even so, the girls were stunned by their success.

Most of the small businesses they featured on the website started receiving orders – first in a trickle and then in a flood.

“I got involved early on,” says Georgie Robertson, director of rural communications company Regional PR. “I called Grace because I heard that the campaign was doing well and to see if she would like to be involved in a state government platform called Buy Regional. At that moment, she was going from one or two followers in the first couple of days to 500 followers a day. Then 1000 followers, then 5000 and it just kept going up. I said, ‘I’ll do anything I can to help’. And it all kicked off.”

“It was extraordinary,” says Grace. “Suddenly our businesspeople were on the phone saying that they had been up all night trying to meet orders. One business owner had more orders in a single day than she’d had in a whole year. The rate at which it grew was astounding.”

By November 28, just six weeks after launching, Buy From The Bush had 118,000 likes on Facebook and 120,000 followers on Instagram. As a result, PayPal, the global secure online payment business, offered Buy from the Bush a new portal on its website that

BUY FROM THE BUSH AND FACEBOOK AUSTRALIA COMMISSIONED THIS NEW REPORT TO CAPTURE THE IMPACT OF THE CAMPAIGN IN ITS FIRST FOUR MONTHS ECONOMIC IMPACT

$5,000,000

AUD total revenue uplift in sales for featured small businesses

300% average sales uplift for each business 1 in 5 businesses hired new workers Three quarters of featured businesses now ship interstate – more than double the share that did so prior to the campaign

ENTREPRENEUR EMPOWERMENT

97% of business owners are women, compared to the national SMB average of 34% 45% of business owners learned a new skill, including marketing and IT

IMPROVEMENT OF COMMUNITY WELLBEING

90% of business owners experienced improved quality of

life across human connection, community relationships, new local businesses Business owners reported spending their earnings on local goods and services, and attempting to give back by volunteering or joining community groups

further extended the campaign’s already impressive popularity and reach.

By then the campaign had generated $2.6 million of revenue for featured businesses who reported average increases in visits to their websites of more than 1000 per cent.

Two weeks later, they held a pop-up market in Sydney’s Martin Place with stalls from about 20 businesses selling everything from art and stationery to homewares, clothing and jewellery.

Not only did many of the stores sell out during >

Oct 16 2019

Oct 17 2019

Nov 28 2019

Dec 12 2019

Jan 2020

Grace Brennan from Warren launches Buy From The Bush on Facebook and Instagram

Buy From The Bush gains 10 followers overnight but Grace has no idea if things will work to plan

118,000 likes on Facebook; 120,000 followers on Instagram.

PayPal and Visa partner with Buy From The Bush for their respective Christmas campaigns

153,000 likes on Facebook; 149,000 followers on Instagram.

Partners with Facebook Australia to deliver social media training for small business

Buy From The Bush (BFTB) partners with InStyle magazine to promote fashion labels from the bush

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TREND BUY FROM THE BUSH

the 12 hour market, but media attention and public exposure bought an avalanche in both recognition and sales.

Today, the sites have 203,000 Facebook and 255,000 Instagram followers respectively with an influence that is now beginning to spread across the globe.

“We were concerned that the momentum might start to peter out after the Christmas rush. But when we began to consolidate and think about where we might be able to take the concept in early January, the bushfires took hold. And we found a new relevance that kicked us along again. When the bushfires finally came under control, up sprang the COVID-19 pandemic. But it only gave us an even greater impetus as city people realised that those country people who had just survived the drought and the bushfires were shut down and more desperate than ever.”

Even the pandemic hasn’t stopped people from across the globe reaching out. “A woman called from London about a beautiful pair of handcrafted leather boots that was featured on our Instagram page,” says Grace. “She said ‘I must have them; they’re so beautiful and I can’t get anything like that here in London’. So she went ahead and ordered them and we’re sending them all the way to the United Kingdom. We’ve had orders from Hong Kong as well as France and Spain, so it seems we’re making an impact globally too.”

CONTINUED GROWTH

(Left to right) Georgie Robertson and Millie Fisher hard at work on their next campaign – Stay In The Bush.

Grace says they are exploring where to go next.

So far, Grace, Millie and Georgina have worked together to start another equally important campaign, Stay In The Bush, which is a parallel program to Buy from the Bush and targets the rural tourism and hospitality sector.

“Stay in the Bush is our new spin off idea and we’re trying to grow it quickly in light of the fact that domestic tourism might boom before the end of the year and before international tourism starts up again.

After such a long lockdown, people will want to get out and travel again and rural communities offer a great opportunity for that.

“I had a call from a woman in Yass yesterday and overnight she had 500 new followers for her home stay B&B and a lot of new enquiries. It’s just the loveliest feeling to know we have been able to help out like that.”

Yet, for all the sales generated so far, there’s an even more important outcome that is making Grace smile. “It’s the visibility that we have managed to create right throughout rural Australia,” she says.

“It’s powerful. More powerful than I ever imagined it could be. It’s changing the way that people think about the country and the people who live there. It’s changing mindsets about what individuals are like here and what they are capable of. All of that is the real power of Buy from The Bush, not just selling a few gifts. It’s changing people’s lives.” l

Jan 21 2020

Jan 22 2020

March 20 2020

June 2020

Grace delivers a heartfelt Australia Day address and media attention continues to gather momentum

BFTB has 207,000 Instagram followers and Grace is named as one of the nine most influential businesswomen in the country

BFTB has 203,000 Facebook followers; 231,000 Instagram followers and a parallel marketing campaign called Stay in the Bush

Stay In The Bush website goes live, providing an online directory of bush accommodation

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TOOLS MARKETPLACE

The saleyards Check out some of these great products sure to bring a smile to dad’s face on Father’s Day. Edited by MICHELLE HESPE

TIDY UP

COOL AS A

This essential travel companion allows you to simply and neatly tuck away your small electronics and belongings when travelling, allowing you to focus on your music and enjoying travelling rather than searching through cords. Made with vegetable tanned leather these cord rolls are 100 per cent handcrafted – cut, stamped and sewn by hand. $75, top3.com.au

CUCUMBER

FIRE STARTER

Inspired by Alaskan whalers from the 18th Century, the Firelighter is a revolutionary way to light your fire without kindling or newspaper. $370, georgeandwilly.com

The Dometic Waeco CFX portable fridge/ freezer models are energy efficient with excellent cooling performance, even in high ambient temperatures. The CFX comes in various sizes, and is robust and reliable, whatever the conditions. You can live off the grid and run the CFX off the Dometic PLB40, a portable lithium battery which provides up to 40 hours of CFX cooling on a single charge.

From $999, dometic.com

WARM & COSY

Waverley Mills is Australia’s oldest working textile mill.

Using time-honoured, artisan craftsmanship, bolstered by the latest in sustainable practices, the range now includes these soft and stylish travel rugs made from recycled wool fibre. The recycled fibre is made of merino wool shearing waste, unused wool fibre, off-cuts and older blankets, which are blended together. $199, waverleymills.com

SCRUB-A-DUB

COOK UP A STORM

This gadget is a pocket-sized washing machine, providing a machine-quality wash in just minutes. Fill the lightweight bag with water and a bit of washing liquid, then scrub your clothes for three minutes. Pack less, live green and have fresh, clean clothes anywhere, anytime. $64.95, thescrubba.com.au

This light and efficient camp stove is an update of the already popular CampStove based on user feedback. It can boil a litre of water in less than five minutes, it's rechargeable, can store a full phone charge, and uses twigs, sticks or pellets as fuel to create a smoke and gas free outdoor cooking experience. $269.95, seatosummitdistribution. com.au

RAISING THE BAR

Made from recycled fuel cans that would otherwise end up in landfill, this truly unique handcrafted ‘art bar’ makes for a fantastic conversation piece and will store all your bar essentials. All Danish Fuel designs are made using Jerry Cans that are collected from Military surplus stock-houses in Europe. $795, top3.com.au

LOVIN’ LIGHT

Hunter soy candles are hand-poured in Newtown, Sydney. Inspiration is drawn from nature in the surroundings suburb, the art-filled and graffitied streets, love, creativity and individuality. His workshop or study will be smelling sensational in no time. $49.95, huntercandles.com.au

Do you have a great product you’d like us to consider for the page? Email an image and details to: mhespe@intermedia.com.au

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TOOLS WELLBEING

“When the ground gets sick, so do our people.”

