The Farmer September-October 2021

Small towns and big corps

Careers in agriculture

Sweet taste of success

Cyber attackers and farmers

Working together to improve the regions

Times and jobs in ag are changing

Innovations in our sugarcane industry

How to deal with the world of cyber attacks

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SEPT – OCT 2021 / $ 9.95

The FAW threat Watching out for fall armyworm

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Contents THE MUSTER NEWS AND VIEWS

Meet the winners of the NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarship Program; Social License and what it means for your community; Regionalisation revival during COVID; The pros and cons of RIC loans; The lift of the GM ban; Ag visas and the future of work on farms ������������������������� 8

THE BIG PICTURE CAREERS IN AG: THE BRAVE NEW WORLD

A job in agriculture is no longer all about owning a farm and working the land ���� 30

TRADE

ENVIRONMENT

THE TRACTOR FARM

LET US STORE MORE RAIN

A collection of 500 tractors on a farm in Inverell continues to attract tractor lovers from everywhere �����������������������

Farmers await the outcome of a review into how much rainfall on their farms they can actually keep �������������������������

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MEANINGFUL MEAT

WATCHING OUT FOR FAW

An organic Wagyu farmer from Dunedoo doing things differently and taking care of the land for future generations ������������� 54

The fall armyworm has spread to the Victorian border and is also settling into Northern NSW �����������������������������������

SPECIAL REPORT FENCING & STOCKYARDS INFARMSTRUCTURE BOOM

THE BIG ISSUE

The latest innovations, trends and advancements in the NSW fencing industry to look out for ������������������������������������ 58

COUNTRY TOWNS AND BIG CORPORATIONS MAKING IT WORK TOGETHER

As more people move to the country, infrastructure and businesses grow ...... 34

TECHNOLOGY CYBER ATTACKERS LOOK FOR A TREE CHANGE

Australian agriculture is a prime target for cyber-attacks. So, what can farmers do about it? �������������������������������������������� 64

TRADE SWEET SUCCESS FOR OUR SUGAR INDUSTRY

Strength in unity and innovation are two of the pillars of the NSW sugarcane industry ����������������������������� 40 CRACKING OPEN THE GLOBAL HAZELNUT INDUSTRY

NSW farmers can take advantage of the increasingly lucrative global hazelnut industry. �������������������������������������������� 44

SPECIAL REPORT BOARDING SCHOOLS

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COMMUNITY NEW GENERATION: MEET THE CUPITTS

A family who literally have it made – cheese, beer, and all of the food for their restaurant ������������������������������������������

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SALEYARDS

A collection of cool new products that are all made by small businesses in NSW ���� 92 FARM DOGS

Meet Winston (not Winny), the clever black lab from a cotton farm near Delungra �������������������������������������������

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THE TAIL END

Check out some of the astounding silo art scattered across the NSW countryside ��� 96 MEET A MEMBER

Meet the Chair of the NSW Young Farmers Council, Mitch Highett ������������������������ 98

HOMES AWAY FROM HOME

Boarding schools have changed a lot in the last decade or so. Now they really are home away from home ����������������������� 68 Harvesting of a canola field.

About 20 per cent of canola is genetically modified.

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From the editor

THE MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER James Wells EDITOR Michelle Hespe ART DIREC TOR Ryan Vizcarra

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EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES

Michelle Hespe Email: mhespe@intermedia.com.au

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SALES DIRECTOR

Ben Payne Email: bpayne@intermedia.com.au Phone : 0403 893 668

–CONTRIBUTORS Bethany Plint Darcy Watt Darren Baguley Dave Smith Jeanette Severs Lisa Smyth Michael Burt Phil Somerville Pip Farquharson Rachel Lenehan Sandra Godwin Sheree Young Susan Gough Henly Tony Blackie NSW FARMERS

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MANAGING DIREC TOR Simon Grover GM OF OPERATIONS Chris Baker FINANCE MANAGER Mina Vranistas PRODUC TION MANAGER Jacqui Cooper HEAD OF DIGITAL Pauline Grech HEAD OF EVENTS Beth Tobin The Farmer magazine magazine is published for the NSW Farmers Association (ABN: 31 000 004 651) by The Intermedia Group (ABN: 94 002 583 682) 41 Bridge Rd, Glebe NSW 2037.

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

J

ust when we thought we were almost out of the woods, along comes another wave of COVID that is seeing so many places across NSW that we thought would not be greatly affected, plunged into lockdown like the one that has Sydney firmly in its grasp.

No matter where you live or what you do, you are bound to be touched in some way. So remember to take care of yourself, look out for your friends and family, and get help if you need it.

In this issue, we’ve tackled some big issues that we know are circulating in the farming industry and also in the wider, general public, and two that jump out to me as being so important right now are our features on social trust and the changing face of careers in agriculture.

They are important because there are some things that strike me as having indirectly come from the ongoing onslaught of COVID. They are changes that have occurred due to the way we have started to shift the way we’ve traditionally lived, consumed and even thought about life and how we interact with one another.

Firstly, the way in which people have changed their approach to food, fibre, and basically whatever we consume has changed drastically in the past couple of years. And so, in turn, consumers want to know more about the producers and have trust in the way the things they buy are created. They want some social trust.

Secondly, there is the fact that more and more people are moving from Australia’s cities and into the regions – looking for jobs

and/or a lifestyle change to get away from crowds and a faster way of living.

Thirdly, people are now looking for jobs in sectors that have remained strong even during a global pandemic. Especially if they lost a job in a heavily impacted industry such as aviation or hospitality. This has all led to an expanding agriculture industry.

Working on The Farmer, every day I see more and more opportunities arising from ag and its ever-expanding network, and that’s partly due to the continual innovation of an industry that is accustomed to adapting and coping with all sorts of natural and manmade issues and catastrophes.

Thus, it’s not surprising that there is now a seemingly endless array of roles that people can step into, knowing that they’ll not only reap some personal benefits, but also be doing something for the community, the environment, and world and its people in general. Enjoy the read and drop us a line anytime – we love hearing from you.

MICHELLE HESPE

Editor

APOLOGY: NSW Farmers would like to apologise to Tracy Blackburn and the Cornish family for incorrectly identifying Tracy as the Manager of Whylandra Partnership in the ‘Grains of Truth’ article on pages 26-31, in the July-August issue of The Farmer. Parts of the story misrepresented the farm business and the family unit, and NSW Farmers apologises for a lack of diligence in fact checking before publishing this story.

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Photo by Ossyugioh

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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The Muster l NEWS

Report vindicates Inland Rail concerns NSW Farmers and the Country Women’s Association of NSW have welcomed the release of a long-awaited report from the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Reference Committee into the management of the Inland Rail project.

The report – aptly titled “Inland Rail: derailed from the start”– details a range of major issues in relation to the Inland Rail project, including the business case for the development, failings in community engagement and consultation, route selection issues and flooding and hydrology concerns.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) was roundly criticised for the bungling of the project to date, and the federal government’s role in certain strategic failures to address the issues surrounding the project rollout was also highlighted.

“We thank the committee for their comprehensive work in reviewing and reporting on the significant failures that exist in relation to the delivery of this nation-building project,” said NSW Farmers Inland Rail Taskforce Chair Adrian Lyons.

“NSW Farmers have been raising many concerns in relation to this project for over six years now, and this is the first time that we have actually felt heard, and where we have seen the concerns of

Clearing land illegally?

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) was roundly criticised for the bungling of the project to date. our members reflected in the findings of a government process,” Adrian said.

“ARTC have continually had a ‘crash or crash-through’ mentality when it comes to the execution of this project. Well today; they have crashed. In a major way.”

Chief Executive Office of the Country Women’s Association of NSW, Danica Leys, said her members agree. “The publication of this report strongly vindicates our work and the concerns that have been expressed by our respective members,” Danica said.

“The project has become a basketcase of mismanagement and budget blowouts, combined with a total unwillingness from the project proponents to listen to community concerns.

“The report shines a huge light on these matters and totally supports the advocacy work that that we’ve been undertaking.”

Both organisations have now called on the federal government to act on the recommendations made in the report.

Land clearing and development is a complex field that now involves much more than the old Native Vegetation Act 2003.

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l NEWS

Real climate change action by farmers

NSW Grain Farmer Dan Fox from Marrah is one of the faces of NFF’s Australian Farms - Where Real Climate Change Action Happens campaign

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is sharing the stories of the climate action Australian farmers are taking, while continuing to produce the food and natural fibres we all depend on, through the Australian Farms – Where Real Climate Action Happens campaign.

The campaign is part of the Telling Our Story initiative, to better connect agriculture and the community. It is made possible by the support of Meat and Livestock Australia, Nutrien Ag Solutions and Woolworths.

Research commissioned by the NFF measured community sentiment towards agriculture, climate change and sustainability. Of those surveyed, 21 per cent of Australians strongly believed farmers were adapting to a warmer, drier climate; while 44 per cent somewhat agreed and 17 per cent were neutral. The same number strongly believed farmers were committed to improving their environmental performance, 44 per cent somewhat agreed and 17 per cent were neutral.

NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar said the survey results indicated the

community recognised farmers were on the frontline of climate change and wanted to learn more about what they were doing in response.

“The good news is, through innovation and practice change our farmers are world leaders in carbon abatement. Now mainstream practices such as rotational grazing; zero soil disruption when planting a crop and the conversion of livestock effluent to renewable energy have seen Australian agriculture reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 65 per cent between 2004-05 and 2016-17.”

The campaign features three farmers: Tess Butler – a dairy farmer from Moe in Victoria, Dan Fox – a grain grower from Marrar in southern NSW, and Stuart Austin, a cattle producer from Ebor in northern NSW. As part of the campaign, farmers are asked to share what they are doing on their property and in their own business to respond to climate change, by posting a short video on social media and using the hashtag #RealClimateAction.

Find out more at farmers.org.au

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The Muster l NSW FARMERS TERTIARY S CHOLARSHIP PRO GRAM

Young stars of farming The NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarship Program was established in 1993 to provide an enhanced benefit for members of the NSW Farmers Association, as well as to reward, promote and encourage excellence in tertiary studies from members’ families. Each year the Association awards five scholarships of $4,000 each. Here we meet the talented, passionate recipients for 2021.

THE JOHN WHITE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Winner: Ivy Longmire Hometown: Sandigo, NSW University: Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga Degree: Bachelor of Animal Science Ivy grew up on a mixed farming property located at Sandigo in the Riverina, and is currently studying a Bachelor of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

“My love for livestock animals and agriculture originated by helping my dad on the farm with harvest work, drafting and feeding,” she says. “I love living in rural areas and enjoying aspects this lifestyle brings.

“I hope to pursue an animal health consulting career in rural Australia, focusing on large livestock animals. I want to live in a small town and become involved in the community.”

Ivy aims to give back to the agricultural industry, which she feels has given her so many opportunities, and would love to assist other young women in gaining a career in agriculture.

Ivy was a School Representative Council President, Prefect and House Captain for Narrandera High School during her secondary education, and is taking on a second-year representative role

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for her university course. She has undertaken a variety of volunteering opportunities.

THE E.L. O’BRIEN SCHOLARSHIP

Winner: Georgia Laurie Hometown: Moppy, NSW University: University of New England, Armidale Degree: Bachelor of Rural Science Georgia Laurie is a sixthgeneration cattle farmer with plans to stake a claim in advancing the production of quality beef in Australia, and explore the world of meat science and animal nutrition.

She is currently in her second year of her four-year degree, studying a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England.

When studies permit, Georgia is employed by Knowla Livestock where she is involved with day-to-day farm management along with more technical operations such as AI programs and genetic selection.

“The agricultural industry is becoming a highly technical and specialised field where producers must be innovative and abreast of the latest technologies to compete,” Georgia says.

Georgia wants to help farmers by improving cattle reproduction while adapting to changes in consumer demands.

“As an industry, we must adapt our ways to produce a product

Ivy Longmire

Georgia Laurie

that is both environmentally and economically sustainable,” she says.

THE ALAN CHAPMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Winner: Angus Malmo Hometown: Yerong Creek, NSW University: University of Sydney Degree: Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture)

Plants are the focus for growing an agricultural career for Riverina farming student Angus Malmo. “I have a strong passion for applied plant science – a passion that I began and continue to develop at our family farm near Henty in the Southern Riverina,” Angus says.

“This has led me to pursue a career in agronomy once I complete my studies. I hope that this career path will give me every opportunity to be able to contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of regional NSW in what may become a more challenging environment.”

Angus said he is interested in emerging technologies and techniques that look to improve the robustness of Australian agroecosystems. “I am also interested in being involved in community groups that seek to engage with policymakers on topics that will shape the future of agriculture in New South Wales. I believe that a coordinated effort between government and industry is needed to achieve long term prosperity in agriculture.”

THE GRAHAM BLATCH MEMORIAL GOOBANG SCHOLARSHIP

Winner: Rosalie Wood Hometown: Perthville, NSW University: Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management Rosalie Wood is embarking on a career in business management in the agriculture sector to help build resilience in the farming community. Growing up on a property near Bathurst, Rosalie has seen first-hand the impacts of drought and bushfires on farm businesses in recent years.

She enrolled in a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga, as a pathway to gaining theoretical and practical skills that would allow her to help farmers,

particularly in relation to how to financially structure an agricultural enterprise.

“I also have in interest in sustainable and regenerative farming practices and plan to combine this with business skills to make a real and tangible difference in farm sustainability both financially and environmentally,” Rosalie says.

Rosalie, her siblings, and their partners have established a commercial venture involving fat lamb and beef cattle production. She is also involved in many events, including community tree planting days, voluntary work on a local property to assist in budgetary management and has attended young farmer business conferences.

Angus Malmo

THE PAUL LOCKYER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Winner: Kate Rice Hometown: Parkes, NSW University: Australian National University Degree: Double degree, Bachelor of Design and Visual Arts Kate Rice grew up on a mixed livestock and cropping property just outside of Parkes. Kate is currently in her third year of a double degree of Design and Visual Arts majoring in textiles at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“I have always had a desire to combine my interest in art and design and my passion for remaining part of a rural and agricultural community,” Kate says. “I believe that there is a unique and valuable opportunity in creating a strong connection between art and design and the Australian agricultural industry.”

Kate loves the diversity of agricultural products, and the features of natural fibres such as wool. “I hope that through my studies I will be able to work closely with rural communities to promote the story behind the products we use every day.” l

Rosalie Wood

Kate Rice SEP - OCT 2021

THE FARMER

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The Muster l S O CIAL TRUST

Community trust in agriculture Call it social license, social trust or community trust – the bottom line is that consumers need a sense of connection with farmers in order to trust and rely upon their services and produce.

Words JEANETTE SEVERS

P

ersonal relationships make the difference.

That is the finding from a research project asking Australians how they feel about primary industries. It is also the experience of farmers engaged in paddock to plate agribusinesses.

So why is there a critical belief that Australians don’t trust farmers?

Is it a beat-up of opinion circulated by commentators and mainstream media? Is it fed by the reactive responses of agri-industry organisations to criticism of Australian primary production?

The Community Trust in Rural Industries Program, funded by a number of industry research and development corporations in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries is a four-year project that analyses community perceptions of primary production – agriculture, fishery and forestry.

The program’s first year results were released in 2020, and the second year results were made public in mid-August this year.

In the past, the concept has commonly been referred to as social trust or social license, but now community perceptions of primary production can also be called community trust.

WHAT DRIVES THE BELIEFS OF CONSUMERS?

The Community Trust Program follows a discussion paper developed by the NSW Farmers Association and NSW DPIE in 2017 recommending a framework that uses data to identify what drives consumers beliefs about Australia’s primary production industries.

“A lot of our commodities and businesses are interested in community views. People have speculated about community trust in agriculture,” NSW Farmers’ President James Jackson says.

“To drive decision making, we – NSWFA – wanted objective data about the community’s understanding of agriculture and their trust in farmers.”

In the first year of the project, a large scale national survey of Australian adults created a year one benchmark for comparison against successive years. The targeted survey group of 5000 plus people were spread across regional and urban areas.

“A survey group of 5358 people gives you confidence you have a representative sample of the Australian population,” says Dr Kieren Moffat,

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principal of Voconiq, and who is undertaking and analysing the four-year research program.

At the end of this second year of research, there are four key findings.

“Rural industry organisations are in a strong position and can engage the community in discussion. Community trust is a key component for enabling innovation to occur in farming, fishing and forestry and garnering support when dynamic events occur to affect one or many commodities or rural sectors,” Kieren says.

“Of the four key components identified in this year’s research, three replicate last year’s findings. Community trusts that industries operate in environmentally responsible ways, including how they use resources including water, veterinary and husbandry products, and with a focus on sustainability into the future.

“Community trusts that industries will listen to community concerns and respond by willingly changing how they operate, rather than rely on regulation.

“The role of industry products drive community trust – the products provide a physical handshake that create connections and relationships between the maker and the consumer.

“The new key component this year is housed around the extent community members feel that industries are receiving a fair go with pricing and return on their investment.”

TRUST IN FARMERS

Above: Bill Archinal from Archinal Farms of Manning Valley on his cattle farm.

Below, left: Workers pack fresh fruit from the farm to be taken to the supermarkets.

The first year’s data also identified that when community members understood how drought, bushfires and regulatory issues affected primary producers, they were more likely to be sympathetic to those effects. That connected them to wanting a realistic return on investment for primary producers.

“The pandemic appears to have increased community trust in primary producers, but, again, not at the risk of compromising on their environmental responsibility,” Kieren says.

“The strongest driver of whether and how community trust was bestowed, was how industry demonstrated it was managing its environmental stewardship responsibilities and impacts.”

Succinctly, consumers want to know the people who produce the food and fibre they purchase hold the same values about environmental stewardship as they do.

A jointly funded initiative The Community Trust in Rural Industries Program is a jointly funded initiative of AgriFutures Australia, Australian Eggs, Australian Pork Limited, Cotton RDC, Dairy Australia, Fisheries RDC, Sugar Research Australia, Grains RDC, LiveCorp, Meat and Livestock Australia, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. The National Farmers’ Federation is also a project partner, and AgriFutures Australia is the managing agent.

CONNECTIONS BUILD STRONGER TRUST

Cattle breeder Bill Archinal says his customers are very interested in how he and his family manage their environmental stewardship responsibilities.

After a long history of engaging directly with customers through farmers markets, Archinal Farms of Manning Valley now relies on social media and electronic marketing, as well as its reputation, to sell beef and lamb direct to customers.

Bill says the grass-fed component of the family’s production was the key value driver for consumer demand.

“Customers like to know where their food comes from. A lot of them don’t know much about production systems, so they don’t know what questions to ask,” Bill says.

“They don’t believe the bad press around land destruction. They want to know about healthy nutritious food and the environmental aspects of running livestock and the synergies of land management.”

Bill says that most of the customers of Archinal Farms’ products are middle-Australia – tradespeople, other small business owners or people employed in middle management – and value either their direct relationship with the farmer or shared values around environmental responsibility.

“Customers like the grass-fed component.

They want to know we’re breeding livestock in a way that’s sustainable for the landscape, and that we’re looking after the animals and the water. Our property is on the Manning River – they want to know how we use irrigation, and that we’re being responsible about weed management.”

SEP - OCT 2021

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The Muster

THE STORIES BEHIND THE PRODUCE

Left to right: When consumers know the story behind their produce, and understand something about a farmer and their work, a sense of trust is created; NSW President James Jackson says that rural industry organisations are in a strong position to enage communities in discussion.

“We had a lot of customers ask us how the drought and bushfires affected us and our environment.”

His experience supports some of the year two conclusions identified by Kieren.

“If people know someone working in a food or fibre industry, their personal connection drives a more realistic understanding and positive support about a topic or issue,” he says.

He says positive personal connections could be converted into general community trust for primary producers. Community trust then becomes a key factor in how industry organisations engage in dialogue with consumers.

“There are opportunities for industry organisations to speak with confidence and lead conversations that are complex and nuanced,” Kieren says.

Community trust was also a key driver for how people identified themselves personally with Australian grown and manufactured products.

“There is a lot of community trust in horticulture and grain commodities,” Kieren says. “Livestock

How did social license come about in the first place?

The social license to operate was originally applied to the banking industry. It was then used to define interested stakeholders in the mining and extractive industries – employees, shareholders and the broader community. It rapidly distilled to being central to community expectations around the environmental stewardship of mining and extractive industries. The term is now loosely used in common parlance and applied against community expectations of trust and confidence for an industry.

