Aglife - February 2017 edition

February 22, 2017

Field days primed A countdown to the 2017 Wimmera Machinery Field Days has started with the launch of this year’s official field days program. In partnership with The Weekly Advertiser, thousands of copies of the 80-page program are being distributed across the region, giving people an opportunity to get early insight into this year’s event. Field days manager Murray Wilson, pictured with copies of the program, said the publication had been an important field days tradition since 1963 and included exhibitor listings as well as details about products and promotions on site. The 55th annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days will be on March 7, 8, 9 at Wimmera Events Centre, Longerenong. The Weekly Advertiser will include a special AgLife field days feature next week.

Proudly brought to you by:

95 Nelson Street, Nhill

Drive-thru service for PET & produce This Weeks Special CALL 03 5391 2106

DogPro Working Dog

$25.00

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm

20kg Bag

95 Nelson Street, Nhill

“Like” Us On Bring your truck, your horse float or your trailer and drive straight through!

CALL 03 5391 2106 Wednesday, February 22, 2017

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page

21

Early Order Program

on onfinance finance

00

00 REAL

REAL DEAL *

f ina f ina ncen * c

*

ce ce n n a a f in f in

baler

MF WR9800 MF WR9800 SERIES SERIES WINDROWERS WINDROW

MF2200 MF2200 LARGE LARGE SQUARE SQUARE BALER BALER

195 – 225 195 HP – 225 | CUTTING-EDGE HP | CUTTING-EDGE FROM HEADER FROM HEADER TO TAIL TO T

RVEYORS PURVEYORS OF THE FINEST OF THE LARGE FINESTSQUARE LARGE SQUARE BALERS BALERS SINCE 1978 SINCE 1978

onsistentConsistent high bale density high bale density Excellent productivity Excellent productivity on all fouron models all four models All main functions All main are functions controlled are controlled via the on-board via the virtual on-board computer virtual computer terminal t andem axle Tandem and cutter axle and options cutter options Highly efficient Highlydrive efficient system drive system The most advanced The most advanced GPS steering GPSavailable steering making availableoperation making operation easier thaneasier ever

00

f ina f ina ncen * c

00

f ina f ina ncen * ce *

MF9407S MF9407S TELEHANDLER TELEHANDLER

MF MOWERS MF MOWERS

MF2200 LARGE SQUARE BALER

OPTIMUM OPTIMUM REACH AND REACH MANOEUVRABILITY AND MANOEUVRABILITY

PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE THAT CUTS THAT THROUGH CUTS THROUGH EVERY NEED EVERY NEED

PURVEYORS OF THE FINEST LARGE SQUARE BALERS SINCE 1978 arrow chassis Narrowdesign chassis provides design provides Narrow chassis Narrowdesign chassis provides design provides Superior operator Superiorenvironment operator environment Superior operator Superiorenvironment operator environmen Consistent high bale density Low component numbers and aximummaximum turning angle turning angle Powerful and maximummaximum turning angle turning angle Powerful consistent and consistent hydraulic system hydraulic system Powerful and Powerful consistent and consistent hydraulic system hydra straightforward maintenance Tandem axle and cutter options hree selectable Three selectable steering modes steering modes Three selectable Three selectable steering modes steering modes Excellent productivity on all four models Highly efficient drive system

0%0% at Traction at Traction AGAG Reduced power requirement means low running costs

Quality bales that are easy to stack and transport Designed and built by the experts in Hesston, Kansas

OURYOUR LOCAL LOCAL MF DEALER MF DEALER CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MF DEALER FOR A REAL DEAL MASSEYFERGUSON.COM.AU ASSEYFERGUSON.COM.AU MASSEYFERGUSON.COM.AU

Traction Traction Ag Horsham Ag Horsham Traction Traction Ag Nhill Ag Nhi

135 Stawell 135 Road Stawell HORSHAM Road HORSHAM 6 Brougham 6 Brougham Street NHILL Street NHI

es@tractionag.com.au sales@tractionag.com.au | www.tractionag.com.au | www.tractionag.com.au

Phone: 03 Phone: 538103 1385 5381 1385

Phone: 03 Phone: 539103 1144 5391 1144

conditions apply. Program ends February 28, 2017. While stocks last. AGCO Finance available to approved customers. r ends*29th OfferFebruary ends 29th2016, February while2016, stockswhile last.stocks Final installation last. *Terms Finalandinstallation by 30th November by 30th 2016.

November 0% finance 2016. 0% to AGCO finance Finance to AGCO customers Finance who customers hold a who current holdABN a current only. 30% ABNdeposit, only. 30% GSTdeposit, paid inGS th month. fourth 5 annual month.payments 5 annualcommencing payments commencing 6 months after 6 months installation. after installation.

Terms and conditions Terms and apply. conditions apply.

®, MF® ®, the triple-triangle logo® ® is a worldwide brand of AGCO. © 2015 MASSEY FERGUSON®

®, MF®, the®triple-triangle MASSEY FERGUSON MASSEY FERGUSON , MF®, the triple-triangle logo® is a worldwide logo® is a brand worldwide of AGCO. brand©of2015 AGCO. © 2015 Page

22

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Proudly brought to you by:

Th

D

Preparations for a new year 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

s we settle into the rhythm of a new year, the occasional cooler day is hinting the change of season is just around the corner.