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silent The

killer

Australia may well be the lucky country, but many of us don’t feel that way. Every day, eight people take their own lives – two or three of them from NSW.

–

Words IAN LLOYD NEUBAUER

S

uicide is an even more acute problem in the country.

Men living in rural areas are up to 40 per cent more likely to suicide than men in urban areas, according to The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the problem, as is the drought that is still present across vast swathes of NSW. But a determined army of professionals and volunteers are fighting back by going above and beyond to help at-risk people in the bush. We talk to three of these heroes about their work on the frontlines.

SHOULDER TO SHOULDER

“I always thought when the ground gets sick, so do our people,” says Dianne Gill, a nurse from Condobolin in central west NSW. “So during the Millennium Drought, I started trying to figure out how we can help our farmers stay well and ended up joining the Drought Mental Health Assistance Package,” Gill says of the initiative that was folded into Rural Adversity Mental Health Program when the Millennium Drought officially ended in 2009.

“The drought never really went away,” Gill says. “It takes cattle farmers seven years to recover from drought and orchardists need 15 years to replant and regrow their trees, so even though there were a few good years of rain, for most farmers, the stress never left. Then they’ve got the isolation of modern farming to deal with. Going back a generation or two, you’d have five men working at a property. Today with machinery and the high cost of labour, they work long hours by themselves.”

Gill connects with stressed-out farmers at field days, agricultural shows and through referrals from existing patients and friends. “I am not a Florence Nightingale-type character,” she says. “I wear jeans and boots. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers and ask them if they’re OK. “I also ask them to think of any mates or neighbours who normally come to these things and aren’t here, and suggest JULY - AUG 2020

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they visit them,” Gill says. “And I teach people about the four signs that can indicate someone could be in trouble: a drastic change in their appearance, heavy drinking, comments about ‘ending it all’ and a tendency to not talk and then when they do talk it’s all negative.”

TECH FOUNDER WITH A BIG HEART

Amanda Johnstone lost three close friends to suicide before she turned 18. The events later inspired her to attend a suicide prevention retreat where she learned different ways to how to help people at risk. The most effective tool was a check-in tool where people rated their mood from one to 10 and texted the information

FAST FACTS

number of lives lost to suicide in NSW  The each year is more than double the state’s road toll.

suicide rate for farming men in  The Australia is double that of the general male population.

months after it was launched, more  Two than 6,500 users downloaded Be a Looper. was the busiest month in Lifeline’s  April 57-year history with 90,000 calls for help – 3,000 a day.

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“The four signs that can indicate someone could be in trouble: a drastic change in their appearance, heavy drinking, comments about ‘ending it all’ and a tendency to not talk and then they do talk it’s all negative.”

TOOLS WELLBEING

AT THE FOREFRONT

Below: Scott Hammond, the CEO of Lifeline in Broken Hill, came to be in his role after his mother attempted to take her own life. It shook him to his core and he knew he had to do something.

to a friend or counsellor at a set time every day. A rating of three or below equated to an SOS, and the receiver would call the sender. “Over the next 10 years, I had about 40 people sending me messages every day,” says Johnstone. “Every time someone sent an SOS, I would call them and ask if they were okay.”

In 2017, Johnstone, who has since forged a career rolling out technological transformation for businesses in Sydney, used the idea to create Be A Looper – a free app that reminds users to rate their mood at a set time every day and then sends the score to five nominated friends. And being a virtual tool, Be a Looper provides people living in remote areas with a fast and easy way to reach out and ask for help. “Growing up in the country, I know how an app like this can reduce isolation and take the burden away from those long conversations. With one simple swipe, they can call out for help.”

Two months after it was launched, more than 6,500 users downloaded Be a Looper. Between them, they sent just 1,700 SOS messages – and potentially saved the same number of lives. But the app’s eureka moment came last October when Johnstone was featured in TIME magazine’s Next Generation Leaders list for 2019. Be A Looper now has 85,000 users in 10 countries who have sent out nearly 4,300 cries for help on the app – none of whom has suicided.

THE MAN FROM BROKEN HILL

The first time Scott Hammond heard a young man admit to attempting suicide, it shook him to his core.

“I was a volunteer youth worker at the time and my boss told me the important thing is not to let it get me down, and I took that on board,” he recalls.

Yet nothing could prepare Hammond for the phone call he received in 2006 saying his mother had tried to take her own life. “This was a big moment. It made me see what was happening with my own eyes, in my very family. That’s when I started working for Lifeline full-time,” says Hammond, who is now Lifeline’s CEO in Broken Hill.

“Broken Hill has always been a work-hard, playhard, drink-hard kind of place because there are so many hard things in life you have to get used to: droughts, domestic violence and the impacts of the Stolen Generation,” he says. “But it starts wearing you down and now the situation with COVID-19 has taken things to a whole new level.”

April was the busiest month in Lifeline’s 57-year history with 90,000 calls for help – around 3,000 per day. About half of all callers wanted to discuss COVID19 – nearly double the number compared to March.

How does Hammond cope? By going back to the advice his former boss gave him 20 years ago. “So many people in this industry get burned because they put everyone else first,” he explains. “They want to rescue everyone at the expense of their own wellbeing.

But there has to be a balance. You have to try not to get stuck in the negative and see the positive things of life.” If you or anyone you know needs someone to talk to, Lifeline is always there to help on 13 11 14. l JULY - AUG 2020

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BUSINESS THE FLOWER INDUSTRY

Blooming balance For more than 20 years the NSW flower industry has battled to hold ground against increasing imports and biosecurity risks, but the current crisis has presented new opportunities for a struggling industry.

–

Words LISA SMYTH

W

hen Australians were forced to close their doors to the outside world and isolate themselves at home, the last thing most people were thinking about was treating themselves, or anyone else, to fresh cut flowers. Grocery items including rice, pasta and toilet paper were all deemed essential, but beautiful blooms did not make the grade.

“In the initial stages of COVID-19, which was probably the first two or three weeks in March, local flower growers were dumping almost the entirety of their production because they just had nobody to sell anything to,” laments Salvatore (Sal) Russo, Secretary of the NSW Flowers Growers Group. “Florists, and communities generally, were gun-shy of what had actually happened and didn’t really know what to do.”

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BLO S SOMING BUSINES S

Ingrid Padovano of Jonima Flowers is thrilled that the flower industry is back on track.

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BUSINESS THE FLOWER INDUSTRY

Combined with the closure of most offices and hotels, as well as the complete shutdown of the events industry, NSW flower growers were facing a grim future. And then April arrived. “There seems to have been a light switch that was turned on and suddenly there was a very distinct change in what was happening. Growers are now being able to sell all of their product and the markets are cleaning out on every occasion,” explains Russo.

What exactly happened to turn the prospects of the flower industry on its head in just a matter of weeks?

IMPORTED THREATS

To understand the flower industry’s changing fortunes we must go back 30 years to when, as Russo explains, a pivotal shift occurred. “In the early ‘90s, one supplier, the Lynch Group, decided to expand flower sales into supermarkets, like Coles and Woolworths. The result was that bunch buying, which was the ‘bread and butter’ of florists was transferred to the supermarkets.

That changed the entire dynamic of the flower industry in Australia.”

With the increased demand for varieties, such as roses, throughout the year, the Lynch Group, now the largest flower wholesaler in the southern hemisphere, began to supplement local production with imports.

In the past 10 years the number of cut flower consignments arriving in Australia has increased more than threefold, from 2,231 consignments in 2009 to 7,415 consignments in 2019. With significantly lower production costs due to low wages in countries like Kenya, Malaysia and Colombia, imports have been flooding the market and local growers have had to pivot their business model or close down.

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FLOWERS ON THE MOVE

John Padovano from Jonima Flowers in the foothills of the Southern Highlands, transporting some freshly cut flowers soon to be sold.