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and dairy farmers are highly trusted, but there are concerns about animal welfare standards.

“The industry is afraid of engaging in dialogue about reactive issues, but farmers and consumers want to discuss their concerns about animal welfare.

“People feel cotton is an excellent product, but a lot of cotton is exported, so people’s connection is with the product that is imported. There are opportunities for connecting more with people through conversations that are focussed on their Australian identity,” says Kieren. “When people buy Australian produced product, they feel more connected to their own identity as an Australian.

They then build more connections and a stronger trust with that industry.”

Kieren warns that industry organisations are at risk of allowing their communications to be manipulated by media and politically driven perspectives, instead of relying on their members’ understanding of community perspectives to drive engagement and dialogue.

“When there are critical assumptions coming at an industry, I think it’s important to take a deep breath and identify the motivation for that perspective,” he says.

“Navigate community trust through meaningful relationships that prove we are listening to concerns and attempting to understand the social contexts of why people have concerns.

“So far this research project has demonstrated that there are opportunities to grow trust, rather than have to create trust.”

This was and is a critical perspective. When the industry demonstrated that it was listening to community concerns and was prepared to change behaviour based on those concerns, community trust grew through a perception of shared values. l

WATE R I N S I GHT S

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www.waternsw.com.au/waterinsights

The Muster l COMMUNITY

A regionalisation renaissance The concept of regionalisation has had a revival during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So how can we keep the momentum going to benefit communities?

Words EMILY SIMPSON

R

emote working opportunities, space and more affordable housing have added to the allure of the regions over COVID-19, accelerating an existing trend in migration away from the major cities.

More Australians are waking up to the opportunities in their backyard, but how can we make the latest love affair with the bush last?

A new report titled Stronger ag sector, stronger regions, written by the Australian Farm Institute (AFI) and commissioned by the NSW Farmers Association, has a few ideas. A long-term vision is clearly required to foster the sustainable growth of the regions, leveraging their popularity in a time of getting back to basics. And agriculture, the economic and social heartbeat of the regions, will play a central role. With the NSW agriculture sector looking to notch up $30 billion in output by 2030, and the national sector eyeing off $100 billion by the same date, there’s no better time than now to simultaneously grow agriculture and regional areas.

“Farmers feed us all and we have a social responsibility to ensure the sector remains productive,” the AFI said.

A key takeaway from 2020 is the widespread recognition, however belated, of the essential service farmers provide. Wellstocked supermarket shelves amid panic buying and the breakdown of global supply chains serve as a reminder of

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Australia’s “lucky country” status. But that luck is enabled by the hard work of primary producers, who will be critical as global populations and demand for high-quality and safe food and fibre continue to rise. We have a right to food, but what about farmers’ right to a secure and sustainable future?

“The skills needs of the agrifood sector are in a state of transition.”

– AFI

According to the AFI, the symbiotic success of agriculture and regional NSW will involve three key areas: connectivity, infrastructure and workforce. The report identifies the “uncomfortable fact” that attracting and retaining an appropriately skilled workforce “cannot be divorced from the issues of regional amenity, connectivity (physical and digital) and the basic needs of housing and health services”.

USING DISRUPTION TO OUR ADVANTAGE

While change is a certainty, the disruption caused by COVID-19 could never have been predicted. Yet, it might

SEP - OCT 2021

serve to fast-track agriculture’s adaptation to an evolving technological, environmental and consumer landscape.

Technology could be the main agent of change for the agriculture sector.

Full adoption of digital technology could yield an additional $20.3 billion for the gross value of Australian agriculture and increase the wider national economy’s gross value product by $24.6 billion. With Australian agricultural output set to reach almost $70 billion this year, the widespread adoption of technology would place the national sector tantalisingly close to its $100 billion by 2030 target. The mammoth offerings of this disruptor can no longer be bridled by poor digital connectivity in regional areas.

“The skills needs of the agrifood sector are in a state of transition,” the AFI says.

As the options for food production technology grow more sophisticated, so too do the career opportunities in regional areas. Yet, workforce challenges for the sector only seem to worsen. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified both good and bad for Australian agriculture, and acute labour shortages are one of the pandemic’s most noticeable flow-on effects for the sector. While the technological transition stands to eventually disrupt agriculture’s labour milieu, highlighting the opportunities and diverse pathways in agriculture must start now.

FAST TRACKING AG ADAPTATION

COVID-19 might serve to fast-track agriculture’s adaptation to an evolving technological, environmental and consumer landscape, in places such as Albury (pictured here).

BY PHIL SOMERVILLE

The regions have an opportunity to capitalise on the disruptive impact of technology and COVID19 to maximise value from food and fibre production locally. The AFI points out that around 40 per cent of people employed in food and grocery manufacturing live in regional areas of Australia, yet with the correct incentives in place, the sector could more than double employment in the decade. According to the AFI, government and industry thinking must swiftly move away from the short-term and focus instead on the consequences of inaction.

Improving linkages to key domestic and export markets must remain a priority.

Investing in an efficient and robust infrastructure system west of the Great Dividing Range that also connects to the east coast will vitalise the agrifood ecosystem, enabling stronger manufacturing and value-adding opportunities to bolster both agriculture and regional communities.

No regionalisation agenda is complete without looking at the liveability of regional areas. Jobs, education, health services, cultural richness and digital connectivity are

all determinants of a place’s liveability, and regional areas will need to overcome their history of lower on-average scoring than metropolitan areas on these vital metrics.

ENERGISING LOCAL ECONOMIES

Building agriculture and regional NSW will require investing in areas of opportunity. The energy transition stands to impact agriculture and regional NSW, and with the right planning strategies and integration policies, the benefits can outweigh the negatives. According to the AFI, incentivising regionallytargeted renewable projects will contribute towards net carbon emission goals while also decreasing energy costs and attracting workers to regions.

Maintaining a growth trajectory will also demand the mitigation of factors that block or limit the potential of agriculture and regional NSW. Business red tape, deficiencies in environmental and water planning, and competition failures in fresh food supply chains are known threats to agriculture’s productivity. l

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17

The Muster Mouse damage in a hay shed near Temora.

Photo courtesty of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). l REBATE S CHEME

Warnings of a mouse revival Dire warnings about the potential onset of a mouse plague in spring have further justified the advocacy work of NSW Farmers in securing a $150 million state government support package.

Words MICHAEL BURT

C

SIRO mouse researcher Steve Henry is warning NSW grain growers to monitor paddocks as predictive modelling forecasts showed a high risk of a mouse outbreak in spring.

Mr Henry, who is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) said mice may have taken refuge and be ‘wintering’ in pasture paddocks, native vegetation or waterways bordering farming country, and may move back in as crops develop.

“In the north of NSW and in southern Queensland we went into winter with high numbers, so the over winter survival rates will determine the starting population for spring,” he says.

“So, it is imperative that growers get out of their vehicles, walk into their paddocks and get a good feel for what is going on in respect to current mouse numbers and activity.”

Growers in other states are being urged to do the same with the joint CSIRO and GRDC Monitoring mice in Australia update for August stating that “Mouse numbers are moderate to high in many regions of WA, NSW, Victoria and Queensland.”

“At the first sign of crop damage, growers need to be prepared to bait, preferably with 50g/kg zinc phosphide spread at 1kg/ha. Aim to treat large areas to have a better chance of widespread impact and

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reduce reinvasion from surrounding areas,” Steve advises.

NSW Farmers is encouraging farmers to apply for zinc phosphide bait rebates of up to $10,000 per farm business through the Rural Assistance Authority website.

NSW Farmers Vice President and Liverpool Plains farmer Xavier Martin said claims can be made retrospectively for bait costs incurred back to 1 January, 2021.

“Like many farmers across the state, our family has spent a small fortune on zinc phosphide baits to combat the mouse plague,” Xavier says.

“The good news is that applications are now open for the State Government’s Zinc Phosphide baiting program and I would encourage farmers to get in early to secure the rebate.”

“NSW Farmers have advocated tirelessly for this financial since February and along with the CWA of NSW, pursued a shared responsibility in combatting this plague, resulting in $150 million worth of mouse plague support packages announced by the NSW Government.

“This support recognises the immense impact this plague has had on so many farm businesses already.

I have heard some really horrendous stories about the impact of this mouse plague and the costs involved in trying to save crops and fodder has been significant.” l

BE ALERT AND READY FOR ANOTHER PLAGUE

At the first sign of crop damage, growers need to be prepared to bait, preferably with 50g/kg zinc phosphide spread at 1kg/ha.

NSW Rural Assistance Authority will administer the rebate program. For more information about the zinc phosphide rebate program visit raa.nsw.gov.au For information about household and small business rebates visit nsw.gov.au/mice Farmers are encouraged to continue reporting and mapping mouse activity using the MouseAlert website: mousealert.org.au For more information visit: grdc.com.au/ resources-and-publications/resources/ mouse-management

Some monitoring and control tips from the CSIRO and GRDC

1

Monitor crops for signs of mouse activity. Walk through crops, or use chew cards that are available from the grdc.com.au.

2

If mouse damage is evident to maturing crops, aerially apply zinc phosphide mouse bait. Once seeds have developed on heads, mice are reluctant to go for zinc phosphide baits, so if need be, bait well before seed set.

3

Talk to bait suppliers and ask for 50g/kg zinc phosphide bait to ensure best chance of success.

Be aware there are significant lead times in some locations so talk to your supplier.

4 5 6

Control weeds and grasses along fence lines and crop margins before seed set by spraying or slashing.

CSIRO mouse researcher Steve Henry (supported by the GRDC) is urging farmers to monitor mouse activity in coming months.

Photo courtesty of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Mouse-proof houses, and grain and stock feed storages.

Apply bait around buildings if necessary, and please ensure that you check and comply with label directions.

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The Muster MURRAY COD WITH A STORY

Goodoo Farms is named after the local Indigenous term for Murray Cod, tying into the story of how the Murray River was formed.

l CASE STUDY

RIC gives aquafarmers a boost Ask any entrepreneur what they use most when getting a business up and running, and most will say that's simple – shoe leather.

Words TONY BLACKIE

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P

ounding the pavement looking for a friendly investor can take time and requires resilience. Coming up with a new business idea is the easy part. It’s the raising of money to make the enterprise work that is the first major hurdle and one which catches out most small business start-ups.

Angas and Melissa Swann, founders of start-up business Goodoo Farms near Yanco, can tell you all about the complications of dealing with banks and financial organisations. In fact, it was a process that delayed the plans of their innovative aquaculture business.

Fortunately, they were persistent and came upon the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), an Australian Government-backed specialist finance provider for farmers and farm-related small businesses. They were able to apply for the AgriStarter Loan which offered flexible long-term financing.

The pair had come from rural backgrounds and had a desire to get back into agriculture. Both have jobs in Wagga Wagga – Angas working in the finance sector and Melissa for a food production business.

“We started the business before the RIC AgriStarter loan was established, so we had to look for funds through the existing channels of the banks,” Melissa explains.

The AgriStarter loan (which provides up to $2 million) was established to assist first time farmers and it is also available as a loan to support farm succession arrangements.

The RIC also provides loans for farm investment and drought.

ACHIEVING THE DREAM

Angas and Melissa had a vision for a Murray cod farm, with their idea being to grow the fish in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. This of course takes heavy capital input.

They called their enterprise Goodoo Farms as ‘Goodoo’ is the local Indigenous term for Murray Cod, and it ties into the story of how the Murray River was formed.

By mimicking the natural environment, the resulting Murray Cod would have the look and taste of a river-caught fish, without a major injection of chemicals in the holding tanks. In many aqua-farms – both river-based and sea-based – poor oxygen, overcrowding and poor maintenance results in unnatural colouring and a lack of taste.

“Our aim was to create a farm that would produce Murray Cod for food for the table,” Melissa says.

“I have been in and around the agricultural investment world for many years and I remember some advice I received – ‘grow to

the market not market to grow’.

Meaning look for an existing market and supply a premium product,” Angas says. “There are plenty of people out there trying to grow ‘what-if’ crops, but we like a more secure approach.”

The start-up business began trading in July 2020, months after the start of the pandemic.

Melissa sees massive potential in developing a uniquely Australian product, developed in a natural way and then delivered to consumers locally as well as internationally.

Murray Cod, as anyone who has tasted it knows, has a unique flavour and texture making it a heavily sought-after item in restaurants around the country.

Goodoo Farms fresh fish are harvested every Tuesday and packed whole before being delivered chilled using cold chain logistics. Fish are then sold to other wholesalers, processors, restaurants, or retail shops.

Angas admits that the road to gain the necessary capital was a difficult one, and they both understood that their venture was not mainstream agriculture.

“Initially banks supported us but we needed further funds and the bank was restrictive in the amount of money and the term available.

“They were only offering a one-year term which is of course very short for a start-up. I am definitely not bank bashing, as they have to evaluate their lending policy based on their internal policies, but the bank didn’t understand our processes,” he says.

“Having worked in business for most of our lives, we understand the processes behind business plans and cash flow projections, but the bank simply didn’t understand what we wanted to do.”

The pair said that in the first 12 months of business, while marketing had not been an issue, they had no evidence of income and so couldn't access the start-up loans that they needed.

“We could have accessed short term investment, but at 13 per cent interest it was unviable,” says Angas.

Bruce King (above) the CEO of RIC, believes the organisation is doing a good job providing favourable credit options for new farmers as well as farmers affected by drought and those in regional areas.

He says that many of the projects that RIC has funded in the past three years have helped to add strength to the rural community with new businesses being built and existing farms and support businesses being able to expand and provide training and work opportunities for young people.

Bruce says that the Goodoo farm model of starting with a small holding and building the asset with support from RIC is one which will pay dividends in regional Australia. These loans allow new businesses to be built, assist existing farms, support businesses to expand as well as provide training and work opportunities for young people.

He points out that the RIC has been successful in solving a range of financial farming issues with more than 2,770 total loans approved, valued at over $3 billion as of 30 June 2021.

The end game for Bruce and the RIC team is to help build a strong and internationally competitive rural economy by growing existing operations and supporting new ventures.

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THE FARMER

>

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The Muster GREAT TRACK RECORD

RIC has solved a range of financial farming issues, with more than 2,770 total loans approved, valued at over $3 billion as of 30 June, 2021.

How to apply for a RIC loan Before starting a RIC application, go to the Regional Investment Corporation website at ric.gov.au and read the loan guidelines to make sure you are eligible. If you are eligible, go through the Document Checklist and have all the documents ready before you start. ➤ Seek advice from your rural financial counsellor or financial adviser. ➤ Talk to your commercial lender to tell them you’re applying for a RIC loan to avoid delays.

CHANGE OF PLANS

Angas had come across the Regional Investment Corporation in the past when looking into financial options for his former workplace. “I was making a list of possible opportunities so we decided to look into it,” he says. “Initially we thought we didn’t qualify.”

A call to Mark Agar – the local representative of RIC – solved the problem in minutes.

“I wasn’t confident at all when I rang the Regional Investment Corporation.

When you say start-up and aquaculture

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it rings alarm bells,” Angas says. “But they were open-minded and they took time to understand what we were trying to achieve.

“They started from ‘approve’ rather than the traditional method of starting from ‘decline’. We were really surprised at how quickly the RIC money came through. We had approval in a month.”

One of the important benefits of the RIC loan was the long-term commitment.

The RIC provided them with a 10-year commitment and five years interest free.

“That allowed us to go back to the bank

and ask for a longer term,” Angas says. “The banks agreed, and now we are on a reasonable term.”

July 2021 was the first anniversary of Goodoo Farms’ first sale, and it marked two years of hard work building the business up.

“We have now had three cash-flow positive months which is awesome,” Melissa says.

The funds from RIC have meant they have been able to get their business on an even footing with cash flow positive results. l

AgriStarter Loans now available AgriStarter Loans assist first time farmers and support succession planning

- Up to $2 million - 2.17% current variable rate - Find out if you’re eligible at ric.gov.au/agristarter-loan

The Muster

l GENETIC MODIFICATION

Lifting the GM ban While debate continues in some quarters over the role of genetic modification in food, it appears the world has largely moved on.

Words SANDRA GODWIN

C

hoice, competitiveness and confidence have been identified as the primary benefits from the NSW Government’s decision to allow the commercial production of genetically modified (GM) food crops.

The moratorium, specific to GM canola when it was first imposed in 2003, has been rewritten and extended several times during the past 18 years.

In March, NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall announced it would be allowed to lapse on 1 July.

The move gives farmers a greater choice of which crops to grow and provides certainty for researchers and seed companies that the path to market will be smoother for new GM varieties.

NSW Farmers Association Ag Science Committee Chair Alan Brown says it will allow the state’s growers to remain competitive with their overseas counterparts.

“The world has moved on, as far as GM goes in food crops,” he says. “We’ve

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had GM crops in cotton and canola for some while now. In the medium term, if there are developments in food crops, we will be able to access them.

We won’t be left behind, which I think is important.”

Until now the only GM crops grown in NSW have been cotton and ‘blue’ carnations (since 1996), canola (since 2008) and safflower (since 2019).

Alan, who is also NSW Farmers’ Wagga Wagga and District branch Chair, says he’s hopeful plant breeders will now be able to use GM techniques to boost crop performance by incorporating features such as drought tolerance, improved nutrition profiles and better yields.

“But the key outcome for NSW Farmers is there will be safeguards put in place, so that those who don’t wish to have the GM technology on their properties will be able to continue without it,” he says. “If there’s a trade advantage in not having GM, people will still be able to access that.”

NEW METHODS, NEW MARKETS

One example is the Riverina Oils and BioEnergy crushing and refining plant at Wagga Wagga, which supplies certified non-GM canola oil to food manufacturers and food service customers.

Thomas Elder Markets analyst Andrew Whitelaw says the history of GM crops in Australia shows there have been few problems caused by cross contamination or market access issues, thanks to our advanced storage and handling systems.

“We have a big market at the moment for non-GM canola into Europe,” he says. “The reality is that we’ve been doing that for a long time and the majority of that canola comes from Western Australia, where the bulk of our GM canola is grown. So, if it’s worked so far, then I don’t really see why it wouldn’t continue working.”

Australian Oilseeds Federation Executive Officer Nick Goddard says grain growers have mostly used GM

A debate spanning decades Debate continues over the role of genetic modification in food almost 30 years after the first crops of GM tomatoes, potatoes and corn were grown in the United States.

Released in 1994, the Flavr Savr tomatoes were engineered to have a longer shelf life and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) incorporated into potatoes and corn gave those plants protection against insect pests.

Their commercial success was mixed – Monsanto shelved the tomatoes – but they paved the way for the development of multiple varieties of food and fibre crops, including Australia’s first GM crop, Bt cotton.

Developed by the CSIRO in partnership with Monsanto, Bt cotton is resistant to a major pest, the heliothis grub, also known as cotton bollworm. Launched in 1996 under the trade name Ingard, it has since been superseded by newer varieties offering herbicide tolerance as well as resistance to insects.

Adoption in NSW, where most of Australia’s cotton is produced, was relatively swift. By 2012, almost all cotton was GM and the use of insecticides had decreased 97 per cent.

According to Cotton Australia, the flow on benefits include lower labour and fuel usage – crops now receive up to three pest sprays per season instead of 10-14 – improved soil quality, reduced production costs, increased yield and reduced risks.

Politics and well-fed Westerners

DIGGING DEEP FOR SOME ANSWERS

Left, then clockwise: A canola field being harvested; The first commercial GM Safflower was released in 2018; A Greenpeace activist destroys a CSIRO GM crop trial in the ACT; Alan Brown – Chair of the NSW Farmers Ag Science Committee.

Much of the criticism of GM is tied to politics and ideology. Concerns include the potential harm to human health and damage to the environment, negative impacts on traditional farming practices, excessive corporate dominance, and the “unnaturalness” of the technology.

Internationally-renowned microbiologist Jennifer Thomson has written four books on the subject of GM crops since she began working in the field in South Africa in 1978. Her latest book, GM Crops and the Global Divide, was published in January.

In the book, Jennifer refers to the prejudices of “well-fed Westerners” and attributes part of the rise of antagonism to GM crops, especially in Europe, to government mishandling of two disasters in the United Kingdom in the 1980s and 1990s: the mad cow disease outbreaks, and HIV- and hepatitis-tainted blood transfusions.

The hostility was further fanned in 1999 by a media storm and tabloid newspaper headlines which referred to GM as “Frankenstein food”.