“My family changed to growing products that were not imported, so we could fill a market niche,” Russo notes of his family business that has been growing cut flowers in NSW since the 1960s. “But we’re still subject to supply and demand issues. If there’s plenty of roses or chrysanthemums around, then florists gravitate towards those types of products. So we’re still impacted by imports.”

In addition to the business and financial effects of imports on the local industry, there has also been increasing concerns about biosecurity threats. Pest infestation rates on imported cut flowers have been found to be as high as 60 per cent from Kenya, and 40 per cent from Colombia and Ecuador, posing significant dangers to the Australian agriculture industry as a whole.

In March 2018 a revised Biosecurity Act committed importers to managing biosecurity risks in operating

In 2017-18, the value of Australian cut flower production was estimated at $281 million, while the local wholesale value of the fresh supply was estimated at $376 million.

countries before shipping cut flowers to Australia.

But, the industry believes this has done little to reduce infestation rates.

“In 2018 imported cut flowers were worth $75 million, or 0.4 per cent, of the imported agriculture industry,” says Ian McColl, Chair of the NSW Farmers Association’s Biosecurity Committee. “But they accounted for 23 per cent of pest interceptions at the border – that’s incredibly disproportionate. There has been a general decline in funding for biosecurity and we will not win the battle without greater collaboration between industry and government.”

One way the industry is fighting back is with new country-of-origin labelling that the NSW Flowers Growers Group has made available to growers.

“Florists and consumers are now starting to ask, where are my flowers from?” declares Russo. “So we are now organising flower growers around Australia to carry that certification mark, and with the heightened focus on supporting local businesses due to COVID19 the long-term prospects for the flower industry are looking very positive.”

Cut flower production in Australia NSW has the second largest total growing area for fresh cut flowers in Australia, primarily in the Central Coast and Northern Rivers regions.

5384

TOTAL AREA(HA)

● 1604 ● 2687 ● 398 ● 186 ● 480 ● 26 ●2

BLOOMS IN DEMAND

Ingrid Padovano has worked alongside her husband for more than 14 years as the owners and operators of Jonima Flowers located in Yanderra at the foothills of the Southern Highlands. In the last 12 months they have experienced challenges they could never have expected.

“We’ve had to deal with drought obviously, and the fires came really close so we dealt with that.

We’re safe but there was a few hair raising moments,” recalls Padovano. “But that seems a lifetime ago now in comparison to where we are. It’s changed weekly.

From when COVID-19 first hit, thinking ‘Oh my God, how are we going to sell our product?’, to finding people just needed flowers. The desire to have a bunch of blooms in their home, and have some sort of connection to nature has been very strong. So there has been a huge demand for products in the past month or two.”

At the same time as Australians started to realise the uplifting power of having a bunch of fresh flowers in their home during isolation, or to send on to weddings and funerals they could no longer attend and elderly relatives they could no longer visit, imports started to decline due to COVID-19 restrictions. Within a matter of weeks local growers went from dumping their product to selling out completely.

“We do have florists we work with that are focused on events, so obviously there was an initial hit with that,” says Padovano. “But now we’re finding we’re in a shortage. We’ve pretty much been bombarded.

With COVID-19 there was a huge demand prior to Mother’s Day, and then it’s been an unprecedented Mother’s Day that we’ve experienced. The biggest reason for that is the huge reliance on imports that are no longer coming into the country. But now we’re in a conundrum with the shortage. It’s not balanced out correctly either.”

MODERN BOUQUET

Cotton flowers make for a more unusual gift or office display.

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BUSINESS FLOWER FARMING BOUNCE BACK

Top countries that export freshly cut flowers to Australia In 2017-18, imported cut flowers and foliage were estimated to form 22 per cent of Australia’s cut flower consumption.

Previously Jonima Flowers was focused on supplying florists and selling directly to consumers at farmers’ markets, but with many of those outlets closed, and the increased demand, Padovano had to think outside the box.

“We had to change where we were selling to.

We were no longer doing a farmer’s market. There was a shift to online sales, and they have definitely increased. We focused on our marketing and changed our business to really showcase what we do, so that people could see that online.

“Right from the beginning, even throughout COVID-19, we’ve always stuck with our core business values of being seasonal and local. Because that’s what we believe in. There’s been a new awareness of the importance of local product in the industry, and hopefully people will recognise that and support the local flower industry in the future.” l

CHINA

KENYA

INDIA THAILAND

SINGAPORE

ECUADOR

COLOMBIA

MALAYSIA

FLOWERS ARE BRINGING COLOUR AND BRIGHTNES S INTO PEOPLE'S LIVES DURING COVID -19

Left to right: Green hydrangeas, fruit blossoms and pink azaleas grown by Sal Russo – Secretary of the NSW Flowers Growers Group.

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SPOTLIGHT ON

Top 5 biosecurity threats Words by ALEXANDRA BUNTON

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER

African swine fever has swept the globe since 2016, leaving more than 2.5 million pigs in its wake. This deadly disease is on our doorstep in Papua New Guinea, and authorities are working hard to keep it from entering Australia through our ports.

There’s no vaccine for the disease, and it kills 80 per cent of the pigs it infects. While tight restrictions on international travel means that passengers are less likely to bring the disease in at the moment, and governments are keeping a close watch on international mail to ensure pig products aren’t entering the country.

FALL ARMYWORM

This pest made landfall in Australia in January 2020. So far, it’s restricted to Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Because fall armyworm can fly around 100km per night and spreads so rapidly, our biosecurity experts have determined it’s unfeasible to eradicate. We don’t yet know exactly how or when it will impact growers in NSW, but the pest causes significant damage to maize, sorghum, soybean, cereals, peanuts, sunflowers, cotton and sugarcane.

North Coast and North West Local Land Services are currently conducting trapping exercises with growers and the industry investigating chemical controls.

CUT FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE

In 2018, cut flower imports were worth $75 million and represented only 0.4% of our imported agricultural products (by value). In the same year, 23% of arthropod biosecurity interceptions came from cut flowers. In the same year, some exporting countries were failing

80% of cut flower inspections – in April this year, that number was still as high as 63%. Flowers that aren’t effectively treated for pests and diseases before they land on our shores pose significant risks not only to our domestic flower industry, but also to our horticulture, grains and cotton sectors. NSW Farmers is working with industry organisations to call for better management of cut flower imports by the federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Food and mouth disease (FMD) is likely the most significant biosecurity threat to our livestock industries, due to its devastating socio-economic impacts. The Federal Government estimates that a small, three-month outbreak of the disease could cost us $7.1 billion, and a 12-month outbreak could cost $16 billion. FMD affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer, buffalo, camels and pigs, and spreads rapidly between livestock. An outbreak would effectively shut down the movement of these

animals across the country and result in significant destruction of livestock, and all growers need to be aware of the potential signs of FMD. UNDERINVESTMENT IN BIOSECURITY

The threat of African swine fever, FMD, fall armyworm and other plant pests are alarming – and we need to do more to manage these threats. A 2017 review of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity found that government funding for biosecurity had generally been static or in decline, and that we need to find new funding mechanisms. With the Federal Government recently abandoning its long-promised Biosecurity Import Levy on incoming goods. NSW Farmers is lobbying governments to commit to sustainable funding for biosecurity measures that protect our domestic industries.

If you suspect any pests or diseases are present in your livestock or on your plants, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881.

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BUSINESS AVOCADO INDUSTRY

The

avocado express Massive investment in avocado orchards will double production within the next few years. But who will buy the all the excess fruit come harvest?

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Words IAN LLOYD NEUBAUER

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BUSINESS AVOCADO INDUSTRY

O

ne generation ago, the humble avocado was a slap-dash breakfast spread used when the Vegemite had run out. That changed at the turn of the last century when the global health-food craze and our abundance of fresh produce gave birth to modern Australian cuisine – a whimsical fusion of simple foods cooked and presented exceptionally well. Yet no dish in the repartee was simpler or more whimsical than smashed avocado on toast.

The upmarket sandwich filling is the signature dish at Flinders Lane and a wave of Australian-themed cafes that are the toast of the town in New York. And it made global headlines in 2017 when Australian property tycoon Tim Gurner told 60 Minutes: “When I was trying to buy my first home, I wasn’t buying smashed avocado for $19”.

Over the next few days, Gurner received more than 1,000 interview requests from reporters as far away as Russia and Brazil. Such was the craze that when Gurner refused to comment, the paparazzi tracked down his wife and kids. What started as a throwaway remark on housing affordability in Australia became part of the storied history of a creamy green fruit and a new-age superfood that is technically a berry.

BUMPER CROPS

The global avocado market is worth of whopping $20 billion and still has room to grow, according to TMR. By 2026, the market researcher predicts the industry will be worth $31.5 billion.

Mexico, the birthplace of the avocado, produced nearly 40 per cent of global supply last year, up 6 per cent from 2018. Peru and Chile export most of their avocados to the US, while the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Indonesia export avocados, too.

In Australia production has increased 60% in the past decade to reach 86,000 tonnes a year according to data collected by peak industry body Avocados Australia. But very little of the harvest is exported – only 3.7%, because Australia has the most expensive avocados in the word. Farmers can get more for them here.

Queensland and Western Australia are the largest avocado-growing states; only 14per cent of the harvest is grown in NSW. Production has more than doubled in the past decade hitting 12,000 tonnes in 2019 – while January's rain event is promising an even bigger crop in 2020.

“Without a doubt, it has been a really good industry to be in on the back of hard work and good marketing,” says Tom Silver, a second-generation avocado farmer in northern NSW and chair of Avocados Australia’s Export Committee. “Whenever an industry does well you get new people jumping into it and there's a lot of that happening now in the state, mainly on the mid-north coast.

“There is plenty of room for new players but to plant an avocado orchard you need a big farm with

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EXXY AVO S

Australia has the most expensive avocados in the world and soon we’ll have a massive oversupply.

really good, well-drained soil, and there is only so much of that kind of land in NSW. So most of the growth in avocado farming will continue to be in Far North Queensland and Western Australia where the really big avocado farms are getting even bigger.”

The event-prone weather in Australia's south-east will also continue to pose a challenge for avocado growers in NSW, Silver says: “If the last 12 months have taught us anything, it's that weather affects everything we do. There will be frost, there will be floods and there will be more drought.”

THE ROAD AHEAD

The avocado industry was not meaningfully affected

by COVID-19. Losses in sales to the foodservice sector were reconciled by higher grocery store sales, especially during the panic buying of March when YouTube videos on how to freeze an avocado went viral, attracting millions of views.

AVO CAD O PIONEERS

Early adopters of avocado growing in Australia invested time and money into growing an industry that benefitted everyone, not just themselves.

But the industry will soon face a far more difficult challenge. Right now, Australia produces about 20 million avocados per year. But if Avocado Australia's projections prove accurate, that number will double within a few short years.

“Two-thirds of the avocado trees in Australian ground are not even in production. They are still maturing,” says second-generation Western Australian avocado farmer Jennie Franceschi. “The south-west of WA now looks like the Barossa Valley but instead of vineyards, they're all avocado trees. Like the wine industry, a lot of farmers jumped on the avocado bandwagon and soon we'll go into oversupply.”

Avocado Australia CEO John Hess says his organisation is working on the problem. “We are trying to increase domestic consumption with a lot of marketing and promotional activity,” he says. “At the moment, 73% of Australian households consume avocados. That indicates that there is room for growth.”

But even if household penetration reaches 100%, the market will move far into oversupply.

“We know domestic consumption won't be sufficient so we're going to have to ramp up export activities,” Hess says. “Currently we export to Singapore, Malaysia and a little to Hong Kong, but we really need to access the larger markets in Asia – India and China. Last year we managed to get access to the Japanese market but only with avocados from fruit fly-free zones in WA and the Riverland of South Australia. We still have a lot of work to do.”

Franceschi, whose father was one of three pioneering avocado farmers in the 1970s who invested in the legal framework that gave WA its fruit fly-free status, agrees.

“It was an example of how early adopters invested time and money to grow a strong industry that benefitted everyone – not just themselves,” she says. “Now the industry has to do the same again by committing to long-term contracts at global prices,” Franceschi says. “Growers need to band together and put long-term viability ahead of short-term gains.” l

Strange avocado products Avocado honey: Made in Finland from avocado blossom nectar. Has a syrupy taste with notes of licorice.

Cubed avocado: A no-mess, no-fuss prepackaged solution sold frozen at supermarkets in Sweden.

Avocado herbal tea: Made from avocado leaves in Indonesia.

Inhibits the formation of kidney stones.

Avocado oil mayonnaise: More expensive than other edible oils with a high smoke point. Great for salads and dips.

Popular in Russia.

Dr Chung’s Food Vegemil Kiwi Avocado Soy Milk: Made in South Korea.

Described as “delicious, nutritious and fun”.

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TRIALS UNDERWAY

Cereal production trials currently underway at Ed Simson’s property – The Plantation – on the Liverpool Plains area of northern NSW.

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COMMUNITY FARMING SYSTEM GROUPS

All in the science Farming systems groups across NSW are shaping the future with region-specific research to aid innovation and diversification.

Words MICHAEL SHEATHER

F

armer Ed Simson doesn’t specifically remember whose idea it was to form the group that became Agricultural Marketing and Productivity Systems (AMPS), the farming systems group that today services the Liverpool Plains region in North West NSW. “But it was a bloody good one,” recalls Ed, one of 23 original shareholders in what was, when it was formed 21 years ago, a fresh and innovative approach to agriculture and regionspecific productivity research.

“There were 22 of us, all farmers up here on the Liverpool Plains, and we all shared the same agronomist. He was the preacher and we were his congregation. We all had similar objectives when it came to farming – we wanted to try new things and become more efficient and productive and hopefully make a bit more money at the end of it.

“We went away on trips together. Someone would say ‘let’s go look at down-slope farming practices in Queensland and we’d hire a plane or a bus and off we’d all go. We first started talking about forming a group on the way home in the back of the bus over a couple of cartons of XXXX beer.”

Two years later, in 1999, after a lot more talking – and perhaps a little more beer – Ed and his 22 mates threw $5,000 each into a bank account and formally launched AMPS, one of the first farming systems groups in NSW.

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COMMUNITY FARMING SYSTEM GROUPS

Today, they remain one of the most successful and innovative agricultural groups in the state with five offices, more than 40 staff, 70 shareholders and over 120 research members whose production is largely based on the public and private scientific research conducted by the group each year.

Its public research is often a co-operative venture with large, influential publicly funded entities, such as CSIRO or the Grain Research and Development Corporation.

NSW plays host to more than 20 similar groups across the state, each operating independently in separate regions with their own specific set of climatic, geographic, and agricultural conditions. Many farming systems groups, as they are formally known, work co-operatively and often share valuable research about grain production, soil moisture, growing seasons, grain varieties, soil types and structure, optimal forage for grazing as well as new farming techniques and where and when they work best.

The operation is indeed a broad church that covers almost all aspects of modern farming. To support the research, which can cost as much as $500,000 annually, the not-for-profit group runs a tandem commercial farming operation that includes facilities for grain storage, cartage, and the sale of essential farm inputs such as fertiliser, seed, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. All revenue supports the research programs, which are extensive and will this year include more than 20,000 individual research planting plots measuring one metre by eight metres.

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HARD AT WORK

Above: (Left to right) Ed Simson spreading fertiliser on his property The Plantation; Farmer Ed Simson with his son Tom Simson, who is following in his father’s footsteps as the recently appointed AMPS Research Chairman.

“When we first started doing this research we’d have to hire a plane to go up and take photographs of it,” says Ed Simson, who also runs his own 5,500-hectare property, The Plantation, near Premer on the southern perimeter of the Liverpool Plains.

“The plots are all over the place, not just in one location, and they are all at different stages of growth so we can measure the effectiveness of longer and shorter growing seasons. From the air, it looks as though someone has spread out a gigantic multicoloured patchwork quilt. Of course, we have drones that take pictures for us these days.”