Greenpeace dumped four tonnes of GM soybeans outside the official residence of then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street and its activists took to vandalising GM crops across the globe, including a trial crop of wheat at a CSIRO facility in Canberra in 2011.

The Greenpeace Australia website, which says “Climate change is the defining issue of our generation”, shows its priorities have changed in the past decade. The most recent references to GM crops are from 2012, and a Greenpeace spokesperson declined to comment for this story.

Jennifer says it’s essential for Australian scientists to do more to communicate the benefits of their work for farmers and consumers.

“Scientists need to get into the limelight, and explain what disinformation is, what is misinformation, and what is true,” she says.

“With global warming and climate change, you’ve got to do more with less. We’re going to have less suitable land to produce crops.”

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25

The Muster canola in a tactical way, to manage weedy paddocks.

“It’s quite different to cotton, where it was just broadly adopted across the board because it provided immediate benefits in terms of reduced chemical applications and reduced labour,” he says. “The real opportunity for GM and all new breeding technologies is in being able to create and access new markets for renewable plant-based products.”

IMPROVED GENETICS MEANS A FASTER TURNAROUND

CSIRO Agriculture and Food Chief Research Scientist Surinder Singh says scientists have always taken a long-term perspective in their crop research, regardless of government policy.

Creating a new variety using conventional breeding techniques can take plant breeders 10 to 20 years. Using GM techniques significantly speeds up the process.

And while the NSW moratorium didn’t stop that research, Surinder is optimistic lifting the ban will accelerate the process of delivering improved genetics to farmers.

The CSIRO has developed two GM oilseed crops, and both were approved in 2018 for cultivation and use in stockfeed and human food.

Nuseed markets the GM canola, which is the world’s first plantbased source of long-chain omega-3 oils traditionally found in fish. The oil is used as an ingredient in fish feed for farmed salmon (Aquaterra) and for human consumption (Nutriterra). Nuseed estimates one hectare of the canola can produce as much omega-3 oil as 10 tonnes of fish.

Go Resources holds the licence to commercialise a stable super high-oleic acid safflower which produces oil suitable for industrial and edible uses. Now available at Woolworths supermarkets under the Heart Smart label, it claims to be the only cooking oil with a 4.5 health star rating.

The process of developing and bringing the two crops to market took about 15 years.

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“We did the research in about four or five years, but then the regulatory approvals and all that take a long, long time,” Surinder says.

The way GM technology is used has evolved in the past decade with the advent of genome editing which targets specific sections of DNA and allows them to be permanently modified.

In the case of a wheat variety susceptible to rust infection, it could be tweaked or the gene removed to make it resistant to the pathogen, without inserting any new DNA from another source.

Surinder says current research to make crops more resilient to climate change and the challenges of drought, temperature, heat stress and salinity, is “fairly advanced”.

“They could be released in the next five to 10 years,” he says. “But that depends on how readily the

FO OD FOR THOUGHT

Above, then clockwise: A blooming canola field (20 per cent of canola is GM); Heart Smart cooking oil made from Safflowers, Plant-based products from Impossible Foods.

Genetically-modified crop field trial sites across Australia in 2021 ORGANISATION

STATE

CROP

GM TRAITS

investment is there to actually get these crops through the regulatory approvals, which is a very expensive procedure.”

CSIRO

ACT

Wheat

Disease resistance and drought tolerance

Monsanto

NSW

Cotton

Insect resistance and herbicide tolerance

IMPROVING THE BOTTOM LINE

Monsanto

Qld

Cotton

Insect resistance and herbicide tolerance

Queensland University of Technology

NT

Bananas

Disease resistance

The University of Queensland

Qld

Sorghum

Animal nutrition and yield

The University of Melbourne

Vic

Wheat

Human nutrition

The University of Adelaide

WA

Wheat and barley

Stress tolerance and enhanced yield

The Victorian Government

Vic

Perennial ryegrass

Animal nutrition and yield

A 2011 UK study found the average cost of discovering, developing and authorising the biotechnology trait of a new plant between 2008 and 2012 was $US136 million.

That sounds like a lot of money, but it’s dwarfed by the potential economic benefits of adopting GM crops.

In a statement, NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall says adoption of GM technology is forecast to deliver up to $4.8 billion in total gross benefits in the next decade.

It could save farmers up to 35 per cent of their overheads and boost production by almost 10 per cent.

“The potential agronomic and health benefits of future GM crops include everything from drought and disease resistance to more efficient uptake of soil nutrients, increased yield and better weed control,” he says. “This is also great news for consumers as by lifting the ban we are empowering companies to invest in GM technology that has the potential to remove allergens such as gluten, improve taste and deliver enhanced nutrition.”

Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia’s Kangaroo Island are the only Australian jurisdictions to retain GM-free status. l

Source: Office of the Gene Technology Regulator

Keeping Australia safe The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) was established in 2001 to license field trials and approve the commercial release of GM organisms that posed no unmanageable risks to humans or the environment.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulates the sale and use of food from GM products. It has so far approved eight GM food crops: soybean, potato, wheat, rice, canola, sugarbeet, safflower and corn.

Earlier this year, FSANZ approved the use of GM soy leghemoglobin, a protein used by Impossible Foods to manufacture its meat-free burgers and sausages.

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The Muster

l THE GREAT DEBATE

The agricultural visa we had to have After years of lobbying, the federal government has announced a new dedicated agricultural visa for workers from ASEAN countries. But will it be enough to fill the current backpacker void?

–

Words DAVE SMITH

I

n May, Stephen Howes, a professor of economics at the Australian National University, told The Farmer Canberra would not bring in a dedicated agricultural visa – no matter how bad the farm labour shortage problem got.

“If an agricultural scheme is introduced, all the farm jobs in Australia currently available to Pacific Islanders will be taken by workers from Asia. And that is not a price I think Canberra is willing to pay,” Mr Howes said at the time.

But only one month later, the Federal Government announced a new agricultural visa (ag visa) will be offered to workers from the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries – Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Brunei and Cambodia – before the end of the year.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says the number of workers from ASEAN countries entering Australia on the new visa would “be driven by the industry,” and that the Pacific Labour Scheme would be reviewed to reduce its regulatory burden and make it more responsive.

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The ag visa is a concession after the scrapping of a condition for the working holiday visas granted to the 10,000 British backpackers who normally visit Australia every year that previously forced them to work for at least 88 days on a farm. This change was part of a landmark new Free Trade Agreement with the UK that will eventually give Australian farmers and food manufacturers tariff-free and quota-free access to the British market. (Read more on pages 82-85.)

NSW Farmers has long advocated for an ag visa and the pandemic-induced travel restrictions has intensified the need for long-term solutions to address farm labour shortages, but is this ASEAN proposal from Minister Littleproud the answer?

Guy Gaeta, a cherry and apple farmer near Orange who, as NSW Farmers Horticultural Committee chair, has been lobbying the Federal Government for an ag visa for three and a half years, is over the moon.

“It’s a godsend,” he says.

“Last year we just managed to get through our harvest but now we’re coming into harvest in September and

we need people again – the whole industry needs people starting at the summer for six months. If farmers don’t get help quickly, we are going to start seeing shortages of foods like strawberries.”

“We don’t know all the finer details yet, like when it will start, who pays for quarantine – but I would gladly pay for the quarantine of 20 agricultural visa holders right now.”

Tyson Cattle at AUSVEG, the peak body for vegetable growers, voiced similar sentiments.

“The horticulture industry has been calling for a dedicated and productive workforce to harvest and package fruit and vegetables for many years, so this announcement is great news for the sector,” he says.

“But what we need now is timely action to get this visa class up and running, so that we can start bringing in workers as soon as possible when borders open up and international workers can enter the country.”

The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council says it is welcome news that has been a long time coming.

“But we’ll be forgiven for being a little cynical, having heard similar announcements

PICKERS CAN BE CHO O SERS

Guy Gaeta (pictured above) says that the ag visa will make it easy for people who want to come to Australia to stay for nine months, but who currently have to go home for three months and then come back. He says it'll only be available to those who want to work in agriculture.

and supportive words stretching back to 2018,” says Horticulture Council Chair, Fiona Simson.

“What matters now is that industry and government work collaboratively to design a scheme that will deliver genuine and effective relief to farmers.

“It needs to be flexible and portable – keeping red tape to a minimum and letting workers move between jobs with ease.”

Not all farmers see the ag visa as the solution to their workforce issues. Grain growers say that while it may assist other sectors, on face value, this will not support their labour needs in relation to skill requirements or timeliness.

“We are aware the horticulture sector has been

called for a dedicated ag visa for a number of years so this is a potential win for them. But the countries that are proposed to make up the scheme, are unlikely to deliver the workers with the expertise and experience to operate heavy farm machinery that we need for key grain operations including sowing and harvest,” says NSW Farmers Grains Committee Chair Matthew Madden.

“The timelines for the visa are also outside the immediate need, with the ag visa not set to be finalised until the end of the year, but harvest in NSW will commence in mid-late spring”.

“The grains sector has relied heavily on a steady flow of experienced and skilled overseas workers from other key grain production countries such as north America, Europe and the UK, with many entering on the Working Holiday Maker Visa. So until we see a restart to that, or unless the ag visa is extended to these regions and quickly, the 2021 grain harvest will be highly problematic with on-farm losses a real possibility,” said Mr Madden.

OPENING THE FLOODGATES?

Despite the threat posed to food security by the labour shortage, some academics and lobbyists remain dead against an ag visa, starting with Stephen.

“Once you open the scheme to those larger economies, employers are going to flock there rather than to the Pacific,” he says.

But Yahya Datuk Alexander, head of international relations at the influential Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told The Farmer talk of masses of Indonesian workers flocking to Australia was over the top: “some Indonesians will apply. But floodgates opening?

I don’t think so”.

Headline grabbing claims by Unions NSW that some harvest workers only earn around $10 per day could also stem an

influx of workers from ASEAN countries.

Back in Orange, Guy Gaeta says wage theft occurs in many different industries and agriculture is not immune to a few bad apples who do the wrong thing.

“I speak to farmers around the state every day, and I cannot find a single one who can pay workers $1.25 and convince them to stick around,” he says.

“If anyone can find a farmer doing that, they should be prosecuted. But that never happens, because instead of complaining to authorities, complaints are made to the unions and the media.”

More so, Guy says, it just doesn’t make financial sense for farmers facing the worst labour shortage in living memory to underpay the few workers they’re lucky enough to find.

“I want my workers to finish the harvest and come back to Orange next year and work for me again,” he says. “That’s why this new visa makes so much sense. It’ll make it easy for people who want to come to Australia to stay for nine months, then they have to go home for three months before coming back. And it’ll only be available for people who want to work in agriculture.

“The large majority of farmers do the right thing. They want workers to enjoy their job and value their collaborative efforts in putting food on shelves.”

In April this year, The Weekly Times reported that the Fair Work Ombudsman handled an average of 165 disputes about the horticulture industry each year – out of more than 26,900 completed matters.

This equates to less than one per cent of all disputes.

Guy says this statistic, which was confirmed to The Farmer by a Fair Work Ombudsman spokesperson, shows the criticism the sector receives is unjust. l SEP - OCT 2021

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The Big Picture

CAREERS IN AG: THE BRAVE NEW WORLD Gone are the days when a job in farming meant you had to own a farm and drive a tractor. Today, people can study, train and work in myriad agricultural sectors, and others connected to it, in endless ways.

–

Words TONY BLACKIE

L

ooking for careers in agriculture is nowhere near as hard as many people believe. A quick search online throws up more than 50 occupations and that’s before you even get to ‘farmer’.

Many people may still think that unless you own land there are no jobs in agriculture, but with more and more universities joining TAFE colleges and offering a diversity of agricultural qualifications, that’s simply no longer true.

Agricultural consultancy, animal nutrition, ecology, environmental engineering, farm management, hydrology, marine science, cell biology, coastal and ocean science, computer and earth science, ecology and conservation, biology, food science and nutrition. These are just some of the many sectors in farming, and the list goes on.

Off-farm agricultural careers are also growing as support networks in the industry expand. Artificial Intelligence is a case in point, as more farmers use technology to provide them with the competitive edge. Information technology graduates are also needed to develop the tools that the modern farm requires. Using robotics combined with AI, farmers can access better information about crop yields and they are better able to project their eventual income levels.

The use of drones is now almost commonplace, as farmers apply the technology to everything from property security to water, soil, stock and plantation management.

The need for people entering agricultural career options with backgrounds in the sciences, biology,

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chemistry and physics – allowing them to better understand soil management and plant growth – is becoming critical as global markets adapt to climate change.

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS

As the CEO of the Primary Industries Education Foundation, and a former secondary schools agricultural and science teacher for 10 years, Luciano Mesiti knows about developing secondary and tertiary level courses aimed at encouraging young students to take up agricultural career paths.

He admits that developing teaching material in the agricultural careers space is difficult, largely because of the prevailing perception that owning a farm is the only way to have a career in agriculture.

“In many schools it is challenging because the curriculum doesn’t encourage agriculture. There is still this stereotypical image incorrectly attached to agricultural employment, of a bloke on a tractor,” he says. “That perception, along with the idea that remuneration levels are too low, and that there are no career paths in the industry. However, research shows that wages per hour in agriculture are higher than hospitality at entry level.”

Luciano says that students need to understand that agriculture is not just farming, but that there are many jobs along the chain in the development, marketing and sale of food.

“The fact is that 80 per cent of agriculture happens beyond the farm gate,” says Luciano. “Getting that into the minds of young people is difficult.” >

ENDLES S OPP ORTUNITIES

Ecology, marine science, cell biology, coastal and ocean science, earth science, ecology and conservation, biology, food science and nutrition are just some of the many jobs that are a part of modern farming.

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THE BIG PICTURE

AGRICULTURE IS BOOMING

Australian farmgate production is on track for a record-breaking $66.3 billion year.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) June quarter 2021 Agriculture Commodities report shows how the sector has navigated the uncertainties and challenges posed by COVID-19 and changes in the international trade landscape.

The ABARES report states: “Australian farms employed 326,000 workers on average across 20182019, including full-time, part-time, casual and contract employees.

“Total farm employment varied from 356,000 in February to 311,000 in June 2019, reflecting the timing of relatively labour-intensive operations such as planting and harvest. Variation in total employment on farms is driven by changes in the use of casual and contract labour on farms (often known as seasonal workers).

“Broadacre farms are the largest employers in Australian agriculture, accounting for an average of 159,000 workers in 2018-19. Fruit grape and nut farms employed around 104,000 workers, vegetable farms employed 38,000 workers and dairy farms employed an average of 24,000 workers over the year.”

Luciano says that the statistics speak for themselves and there is a growing understanding of the need for professionally trained people in the ag sector.

“Many young people think the work is boring and while this is changing slowly, many urban people have a lack of connection as to where food actually comes from.”

Luciano says that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures showing the increasing move of urban dwellers to regional and rural centres is also helping to change the erroneous perception.

RAISING AWARENESS OF AG CAREERS

In the past three years the NSW Government and the education standards authority have been moving to increase exposure by students to potential agriculture careers and to a greater understanding of the paddockto-plate food production chain.

As a result, all students now have to do 50 hours of agricultural studies at high school.

“NSW now has the largest number of students doing agriculture as an elective. In Australia overall there has been a 30 per cent jump in ag degrees offered by universities and agricultural related courses through TAFE,” Luciano comments.

But the reduction in funding and support for the TAFE sector has created many issues for continuing education in rural and regional areas.

“We have a crisis in the education system in schools across Australia,” says Luciano. “There has been a decline in the number of teachers in the tech areas such as woodwork and specialised ag areas. We have found that some schools have removed their ag programs because they don’t have the teachers.

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ALL IN THE DETAILS

Top to bottom: Farmers learning to use drones; Examination of a seedling’s roots.

Opposite page: A young scientist testing different nutrients in plant soil.

“There has to be a high priority to think about ag from a technical perspective.”

He points out that many TAFE colleges are still offering these specialised tech short courses, despite the cuts to funding and he says other educational institutions such as Tocal College are implementing specialised courses such as drone use and management as well as robotics and AI development.

INCREASING STUDY OPTIONS IN AGRICULTURE

The NSW Government has a range of courses and study options in the agriculture industry at all stages of a person’s career. The School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) is currently available through the TAFE curriculum.

There are SBATs in agriculture, horticulture, conservation and land management related areas available at NSW Government Schools. There are currently 101 Government schools across the state that offer these courses.

The NSW Education Standards Authority also has an Agricultural Technology Syllabus available for study for students in Years 7-10, and an HSC Syllabus in Agriculture for study by students in Years 11 and 12.

Enrolments in all qualifications with the exception of Production Horticulture and Production Nursery are placed in the NESA Primary Industries Course, which is an Industry Curriculum Framework course which contributes to the HSC, ATAR and VET qualifications.

The NSW Government has also introduced the AgSkilled 2.0 program which funds fee-free training for job seekers looking to work in the plant-growing agricultural industry sectors of cotton, grains, production horticulture, viticulture and rice growing.

AgSkilled 2.0 training is also available for existing workers seeking to upskill or change their careers in agriculture.

This program is designed to help develop career entry pathways, employment, and career progression by providing the industry-relevant skills employers want and need.

These courses are designed in consultation with the plant-growing sectors and have a focus on skills in production, technology, business and safety.

The AgSkilled 2.0 training is available across rural, regional and metropolitan NSW. l

Making it work together As the pandemic continues, more and more people are moving to the regions. And so, the infrastructure and companies needed to keep small towns growing and supporting ever-expanding communities, are not only empowering, but essential.

–

Words JEANETTE SEVERS

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THE BIG ISSUE COUNTRY TOWNS AND BIG CORPORATIONS

T

his story was researched and written as the New South Wales government progressively locked down local government areas across NSW as day by day, the numbers of people affected by coronavirus steadily rose.

So, there was no getting away from the contrast between urban and regional NSW. With agriculture deemed an essential service, rural agribusinesses have been able to retain workers and continue operating, albeit with certain modifications at times.

Interviewed for What’s Your Beef (The Farmer, May-June 2021) John Seccombe – Chair of the Northern Cooperative Meat Company – said the pandemic required abattoirs to change workplace practices to reduce close interaction between employees. And in July this year, the Nestlé factory at Blayney underwent a deep clean after a worker interacted with a tier one contact from one of Sydney’s local government areas. The alert led to a short lockdown in the Orange district.

But it was unnecessary to compare the freedoms of living in regional NSW, and, in particular, on rural blocks of land. As far as the pandemic goes, agriculture is a protected industry, but it relies on an available and skilled workforce.

The security of the industry is on the back of last year’s

release of NSW Farmers Association’s blueprint for the future of agriculture, loosely referred to as ‘30 by 30’, or more accurately, Growing Our Food and Fibre Future. [See our story on regionalisation in this issue on pages 16 and 17] The ‘30 by 30’ document clearly identifies a pathway to increased economic prosperity for NSW agriculture – positioning the State as a powerhouse of agricultural production contributing $30 billion towards the national goal of $100 billion by 2030.

To deliver on that goal, and support the growth of population centres, the NSW government needs to invest in infrastructure and, as identified in Whose Land Is It Anyway?

(The Farmer May-June 2021), create consistent legislation around land use planning.

And in the July-August 2021 issue of The Farmer, in the Suing For Paradise article, the dynamic views surrounding mining, particularly open-cut mining, were analysed.

There was plenty written last year in mainstream media about the trend for people to move into the regions as remote working became more commonplace and their workplaces supported and enabled them to choose where to live. For many, their decision was to move into population centres where people didn’t live in crowded communities.

But this is not a new situation. >

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THE BIG ISSUE COUNTRY TOWNS AND BIG CORPORATIONS

INFRASTRUCTURE AND BIG BUSINESS

Infrastructure is key to enabling economic and population growth and the ‘30 by 30’ document clearly demonstrates that those key outcomes will help drive agriculture as a powerhouse of the NSW economy.

Along the way, agriculture will help build a workforce in a state with an employment rate that is too high – the second-highest in Australia at 5.1 per cent (June 2021). The youth unemployment rate for 15-24 year olds was 13 per cent (January 2021, ABARES data).

In NSW’s Central West district, unemployment in January 2021 was 4 per cent, with youth unemployment at 8 per cent. ABARES reported workforce participation in the Central West district was 68 per cent, compared to a State-wide rate of 65 per cent. Workforce participation is based on a minimum of one working hour per week.