Ed, a former Research Chairman with AMPS also runs his property with wife Fiona Simson, President of the National Farmers Federation. He says one of the biggest impacts that the group's research has had is on yields.

The Simson property is a mixed farming operation that runs a 500-strong Poll Hereford breeding herd that grazes on roughly half the property, the other half being given over to wheat, sorghum, and other grain varieties.

He says his average yields have increased dramatically compared to the 1970s and 1980s when the farm relied on more traditional techniques.

“It’s astounding really the difference that solid

1999

2001

Twenty-two farmers and an agronomist from the Liverpool Plains establish Agricultural Marketing and Production Systems (AMPS) as a new concept in Australian agriculture, hoping to improve farmer returns and build more resilient rural communities

AMPS Commercial arm begins operation with the resulting revenue dedicated to funding ongoing public and private research into agriculture on the Liverpool Plains

modern scientific research makes to what we do on farm,” says Ed. “There was a time when our yields were an average five or six tonnes a hectare. But now, after implementing new techniques that were researched by AMPS, our yields are more like eight tonnes a hectare.

I tell farmers from other areas that and they push their hat back, scratch their heads and say ‘how the hell do you do that?’”

The answer lays in a variety of techniques implemented by Ed, the most important of which he says were down slope cultivation and up slope planting practices to take advantage of frost temperature differentials caused by the undulating geography of the Liverpool Plains.

“We’ve got up slope sections of the property and lower sections,” explains Ed. “What the research showed us was there could be as much as a seven degrees celsius difference in frost temperature between the highest and lowest parts of the property, which meant less damage risk on the upper slopes.

“Combine that with down slope cultivation techniques which run over contours, not across them, and you have better soil quality and resistance to erosion, which in turn prolongs the possible growing season. The longer a plant is in the ground the bigger it gets, the higher the yield.”

Those factors however are specific to the area of the Liverpool Plains where Ed Simson farms. The same conditions might not exist in other areas. But that is where farming systems groups and their regional research capabilities often shine because they provide localised solutions backed with science.

“You can grow just about anything in the black soil of the Liverpool Plains – chickpeas, cotton, wheat, triticale, fava beans, anything, as long as you have moisture in the soil,” says Ed. “And you might even have an idea about how to do it but unless that idea is backed up with solid long term scientific research then there’s a good chance you’ll get it wrong, which means you’re wasting money and time. The research costs a lot of money to get it right but sometimes you’ve got to spend money to make money and that’s what this is about, getting the most out of our businesses.” l

ON THE LAND

Above: The AMPS commercial site at Caroona on the Liverpool Plains, which is also the headquarters for the AMPS Research Department; Willy Gallagher; an AMPS employee for the past decade with his AMPS truck; AMPS temporary silos for grain storage at their commercial site, Caroona.

2004

2011

2013

2016

AMPS employs its first full-time CEO

AMPS opens its first purposebuilt merchandise outlet and expands into the Moree area with a new office

AMPS exceeds 13,000 trial plots across the region

Tamworth AMPS branch opens

2010 AMPS Armatree commercial site is opened

2014 AMPS opens Walgett branch

2020 For the first time, AMPS will exceed 20,000 trial plots

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S SOM ED A RETI REM ENT PLAN THAT BLO

ong Wayne Haslam retired from a life-l ed career in engineering and establish hern Sout Blue Frog Truffles in the e Highlands. There, he works alongsid st urali icult hort se who in, Just his son background is invaluable to the company’s progression.

“We aim to take the mystery out of truffles – showing people that they are not scary to cook with and that the average person can afford to eat them.”

Wayne and Justin Haslam have a lot in common, but the two main things that make this father and son team work so well is their love of truffles and working with family.

Words MICHELLE HESPE / Photography PAUL HENDERSON-KELLY

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COMMUNITY NEW GENERATIONS

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“The truffle industry in Australia is now the fourth biggest producer of French Black Truffle in the world. The crop this year will be in the order of 10 tonnes.”

Wayne Haslam

W

hen Wayne Haslam set up Blue Frog Truffles after retiring from a long career in engineering and international project management, it was supposed to be a side business, an interest, that could at least pay for itself, and one that he would enjoy working on. Ironically, as many find in retirement, Wayne is busier than ever, and he continues to play an instrumental role in the development of the Australian truffle industry.

With extensive research and development being in his blood, it’s no surprise that before retirement Wayne methodically researched his entrepreneurial retirement venture.

“I was warned off livestock farming as it would have been taking too much on, and then I looked at horticulture and contract grape growing, but was talked out of that as a retirement prospect by friends who were wine makers and thought it was far too labour intensive.”

Wayne then looked into olives – “But it was early days for the Canberra region and there were no firm recommendations on varieties and little in the way of market development,” he says. “Then I looked into truffles and soon realised there was a lot less operational management required. Further research showed that the Canberra region climate closely matched the best production areas in Europe, so I planted inoculated trees.”

For those lacking in truffle knowledge, the fungus infects the roots of the trees and lives in a symbiotic relationship with the tree, breaking down minerals in the soil, otherwise unavailable to the tree. In return the tree provides sugars and carbohydrates for the truffles, which are the annual fruiting body of the fungus. A standardised testing scheme has been refined and introduced by the Truffle Growers Association in Australia, where black truffle inoculation of hazelnut and/or oak seedlings can be validated and evaluated prior to purchase by prospective growers. Before this, it was really down to being lucky if you had the right trees and conditions for truffles to grow on your land. French black truffle are an introduced species for cultivation in Australia. They occur naturally in many countries of Europe, primarily Spain, France and Italy, where they have long used dogs and pigs to find the truffles.

“The market was a concern but the idea was enchanting – to grow a fungus with the most exotic culinary aroma in the world,” says Wayne.

“To propogate naturarally, truffles release aroma

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to attract animals to consume them, and then they scatter the truffle spore in their droppings. Truffles are the winter food for many small animals in forest systems throughout the world, and if this didn’t happen, truffles would cease to survive and spread,” he explains. When cultivated, we don’t have to rely on that mechanism.

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Wayne planted 900 trees in 2003 and was very excited to find the farm’s first truffle in 2007. “This prompted me to plant an additional 900 trees in 2008,” he says.

“And in the meantime I became disenchanted with the secretive and uncooperative nature developing in the industry here. Back in the 1990s, it was virgin territory and growers wanted to monopolise the market, so they didn’t share any information with others. I couldn’t get my hands on much information and it was incredibly frustrating.”

Never one to sit back and accept the norm, in 2006 Wayne called around and told everyone he knew might be interested, that he was organising a gathering in Canberra for people to share knowledge about truffles. “About 60 people turned up so there was obviously a lot of people in the same boat as me!” he says. “After that meeting I established the Australian Truffle Growers Association. I was the President for the first four years, and the Association is now Australia-wide.”

This association is now recognised by AgriFutures Australia as the truffle industry peak body in Australia. “AgriFutures has been very supportive of the industry, to the benefit of both small holder and larger growers, with formalised grading systems across the industry and evaluated seedlings for new plantations as well as annual conferences and workshops,” says Wayne.

With production on Canberra’s doorstep and the abundance of good quality restaurants and cafes in the area, Wayne decided that it was an ideal place and time to develop a truffle market. And so a couple of years later in 2009, he and a friend, Fred Harden, established The Truffle Festival – Canberra Region, which continues today with great support from the ACT Government.

“The truffle industry in Australia, in less than 30 years, is now the fourth biggest producer of French Black Truffle in the world and the crop this year will be in the order of 10 tonnes,” says Wayne with obvious pride. “The industry is producing an export crop and this was known from the outset, however the lack of cooperation among growers has prevented a collective approach to establishing an

COMMUNITY NEW GENERATIONS

Australian brand that would tackle the export market to the entire industry’s benefit. This has affected the small growers, particularly those on the east coast of Australia.”

With his retirement plan now looking like a new career, in 2017 Wayne was instrumental in establishing the NSW/ACT Truffle Marketing Cooperative, trading as ‘EAT Truffle’ – an acronym for Eastern Australian Tablelands Truffle. It now has 19 members.

“With my advancing years and an increase yield in our harvests, I needed additional support, and our youngest son Justin and his partner Sabrina came to our aid,” says Wayne. “Justin is the Course Superintendent of the Yowani Country Club in Canberra and his horticultural background is invaluable to us. Together we run the farm as a business and use contract dogs, supplied by Gillian Cummins of Crookwell, for the harvest from June to August.”

THE TRUFFLE TRO OP S

Left to right: Gillian Cummins of Crookwell with one of her truffle hunting dogs that Wayne hires; Sabrina (Justin's partner), Wayne Haslam, and Justin Haslam.

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ON THE HUNT

Above: Gillian with one of her dogs hunting for the goods at Blue Frog Truffles; Wayne shows off a great find; checking out the truffles and cleaning them up for sale.

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COMMUNITY NEW GENERATIONS

“I’ve always been very family orientated, and dad and I have always been pretty close. When he asked if I could give him a hand on the truffle farm, there was no hesitation. I am always happy to help family and I really love truffles.”

Justin Haslam

THE NEW GENERATION

About 15 years ago Justin was reading a mushroom growers’ newsletter for New Zealand and Tasmanian horticulturalists, when he came across an article on truffles. It was the first time he’d read anything about them.

“Since then I have had an interest in truffles. It was a new thing back then, and there was a lot that wasn’t known about them. Some more information was getting out but there was a lot of secrecy around it all,” explains Justin.

“When you think about it – my job as a horticulturist and greenkeeper is the opposite to truffle growing. In my trade, we try and kill fungal disease. When it comes to truffles we are trying to promote fungal growth. Although there are plenty of commonalities with my job and truffle growing that work to our advantage – for instance my experience in plant health irrigation, pest and disease control.”

Despite Wayne and Justin being very different people, the father-son dynamic is working well. “Dad tends to overthink things, and I do things on my feet and on the fly,” Justin says with a laugh. “Dad has to have a plan before he does anything, and I like to wing it – see how things go and learn as I do something. I problem-solve as I go, and dad has to have all the problems solved before he even goes out there!”

Justin says he doesn’t like to get involved with the business side of things and likes to get on with the labouring work. “Dad likes to do things his way and I support him and the decisions he makes. It goes like this: Dad says we’re going to do it this way and I do it the way he wants it done! That suits me just fine.”

Things at Blue Frog Truffles continue to flourish and now Justin’s brother Damian, who is living in Queensland and works in IT, assists the family with managing the website, while Justin’s partner Sabrina works on social media and marketing.

SHARING IS CARING

“It’s still a relatively young industry in Australia, and as dad saw right away, people do tend to keep their cards close to their chests,” says Justin. “I think the people who don’t share their knowledge will gradually

fade away and then the ones that are left will band together and help the industry to flourish as a whole.

If everyone wants to be successful, then everyone needs to work together.”

Justin and Wayne now attend many events, markets, and restaurant demonstrations alongside chefs, where they aim to take the mystery out of truffles – making them more accessible to the average person. The tours on Blue Frog Farm are also really popular, and both father and son are still involved in The Truffle Festival – Canberra Region.

“When we do talks at the festival or at events we are invited to, we work alongside the chefs and restaurant owners as the growers. We explain to guests where truffles come from, how they grow, and show them how you can easily use them in cooking. I like to educate people and show them that truffles are not scary, and they aren’t just for wealthy people to enjoy. Sure, a kilo of truffle in Australia can cost over $2,000 and that’s expensive, but you don’t need a kilo of truffle at home! With 20 grams of truffle you can feed a whole family a delicious truffle dish.”

June to August is truffle season, and so across Australia right now, dogs will be busily nosing their way around the base of trees in search of this prized fungus. Wayne explains that sometimes you might find a rare truffle that has broken the ground and is poking out, but dogs are essential to locating truffles.

“They used to use pigs because you didn’t jhave to train them, but they like to eat them so you lose a lot or have to fight for them,” Wayne explains. “Believe me, there are many older European truffle farmers who have fought pigs for truffles and have fingers missing!”

Justin still leaves the running of the farm to his dad but is keen to carry on the business when he is needed. “It’s a privilege being able to work as a family without too much pressure on you,” he says.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and I reckon I will stick around truffles!”

Wayne feels the same way. “Working with family is always so comfortable,” he says. “You know who you are dealing with, and family members have a sense of commitment and the interests of the business at heart.” l bluefrogtruffles.com.au JULY - AUG 2020

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COMMUNITY ON MY SOAPBOX

Stamp duty blocks young farmers' futures Words MARTIN MURRAY

T

he NSW Young Farmers Council has lobbied the New South Wales government over the last few years to remove stamp duty for first-time buyers of farms.

At 4.5 per cent of land value, stamp duty poses a significant additional cost to young farmers trying to get into farming.

To put this into perspective, a modest starter farm costing $1.5 million would incur a stamp duty fee of around $70,000.

This is particularly an issue for young farmers when they are purchasing their first property as they are cash strapped and need to pour every cent they have got into the farming business. Stamp duty is just another cost that takes capital away from other more productive uses. First home buyers in cities can access a break on buying their first home – it’s a matter of equity for those of us looking to build our future in regional New South Wales.

Combined with the already high deposit required to purchase farm land, young farmers are placed in a position where they are required to save a small fortune in cash, only for it to be tied up and inaccessible when they need it most. This cash could be better directed to a productive purpose such as stocking the property, sowing the first crop or improving infrastructure to drive efficiency.

The added cost of stamp duty for first farm buyers has affected many farmers including myself. It has delayed and extended the process of buying a property for many young farmers, as they need to build up the additional capital in order to pay the stamp duty.

First-time farmers in Victoria under the age of 35 are able to access exemptions or concessions for stamp duty, in recognition of the start-up costs of farming and value that young farmers bring to rural communities.

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If stamp duty were to be removed in NSW for first farm buyers (like it has been in Victoria) it would help more young farmers get into farming sooner while freeing up more capital for these young farmers to spend in their communities on products and services.

As young farmers are more likely to drive innovation, they would be able to spend the money that would otherwise be spent on stamp duty to improve their farming systems and increase their overall production. This will also help both the farmers and their communities.

The removal of stamp duty for first farm purchasers would have a minimal impact on state revenue. Of the nearly 4000 purchases of farmland that take place in NSW each year, it is estimated that only 2-5 per cent of these purchases are by young farmers purchasing their first farms. We should be attracting young people to the land in New South Wales, rather than putting arbitrary obstacles in their way – or we face losing talented and innovative producers to states like Victoria where it’s easier to get a head start.

While a stamp duty exception for first farm buyers would be a great step forward for young farmers, the development and rollout of a young farmer finance scheme would also be of great benefit to young farmers trying to enter the industry through the purchase of a first farm.

The federal government has announced its Agristarter Loans package and the legislation around it has passed through Parliament, but the loans and the detail surrounding them are yet to be released by the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC). It’s been more than a year since these loans were announced, and I’m concerned that the delivery date for these loans keeps getting pushed back.

As a young farmer I can only hope that Agristarter Loans don’t just offer a slightly cheaper interest rate on what would otherwise be a commercial loan, but instead are based on an innovative product that helps to reduce the hurdle of achieving the 40 per cent deposit required to purchase a farm. In my mind, this would ideally be a collaborative product between the RIC and commercial banks where the RIC loans the deposit or a substantial proportion of it at a low interest rate while a commercial bank loans the rest of money at a regular rate.

If we want the median age of farmers to keep climbing higher, we can sit back and do nothing. If we want other states to poach our talent, we can put up barriers to buying their first farm. Or we can choose to make an investment in our young people and the future of their farming sector through simple financial mechanisms, and watch our rural communities reap the rewards. l JULY - AUG 2020

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FULL PRODUCER MEMBER $438.90 1 VOTE PER MEMBERSHIP

For those who own or manage a farm. Includes our basic workplace relations package which provides: ·C ollective representation on awards, minimum wage review, workers compensation. · Wage information, including wage guides issued annually. · Phone advice, four calls a year.