When people of working age move to a region, many of them have families and want schools, health care, secure employment opportunities, and reliable transport routes. In the same way, employers want schools, health care facilities, and reliable transport routes to be built and maintained, in order to attract employees.

The Central West population is 156,000 people, with the major towns of Bathurst, Blayney, Cowra, Lithgow, Molong, Mudgee, Oberon and Orange, across an area of approximately 31,365 km2. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has projected the population of Bathurst will swell to 51,550, Dubbo to 46,500 and Orange to 46,250 people, by 2031.

Orange currently has a population of more than 40,500 people and the council is a key partner in driving economic growth, including lobbying the NSW and Commonwealth governments for infrastructure to enable that growth. Of course, decentralisation has been a key corridor for growth in NSW and in January 1992, Orange became the headquarters of the Department of Agriculture.

Since then, the town has attracted growth in medical facilities and schools, corporate organisations have moved into Orange and other Central West towns, and the airport and other transport routes are key parts of economic growth for the region.

“We now have the headquarters of Paraway Pastoral Company, Rabobank Australia and the Rural Investment Corporation in Orange,” says Orange Mayor and NSW Farmer’s member, Reg Kidd.

“From 2022, UGL (a large engineering company) will operate their transport hub out of Orange. Taking over from John Holland Rail, UGL will be responsible for operating the Country Regional Network – almost 1000 kilometres of the network is dedicated to moving grain, from the silo to local markets and ports for export,” Reg says.

Because of the major agricultural and infrastructure investment vehicles that chose to locate in Orange, private research and extension services have developed.

Bioscience company, Agritechnology has

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BANDING TO GETHER

Top to bottom: Harvesting grapes.

Winemaking is deemed an essential service during the pandemic, ensuring employment for people in rural communities.

Corporate investors in regional towns can form closer relationships to the social and environmental values of a place. Here, the De Bortoli Winery workforce happily participates in Clean Up Australia Day. Photograph courtesy of De Bortoli Wines.

established its presence in nearby Borenore. The universities of Western Sydney and Newcastle have joined Charles Sturt University in the region. Orange Agricultural Institute is an established 700 acre education and extension facility, meeting the needs of regional farmers.

Supporting public and private hospitals in the district, CSU recently expanded its health courses to include medicine alongside dentistry, physiotherapy, pharmacy, nursing and science. But there’s more.

“CSU also offers degrees in engineering, IT, teaching, and agriculture,” Reg says. “When Newcrest Mining expanded into the region they began supporting some of our young people with scholarships to study accounting and engineering.

They provide apprenticeships at both Cadia Valley and Bathurst, and employment opportunities locally and elsewhere.

“Young people choose to work in mines closer to towns like in our region, where they have a 15-minute commute to work, and can be home for sport and other community activities.”

Unfortunately, unlike many of its neighbours, Orange has limited opportunities to expand its water storage infrastructure.

That’s why I installed roll bars on our quad bikes

www.safewo rk.nsw.gov.a u

But Reg sees this as an opportunity for the region to invest in new technologies for recycling water, and encouraging residents to engage in shared environmental values by creating new habits around water use.

EMPLOYMENT FOR LOCALS AND NEW RESIDENTS

Further afield, but still in the Tablelands region, in the past 10 years, Nestlé has invested $200 million in its Blayney site, where it manufactures Nestlé Purina PetCare pet food. According to factory manager at Blayney, Andrew Devlin, more than 80 per cent of raw materials used in manufacturing pet food are sourced from the local region, including meat and grain, supporting 60 local businesses in western NSW. Nestlé exported more than $45 million of pet food in 2019.

In east-central NSW, the national logistics hub operates out of Parkes Shire – the announcement in July of a $10 billion investment to construct the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail further positions the region as a development hub for the supporting logistics of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centres.

Parkes is a key location for redeveloping efficiencies around inland rail for NSW agriculture; the NSW government’s investment aligns with NSW

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Top left and then clockwise: In 1992 the NSW Department of Agriculture head office was decentralised to Orange; Newcrest Mining – operating in Cadia Valley – brought employment, community investment and lifestyle choices to rural and regional districts; Reg Kidd, Mayor of Orange City Council; Charles Sturt University entrance; NSWFA member, Darren De Bortoli.

Photographs courtesy of Orange City Council and De Bortoli Wines.

THE BIG ISSUE COUNTRY TOWNS AND BIG CORPORATIONS

Farmers focus in the ‘30 by 30’ document to build transport infrastructure that supports agricultural production – efficiently moving machinery and product around the State, interstate and to ports for export. About 1,500 hectares of land will be available for development, and up to 3,000 jobs are expected to be created.

One of Australia’s well-known wineries, De Bortoli Wines, has its footprint squarely in rural NSW. The family-run agribusiness is still central to Bilbul, in the Riverina, with vineyards, a cellar door, and broadacre cropping.

Over time it has expanded across NSW’s Hunter Valley, and into Rutherglen and the Yarra Valley in Victoria. For NSWFA member, Darren De Bortoli, the values that have attracted the company’s investment in each region are key tourist markets, reliable transport routes and infrastructure with direct access to export facilities, workforce and water.

“Regional towns are untenable when their economies and workforces are reliant on only one industry,”

Darren says. “Our closest regional town is Griffith and most of our workforce live there. Having viable agricultural industries in a region attracts other investors into towns – manufacturing equipment, retail and service delivery underpins hospitals and schools.”

International technology manufacturer Flavourtech (based in Griffith) is supporting the wine industry in the Riverina, and further afield – diversifying into developing technology for the agriculture, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

“They employ a professional workforce that live in and contribute money to rural economies,” Darren says. “If you don’t have these other sectors surviving, then workforces go elsewhere, there’s less children in the schools, and less teachers are employed.

It’s a circular effect.”

And at times like this, when pandemics affect hospitality and tourism businesses such as cellar door wineries, those other businesses can and do offer employment. l

Sweet success for our sugar industry

The NSW sugar industry produces just six per cent of the nation’s total production but what it might not have in terms of size, it sure makes up for with smart innovations and strength in unity.

–

Words SHEREE YOUNG

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TRADE SUGARCANE

T

he saying – three for the cup and one for the floor – was once commonly uttered by NSW sugar growers keen to keep demand up for their product, but with the 200,000 tonnes of raw sugar that will be produced in 2021 already sold, it doesn’t seem relevant anymore.

The NSW sugar industry is steeped in history – the first sugar mill in Australia was built on the banks of the expansive Clarence River at Harwood in 1894 and still operates today, as do the state’s other two mills at Condong and Broadwater.

On the face of it, the NSW sugar industry is small, but it packs a punch with direct supply lines into 35 per cent of the domestic market at the retail and industrial food manufacturing level. NSW grown and refined sugar is what you will find bagged up as the private label sugar brand for some major retailers, and it also produces the only low GI sugar offering on the market.

Sugar contributes $200 million a year into the Northern Rivers economy and is based around three river systems – the Tweed in the far north, the Richmond, and the Clarence the furthest south.

Farming methodology differs depending on the variety of cane grown and the location. Cane from the Tweed is typically grown for one year due to the warmer temperatures. Further south the cycle is two years.

But the innovations in the NSW industry do not stop there.

Think botanical water (yes, you can grow water), mushroom production growbags, extended life cane juice, egg carton packaging and a ground-breaking development which will see the green, lush tops of fully grown cane – known as the trash – used as stockfeed. This would end the contentious, but highly romanticised practice of burning cane, which is something the industry desperately wants.

An optimistic view Third-generation Tweed grower and NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative director Kevin Twohill says there is plenty to be excited about after some lean years.

“We’ve got a couple of really good years ahead of us now. For the crop we are harvesting at the moment, the global price is up so we are looking at a substantial increase on what we received last year,” Kevin says.

“This is the most optimistic that things have looked for a long time and people have every reason to be positive in our industry in NSW.” Kevin remembers his father rattling off the old ‘three for the cup and one for the floor’ joke but says so much has changed since then.

Farming methods have modernised but with that has come the need for growers to farm more land to remain viable.

“In real terms our returns haven’t increased much at all over the years, so we really had to look at ways of producing a good crop and increasing the amount of area that one person can work,” he says.

Share-farming is a common practice among canegrowers and Kevin currently share-farms 100 hectares in addition to the 100 hectares he owns. “These days you have less individuals growing cane, but those individuals are growing cane off larger areas of land,” he says.

IT’S NEVER LOOKED SWEETER

The industry’s 34,000-hectares of cane are reasonably spread out, and the cohesion between growers, milling operations and Sunshine Sugar – the industry’s corporate face which is half owned by farmers and Australian family-owned flour miller, Manildra Group – has ensured its sustained success.

“We are the only Australian owned operation if you are talking about the total operation from the farmer through to the refinery,” Sunshine Sugar CEO Chris Connors says.

“There are a couple of smaller mills in Queensland that are still owned by the growers but when you go beyond the mills, the refineries are all overseas owned. I think 85 per cent of the Australian industry is owned by overseas companies.”

And right now, things have never looked sweeter for NSW sugar growers.

This year, the global price has been bumping >

LEADING THE WAY

Top to bottom: Thirdgeneration Tweed cane grower, Kevin Twohill, says there is a great deal to be positive about with record prices ensuring strong returns for farmers in 2021; Repurposing the green tops of the cane, known as the trash, into stockfeed would end the need for burning before harvesting; Sunshine Sugar CEO Chris Connors says the future of the industry is about looking beyond crystallised sugar with a number of new innovations in the pipeline.

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TRADE SUGARCANE

Unity is the secret of our success Ross Farlow’s pride in the NSW sugar industry is impossible to miss.

This fourth-generation farmer remembers when the work – which is now carried out by GPS controlled tractors and mechanical harvesters – was done by hand. Now the NSW Canegrowers Council and Clarence Canegrowers Chairman, Ross says cohesion and a willingness to change has set the industry up for the future.

“One of our strengths in NSW is that all of our growers – almost 500 of them – are members of Canegrowers, and that is something we are very proud of,” Ross says.

“We also have a strong link to Sunshine Sugar so there is a clear and ongoing communication link between the cane growing sector and the milling sector.”

Sharing equipment, like harvesters, is also a feature of the NSW industry, with a number of formal and informal co-ops and contractor groups operating in the area. Farmers are also happy to help each other out with tips to boost productivity.

“The more cane my neighbour grows means the more cane will go through the mill and the more sugar we have to sell. It all comes back to us, so it is in our interests to help each other to grow more and be a stronger business overall,” Ross says.

He points to pivotal moments in history that led the industry to where it is today, starting with growers forming the NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative in 1978 to buy the three mills off CSR. Next was in 1989 when the growers signed a joint venture with Manildra Group to build the refinery with this relationship extending to Manildra Group taking a 50 per cent share of the entire business in 2015.

“Some members were not in favour of it but overall, it has worked out,” Ross says. “We have had to embrace change to stay strong.”

around the 17 to 18 US cent a pound range (it usually hovers at the 12 US cent mark), and NSW growers are expecting between $37 to $38 a tonne for their cane, depending on sugar content, this year.

Sunshine Sugar sells the sugar to a mix of industrial and retail customers. It also sets the price NSW growers receive.

“We set ourselves the benchmark against QSL (Queensland Sugar Limited) and we have beaten that benchmark every year and some years pretty substantially, so we do that pretty well,” Chris says.

DIVERSIFICATION STREAMS

Since Chris took up the CEO role in 2008, inroads have been made into innovative diversifications with each venture tipped to add $1 million to Sunshine Sugar’s bottom line.

“Our strategic business plan very clearly says we can’t just keep producing crystal sugar,” he says.

“You can see from the Queensland industry the difficulty that brings. A number of sugar mills have closed up there and there is no doubt that over the years the sustainability of the industry has become quite questionable.

“We have had that view for quite a long time – you can’t just make sugar; you have to make

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other products out of any part of the cane that you possibly can.”

So far, the low GI sugar is proving the most successful. It is produced at Condong and packed at Murwillumbah.

“The low GI has been in production now for three years and it is going very well. It is a very profitable project, and it is also delivering on the bottom line,” Chris says.

The Aqua Botanical Water diversification involves extracting the water from the cane, also at Condong.

Plans are underway to build similar plants at the other mills and scale up.

“Our theme is we grow water. There is a huge amount of water inside the cane so instead of sending it back into the streams, we take that and put it through a plant and then bottle it and it is probably the best water you could get as it has no impurities in it,” Chris explains, adding that much research has been going into the stockfeed innovation and the project is almost there.

“This is about stopping the burning all together as we would cut the cane with the green leaf still on it,” he says. “It’s called trash, but it is not really trash.

It’s actually a good product if you can utilise it in the right way.” l

A SWEET FUTURE

Top to bottom: Clarence cane grower, Ross Farlow, says a willingness to embrace change has been key to the NSW industry’s success; The historic Harwood mill on the banks of the Clarence River; Sunshine Sugar employs 400 people in the Northern Rivers area and contributes $200 million annually to the area’s economy.

Cracking open the global HAZELNUT INDUSTRY A $70 million on-farm investment from the world’s third largest confectioner has placed NSW in top position to take advantage of the increasingly lucrative global hazelnut industry.

–

Words LISA SMYTH

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TRADE HAZELNUT INDUSTRY

I

n the year ending June 2020, 12 per cent of Australian households had purchased ‘fresh’ hazelnuts, buying an average of 162g per shopping trip. Many more Australians would have eaten hazelnuts as an ingredient in chocolate bars, cakes, breakfast spreads and as part of dishes in high-end restaurants.

But the most likely origin of hazelnuts consumed in Australia is somewhere far from home – the Black Sea Coast in Turkey to be exact, where 70 per cent of the world’s hazelnut crop comes from. In the year ending June 2020, Australia exported five tonnes of kernel hazelnuts, and one tonne of in-shell hazelnuts, but we imported a whopping 3,496 tonnes of kernel hazelnuts to feed our chocolate habit (most imports are used by mass-market confectioners).

“There is a significant import replacement opportunity for Australian-grown hazelnuts,” explains Darren Baguley, the NSW Representative for the Hazelnut Growers of Australia. “Most hazelnuts bought in-shell in Australia are imported from Turkey, a small amount comes from the US, and they are

usually a year old. Australian hazelnuts are fresh and of extremely high quality – quality that patisseries, confectioners, hatted restaurants and consumers are all recognising.

“There is an even larger potential market for providing quality, fresh Australian hazelnuts to the northern hemisphere in off season – if we can get to scale.”

Basil Baldwin’s hazelnut farm near Orange sits above three abandoned goldmines, and in the 20 years since he and his wife Jean established it, he’s seen a significant increase in demand.

“We have 5,000 trees and this year we harvested close to 20 tonnes. I think the demand for hazelnuts has increased and so the price has also increased. The supply in Australia is very limited, and the imported product is generally inferior. For example, we supply to Scoop Wholefoods here in Orange, and they have our roasted nuts, and they have nuts from Turkey. And the Turkish nuts are rancid; they really are absolutely awful – there’s no other word for it. So there’s a very big opportunity for fresh, Australian-grown kernels.”

ACRES OF NUTS

Basil Baldwin’s hazelnut farm near Orange sits above three abandoned goldmines and has 5,000 trees. In 2021 he and his wife Jean harvested 20 tonnes of hazelnuts.

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A LEAP AHEAD

NUTS FOR NUTS

Hazelnut imports grew by more than 60 per cent from 1992 to 2015, so it’s no surprise that businesses have been exploring opportunities to scale up domestic production. In 2016, recognising both the domestic and international demand for hazelnuts, Italian food giant Ferrero – makers of global brands such as Nutella, Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Surprise – established the company Agri Australis in Narranderra in the Riverina region in order to plant and cultivate one million hazelnut trees.

In line with a global business approach to support the development of hazelnut cultivation around the world, including within the Southern Hemisphere, Agri Australis joins Ferrero farms in Chile, Argentina and South Africa that are beginning to supply an additional global harvest from February to March.

Hazelnuts take seven to 10 years to come into commercial production, so Ferrero had to choose its Australian location well for such a long-term investment. Hazelnuts grow best in temperate areas, and Ferrero identified cultivation should take place between the latitudes of 30 to 45 degrees in the Southern Hemisphere. With its wide range of soils, transport links, access to regional skills and labour, and opportunities to scale up, Narranderra ticked all the boxes.

“One of the largest confectionery groups in the world growing hazelnuts in Australia has been a massive boon to the industry. Its nursery provides scale if growers are willing to grow the varieties it favours, and it has increased the visibility of the industry at all levels of government,” enthuses Baguley.

Agri Australis’ first commercial yield is expected to be 5,000 tonnes in-shell, representing the majority of the industry’s rapid expansion in the coming years.

An orderly hazelnut plantation; Clem Cox selling value added kernel at Pyrmont Growers Market; Australia Gourmet Hazelnuts produced the first Australian hazelnut oil; True to type, self-rooted, suckers or whips are propagated by a modified form of coppicing and mound layering; Clem and Vanessa Cox with some of their hazelnuts.

(First photo courtesy of Agri Australis and all others courtesy of Vanessa Cox).

Fast fact In 2018, Australia exported nuts to 65 countries, and export sales of Australian tree nuts are forecast to increase by 75 per cent – to $1.3 billion – by 2025 on the back of the current wave of expansion.

Can Australia make its own chocolate?

A report from 2019 revealed that Australians consume 32kg of chocolate per person per year, and there’s little doubt there would have been quite a bump in the past 12 months as so many of us reached for ‘comfort food’ during the ongoing pandemic.

There are many chocolate manufacturers in Australia, but very few that can claim to be producing Australian single-origin chocolate. While hazelnuts are a significant part of the chocolate-making process, there is one ingredient that is even more vital – cocoa.

Cocoa only grows in latitudes 10 to 18 degrees north and south of the equator, so while Pacific neighbours like the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have the perfect conditions, NSW doesn’t make the cut right now (though trials of controlled temperature cropping and cooler climate breeding programs could change that in the future).

The best production potential for cacao in Australia is northern QLD, and parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Since 2010, Daintree Estates at Mossman in northern QLD is one of a handful of companies in the world that covers the entire chocolate supply chain – growing, harvesting, processing and marketing its own product range. Working with three different farmers in the tropical Daintree region, the business focuses on sustainability and using Australian sugar and ingredients to ensure the chocolate is single-origin and truly ‘local’.

Another QLD producer, Charley’s Chocolate Factory in Mission Beach, had its Mount Edna cocoa chocolate awarded as one of the 18 finest in the world in 2017 at the international Cocoa Of Excellence program in Paris – often described as the ‘cocoa Olympics’.

Whether Australia has the ability to grow its own flourishing ‘tree to bar’ chocolate industry at scale remains to be seen, but with global confectioners turning their eyes to Australian hazelnuts, the potential for our own Willy Wonka empire to emerge from locallygrown products feels closer than ever.

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TRADE HAZELNUT INDUSTRY

Hazelnuts by the numbers It is expected that hazelnuts will have a massive

21-fold

increase in production by 2025.

Approximately

2,500

hectares of hazelnut plantations in Australia.

1.2 million There are

hazelnut trees planted in Australia.

In 2020, production was 350 tonnes in-shell, but is expected to be

5,500 tonnes

in-shell in 2021, with the first largescale commercial harvest from Agri Australis.

Though, all Australian hazelnut growers are feeling the exceptional increase in demand.

Craig Anderson, a grower from Southern New South Wales, asked that his business not be named as existing demand is so high and his orchard is still recovering from the bushfires.

“We no longer have to approach potential new customers as we did when we started.

Social media and word-of-mouth are enough now. We went from purely selling nuts in-shell, to supplying raw kernel, meal and roast kernels.

Each was in response to customer requests.”

A GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY

Between September 2019 and March 2020, Turkey made nearly US$1.65 billion in revenue from hazelnut exports, but growing instances of unseasonal storms, rising temperatures and an invasion of brown marmorated stinkbug are putting Turkey’s, and the world’s, hazelnut supply at significant threat.

“Because there are very few pests and

diseases that affect hazelnuts in Australia, they are easy to grow with minimal chemical use, giving Australian hazelnuts an exceptionally clean and green image,” says Baguley.

“Hazelnuts are a high-value tree crop with growers who are willing to value-add getting prices as high as $30 per kg. Support from the NSW Department of Primary Industries has been quite strong – there is a temperate nuts researcher who looks after hazelnuts, walnuts and chestnuts, and there are several hazelnut research plots in NSW. But Hort Innovation excludes the hazelnut industry body from matched funding on projects because it does not have a statutory levy, though previously it did match funds. The industry would like to see this reinstated.”

The demand for Australian hazelnuts is only going to grow in the decades ahead, and with more than a million hazelnut trees already in production, NSW is primed to lead the industry to a sweet future. l

In 2018, hazelnut production was valued at $3.7 million, but it is estimated to have a value of

40 million

in 2021.

Australian production of hazelnuts is viewed as a

potential 400 million

industry.

Australians consume

32kg

of chocolate, per person, per year

SEP - OCT 2021

THE FARMER

47

Crop cover that works as hard as you do.

At WFI, we know that you work especially hard during crop season. That’s why we want to help you protect what you’ve grown. Give us a call to chat about crop insurance and we can make sure you’re properly covered for the season.

Speak with your local WFI Area Manager by calling 1300 934 934 or visit wfi.com.au Alternatively, call NSW Farmers on (02) 9478 1042 or visit www.nswfarmers.org.au/ wfi to be referred to your local WFI Area Manager.

Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as WFI. To see if a product is right for you, always consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations available from wfi.com.au. Under the Privacy Act we are required to make you aware of how we will collect and use personal information that you provide to us. This information is contained in our privacy statement which is available online at www.wfi.com.au or by contacting WFI on 1300 934 934 or emailing privacy@wfi.com.au. The NSW Farmers Association (NSWFA) 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 NSWFA receives a commission from WFI between 5% and 10% of the value of the premium payment (excluding taxes and charges).

BUSINESS TRACTOR COLLECTOR

A TRACTOR LOVER'S HEAVEN ON EARTH

Tom Horwood's tractor collection lures in visitors from far and wide.

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THE FARMER

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The

TRACTOR

farm

Tom Horwood’s collection of 500 tractors on his property in Inverell boasts one of the most impressive assortments of motor vehicles in NSW.

–

Words DARCY WATT Photography ANT ONG

SEP - OCT 2021

THE FARMER

51

BUSINESS TRACTOR COLLECTOR

T

ractor models are parked, row upon row, in colour-coded sections that range from greens to reds, blues, yellows and more. Tom’s collection is growing every day so he’ll no doubt be in the market for a new shed soon.

At the moment, the collection is not officially open to the general public as Tom is too busy to manage a public museum. However he does hope to open it in the next few years – perhaps when he retires from his business, Rural Wrecking.

Although, given the chance Tom enjoys taking people for a wander amongst the various tractors and he often has visitors from all backgrounds, and many from private car and vintage machinery clubs.

“Some days we have 10 or 15 visitors but other days it might be only two. When we have the clubs visit, there might be 30 or 40 people here,” says Tom. His tractors are from all over the world and the same can be said for his visitors: Belgium, Germany, America and New Zealand citizens have all made the trip way out to Inverell to discover the hidden gems that are parked on Tom’s property.

“We used to have a lot of people on working visas drop in and have a look around. Not so much this year due to COVID, but they usually come here while they’re working the harvest,” he explains. “They see my collection online and they turn up wearing their clogs and have a look around,” he says with a laugh.

“They’re always impressed.”

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THE FARMER

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ONE PERSON'S TREASURE

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

(Left to right) The most expensive tractors in Tom’s collection are the Flaming-4-Titan (above, left) and the 1956 50-D-David Brown. Although Tom admits it’s hard to put a figure on a tractor as sometimes it’s only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

Tom hasn’t always lived in Inverell. His Dad kicked him off the family farm when he was a young man and told him to get a trade. As Tom sees it, it’s the best thing his father ever did for him.

He completed an apprenticeship with a local International dealer in the 70s, and so it’s no surprise that to this day Tom’s favourite tractors are the older International models.

As a diesel mechanic he worked in Queensland mines and eventually moved to Port Macquarie with his wife. But the farm, which has been in the family for almost four generations, was where Tom started building up his business and his collection of tractors.

Tom’s future museum all began with his grandfather’s tractor – an American Hart Parr made in Charles City, Iowa, which is now basically a part of the family. However, a close runner for favourites is his 8-16 1914 Mogul, which is incredibly rare, not to mention cool.

“Between 1910 and 1920, there was a limited number of tractors around as most tractors were made overseas. International McCormick made Moguls and Titans, and I am proud to say that I have a few of both types,” he says.

“I actually never had any intention of doing this – my collection has naturally evolved over the years and I found a lot of old tractors by doing field service as a mechanic.

“I have to say – often people are in shock when

“There are some rusty looking tractors here – some of them have been restored mechanically but we don’t paint them. We like to keep them in their working clothes.” they first lay eyes on what’s inside my sheds, and they ask – ‘Where in the world did you get all of this?’”

“There are some rusty looking tractors here – some of them have been restored mechanically but we don’t paint them. We like to keep them in their working clothes.”

The most expensive tractors in Tom’s collection are the Flaming-4-Titan and the 1956 50-D-David Brown.

Although Tom admits it’s hard to put a figure on a tractor as sometimes it’s only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

The coveted collection is also home to a variety of brands: Lanz Bulldog, Chamberlain, Case, The Grey Ferguson, John Deere and International, to name a few. “There are some unusual little tractors here that most people haven’t seen before,” Tom says. “People think little or they think big, but they don’t often think in between. Tractors come in all shapes and sizes.”

LIFE AND WORK ARE ONE

Tom lives and breathes his work, and he says the best part of his lifestyle is the people he meets who love exploring his evergrowing collection.

OUT WITH THE NEW AND IN WITH THE OLD

As a part of Tom’s wrecking business, he often deals with late-model tractors.

“They’re very expensive,” he says. “Some of the new tractors that we wreck are only four or five years old. The owners can’t sort out the electronics or they have huge transmission failures that cost a fortune, and it just doesn’t make sense to keep them.

“If you service machinery properly, it will look after you and last longer. Old tractors like that. Sometimes I find when it comes to modern technology, it doesn’t

matter how well you service something, it can still fail – especially when it comes to electronics or hydraulics.

They’re so complicated. Older machinery is always simpler, and simplicity usually means reliability.”

Tom lives and breathes his work, and he says the best part of his lifestyle is the people he meets who love exploring his ever-growing collection. “Most of the people who are interested in what we do are generally great people with a similar passion to mine,” he says. l SEP - OCT 2021

THE FARMER

53

BUSINESS GUNDOOEE ORGANICS

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THE FARMER

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Conception TO

consumption Rob Lennon is as passionate about his organic Wagyu as he is about the entire farming process and the earth his business is built upon.

–

Words DARCY WATT Photography PIP FARQUHARSON

R

ob Lennon’s organic Wagyu beef farm nestled amongst pastureladen hills near Dunedoo began some years ago, and right from the beginning, his business and farm was different to others.

Gundooee Organics is the first Wagyu farm to be organically certified in Australia, with ethical and ecologically regenerative farming techniques driving Rob’s vision. And he is still as passionate about farming as he was 22 years ago when it all began with the purchase of a block of land.

With Irish farmers for ancestors, Rob says farming is in his blood. First he got his truck license and started wheat carting, and then he went on to study at a farm management college.

Rob doesn’t sell his cattle to saleyards, supermarkets or abattoirs. Instead, he operates his business by retaining ownership of the cattle right through to the roller doors of the butchers, shops or restaurant – selling award-winning organic Wagyu from Melbourne to Mackay.

It’s a unique approach in his field, and he is a firm believer that he sells food, not cattle or carcase.

“Instead of from paddock to plate, I go a bit further and call it from conception to colon,” Rob explains. “I want my food to taste good, be nutrient-dense and of course, digestible. After years of drought, heat and flies it was really starting to wear me down but, when you get a call from someone saying how much they really enjoyed your beef, there’s a connection and a moment of real pride. It’s very meaningful.”

SOIL HEALTH EXPLAINED

Rob views himself as a micro-farmer, and his greatest farming priority is soil health.

He achieves this through regenerative farming practices such as avoiding chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, operating a continuous livestock rotation, and other agroecology methods. Rob’s farm is a thriving food system with deep arable topsoils. > SEP - OCT 2021

THE FARMER

55

BUSINESS GUNDOOEE ORGANICS

SOIL HEALTH IS VITAL TO LIFE AT GUND O OEE

Unlike many in his industry, Rob sees his Wagyu cattle (pictured above) right through from conception to consumption, and believes that high quality meat hinges on healthy soil.

56

THE FARMER

“I have a photograph from 2003, and in it, the hill behind my house is purple with Paterson’s curse. There wasn’t a lot of grazing pressure from that time, and after three years, I could hardly find a single Paterson’s curse plant. I often make a joke that I changed things just by sitting on the veranda. In other words, I did nothing proactive to get rid of the weed. I simply let it move through its successional phases.”

Rob first encountered a conversation on living soil health at a field day in Coolah.

“I remember thinking ahh – I get it. I’m finally understanding how it all comes together.”

The message was clear – don’t be greedy. And so, Rob began to change his practice, taking only what pasture was needed and investing the rest back into the farm.

“When I bought this property, it was clear that it was meant for organics,” he says. “But back then, all I knew was to take your boots off at the door and leave gates as you found them.”

Rob put water troughs in all the paddocks after he divided them up, and he saw some massive changes in the farm over time by simply having 100 per cent ground cover, 100 per cent of the time.

“The depth of the topsoil is eight inches with

SEP - OCT 2021

a shovel now. In the good old days, it may have been three to four inches of soil, and that wasn’t great quality. Roots establish themselves many feet down and that’s when they hit clay. It’s a duplex soil type.”

Soil health is not reflected in certified organic auditing or testing. “When auditors arrive for testing, they’re interested in traceability, the absence of prohibited inputs (chemicals and herbicides, pesticides, fertilisers and GMOs) and some animal welfare issues. There’s no ongoing testing for soil health, carbon or water holding capacity.”

Rob is pleased with his certified organic label, however he finds the organic certification structures to be limited when it comes to measuring a farm’s holistic ecosystem. Instead, Rob invests in system resilience, as he believes that soil health extensively affects the farm environment, the quality of meat for consumption, and the nutrient density of the beef.

After the 2017 Sir Ivan fire, Rob implemented de-stocking with short-term agistment and pasture closures to assist the regeneration of annual and perennial grasses. According to a test result on his property, Rob’s farm has over 75 different species of deep-rooted perennials and annuals.

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FROM THE EARTH

Regenerative farming allows cattle to graze for nutrients and components of pasture species that they need and crave, much like humans. For instance, a pregnant cow needs different nutrients to one that’s not. All of this impacts the quality of food produced.

“There’s always variants in there, and diversity at every level is where the strength and resilience of a system comes into play,” explains Rob. “It’s great tasting beef when it’s grown the right way, and it’s also highly nutritious and a healthier alternative because of lower fat melting point temperatures,” he says.

“But the hardest part is getting consumers to decide whether or not food is important enough to them, to dedicate their time and money to.”

GUNDOOEE GETAWAYS

With so much to learn every day, Rob wants to share some of his knowledge by encouraging people to visit his farm. And so, Gundooee Getaways was born.

On a typical getaway, visitors can learn how their food is produced and cooked. Again, Rob takes a holistic approach to the entire process, and his aim is educating his visitors on how poor food and lifestyle choices affect things universally.

“Guests are not sure what they’re in for when they get here,” Rob says. “We often end up talking

about quite personal things, and they can see who I am and vice versa. We have meaningful discussions about life and that is all a part of the experience.

Everyone has a story or several to tell.”

The hands-on farm experience also includes a two-hour tour, and a delicious Gundooee beef meal which Rob’s partner helps make with vegies primarily from their garden.

“It’s important that we challenge people’s perceptions. I can make mistakes and still have an open and perceptive mind. There is always another way of doing things,” Rob says.

Rob is as passionate about sustainable farming practices as he is about helping people realise the benefits of regenerative farming for the environment, and for their personal health. He says he likes to help and encourage people to live well.

He believes farmers have the power to significantly help reduce the impact we have on climate change – by challenging current industrialised farming methods and converting to more traditional and organic practices.

“I love getting up and being able to prioritise what I personally believe is important,” Rob says.

“I learn more every day, and I have the rare opportunity to look after the environment. The cattle don’t run away from me – they trust me, and that’s also so rewarding.” l

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THE FARMER

57

SPECIAL REPORT FENCING AND STOCKYARDS

Infarmstructure BOOM Concessional loans, tax breaks, low interest rates, strong commodity prices, technology changes and population shifts are seeing an investment boom in farm infrastructure.

–

Words DARREN BAGULEY

W

ith the well-received launch of the NSW Government’s new $1 billion Farm Innovation Fund, NSW farmers can now borrow up to a maximum of $1 million per project, with a total of $1 million outstanding at any one time to build on-farm infrastructure, fencing and including stock containment areas.

Administered by the Rural Assistance Authority, the purpose of the fund is to help farmers to improve productivity, manage adverse seasonal conditions and build long term sustainability.

A GOOD SEASON AND GREAT PRICES LEAD TO CONFIDENCE

While there is no doubt that such schemes are of huge benefits to farmers, fencing and stockyard infrastructure manufacturers have been seeing strong sales with some saying that May and June 2021 were the best months they’d ever had. >

58

THE FARMER

SEP - OCT 2021

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SPECIAL REPORT FENCING AND STOCKYARDS

According to Clipex Australia’s Marketing Manager Louise Olsson – “With the major rainfall and more profitability in farmers’ back pockets, we are seeing more of an uptake on permanent yard solutions and increased purchases in farming infrastructure. At Beef Week and at FarmFest in Toowoomba in particular we saw strong interest and purchases being made in the permanent yard space and exclusion fencing.”

As well as a good season, Louise says that the federal government’s instant asset write-off has given farmers an incentive to invest now in tandem with incentives to invest in safety.

“The tax write-offs are making a huge impact.

People are claiming them and taking advantage of them. We’re also seeing a lot more protocols and safety aspects when it comes to temporary or permanent yard systems and there are Work Cover incentives for farmers to update their yards. Farmers are taking advantage of all the benefits and offers that are out there, and that’s a really positive thing.

“However, it goes beyond that. If you take something like our HD series work area in the cattle crush range, you can automate that process so you’re not in with cattle, not even near the cattle which means that operators are going to be a lot safer. Because technology is taking that risk out for operators, farmers are going to have a lot more longevity on the farm.”

PRODUCERS LOOK TO UPGRADE

National Sales Manager for Whites Rural, Matthew Stinson, echoed Olsson’s view that the good season in large parts of the state is giving farmers the confidence they need to invest and added that low interest rates were also a factor.

“There’s definitely a level of confidence in the ag industry at the moment and that is driving the bulk of the spend on fencing and other stockyard infrastructure. And even though commodity prices are high, input costs are also high, so the high prices don’t necessarily convert to cash in the bank.

“Nevertheless, having low interest rates and the confidence that there’s going to be a relatively good six to 12 months, is giving farmers the confidence to borrow the money to do the work needed to upgrade their infrastructure.

NEW TECHNOLOGY AND FENCING TRENDS

A trend in fencing that has been growing for some time that is continuing to gain momentum is the move away from fencing animals in, to fencing animals out.

“One of the main things that we’ve seen over the last couple of years is a lot of landholders looking to fence out feral animals,” says Matthew.

“There’s a lot more fabrication in exclusion fences in the sense that there is a lot more lines, more wires going into those fences and fences are typically on average getting higher. Especially where landholders

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THE FARMER

SEP - OCT 2021

YEARS OF RESEARCH

Top to bottom: Clipex’s HD Series cattle crush incorporates years of development. Highly customisable and automation ready features include quiet floors and silent locks and bushes for low stress animal handling; New fencing wire knots are allowing fabricated exclusion fences to be built in configurations that would have been a impossible just a few years ago.

are looking to keep out feral and native dogs. Another trend is there is a gradual shift away from the old traditional, fabricated fencing knots – hinge joint and ring lock – to newer styles of fabricated fencing knots which offer a lot more flexibility around wire configurations and so forth.”

In tandem with the trend towards exclusion fencing, the cost of land is driving graziers to find ways to increase productivity on their existing property by adopting practices such as feed budgeting and Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing (AMPG).

Duncan Abbey, Director of Westonfence, says – “There is a definite trend towards graziers seeking to increase feed utilisation by putting in more water points and paddock sizes are typically getting smaller and smaller.”

Duncan echoed Matthew’s view that exclusion fencing is becoming more and more popular.

“Exclusion fencing has very much become a trend in recent years. Partly this has been driven by the advent of large energisers which let graziers run electric fences long distances.”

It’s 2021.

Satellites guide tractors, remote sensors monitor our soils and robots are milking cows.

Every aspect of farm operations has evolved to a higher level of excellence - except fencing.

But now there’s Gallagher Westonfence – a proven, permanent electric fencing solution that stands the test of time and outperforms legacy fencing on every measure.

A fence that is more economical to monitor and maintain, that tells you how your fence is performing and takes seconds to check, rather than hours.

Exclusion Exclusion Exclusion

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Head into your local Gallagher stockist or speak to the Gallagher team on 1800 425 524 to push your boundaries and take your farm productivity to a whole new level of excellence, effectiveness and efficiency with Gallagher Westonfence.

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SPECIAL REPORT FENCING AND STOCKYARDS

TECH ADVANCEMENTS AND EASE OF USE

More than just a fence Gallagher Westonfence is a proven, permanent electric fencing solution designed to stand the test of time and outperform legacy fencing on every measure. This versatile permanent electric fence is successfully being used by farmers across Australia for the exclusion of feral animals, including pigs, dogs, deer and kangaroos and is just as effective when used as an internal fence for sheep, cattle, goats and pigs or retrofit to existing fences to prolong their lifespan.

Farmer Malcolm Healey from Turondale in NSW reflects on the efficacy of his Gallagher Westonfence system: “Dogs were the main thing for us, but the impact that it’s had on stopping the kangaroos is unreal. There were paddocks where we used to drive out and see a hundred kangaroos, and now you battle to see one. And it stops the pigs. We actually have some feed in our paddocks these days.”

Not only can Gallagher Westonfence positively impact on farm productivity by protecting the feed base, it is also economical to monitor and maintain, and can tell you how your fence is performing and taking seconds to check, rather than hours.

Gallagher Business Development Manager Graeme Mulligan says: “With a Gallagher Westonfence permanent electric fence, your fence can talk to you. Unlike a legacy fence, performance is instantly communicated directly to your smartphone – offering you peace of mind that your valuable livestock are where they should be or that they are safe from predators.”

For Mal Healey, who constructed his Gallagher Westonfence in spots on his property he’d only ever been to once or twice, the peace of mind knowing his fence is performing as it should is priceless: “If a tree falls over it, we know that morning. Whereas with the existing fence, the tree could be over it for 12 months before we go near the fence”.

“We are that impressed with it. We’ve got a few old fences up on another block, and we’re going to pull the existing fence down there and just put Gallagher Westonfence up.”

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THE FARMER

SEP - OCT 2021

This page, left then clockwise: Gallagher Westonfence is made drumMUSTER recycled plastic; Steel stock ramps and cattle crushes emphasise safety, longevity and ease. Far right: The latest generation of stockyards are designed from the ground up to reduce animal stress while saving on labour.

R&D LEADING TO STEEL LONGEVITY

Another major trend that both Louise and Matthew identified is that steel is becoming a larger component in fencing which has led to technical innovation.

“We’re seeing a lot of traditional areas where it used to be timber, are now using steel,” says Matthew.

“That’s partly off the back of timber availability and costs, the cost has gone up, and the availability of quality timber has reduced.

“NSW has some extremely acidic and sodic soils. Where we’re getting those soils, the moisture and the oxygen combined with steel components tend to lead to rust.

So, we’ve gone about developing a new steel post with a with a protective barrier on the bottom to combat that and extend the lifetime of the posts.”

Similarly, Clipex has identified that the weakest link of a fence was where the post went into the ground. As a result, Clipex developed the Twin Tip post which has a new coating that adds a significant amount of coating to the post which enables farmers to double the last of their fence.

Bordin Brothers Sales and Operations Manager Luke Bordin has seen investment in new stockyards increase due to the instant asset write off, good seasonal weather and increased commodity prices, however, he has also seen an uptick in demand driven by the many tree-changers.

“Our May to June period this year was really big, and there was a lot of money in the market,” he says.

“The timing of this was driven by the instant asset write-off as farmers looked to update out of date facilities,”

he explains. “But we have also seen a lot of larger farms being broken up into 100 acres or so hobby farms, so instead of say, one 1,000-acre property with one or two sets of cattle yards, we’re seeing 10 hobby farms each with their own set of cattle yards.”