ADDITIONAL MEMBER $100 1 VOTE PER MEMBERSHIP

SECOND VOTE MEMBER 1 VOTE PER MEMBERSHIP

$100

Linked to a full producer, with a proprietorial or income interest.

Linked to a full producer, most often a family member.

Have a small holding and do not

receive majority of income from it.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER $100 Do not own a farm, e.g. teachers,

agronomists, business people.

COUNTRY CONNECTION $100 Supporters of farms from the city.

SMALL FARMS MEMBER

$150

Members can upgrade to this package to receive: · Unlimited advice on employment matters. · Assistance in negotiating with the Fair Work Ombudsman’s office. · Representation in employment matters handled by tribunals, such as Fair Work Australia. · Assistance with drafting and reviewing employment-related correspondence, policies and procedures, and employment agreements.

The Essentials Workplace Relations package fees start from $165 for up to two employees.

Extra charges may apply for assistance required within your first four months of membership.

All prices include GST.

Use your voice, become a member at nswfarmers.org.au or call 1300 794 000.

Contact the Member Service Centre on 1300 794 000 or your local regional services manager:

FOR ALL GENERAL ENQUIRIES

NORTHERN Michael Collins, 0439 958 163, collinsm@nswfarmers.org.au NORTH COAST & TABLELANDS Mark Bulley, 0429 330 348, bulleym@nswfarmers.org.au CENTRAL TABLELANDS & ORANA Andrew Coughlan, 0447 393 092, coughlana@nswfarmers.org.au SOUTHERN David Banham, 0428 411 221, banhamd@nswfarmers.org.au SOUTH WEST Daniel Brear, 0427 773 495, breard@nswfarmers.org.au LACHLAN & NORTH RIVERINA Catriona McAuliffe, 0488 100 005, mcauliffec@nswfarmers.org.au WESTERN DIVISION Caron Chester, 0400 116 207, chesterc@nswfarmers.org.au

YES, I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN NSW FARMERS. I HAVE TICKED MY MEMBERSHIP CHOICE ABOVE . PLEASE CONTAC T ME .

ESSENTIALS WORKPLACE RELATIONS PACKAGE

REGIONAL SERVICE & SALES MANAGER Jonathan Tuckfield, 0409 493 695 tuckfieldj@nswfarmers.org.au MEMBERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER Alicia Harrison, 0429 817 611 harrisona@nswfarmers.org.au

NAME: _ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRES S:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EMAIL:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMMODITY (IF APPROPRIATE):_____________________________________________________________________________________

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COMMUNITY TEAM PLAYER

The future of farming In this new feature series, we meet a proud NSW Farmers' member who highlights how the Association’s work makes a real difference to primary producers around the state.

NAME

Shane Kilby

FARM Netherby, Dubbo TIME AS MEMBER 27 years MY BRANCH Dubbo ABOUT THE MEMBER

My husband Greg and I run a black Angus cattle herd on an 850-hectare property near Dubbo. It is a grass fed operation that incorporates some forage cropping, mostly oats, when the season permits. We moved to this farm in 2015 after running a mixed livestock and cropping enterprise near Coonamble. I was a head teacher at TAFE with qualifications in economics, management and education, but now I have joined Greg in being a full time farmer.

members until we moved to Dubbo and started attending meetings, which further reinforced that NSW Farmers is busy and proactive in representing farmers like us on statewide and local issues so we can concentrate on continuing farming and producing local food and fibre.

It was not until I became and branch chair and executive councillor that I realised the depth and scope of the work the staff and committees do.

NSW Farmers is working for us every day, so why would you not be a member?

CONDITIONS AT MY FARM

Our farm has sprung back to life after receiving above average rainfall so far this year. The dams are full and the cattle are doing extremely well. It is a massive turnaround from the last three years, with drought having a significant impact on our farm and the farming community around us. We reduced our female herd by almost half from 150 cows to around 80 and we were hand feeding full time for most of last year. Now we are starting to rebuild the herd through the purchase of in-calf and replacement heifers.

WHY I JOINED NSW FARMERS

We have been members our entire married life. We both have the fundamental belief that you should support the organisation that represents your business and industry. We were not really active

HOW NSW FARMERS HAS HELPED ME

We had a local issue come up with a solar farm development on adjoining land to our farm. We went along to our local Dubbo branch meeting to talk to other farmers about their thoughts and opinions on the project. From there, the branch put forward a motion the NSW Farmers' Annual Conference in 2017 that was about developing guidelines and regulations for the development and decommissioning of solar farms.

We support renewable energy projects, but were seeking to avoid the potential negative impacts on current and future neighbouring landholders. There are an increasing number of solar farms being approved for development in NSW farming and grazing country.

Our branch members wanted investigation and input from

NSW Farmers to ensure adequate standards and guidelines are clearly defined and to support the individual farmers who are impacted by the location of the solar farm.

That motion passed and NSW Farmers' acted on it. The Association engaged with the planning department and formed a working group of relevant Government and industry representatives in early 2019 to plan a series of large scale solar forums in Dubbo, Armidale and Wagga Wagga.

NSW Farmers staff also produced a Renewable Energy Landholder Guide, which was designed as a resource for landholders who are considering hosting a wind or solar development on their property.

The solar project near us has passed through the planning department, but we were able to raise awareness of land conflict problems that could be related to large scale solar development through NSW Farmers.

Since becoming chair of the Dubbo branch, I now also value the influence of NSW Farmers in being invited to represent the farming community on local issues and projects. Input from the NSW Farmers' Association is highly regarded. For example, I was recently asked to write a letter of support from NSW Farmers to improve access at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Exchange, which the operators were very grateful for. l

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COMMUNITY MEET THE POLICY MANAGER NSW FARMERS’ COMMITTEES – CONTACTS AND CHAIRS AG SCIENCE

agvetcommittee@nswfarmers. org.au David Mailler ANIMAL WELFARE

animalwelfarecommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au Jim McDonald BIOSECURITY

biosecuritycommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au Ian McColl BUSINESS, ECONOMICS & TRADE

beatcommittee@nswfarmers. org.au Peter Wilson CATTLE

cattlecommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au Derek Schoen CONSERVATION & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

crmcommittee@nswfarmers. org.au Bronwyn Petrie CONTRACT POULTRY MEAT

poultrymeatcommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au Justin Roach DAIRY

dairycommittee@nswfarmers. org.au Colin Thompson EGG

eggcommittee@nswfarmers. org.au Brett Langfield GOATS

goatcommittee@nswfarmers. org.au Felicity McLeod GRAINS

grainscommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au Matthew Madden HORTICULTURE

horticulturecommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au Guy Gaeta OYSTER

oystercommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au Caroline Henry PORK

porkcommittee@nswfarmers. org.au Ean Pollard RURAL AFFAIRS

ruralaffairscommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au Garry Grant SHEEPMEATS

sheepmeatscommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au Floyd Legge WESTERN DIVISION COUNCIL

wdc@nswfarmers.org.au Greg Rogers WOOL

woolcommittee@nswfarmers. org.au Andrew Wood YOUNG FARMERS

yfc@nswfarmers.org.au Rachel Nicoll

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Solo start for new policy director Jodie Dean had a unique COVID-19 start to a policy management role at NSW Farmers, but working to support farmers and rural communities is not unusual at all.

J

odie Dean is looking forward to one day meeting members and fellow NSW Farmers' staff.

There have been no NSW Farmers’ events to attend, lunch-time discussions with fellow staff members and no meetings with decision makers since starting in the role as Policy Director for Agricultural Industries on 29 April.

Countless video and telephone conferences have replaced the traditional forms of introduction and interaction for Jodie to plan policy and media campaigns for the extensive livestock, grains, horticulture, young farmers, and intensive livestock committees.

“I’m really looking forward to actually meeting the farmers and staff that I work with. Video conferences do work, but nothing beats face to face interaction,” Jodie says.