THE MINING BOOM, ALL OVER AGAIN

Fast facts • $1 billion Farm Innovation Fund provides loans of up to $1 million per project for on-farm infrastructure and fencing.

• Feral animal control and Adaptive MultiPaddock Grazing (AMPG) is driving a surge in fencing investment.

• Demand for steel is so high that some manufacturers are updating prices weekly.

INTRODUCING

According to Luke, demand has been so strong that it’s leading to a reluctance to commit on the part of some buyers because of issues with supply and demand.

“There is record demand and record pricing in the market which has a shortage of supply. With difficulties sourcing out of China due to COVID, some companies are quoting 12-month lead times for their products and can’t offer a fixed price because the steel market is really volatile and we’re seeing weekly price rises.

“Companies sourcing Australian steel are in a different situation in that Australian steel makers are at capacity and having trouble meeting the demands of their customers. In addition, there are types of steel that are no longer made in Australia.

For example, spring steel. We can’t get spring steel in Australia, but we have our supply chain well set up and we made a call a while back to order extra stock to get us through any issues with ongoing supply.” l

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INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY

Cyber attackers look for a tree change A new AgriFutures survey shows Australian agriculture is a prime target for cyber attacks.

So, what can farmers do to remedy their weaknesses?

–

Words DAVE SMITH

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I

n 2016, the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Centre paid $23,000 in bitcoin as ransom to a hacker who seized control of its computer systems. But in making the payment, it unwittingly turned the global healthcare sector into a prime target for cybercrime.

From a mass hacking attack event that locked up the UK's National Health Care System computers and caused surgeries to be delayed in 2017, to a ransom demand that leaked Tasmanian ambulance patients’ prescription records and HIV status to the Internet earlier this year, the attacks on healthcare providers have proved merciless, relentless and very, very costly.

Now, a new survey of 1,000 agriculture, fisheries and forestry producers published by AgriFutures is warning rural industries are in a similar position to where the healthcare industry was before the first attack of 2016.

In the five years that have passed, more than $9 billion has been invested in ag tech, including $2.6 billion in the past 18 months. From intellectual property and agricultural research, to computerised machinery, lucrative personal and financial information saved at online payment portals, this new cache of data is the digital equivalent of low-hanging fruit.

Yet the sector has invested relatively little in cybersecurity. Only 16 per cent of those surveyed

by Agrifutures said they had an incident response plan as they’d overestimated threats from activists and competitors while underestimating the risk of hackers.

Many of those surveyed also admitted they had no idea who to contact for help in case of a cyber-attack.

“Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors are in a similar position to where the health system was five years ago – a slow but gradually increasing adoption of new technologies, with a largely unmanaged cybersecurity risk,” says AgriFutures spokesperson Georgina Townsend.

FARMERS UNPREPARED FOR HACKERS

Only 16 per cent of those surveyed

by Agrifutures said they had an incident response plan as they’d overestimated threats from activists and competitors while underestimating the risk of hackers.

“At the other end of the spectrum, smaller agricultural companies may be seen as soft targets, particularly those in the early stages of digitising their businesses with less mature security infrastructure and processes.”

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THE FIRST SORTIES

Last year, a hacker encrypted the files of Talman Software – a buying and trading system used by more than 75 per cent of Australian wool farmers, forcing the system to go offline.

“The main impact is cash flow, especially for woolgrowers; they will be unable to get paid for the wool they intended to sell this week,” Sydney-based wool buyer Scott Carmody told the ABC at the time.

“It means next week’s sale will be twice as big, and the extra wool quantities on offer may flatten out any prospect of an increase in price off the back of the low Aussie dollar.”

Talman refused to pay the ransom, choosing instead to replace the software. But Australia’s largest meat processor JBS Foods didn’t have that option and was forced to pay hackers a whopping $14 million in Bitcoin to regain access to their IT systems when the company was attacked in June, resulting in 47 of their processing and packing plants in Australia, the US and UK to temporarily close.

“This was a very difficult decision to make for our company and for me personally,” JBS chief executive Andre Nogueira said in a statement, adding it was necessary to pay to protect its customers.

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“eCrime operations are perpetually looking for new victims, especially among those larger businesses perceived to have a high capacity to pay,” notes Crowdstrike, a US cybersecurity company that observed a tenfold increase in interactive or handson-keyboard intrusions targeting agriculture in the US in 2020 compared to the previous year.

“At the other end of the spectrum, smaller agricultural companies may be seen as soft targets, particularly those in the early stages of digitising their businesses with less mature security infrastructure and processes.”

THE NORTH KOREA-CHINA NEXUS

In July, Australia joined the US and other allies in accusing Chinese-government-linked hackers of attacking the Microsoft Exchange email system that compromised tens of thousands of computers and networks around the world.

“We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY

FOUR SIMPLE STEPS

Following the attack on Microsoft and AgriFuture’s worrying survey results, accounting network BDO called on Australia’s agricultural sector to take urgent action to mitigate attacks.

“The health sector saw the risk that came with the digitisation of records and moved to rapidly improve and standardise cybersecurity risks,” says BDO Australia cybersecurity partner John Borchi.

“This included allocating sufficient funds and focusing on the fundamentals of cybersecurity, whilst outsourcing functions that could not be performed in-house.”

Sophisticated, digitally-enabled businesses, such as intensive farm operations and automated farming systems, need more complex security. But for smaller, family-owned farms, simple solutions like antivirus software are often all that is needed.

“Australia’s rural industries are at the beginning of the cybersecurity journey,” Borchi says. “Now is the time for industries to act.” l

THE THREAT BEYOND OUR BORDERS

Tracing a number of high-stakes cyber attacks to foreign hackers, Australian businesses must take steps to protect their IP and data. JBS Foods was forced to pay hackers a whopping $14 million in Bitcoin to regain access to their IT systems when the company was attacked in June.

and the tradecraft used,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. “This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers, and operators of other critical infrastructure.”

The attack on Microsoft did not specifically target agriculture. But according to Crowdstrike, Chinese-government-lined hackers pose a huge threat to agribusiness companies and organisations.

Crowdstike issued a warning in its widely read blog post Hacking Farm to Table: “China is the world’s largest agricultural producing nation, despite a limited amount of arable land relative to the country’s size. The sector accounts for approximately 10 per cent of China’s GDP and employs more than a quarter of the country’s workforce. For these reasons, China-nexus adversary groups engage in aggressive economic espionage campaigns to forcibly transfer proprietary technology and intellectual property from advanced industrial nations, with the goal of spurring economic development.”

The second biggest threat it identified was North Korea: “Despite North Korea’s long-held ambitions to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency, efforts to modernise and expand the sector have faced repeated setbacks. These include a lack of arable land, widespread natural disasters and limited access to many crucial agricultural inputs due to North Korea’s government-controlled economy.

In this context, we assess that proprietary information related to agricultural production would likely be a significant asset to the country’s agricultural programs.”

THE AUSTRALIAN CYBER SECURITY CENTRE (ACSC), SAYS BUSINESSES CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR VULNERABILITY TO CYBERCRIME CAN TAKE FOUR SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

1

Patch all internet-connected devices within 48 hours. Patches are software and operating system updates that address security vulnerabilities within a program or product. And businesses, whenever possible, should use the latest versions of software and operating systems.

Use multi-factor authentication – a method in which a user is granted access to a website application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence or identification to an authentication mechanism.

Use ‘event log forwarding’ – a protocol for Windows operating software that keeps track of the events logs of computers in the same network and computers that have infiltrated the network. This is vital because during investigations, the lack of logging information is a common issue that reduced results.

Become an ACSC partner to automatically receive threat intelligence you can use to take the earliest possible action to protect yourself online.

Membership is free and you can apply online at cyber.gov.au.

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SPECIAL REPORT BOARDING SCHOOLS

Homes away from home Boarding schools have come a long way in the past few decades, and now they really are a home away from home for country kids who need to leave the farm for their education.

Words TONY BLACKIE

M

any country people have vivid memories of boarding school life – and they often include a spartan boarding house existence and draconian security that would make the pandemic lockdowns look like a picnic.

But the truth is that boarding schools and the way of life for young people attending them has changed a great deal, and today they really are a home away from home for most students.

There are more than 28,000 children and teenagers currently boarding in Australia, and the numbers are

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rising as the facilities and education options provided by the schools increase. Add a greater focus on rural and farming career options to the mix, and boarding schools for families in regional areas become a sensible choice.

Most of the boarding schools on offer are one of more than 148 independent schools currently providing boarding for more than 17,000 students.

The spread of schools through regional NSW continues to increase, but the traditional boarding schools located in major centres (predominately Sydney and Canberra) are still the major venues for country boys and girls.

Increasingly, the NSW education system and >

FRIEND S FOR LIFE

People who have experienced boarding school life often say that they will always remain close to the friends they made in school as they share such a strong bond.

(Photo courtesy of Scots All Saints)

88+

45% of our boarders gained an ATAR of 88+ in 2020

Boarding Offers Opportunities to Thrive In learning, the arts and sport.

Find out more about our leading, comprehensive approach and join the Shore boarding community in 2022.

Register for a tour at www.shore.nsw.edu.au call 02 9956 1130 or email registrar@shore.nsw.edu.au

SPECIAL REPORT BOARDING SCHOOLS

especially the boarding schools catering for rural youngsters have altered their curriculum to meet the changing demographic of rural and regional Australia.

Vocational guidance identifying viable career options in rural and regional based professions is now also offered to students as a way to support business and community needs in the rapidly growing regional centres.

As a bonus, boarding school students are also most likely to get the best jobs, with a number of international surveys showing that they generally have better outcomes in university and working life, compared to those of students only studying by day.

FROM AN OLD GIRL OF ABBOTSLEIGH

From the moment a boarder arrives at Abbotsleigh, she feels less like she is in the big smoke and more like she has discovered an unlikely haven in the city.

With all the advantages of a large city school, but set on 12 hectares in Sydney’s leafy North Shore, Abbotsleigh offers girls from the country a rare space they can relate to, and grow and learn in.

According to Rhonda Kaan – a former student at Abbotsleigh – the experience of boarding develops self-reliance and a high level of motivation among the students.

Rhonda now helps the current cohort of Abbotsleigh’s boarders, while also maintaining precious connections for past students as the ‘Old Girls Relations Assistant’.

“I came from a mostly grazing property at Gurley,

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near Moree,” Rhonda explains. “We never had a need to go to Sydney until then, so my first day at boarding school was also my first time in Sydney.

“Dad always said he regretted sending us (my brother followed the year after me) away to boarding school. He said not only did he lose his two best gate openers but, because we had to, we instantly became independent. He said we missed out on valuable family time but, in some ways, I think going away probably brought us all closer together.

“Experiencing life without them made me appreciate my parents and brother more and any time spent at home during school holidays was always precious. Also, not that they ever discussed it with us, but it was obviously an enormous financial sacrifice – especially given the timing of the collapse of the Australian Wool Reserve Price Scheme in the 1990s.”

As it is for so many farm families, there really wasn’t much choice, as the local school was at least an hour away with a car and a bus connection. And for many farming families, the extracurricular after hours activities are also not an option due to distance and time away, and bad weather often means they are not able to get to school at all.

As Rhonda says: “We had a decent drive when we had dry weather, and that was only to make it to the first bus stop.”

If it rained, the black soil meant that Rhonda had at least the next few days off school and then she’d have to take a bigger bus down the Newell Highway.

“It was almost three hours of travel every day.”

THE ADVANTAGES OF BOARDING SCHO OL

Left then clockwise: Young ladies from Abbotsleigh; Young men from Shore; Youngsters from Scots All Saints College.

Surveys have shown that boarders have better outcomes in university and working life than students who only attend school by day.

A space to explore, learn and grow.

Preparing girls and boys for an ever-changing world.

Scots All Saints College is a unique Preparatory to Year 12 day and boarding school in Bathurst, NSW. We offer specialist facilities, caring, experienced teachers and diverse opportunities for children to flourish.

To find out more call our Registrar on (02) 6333 4726 or visit: scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au #spacetobe

SPECIAL REPORT BOARDING SCHOOLS

Rhonda says that without doubt, the biggest benefit to being a school boarder is the tightknit circle of friends you make for life.

“If you haven’t been a boarder, you simply can’t understand that,” she says. “I was lucky to be surrounded by girls who were all equally appreciative of the sacrifices being made by their families. They hailed from Moree to Cootamundra and everywhere else in between including Coonamble, Forbes, Molong, Lithgow through to the Central Coast.”

Nearly 30 years later, Rhonda’s Abbotsleigh boarding mates are still some of her closest friends.

“They are extra family, and we call ourselves ‘soul sisters’,” she says. “We are godmothers to each others’ kids, and we’d drop anything for anyone at any time.

I can’t think of a better place for girls to mature, learn resilience and form valuable lifelong connections as they commence their life journey.”

Mrs Chemane Fairleigh is Abbotsleigh’s Head of Boarding, and she is passionate about boarding and driving a range of new and innovative initiatives.

“Our goal for boarding is to have happy, confident, healthy girls of great character who leave at the end of Year 12 and make a positive impact on the world outside of the Abbotsleigh’s gates,” Chemane says.

“I love the noise, laughter and the drama a boarding house brings – things come to life during term time.

It’s exciting, vibrant, challenging, busy, emotional and very importantly – fun!”

DEVELOPING SUCCESS AT SCOTS ALL SAINTS

Michaela Barclay is Operations Administrator at the Bathurst-based Scots All Saints College, which offers boarding facilities for boys and girls.

Because of its location in the NSW Central West, Scots has a uniquely rural feel and offers a range of agricultural courses and interests to the students.

With the benefit of two large campuses, the school is able to provide a modern and progressive college of all-round excellence. Students are able to stable their

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BONDING TIME FOR BOARDERS

Top left then clockwise: Headmaster John Weeks of Scots All Saints College with some students; Rowing team from Shore; Students from Abbotsleigh enjoy some fun and games.

own horses at the school, and the care and maintenance of the animals is a part of their learning experience.

Scots provides day and boarding students from Preparatory School up to Year 12.

“This is a great advantage as we have lots of young people from rural and urban centres throughout NSW and Queensland,” Michaela says. “The school’s headmaster John Weeks, focusses a great deal on pastoral care for all students, but in particular for the boarders to ensure that they see the school as a second home that is safe and nurturing.”

Because of the large rural cohort, Scots offers a wide range of agricultural oriented subjects to students with an emphasis on the fact that rural life is fulfilling, and provides a great career path.

Michaela says at the core of the school’s philosophy is the aim to develop the students into successful men and women with a firm foundation for life built on the gospel of Christ.

SHORE HELPING TO BUILD GOOD MEN

Shore offers its boarding students a comprehensive and contemporary education, supported by the school’s heritage and Christian values.

Brendan Morris – Senior Boarding Housemaster at Shore – is proud of the generations of boys (many from across rural and regional NSW) who have entered the boarding school environment and emerged as mature and capable young men.

At Shore, the focus is on developing the whole person – intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally and also spiritually.

“We place a strong emphasis on character formation and offer a variety of programmes to help all our boys grow into good men,” Brendan explains.

Shore currently houses up to 205 boarders from rural and regional NSW, overseas, as well as weekly boarders.

The school’s facilities provide a strong learning and growing environment, including the recently opened RAI Grant Centre – a multi-purpose academic and sports facility.

“Shore is committed to offering a truly comprehensive education, meaning we pursue engaged rigour in academic work and also offer a wide range of learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom," Brendan says, adding that boarding is a part of the essential, binding fabric of the life of Shore.

A future

worth supporting Our boarders find lifelong friendships and forge a stronger future together.

We’d love to talk to you and make you feel right at home.

Contact us on 02 9473 7744 or registrar@abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au www.abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au

“Life in our boarding school is very rewarding for the boys, and they build friendships that will last a lifetime,” Brendan says.

At Shore, the boarding environment also fosters a sense of community, which feeds into the cultivation of academic endeavour. And as boarders, the boys are given the opportunity to develop leadership skills by helping each other in many various activities.

“The unity and diversity of our four boarding houses create a place where boys from all backgrounds and those who care for them can thrive within distinct positive households founded on respect, common sense and a growing understanding of themselves and the world in which they live,” Brendan says.

“Our curriculum provides depth and breadth for our boys. Courses offered allow a degree of specialisation, giving the boys an opportunity to keep their future options open while allowing them to follow their own particular interests.

“We enable each student to discover their individual talents and prepare them for the realities, challenges and choices of our contemporary world.”

Shore has been offering boarding facilities for boys since it began in 1889. “Our rich history and traditions have shaped the School, fostering a sense of community and belonging,” Brendan says. l

Let us store

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ENVIRONMENT WATER RIGHTS

more rain Agricultural production in coastal regions is constrained by increasing competition for water, and farmers are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of a review into how much rainfall they can keep.

–

Words MICHAEL BURT

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F

armers east of the Great Divide have their first real whisper of possible change to a 20 year-old ruling that has restricted the retention of rain falling on to their properties.

Like many of their counterparts west of the Great Divide, farmers on the coast have a harvestable right that allows them to collect 10 per cent of the average annual rainfall run-off from their property in farm dams without the need for a water access licence, water supply work approval or water use approval.

The ability to construct a dam on a property to capture harvestable rights was introduced under the NSW Farm Dams Policy in 1999, which changed the rules for unlicensed farm dams. The previous rules permitted an unlimited number of farm dams on a property, provided the dam capacity was less than seven megalitres and use was restricted to domestic and stock purposes.

On paper, a 10 per cent harvestable right seems fair for sharing the storage of rainfall on farms.

However, landholders in coastal catchments strongly believe there should be a larger harvestable rights limit in coastal regions due to higher rainfall patterns and vastly different topography to farms west of the Dividing Range, where the 10 per cent rights measurement originated.

Following multiple requests from NSW Farmers, The Department of Planning, Industry and EnvironmentWater (DPIE) is undertaking a review of harvestable rights for all coastal draining catchments.

The review is exploring the potential benefits and impacts of increasing the harvestable rights percentage, as well as allowing harvestable rights dams on third order streams.

John Ainsworth, a retired Macksville farmer and

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member of the NSW Farmers Water Taskforce, says it’s about time. “It’s taken some 20 years to have the first substantial review of coastal harvestable rights. And this would not have happened at all if NSW Farmers had not stepped in,” John says.

“The Nambucca River and Macleay Valley Branches actively lobbied on this for years and secured a NSW Farmers policy that sought to increase it to 30 per cent in coastal catchments.”

This policy won favour with the NSW Farmers Dairy Committee, who set the wheels in motion for NSW Farmers to seek a 40 per cent coastal harvestable right in the review process.

“I understand the need for a 10 per cent harvestable right on regulated systems west of the Great Divide, but it is simply not practical for unregulated coastal water systems,” John says. “I have always believed there needs to be flexibility within any government policy, and coastal water management definitely needs it. We have different systems and vastly different topography within the north coast region.”

John said that’s why NSW Farmers supports more thorough modelling and analysis of appropriate potential increases in harvestable rights on an individual coastal catchment scale, as well as extensive on-ground consultation.

“For those like me who live near the coast, capturing surface water is the only option for agricultural production. The rivers and creeks are too salty and subterranean water is often not an option.”

The Maximum Harvestable Right Dam Capacity (MHRDC) is not simply based on the average annual rainfall. WaterNSW use a complex formula based on rainfall pattern variations and land size to calculate the total legal dam capacity and John says this often results in coastal farmers having a harvestable right of less than 10 per cent.

ENVIRONMENT WATER RIGHTS

farmers to adapt to climate change with deeper, more secure storages,” Minister Pavey said.

NEED FOR MORE GROUND TRUTHING

“I did the maths for my farm and the current policy means I could only catch one rain drop in every 125 that fell. Basically, we could have 2–3 metres of water over the farm in a flood and we could not keep any of it.”

Goulburn farmer Ian McLennan said he can only retain around 7 per cent of annual rainfall on the family’s 1920-hectare farm, which produces beef, lamb, wool, cereal crops and forage crops.

“I believe an appropriate harvestable right for our area is 25 per cent. We would be able to double our hay production and irrigated finishing operations and most importantly, it would provide a drought proofing measure in so many ways,” Ian says.

“But if we are not allowed to put a dam in a thirdorder stream, the whole review will be a waste of time.

“We already have some form of water sustainability with an irrigation dam, but for some landholders around us the ability to capture more rainfall in good years would change their whole farming operation.”

Some environmental groups are opposed to an increase in harvestable rights in coastal catchments, citing concerns that some landholders would exploit it and profit at a cost to water quality.

“The call for increased harvestable rights is driven solely by economic considerations,” said John Edwards from the Clarence Environment Centre. “The fact that governments have turned water into a tradable commodity is extremely regrettable and has already turned that resource into an investment opportunity for those who can afford it.”

Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government is currently reviewing submissions to help guide the final reforms to Coastal Harvestable Rights.

“The NSW Nationals have been a strong advocate of changes to the coastal harvestable rights framework.

Climate modelling currently supports the need for

ONE SIZE D OES NOT FIT ALL

Northern Rivers farmer David Clift (pictured far left with son Ben) is in favour of a flexible coastal harvestable right of up to 40 per cent.

Northern Rivers farmer David Clift is well versed on the topic of coastal water management. For more than three decades, the cattle and sugarcane farmer has represented the Richmond River Water User Group on countless reviews of coastal water plans.

David supports the NSW Farmers bid for up to 40 per cent coastal harvestable rights and agrees that it needs to be flexible, depending on the location of the water catchment.

“There have been a few false starts to a review of harvestable rights on the coast,” he says. “While the modelling used for the review lacked a lot of ground truthing, at least we are getting a real opportunity to have input. The coastal river systems are very short compared to inland systems.

“One concept I have proposed is to have a lower harvestable right at the upper catchment grading up to a higher one on the lower catchment, thereby negating a lot of concerns in relation to downstream effects,” David says.

His family farm at North Codrington includes a 152ML capacity farm dam constructed prior to 2000, meaning they can store six times their current MHRDC. “This dam starts by-washing out when we get 100mm of rain and our average annual rainfall is 1350mm. So, if there is an increase in harvestable rights, we are really only talking about small amounts of water being retained in farm dams.”

David says farm dams also provide significant environmental benefits.

“Farm dams can and do complement habitat areas, not only providing corridors but also breeding grounds. Our own farm dam is listed as a major site for local bird watchers, and we encourage them to visit.

“The North Coast Regional Water Strategy actually emphasises a de-watering of the North Coast catchments over a long time and the environmental impact that has had. Local agricultural industries have recognised this have been actively encouraging producers to slow down run off rates, but a 10 per cent harvestable right can restrict this process.

“Farm dams are also a highly important water soruce for the Rural Fire Service, as experienced in the recent catastrophic bushfires.”

More information about water licensing, compliance and the harvestable rights calculator are available on WaterNSW’s website: waternsw.com.au/ customer-service/water-lic l

THE PROPORTION OF RAINFALL RUN-OFF YOU CAN CAPTURE UNDER YOUR HARVESTABLE RIGHT DEPENDS ON WHERE YOUR LAND IS LOCATED:

➤ In the Central and Eastern Divisions of NSW, up to 10% of average annual regional rainfall run-off can be captured. ➤ In the Western Division of NSW, all rainfall run-off can be captured.

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ALERT BUT NOT ALARMED

Awareness and early identification will protect crops against unwanted guests this spring.

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ENVIRONMENT PEST CONTROL

Watching out for

FAW Since the highly invasive tropical species of moth – fall armyworm (FAW) – was detected in the islands of the Torres Strait in January 2020, it has spread south to the Victorian border and a persistent population has lodged itself in Northern NSW.

–

Words DARREN BAGULEY

T

he FAW moths can travel up to 400 kilometres and while pheromone traps have been set up across the region to monitor populations, NSW DPI Research Entomologist Dr Lisa Bird says results from moth trapping activities show that populations are persisting in some locations on the North Coast.

“In New South Wales, because we have quite severe winters in terms of there being frost every now and again, FAW definitely does not survive over winter in the inland cropping regions of the state. However, on the north coast of New South Wales, we have seen some resident populations persisting over winter,” Lisa says.

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JUMP-OFF POINT FOR FALL ARMYWORM

“Because we know these populations persist in the northern cropping and coastal regions of New South Wales over winter, the likely starting point for incursions into the inland cropping areas of the state will be a lot further south this year,” Lisa cautions.

“As a result, it’s really about awareness. There is a much greater probability this year compared to last year that FAW will have a much more rapid and sudden dispersal. That is much more likely to impact high risk crops such as maize, sorghum and silage earlier this year than last.”

According to North Coast LLS Land Services Officer Donna Cuthel, producers should be on the lookout for damage to crops, “…windowing of leaves where larvae have hatched and small shot holes as leaves expand, caused by larvae feeding in the developing leaf whorl.

“Small larvae are difficult to identify, so we recommend growers keep suspect larvae on host crop leaves and grow them out for a few days until they can be more easily identified through photographs,” Donna says.

According to Lisa – maize, sweet corn and sorghum have been the preferred food source for FAW since it was first detected last year, however, as the favoured crops are harvested, other crop species, such as pulses, winter cereals, sugar cane, rice and cotton, will become more susceptible.

REMAIN STRATEGIC WITH CHEMICAL USE

In tandem with the necessity of monitoring to ensure early detection, followed by rapid intervention, Lisa says farmers need to be preemptive and plan for how they’re going to manage fall armyworm and consider how they’re going to roll out their chemical strategies.

In particular, chemical management should be looking to use more selective insecticides, rather than hardcore broad-spectrum insecticides.

“Broad spectrum insecticides are very damaging to natural enemy insect populations and there’s also very high levels of resistance to them, she says.

“We know there are some parasitic wasps and predators out there that are extremely efficient, natural enemies of fall armyworm larvae. The use of those selective insecticides is really a key part of conserving those populations of beneficials to help suppress populations of fall armyworm.

“If producers go out and spray a broad-spectrum, they’re going to destroy those populations of natural enemies which is really counterproductive to managing the fall armyworm,” Lisa warns.

FAW has developed a high resistance to synthetic pyrethroids and moderate resistance to carbamate insecticides, and it has a high chance of achieving further insecticide resistance.

“The overuse of selective insecticides is going to increase resistance risk, not only for fall armyworm, but also for other moth species which occur within those same cropping systems,” Lisa explains.

“It’s vital that people understand that susceptibility really needs to be maintained so that we can conserve

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Fast facts • Fall armyworm was first detected in Northern Queensland in January 2020.

• FAW primarily impacts maize, sweet corn, sorghum and other C-4 crops and pastures.

• Ladybirds, lacewings, pirate bugs, and the tiny parasitic Trichogramma wasps are effective bio controls for FAW.

and preserve the efficacy of these pivotal crop management products.

“That gets back to the key point of regular monitoring because that’s when producers are going to get the most bang for their buck with these chemicals,” she says.

“There is no point waiting until the larvae are entrenched in whorls, so detection requires regular and vigilant monitoring. Farmers also need to make sure that they’re going out with timely applications of insecticides on threshold and rotating insecticides with different modes of action so they’re mitigating the risk of opening up resistance to any one particular insecticidal group.”

Ian McColl, chair of NSW Farmers’ biosecurity committee and a farmer from Koorawatha adds that farmers’ lack of experience with the pest is also an issue.

“There is quite a level of concern because FAW is very much a sleeper in that it can turn up and it can do a lot of damage in a reasonably short period

ENVIRONMENT PEST CONTROL

of time,” Ian says. “But it also depends on seasonal factors, climatic conditions and many other things that go with it and because it’s not well known at this stage, people haven’t had a lot of experience with it.”

Ian echoes Lisa’s concerns about insecticide resistance and looks forward to more insecticides that are effective against FAW becoming available.

“Rotation of chemicals is something as an industry that we’re putting more effort into because it’s vital to maintain the sustainability of the industry,” he says. “There has certainly been a push into more integrated pest management systems and given that in many cases, we do have limited access to chemicals, resistance has been an issue for a considerable period of time. Resistance can be managed, but clearly the greater availability of products that we have helps that whole long-term sustainability of the production system.”

SP OTTING THE SIGNS

Farmers should look out for small shot holes and windowing in leaves (as pictured below), where larvae has hatched.

Bottom left: FAW invades a corn crop; Opposite page, top to bottom: Destruction of leaves by FAW; A fall armyworm moth.

biocontrol rather than being a one-off application of an insecticide.

To this end, Bugs for Bugs also provides consulting services to help farmers get the best results from those releases by carefully managing factors such as insecticide use.

“We’re actually adding to the natural level of beneficials that will attack fall armyworm eggs, so our business is to mass rear beneficials and offer expert advice to help the client or the growers to do all they can to enable as much beneficial insect activity in the block as possible,” says Paul.

“The more diversity of beneficial insects, the greater the density of beneficial insects, the more likely we can get good bio control of this pest. That requires a bit of management and advice from the grower and advice from us.” l

FIGHTING BACK WITH AN EGG-DESTROYING WASP

While there is no doubt that new insecticides will be part of the response to FAW, farmers are increasingly looking at bio controls such as a Fawligen, an organically certified pesticide that contains a species-specific virus that oozes out through a caterpillar’s skin as the larva disintegrates.

Ladybirds, lacewings, pirate bugs and the tiny parasitic Trichogramma wasps have also proven to be effective biological allies against FAW, as they have the ability to get under the leaves, into the nooks and crannies where droplets of chemicals can’t reach.

Bugs for Bugs’ Paul Jones breeds beneficial insects for mass release on farms. Because of the labour involved in rearing mass beneficials, the cost of the bugs is roughly equivalent to chemicals but there isn’t the labour of spraying.

In addition, if the beneficials are managed carefully they will persist in the environment and remain as a

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THE UK IS BACK AT THE TABLE A new free-trade agreement signed between Australia and the UK promises to reignite a historical trade relationship paused for 50 years. But trade won’t explode overnight.

–

Words DAVE SMITH

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CURRENT AFFAIR FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

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n 1879, Australia’s first successful frozen meat export was achieved when 40 tonnes of beef and mutton was shipped from Sydney to the UK aboard the Strathleven.

Exports of beef, wool, dairy and other farm produce grew in leaps and bounds over the next century, a seemingly unshakeable commercial bond underpinned by a shared heritage, common values and strong personal ties, not to mention two world wars we fought and died in great numbers for. By the 1970s, the UK was buying more Australian beef, wool and dairy than just about any other country on the planet.

But then in 1973, the UK joined what became the European Union.

Agricultural products, food and drinks from continental Europe could suddenly enter the UK duty-free, while game-breaking tariffs were slapped on Australian produce. Not surprisingly, European countries captured 99 per cent of the new market.

After having lost its first and largest trading ally overnight, Australia looked to the burgeoning economies of Asia, and China became the biggest export market for just about everything we grow.

But now however, our relationship with these two economic superpowers has come full circle. >

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CURRENT AFFAIR FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

China is now weaning itself off anything made in Australia and all hope it might evolve into a reliable long-term trading partner and responsible global actor. Democracies such as Australia and the UK have realised they need to do more business with one another to promote the liberalisation of global trade and rules-based world order.

In June, Australia agreed to sign a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the UK. It is the first trade deal the UK has promised to sign since Brexit, and the clearest signal yet that our two countries’ commercial interests are once again aligned.

SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT

The FTA is something Australian meat producers should be excited about, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan tells The Farmer, “because it’s an opportunity to right a wrong that happened 48 years ago when the UK turned away from Australia… because it gives all our key commodities, from beef, to rice, to dairy and sugar, immediate access to a brand new market to sell high-quality products at a premium… and because it allows us to diversify our trade.”

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STRAINED RELATIONS LEAD TO NEW OPP ORTUNITIES

As China retreats, Australia will seek to establish less volatile relationships with other countries – and with the UK, we already have our foot in the door.

Australian wine, the Minister says, is a textbook example of how profitable the UK market can be.

“We have seen a 33 per cent increase in wine exports to the UK in the past 12 months. That is why I’m so bullish,” he says, adding: “the agreement will really help our agricultural sector. It will create jobs. And it goes to the heart of the matter that our producers can diversify when they got a bad outcome in China”.

But Australian wine has done well in the UK for decades. It accounted for 22 per cent of total exports in 2019 and was an obvious funnel for excess stock when China shut its doors. The same cannot be said for Australian beef, veal and wool. Only 1 per cent of what we produce was exported to the UK last year.

“The UK is never going to be a country that takes all of our products,” says Andrew McDonald, chairperson of the Australia-UK Red Meat Market Access Taskforce.

“But it’s a positive development, because in many parts of the world we are seeing more protectionism, more tariffs,” he says. “This gives our farmers access to the high end of the food export market. Right now, Australian beef exporters have to pay 20 per cent tariffs in the UK, and that’s enough to price anyone out of the market. But if this FTA goes ahead, those tariffs will be instantly gone. That means Australian meat will be on an equal level playing field with European products in British supermarkets. Nothing will stop people from buying them – if they’re good enough,” Andrew says.

Dairy farmers should also be licking their lips, says Grant Crothers, Deputy Chairman of the Australian Dairy Industry Council, noting the UK is the world’s second-largest importer of dairy after China.

“While the Australian dairy industry has no expectations of a return to levels of trade seen prior to the UK entering the EU, what is envisioned

is the emergence of high value, niche opportunities, leveraging our counter-seasonal supply to the Northern Hemisphere,” he says.

Terry Richardson, chairperson of the Milk Council, puts it like this: “Attaining access into new and existing markets is vital for our industry to continue to be successful.”

BIT OF SCAREMONGERING

Did you know?

The value in agricultural exports lost due to declared and undeclared Chinese sanctions was $3 billion last year. The travel services sector lost $19.3 billion. Education lost $12 billion – but mining cashed in, selling China $10 billion more iron ore than in the previous year.

British farmers don’t share the enthusiasm. Better said, they feel the FTA will throw them under a bus.

“I cannot overstate the damage that I feel it would do,” Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers Union, told The Guardian newspaper.

“How can our hill farmers compete with the Australian climate?” Mark Drakeford, the Welsh first minister, said on the BBC. “How can these farmers compete with the space that is available for the huge farms that they have in Australia?”

British farmers have also warned that food quality, animal welfare and environmental standards could slip, should Australia flood the British market with mutton and cheese.

The Australia-UK Red Meat Market Access Taskforce reckons that’s a load of bull. “All this talk about Australian producers coming in and undercutting the market, that is generally not what we do,” Andrew says. “We are a premium high-cost producer.

And we share their concerns for the environment and the welfare of farm animals. Look at Australia’s track

record as an importer in the UK. We have been in that market for decades and no one has ever complained to us about animal welfare. I take all that for what it is – a bit of scaremongering.”

To ensure Welsh hill farmers don’t lose their businesses overnight, the UK insisted on ‘quotas’ that limit the quantities of products Australia can export to the UK tariff-free.

The quota for Australian beef, for example, will start at 35,000 tonnes per year, about 35 times what we export to the UK right now. The quota will be eliminated, progressively, over the next 10 years.

“A decade may sound like a long time, but it’s a phase-in period that lets Australia enter the market while balancing concerns about large volumes of imported food arriving,” Andrew says. “It’s taking a long-term view, and that’s a good thing for farmers.

Think of it as a stepping stone.”

Australian sugarcane farmers will have to wait a little less time – eight years – until they get unlimited tariff-free access to the British market. Dairy farmers will have to wait only five years. But winemakers will be able to start selling plonk by the tanker to every low-cost supermarket in Leeds the second the ink on the FTA dries.

“FTAs are complex legal documents, and there is still much work to do to deliver our final agreement with the UK,” Minister Tehan says. “But when this one is finalised it will deliver the most comprehensive and liberal trade agreement outside of New Zealand.” l

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MIXING PLEASURE AND BUSINES S

Tom, Libby, Rosie, Griff and Wally Cupitt enjoying wine in the family’s restaurant.

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ea salt spray drifts over the cliffs and settles on the vines of Rosie and Griff Cupitt’s Ulladulla estate. Once a prosperous dairy farm, the lush green paddocks now play host to more than just cattle. More than 2,000 Sauvignon Blanc vines thrive in the direct sun and good airflow afforded by the northern aspect of the property, providing the signature fruit for one of the region’s most beloved boutique wineries.

Along with a plentiful organic kitchen garden and a newly refurbished cellar door and restaurant – which enjoys unspoilt views of Burrill Lake and the Budawang Mountains – the Cupitts have transformed this patch of Shoalhaven countryside into a thriving hospitality and agritourism business.

“Paddock to plate, field to fork, farm to table… it’s what has been in place for centuries and now we all embrace the paddock to plate philosophy because we know it delivers a better flavour of food and ensures a sustainable food network.”

Griff Cupitt

Leaving the undulating hills of the Southern Highlands for the sunny South Coast, Rosie and Griff Cupitt’s plan for retirement blew away with the westerly winds when they discovered a 73-hectare property that would later become the region’s premier gourmet destination.

Words BETHANY PLINT Photography TRENT VAN DER JAGT

The property’s history dates back to the 1800s when it operated as a dairy farm. An old stone building served as both a creamery and living quarters for the Tuckerman family – one of the earliest settling families in the area. William Tuckerman’s daughter fell in love with the boy next door and the two sprawling properties became one under the name of Washburton.

In a nod of respect to its heritage, the Cupitts tenderly restored the dwelling when they purchased the property in 2003, remodelling it as a bright and modern cellar door, where its original casuarina shingles remain intact beneath a new steel roof.

Today, Rosie and Griff lead a team of 80 employees who look after a winery, cellar door and restaurant, microbrewery, fromagerie, organic farm and a boutique accommodation offering. Joining them at the helm are their two sons – Tom and Wally – and Tom’s wife Libby, who each bring their own expertise to the family business. >

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“I feel proud to be able to use beautiful fresh milk produced just ten minutes away from the estate to make a local product for our guests.”

Rosie Cupitt

THE FARM MANAGER

Having grown up on the family farm in Mittagong, a profound respect for the land runs in Griff Cupitt’s blood. His ancestors had lived in the NSW Southern Highlands since the 1830s and became the largest cattle producers in the Wingecarribee area.

“My family owned a lot of farming land in lower Mittagong from the mid 1800s and they started the very first butchery in the area,” Griff says. “My grandfather and father used to breed and fatten the cattle for the butcher shops and were regarded as some of the best cattle judges in the district.”

Griff sold the family farm in 1983 with the intention of moving further west, but his ancestral ties kept him in the Southern Highlands. In 1992, he bought the beloved Bowral Hotel which planted the seed for Cupitt’s Estate – not that he knew it at the time.

When the idea of retirement loomed, the location choice was a no-brainer. The couple have owned a holiday home in Narrawallee, just north of Mollymook, since the 1980s.

Originally purchasing an acre of land where a two bail dairy once stood next to the old house, Griff and Rosie returned as often as possible until it became clear that the coast felt more like home than the country.

Shortly after the sale of their Bowral property, the Cupitts saw an ad for Washburton’s sale in Ulladulla, attended the auction on a whim and walked away with the winning bid.

“Going into retirement, the plan was to buy a property near our beach house and run some cattle and grow some grapes, which Rosie would use to make wine,” Griff says. “We planned to open a small dining room in the beautiful old Creamery for a few people on the weekends, but from the moment we opened in 2007, it has been an uphill progression with the evolution of the business.

“However, it is the input from Tom, Libby and Wally that has accelerated the growth,” Griff says. “Rosie and I have taken a back seat as far as the day-to-day operation goes, but I still enjoy running the farm and the cattle, which is my passion.

“Although it’s only a small cattle operation, it’s a good way to keep an eye on the game. I’m still pretty good with the estimates of the cattle weight and what they’ll make on the day which is very satisfying.”

Besides cattle, Griff oversees a bevy of other animals including sheep to manage the grass in the vineyard, as well as chickens and ducks for fresh eggs. It’s the substantial kitchen garden, however, that best demonstrates his passion for farming.

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of every operation at Cupitt’s Estate. Guided by the seasons, the chefs craft their menus based on what’s growing well in the garden. Anything that can’t be grown on site is purchased from local farms and suppliers.

The Cupitts run their property on a closed-loop system with waste from their food, wine, beer and cheese production.

Worm farms, chickens and ducks help to break down organic

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waste which can then be used as fertiliser; packaging material is reused and recycled throughout the property; dry compost material is used to improve soil structure in the garden and vineyard; leftover whey from the cheesemaking operation is whipped up into tasty recipes by the chefs; and the cows enjoy snacking on the spent beer grain.

“We’ve also developed a method of making activated charcoal from the grape vines to help improve the water and nutrient retention in the soil, as the Incas did hundreds of years ago. We then use that charcoal to make our ash cheese.