While it has been a unique COVID-19 start to a new job, supporting local food and fibre production and rural communities is nothing new to Jodie. That theme has been ingrained in Jodie’s career path for more than 15 years, which includes working in agricultural membership organisations, research and extension programs, large scale agricultural events, post-farm gate trade activities as well as leadership and development programs for bright young farmers.

“I grew up in Sydney but had extended family on a dairy farm in the Lower Hunter which inspired me to study a Bachelor of Systems Agriculture (Agribusiness) at UWS Hawkesbury,” Jodie says.

“This led to starting my agricultural career in remote central western QLD as a coordinator for a community group delivering natural resource, economic and social projects to local graziers,” she explains. “And after a few years of overseas travelling, I relocated to Condobolin for a role as an Extension Officer for the local CMA and DPI, located on the research station.”

Jodie then progressed to be CEO of Central West Farming Systems, which undertook predominantly cropping trials, extension activities and events for producer members.

Jodie then decided to return to Sydney in 2011, but supporting and promoting agriculture was not something she wanted to leave behind. So she joined the team at the NSW Royal Agricultural Society (RAS)

JULY - AUG 2020

as Senior Manager for Agricultural Development, helping to showcase the best of farming at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

“My team focused on community and school agricultural education programs and young farmer programs like Young in Ag Day, Rural Achievers and Showgirls,” she says. “I then spent two years with Grain Trade Australia as Operations Manager, supporting the member committees overseeing grain trading standards, trade rules and contracts, transport, storage and ports activities as well as trade and market access including advocacy in Australia and internationally.”

Most recently Jodie was CEO of Nuffield Australia.

“It’s a program offering up to 25 producer scholarships annually for Australian farmers to travel overseas in order to build their knowledge of global agriculture and research a topic of interest before returning to share their knowledge with other farmers and industry,” she explains.

“This was a great opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest famers around the country and travel overseas with other Nuffield programs to gain a truly global view of agriculture and agribusiness systems.”

This diverse career bodes well for Jodie’s portfolio at NSW Farmers – which includes support programs for young farmers. “It’s a bright, positive and engaged team at NSW Farmers. It’s exciting to be working for a progressive organisation that truly supports farmers of all commodities and ages.” l

BUSH TELEGRAPH

Threatened bitterns flock to Riverina region With only 1500 Bitterns thought to be left in the wild, the appearance of 23 of the birds in the Riverina region has thrilled the locals and organisations working to save this endangered species.

F

our times as many Australasian Bitterns were found in the Bittern Friendly Rice grown by Riverina ricegrowers this year, compared to the benchmark set by the control sites.

In total 23 birds were sighted – compared to six in the control sites – and successful breeding was recorded in one crop.

Despite the challenging season, six landholders took part and grew a total of 277 hectares of Bittern Friendly Rice, says Project Manager Anna Wilson.

“The rice fields of the Riverina provide a unique opportunity for the threatened Bittern with about 40 per cent of their population utilising rice crops over the summer months,” she says. “Given there’s thought to be less than 1500 mature birds, that’s quite a remarkable find.”

The main aim of Bittern Friendly Rice is to maximise successful breeding – to do this, early permanent water is required with a minimum period of 130 to 150 days of inundation.

“Maintaining grassy banks and providing adjacent habitat in channels and dams are part of the incentive

and are a favoured place for Bitterns to frequent as the season progresses – a great place to look for prey,” Mrs Wilson says.

“We have also trialled growing small areas where additional urea was added so that the rice is taller and thicker to encourage early nesting.”

Fox baiting is being undertaken across all farms taking part in the project as it’s thought chicks and young birds are easy prey for these pests. Fox baiting will continue until late May to provide additional help to any young birds that are still in the area.

It has been a most unusual year, with little or no breeding recorded. The eerie boom of the male Bitterns was only heard at two sites in mid-January with fantastic results at one of the Bittern Friendly Crops with four chicks found. When last seen the chicks were doing very well and it’s assumed they successfully fledged.

The Boosting the Bunyip Bird Project is supported

by Riverina Local Land Services with funding provided by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Do you have feedback or a photo to share? Email: mhespe@intermedia.com.au or write to: The Farmer PO Box 55 Glebe NSW 2037.

Please state if you do not want your name or letter published.

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THE TAIL END

From the Ashes Smoke-tainted grapes usually mean disaster for winemakers. But in the wake of Australia’s worst ever bushfire season ‘smoky’ wines and spirits could soon be headed to a bar near you. Words LISA SMYTH

“

If you’re particularly fond of licking wet ashtrays, you’ll like this wine,” is how one Californian winemaker memorably described his smoke tainted product. Not exactly the endorsement you want printed on a bottle of your favourite vintage. Smoke taint is increasingly plaguing winemakers around the world, and, in 2020, Australian winemakers are some of the hardest hit.

WHAT IS SMOKE TAINT?

Australia is a world leader when it comes to understanding the effects of smoke on wine and wine grapes. The extent of smoke damage can depend on the grapes' proximity to a fire, the duration of the smoke in the vineyard, grape variety and the ripening stage of the grapes.

Research has shown that the period between veraison (when the grapes begin to soften, accumulate sugars and change colour) and harvest is when grapes are most at risk, and a Western Australian study

BY PHIL SOMERVILLE

from 2008 discovered that even 30 minutes exposure to heavy smoke could cause smoke taint. Which is to say, timing is everything.

WHAT CAN GROWERS DO?

The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) recommends that winemakers get laboratory testing done and produce a micro-ferment before picking grapes they suspect may have been affected by smoke.

If smoke taint is detected at low levels, the AWRI suggests hand picking the grapes, cooling them before extraction and whole-bunch pressing could help to produce a clean wine.

A South Australian winemaker recently had some success with these techniques in producing a clean Sauvignon Blanc from smoke-tainted grapes, but the process is labour intensive.

Removal of smoke taint using reverse osmosis membrane technology is already in use, and techniques involving polymers and yeast extracts are all in development. But, so far, no sure-fire way (pun intended) of reversing smoke taint has been found.

OTHER USES FOR SMOKY GRAPES

Some winemakers and distillers have chosen to embrace smoky grapes rather than try and ‘fix’ them. Before the bushfires, the oldest wine region in Australia, the Hunter Valley, was facing a 24 per cent reduction in tonnage of grapes grown due to ongoing drought conditions.

Now, crop loss is estimated to be at least 80 per cent this year due to the smoke taint from the summer bushfires.

But, in February, Sydney’s Archie Rose Distilling Co. announced they had bought 50 tonnes of shiraz and cabernet smoke-tainted grapes from Hunter Valley growers to use in creating a brandy (for release in two years) and a limited-edition spirit, which was released in May. The Hunter Valley Shiraz Spirit is described by the distillery as “displaying lively notes of tropical fruits, crème fraîche and berries with just the slightest suggestion of smoke”.

Are we seeing the ushering in of a new ‘smoky’ era in Australia’s wine and spirits industry? The proof, of course, will be in the bottle. l

FUN FACTS

Up to 20 per cent of people cannot taste smoke flavours in wines that others find unpalatable. https://www. wineaustralia.com/ news/articles/ smoke-taint-seeingthrough-the-haze

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Red wines are more affected by smoke taint than white wines due to the presence of skins and pulp during fermentation. https://www. billybuttonwines. com.au/smoke-taintin-wine/

You can’t wash off smoke taint – the smoke compounds permeate the grape skins and attach to the sugars inside. https://somerled. com.au/archives/ vineyard/the-truthabout-smoke-taint/

FARM INSURANCE.

MADE LOCALLY.

Cindy Gilchrist WFI Area Manager Young, NSW

Insure with WFI and you’ll deal directly with a local area manager who will take the time to understand you and your needs as a farmer. So, your insurance will always be handled with a personal touch.

Plus, you have the option to tailor your own insurance package to suit your needs.

WFI, good people to know for insurance since 1919.

For farm insurance with a personal touch call 1300 934 934 or visit wfi.com.au To see if our products are right for you, always read the PDS from the product issuer, Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681 trading as WFI (WFI).

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