It’s all connected.”

THE CHEESEMAKER

Sustainability is close to Rosie’s heart, too. Inspired by her travels through Europe while learning the art of wine and cheesemaking, she dreamt of offering unique food and wine experiences at home on the South Coast.

“I respect so much about the food systems in countries such as France and Italy,” says Rosie. “I am a solid advocate of slow food, having started the Slow Food movement here in the Shoalhaven. I wanted to connect our visitors to all the producers on the South Coast and tried to focus on doing that in our restaurant.”

Travelling to France in 1998, Rosie met her winemaking mentor Alphonse Mellot in Sancerre who connected her with some of the country’s most prolific vinters, and in 2002, she joined Richard Smart to lead a technical tour of Southern France – a journey that included stops at 28 wineries from the Northern Rhône to Bordeaux.

Rosie’s approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in tradition, influenced by her time studying with the masters.

“We have a non-interventional attitude to winemaking. We want our wine to express the true character of the grapes and only influence the flavour and style with the use of good oak when it is needed,” she says.

Rosie’s ongoing research and dedication has resulted in numerous awards over the years, but she has since passed the torch down to her son so she can pursue another of her greatest pleasures – cheese.

“Winemaking is quite a manual job, so it was perfect for Wally to take over and for me to start the fromagerie,” Rosie says. “It was an easy progression from winemaking to cheesemaking as they are both fermentation processes and involve an understanding of microbiology, chemistry and physics, and need a practical approach in creating the product.

The Cupitts’ fromagerie was established in 2015 and continues to produce some of the finest artisan cheeses in the country. A further nod to her European studies, Rosie and her team employ traditional French and Italian techniques to produce everything from the gold medal-winning Narrawilly to the fudgy Flor Azul.

COMMUNITY NEW GENERATIONS

FAMILY FARE

Top left then clockwise: Housemade cheese features throughout the menu; Fried cauliflower, tahini and yoghurt, pinenuts, raisins and green olives; Chargrilled Wagyu rump with rostbiff, vadouvan butter, roast onion petals, chimichurri Tom, Libby and Wally Cupitt.

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COMMUNITY NEW GENERATIONS

AN AUTHENTIC JOURNEY OF FLAVOURS

Top, then clockwise: The menu, with an array of dishes to share, takes guests on a journey of flavours; Front of house staff are known locally in the community for their attentive and authentically friendly service; Cool-climate wines celebrating European techniques.

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“We have grown rapidly as a business, so it was hard to keep up with the increasing demand through planting more grapes, but we’re now expanding our estate vineyards to produce around 40 tonnes.”

Wally Cupitt THE WINEMAKER

Another Cupitt with a penchant for French tradition is Griff and Rosie’s youngest son and head winemaker, Wally. He brings a relaxed yet strategic approach to the operation: “Tradition is vital for our guiding winemaking principles. However, we are lucky to use science to help us make more informed decisions at various stages, which allows us to maintain quality.”

Under Wally’s keen eye, Cupitt’s Estate produces 22 different varieties of wine, from refreshing whites with great natural acidity to elegant, medium-bodied reds with mature flavour profiles.

While he seems like a natural in the role, this wasn’t the path he thought he would follow.

“I was initially interested in brewing beer when I first joined my parents in this business,” Wally admits. “I was helping Mum out in the winery, but I would be home brewing on the weekends as a hobby and going to Four Pines Brewery for work experience every week.”

“It wasn’t until I had a fantastic opportunity to travel to France and do vintage with Mum’s winemaking mentor Alphonse that I really developed a passion for wine,” he says.

The Sauvignon Blanc vineyard directly in front of the restaurant provides the fruit for the Cupitt’s signature wine, aptly named ‘Alphonse’, but this is just a small part of the 150 tonne production, Wally explains.

“The new vineyards are on the other side of the property on the crest of a hill that has excellent sunlight exposure and the interesting brown volcanic, monzonite soils that Milton is known for. As the crow flies, we are situated three kilometres from the ocean, so the summer sea breeze is a major influence on our terroir.”

The Cupitts source the majority of their grapes from the cool climate regions of Orange, Tumbarumba, Hilltops, the Yarra and Canberra District. Their star varietals range from a dangerously drinkable Pinot Noir to the complex and rich Roussanne, but the 2018 Cupitt ‘Provenance’ Chardonnay is Wally’s favourite.

“It’s made from fruit picked in Wamboin near Canberra, grown at 900 metres in a very light, shaley sandstone country; it has fantastic concentration and minerality.”

THE OPERATIONS MANAGER

From a single vineyard to an elaborate hospitality business, Cupitt’s Estate requires a steady hand to guide the ship through its many day-to-day operations. A former Civil Engineer may not be your first pick for the job of Operations Manager, but it’s Tom

Cupitt’s wealth of experience in project management that allows the enterprise to glide along seamlessly.

Tom and his partner Libby spent five years living in London before moving back to the South Coast to tie the knot.

“We loved the London lifestyle, but we were also keen to get back to Australia to be closer to our families and start one for ourselves,” Tom says. “Mum and Dad were also up to their eyeballs running Cupitt’s, so we were keen to come back and get involved with the business.”

The estate has a lot of moving pieces, and when it comes to making them all run together, Tom says it's all about working with people, finding unique solutions to problems and continuously analysing things to improve on.

When asked about the transformation of the property and ongoing business growth, Tom says it all just happened naturally.

“From the very beginning, the business has been expanding. I think Mum and Dad underestimated how popular the place would be,” Tom says. “They certainly have an entrepreneurial spirit, so things tend to happen without a thorough business plan. We are now more measured in how we plan for the future.”

The last 18 months has certainly presented its challenges, Tom shares, referring to blown-out project deadlines and adapting to constant changes in rules and customer expectations, but as a whole, he feels lucky to have rolled with the pandemic punches.

“We’ve been forced to think outside of the box and have made some changes to our operations that we will continue post-COVID.” Tom’s focus is now on improving their infrastructure to cope with the growing number of visitors, as well as exploring the potential for new growth opportunities.

“We’re looking at ways to expand into new markets like online and wholesale where we don’t need to rely so much on people being here physically,” Tom says. “We want to see steady growth so we can continue to provide good employment opportunities for our local community.”

THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE MANAGER

In many ways, Libby Cupitt is the face of the operation. A true jackof-all-trades, she has shifted between managing the restaurant, executing the marketing strategy, running HR and taking care of guest relations. Whichever aspect of the business she finds herself in, her greatest focus is always on the customer.

“I love connecting with our customers, getting to know them and doing what we can to give them a great experience. We have been operating for over 14 years now and have many loyal customers who have been here since the beginning.

Libby admits their move to the South Coast wasn’t meant to be permanent, but now, she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

“Tom and I had plans to move to Melbourne and work in our careers – me as a Town Planner and him as a Civil Engineer,” Libby says. “The restaurant was a beast and had growing pains. Rosie and Griff worked massive hours, but they were still desperate to grow the business, and Wally had started helping Rosie with winemaking, so we thought we should pitch in at least until they got on top of things.

“I don't know if it was the unlimited access to wine and restaurant-quality food, but we fell in love with working in hospitality,” she says. “But now we couldn’t see ourselves doing anything else. We wanted to see the business reach its full potential, and we knew it needed the commitment of the family to get there.” l

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MARKETPLACE

The saleyards Check out some of these top products made by small businesses all over the country.

Compiled by DARCY WATT

WRAP IT UP

Using produce from Kempsey, NSW, over the last nine years Apiwraps has helped more than 357,000 homes get rid of cling wrap, saving more than 8.6 million metres of singleuse plastic wrap. The reusable beeswax kitchen wraps create a waterproof barrier that breathes allowing food stay fresh and crisp without sweating and spoiling.

Prices start from $25.00 Apiwraps.com.au

STAND OUT IN THE HERD

Designed and made in Australia, each style of these cotton socks is designed by a different artist. For every pair sold, money is donated to the featured artist’s chosen charity.

The founder Benjy was only 8 when he started this caring company. $20 each soxybeast.com.au

WALK THIS WAY

Mongrel Boots is a fifth generation Aussie business.

An old-school attitude to workmanship delivers a perfectly engineered boot for any job. Modern technologies ensure high levels of safety and comfort as you work those long days and nights.

POA mongrelboots. com.au

COOL DOWN YOUR BEST FRIEND

Bobbies Petcare creates a healthy range of ice treats for refreshing your dog in the hot months. They can be ordered online or through your local IGA upon request. Each packet has six scrumptious servings for your best mate. $15.00 bobbiespetcare.com.au

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SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

Spices by The Khancoban Kitchen (located between the Upper Murray River and Kosciuszko National Park) are handmade from seasonal local produce and are created in small batches to ensure great flavours in every meal. Products range from $5.50 to $10.00. thekhancobankitchen.com.au

MARKETPLACE

FROM GRANNY TO YOU

Gourmet Granny’s range of sauces will enhance the home-style cooking flavours of your meals.

They’re stocked in more than 800 butcher shops and other independent retailers across NSW, making them an Australian success story. $3.99 gourmetgrannys.com.au

TREES FOR A TIPPLE

BETTER WITH AGE

A tree is planted in the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor with every green labelled bottle of Stone Pine gin sold. The oranges used are hand-picked in Narromine, NSW, and the gin is distilled in Bathurst.

Enjoy with ice, a slice of orange and tonic. $85.00 stonepinedistillery.com.au

Handmade in Sydney and designed to last for years, Charlie Middleton creates fashionable leather products that get better with age. Tailor to your taste by choosing the handles, colour and stud detailing. The bags are big enough to fit all picnic essentials. $299.00 charliemiddleton.com

HAIR BE GONE!

SWAG IT OUT

Since 1975, Saul Swags has been hand-making quality swags in Tawonga. Beginning with cattle rugs and progressing to swags and other canvas and wool products, the swags are designed to last. $295 without a mattress, $355 with a mattress Saulswags.com.au

You've probably tried all types of pet hair and lint removal products and even the sticky tape hack. With Furfy, you simply move the pet hair roller back and forth to track and pick up cat and dog hair embedded deeply in all of your household furniture and fabric such as couches, beds, carpets, blankets, clothes and more. No batteries or adhesives are needed, and there is no fuss or mess. $49.95 furfy.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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JOIN US

Memberships include The Farmer magazine delivered to you.

Help protect your livelihood. NSW Farmers is your voice – we are only as strong as you make us. The greater our numbers; the greater our voice.

Annual membership options

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 FARM DOGS

Meet Winston (not Winny, please)

Winston lives on a cotton farm near Delungra called Bella, with his owners Charles and Si Si. He was pleased as punch that our photographer visited his property to do a photoshoot, with him in a starring role.

Edited by MICHELLE HESPE Photography ANT ONG

REAL NAME AND NICKNAMES

My name is Winston, and I am sticking to it.

Please don’t call me Winny.

FAVOURITE THING TO DO ON THE FARM?

I love to play ball games, swim in the dam, and play with my friends Bruce and Gizmo. We love to sing on a Sunday morning, and I think we’ve become pretty good it, as we’ve been practicing for a long time now. We’re the only dog band in the area.

WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT?

I try to do the right thing and I love to please others, but I have been caught eating the goose eggs. I love putting the chooks to bed and occasionally I get a little excited if one gets away. I have been known to catch one, leaving me with a mouth full of feathers, but I would never eat one!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD?

Everything. I live to eat. I always keep an eye out for when the chooks are let out, as then I creep into their yard and clean up all the scraps they haven’t eaten. If I’m lucky I might find an egg to eat!

IF YOU BECAME FAMOUS FOR ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Finishing my dinner before anyone else. These days I must eat my food out of a muffin cooking tin because I eat too fast, which leads to a tummy ache.

So, I get six small meals really. I’m sure there’s a word that chefs use for that.

WHAT DO YOU DREAM OF?

I would love to have a girlfriend, but I don’t think that is on the cards unfortunately.

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE OF LATE?

I really enjoyed it when the photographer came to take photos of our cotton fields. He also took lots of photos of me and I showed him how well behaved I was – sitting and staying until I was called up for my photoshoot. You never know where this could lead. I heard that I could end up in a magazine called The Farmer. Maybe I’ll be the cover star…

Do you have a great photo of your farm dog? Send it along to mhespe@intermedia.com.au and you never know, they might be a star like Winston!

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THE TAIL END

Drawing tourism with silo art

Australia is home to a wonderful array of silo art. Reaching staggering dimensions, silo art presents a connection to our country and rich community histories which can’t be overlooked.

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ilo art is rapidly appearing across the rural Australian landscape. Australia is pioneering the way forward in terms of sheer numbers. Over 49 silos have been recorded throughout the country with more on the way. New artworks appear regularly as rural towns begin to understand the tourism benefits silo art can provide.

Annette and Eric Green travel rural Australia documenting silo art. They

ART ON THE ROAD

Top to bottom: A shearer and farmer are permanently captured on this silo in Weethalle; These silos (right) were built in 1925. With additions being added over years of operation, they now have the capacity to hold over 23,700 tons of grain.

Photo courtesy of Annette Green.

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established the Australian Silo Art Trail – a self-funded campaign which helps enhance tourism in rural areas by mapping silo art locations.

“Art unites rural communities and makes them stronger by exploring a forgotten past. If everyone bought a coffee and a pie on their way through a town it would make a small economic difference and that’s my goal,” says Annette.

Northam in Western Australia was where it all began for Annette with Australia’s first ever silo art which was completed in March 2015.

Annette takes pictures, records information and shares her love for these iconic Australian wonders, all while her husband Eric drives.

Weethalle, in the Central West, is home to the state’s first silo art which was completed as recently as July 2017. It stretches a staggering 21 metres high by 31 metres wide and was painted by artist Heesco Khosnaran. It’s a tribute to the farming history of Weethalle and the community.

“The silos are the soul of the town – the story and feel of what a place is all about,” said Annette. “Once life returns to normal after the pandemic, Australian silo art could be an international tourism wonder.”

Grenfell is an agricultural hub located 162km east of Weethalle. Heesco was commissioned by Grenfell Commodities to paint the mural two years after his completion of the Weethalle silo. The artwork took five weeks to paint and displays how Weddin Shire’s agricultural landscape has influenced the town identity.

Heesco says, “People are always grateful and curious about my work. It’s quite progressive of rural towns to take on public art and they appreciate it more than in the city. In such a grand scale, it will help boost local tourism similar to the Big Banana or the Golden Guitar.”

Along the trail, viewers can find art in the town of Portland,

THE TAIL END NSW FARMERS COMMITTEES – CONTACTS & CHAIRS AG SCIENCE

Alan Brown agvetcommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au ANIMAL WELFARE

Robert McIntosh animalwelfarecommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au BIOSECURITY

Ian McColl biosecuritycommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au BUSINESS, ECONOMICS & TRADE

Bill McDonell beatcommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au CATTLE

Deborah Willis cattlecommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au CONSERVATION & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Bronwyn Petrie crmcommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au

CONTRACT POULTRY MEAT

Peter Wojcicki poultrymeatcommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au DAIRY

Colin Thompson dairycommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au EGG

Brett Langfield eggcommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au GOATS

Felicity McLeod goatcommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au GRAINS

Matthew Madden grainscommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au HORTICULTURE

Guy Gaeta horticulturecommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au OYSTER

Todd Graham oystercommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au

north of Lithgow on the fringe of the Blue Mountains. Guido van Helten painted The Foundations which captures the portraits of six locals who worked at the Portland cement works. They were a part of the story of the Town That Built Sydney, as well as building many foundations that Portland still stands on today.

Annette says, “There are other countries that have silo art but they’re scattered here and there. We’re the only country so far that has mapped out a driving trail and connected them all. I retired in March 2018 and since marking these locations, I’ve never been busier.”

The silo art in Barraba, in the New England region, is proudly owned by Simon and Amanda Koopman. The mural, depicting a water diviner, was painted by Fintan Magee, after speaking with the local community while it was experiencing one of the worst droughts in history.

“It was painted to represent the significance of water in that area, especially after the 2019 drought that hit most of NSW. The water diviner evokes a lot of emotions around a time of real hardship.”

The maize mill in Gunnedah is home to the third of Heesco’s artworks, making him the most prolific silo art painter in NSW. It features the second extract from

A perfect viewing platform is found on Gunnedah’s new bridge which links the Oxley Highway and Warrabungle Street. Photo courtesy of Marg Carr.

Dorothea Mackellar’s poem My Country. The artwork reaches an astonishing 29-metre height.

“As younger generations continually leave regional areas, silo art is a way to keep the culture alive,” said Heesco.

Annette thinks more towns should consider an art mural.

“New cafés have appeared near these artworks and they’re a reason people stop on their way through a town.” Silo art demonstrates the history

of a town while repurposing outdated infrastructure.

“Sometimes there can be 200 kilometres between silos, so visitors might travel through three or four towns on one part of the trail. They might buy morning tea or lunch on the way, and so inadvertently this brings economic assistance to a region.

“Some of these towns really need some help, and we are seeing the benefits of the art trail already.” l

PORK

Ean Pollard porkcommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au RURAL AFFAIRS

Garry Grant ruralaffairscommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au SHEEPMEATS

Jenny Bradley sheepmeatscommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au WESTERN DIVISION COUNCIL

Greg Rogers wdc@nswfarmers.org.au WOOL

Helen Carrigan woolcommittee@ nswfarmers.org.au

Silo art locations across the state

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Barraba Dunedoo Grenfell Gunnedah Merriwa Murrumburrah Portland Weethalle

YOUNG FARMERS

Rachel Nicoll yfc@nswfarmers.org.au

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THE FARMER

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COMMUNITY MEET THE CHAIR OF THE NSW YOUNG FARMERS COUNCIL

If you care enough, you make time

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griculture is at the centre of everything for Mitch Highett – the new Chair of the NSW Young Farmers Council.

Mitch has amassed a diverse range of food and fibre production skills through working the land in NSW and around the world, including a stint in the agribusiness world in Sydney. It’s all been in the name of one day owning his own farm.

Today Mitch runs his own farm management business and has adopted leasing and agisting arrangements as some final stepping stones to reaching that goal.

“There are massive barriers for entry into farming – in terms of access to capital and land – so I’ve had to take on a few roles to get there,” says Mitch.

As the Founder and CEO of Bullseye Ag, he assists in securing and managing rural assets and has used land leasing and agistment to expand the business.

“We help people who are new to farming and those on generational farms,” he says.

“We ensure owners are compliant citizens of the land in processes like the management of noxious weeds. The majority of what we do is in the broadacre space, but we have even managed cherry orchards and feedlots.”

Mitch says he loves where the industry is currently at. “Beef prices are fantastic, and we have more than enough moisture

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Name: Mitch Highett Branch: Orange Time as Member: Four years

in the soil profile for cropping and pastures,” he says. “We obviously have our challenges like the mouse plague and rain at the wrong time. For example, we are behind in our spray applications. But after so many tough years it’s good to see a spring back for many of our industries.”

Mitch is excited about the fact that there is such a big push for agriculture to be the number one GDP industry. “I think we’re continuing to show we have the ability and assets to do so,” he says.

Educating youth in agriculture is yet another example of how Mitch involves himself in multiple areas of industry. He voiced strong support for the Kids to Farms program – aimed at raising awareness with young children on where food and fibre comes from.

“With NSW Young Farmers I can work on my passion of encouraging the agricultural industry to be more connected with youth and in schools,” he says. “That’s a very big thing for me – making sure agriculture is still an industry that people want to be involved with when they leave school. There are so many different facets of agriculture now – it’s not just about farming anymore.

Mitch and the Young Farmers Council are a real driving force of the Kids to Farm program. “It enabled us to put ourselves forward as mentors, visit schools and talk about farming,” says Mitch.

Pursuing important agendas such as

stamp duty exemption for new farming entrants and the young farmer business program are also some discussions Mitch is involved in. He’s also part of the NSW Farmers Innovation and Technology Working Group where he is looking at the role of technology in agriculture, and working on introducing a robust data code for suppliers to adhere to.

It’s a lot to fit into one role, but one of Mitch’s grounding philosophies is that if you care enough about something, you make time for it. l

Why I am a member of NSW Farmers “It allows me to be a part of the solution, and it gives me a soapbox to voice the things I see and battle within our industry. I can also discover if others have similar experiences.

“As you develop yourself within the network, you become a voice and you can present reasons to make change. Every day you need to ask yourself and others – How do we resolve this, and who do we need to speak to?”

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