The process of preparing for the coming sowing season has already started, and with the modern grain grower beginning to sow mid-April or before, the short turnaround time from a somewhat delayed finish to harvest is putting growers under the pump.

They are carting gypsum, lime and in particular fertiliser home to the farm – not to mention ticking off a list of other on farm jobs building by the day.

Much of the fertiliser requirements for the sowing period have been locked away for many weeks now, with the increased confidence around another good season weather-wise certainly helping to make the decision to commit early that little bit easier.

Early commitment has also been substantially rewarded to date, particularly on ammonium phosphates and urea which have increased by about $60 and $100-plus per tonne respectively over the past one

with Mick Phelan

to two months. Although there is increased certainty around fertiliser use and orders are largely in place already, pickups of fertiliser have been on the slightly slower side so far this year.

Many growers are struggling to deal with on-farm storage issues in cropping areas, and a reluctance to broadcast single super and other pasture fertilisers in southern areas due to still being in summer months and the abundance of long dry feed in many paddocks.

This is not conducive for spreader contractors and growers alike.

A common theme has been emerging in all markets for some time in that once the season begins to crank up, the relative strength of other markets on the revenue side such as beef, sheep and wool, is prompting growers to make an investment back into soil nutrition. Adding to this, soil tests, which are underway in

cropping areas, are also resulting in an uptick of fertiliser rates in farm plans. This is not surprising to many, although it is becoming apparent there are further increases to planned fertiliser use taking place that are above and beyond the initial increases that were factored in late 2016.

With considerable amounts of fertiliser of all kinds on order, a relatively slow start to dispatches in relation to those orders, and potentially more demand to follow, a few red flags, or perhaps more of a few cerise flags at this stage, are starting to appear.

Potential shortages

The longer fertiliser pick-ups are delayed, the narrower the pick-up window will become, creating longer lines at port and increasing the chance of short-term shortages with suppliers as they attempt to juggle the amount of fertiliser coming in compared with the pace at which it is going out.

Adding to this, if there is a late surge in demand that is not preceded by strong early pickup numbers, the late demand for product will simply be un-

able to be met. If a few have decided to pick up early within their contracted window, once the broad acre, pasture and dairy markets begin firing on all cylinders in late March, April and May, those red flags might very well become more of a shade of oxblood. Adding to this, any pick-ups that fall beyond the contracted period are likely to attract little sympathy from suppliers and could result in substantial penalties.

Whether this is a right or wrong course of action is up for debate, although considering pricing has increased significantly on most products, it is a probable and predictable course of action for fertiliser companies. Although it might seem counter-intuitive, how any market is executed is driven from grower level.

Positive outcomes can often be achieved by doing the opposite of what the masses are up to.

In the simple case of picking up fertiliser for the first half of 2017, if the product is at port, available to be picked up and room can be made for it on farm, then organising for an early pick-up would be highly recommended.

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Make more from your wool Call the AWN Wool Buying team and make more from every kilogram of your wool.

Pick up and collect of butts, bags, small or large clips Direct consignments l Door trading; Edenhope, Horsham l Auction sales l l

WIMMERA WOOL BUYING TEAM Steven Harvey 0428 820 817, Graeme Telfer 0407 553 804, Zack Currie 0475 424 912

WADV816

A

www.woolnetwork.com.au

CLASS LEADING TORQUE* 3 YEAR UNLIMITED KM WARRANTY SPEED LIMITING WORK KEY WARRNAMBOOL 1055 RAGLAN PARADE, WARRNAMBOOL VIC 3280

MOTORCYCLES PHONE: 0488 933 589 ©2016 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ™, ® and the BRP logo are registered trademarks of BRP or its affiliates.

Products are distributed in Australia. by BRP AU. Make sure that all laws and regulations, are respected. Ride responsibly. ^3 year warranty covers MY16 Can-Am Defender models only. * Rotax HD10 engine provides up to 20% more torque than the closest leading competitor, the 2016 Polaris Ranger 900 XP.

YEARS WORKING TOGETHER

OFFICIAL POWERCRAFT SUPPLIER OF

SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA

Discover the endless possibilities of custom metal fabrication!

SERVICES: 99 Custom Ute Trays 99 Custom Tool Boxes 99 Custom Canopies 99 Manufacture and Repair Alloy Tanks

If you can think it, they can make it!

99 Welding - including stainless steel and aluminium

Ph: (03) 5381 1431 9 Ballinger Street, Horsham 3400 http://www.compasspowdercoating.com.au

99 Durable powdercoat finishes Stainless Aluminium Tig Welding

Guillotine

Folding General Engineering

Ph: 53 811 431 9 Ballinger St, Horsham, Vic

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page

23

Renmark••Swan Parndana ••Rupanyup Hill Kadina • Roseworthy ••Warracknabeal • Horsham

www.emmetts.com.au

We’ve changed our name but not our service Cranston Australia is now MGA Insurance Brokers

r o f g n i k o is lo ! s r o t u b i r t con Are you a farmer?

Work for an agricultural business or have a interest in ag?

With over 50 years of local experience, specialising in Heavy Transport, Contractors, Farm & Crop we have the answers to all your general insurance requirements.

The Weekly Advertiser wants YOUR help making AgLife a premier agriculture feature!

We invite you to visit us in the Moore Exhibition Centre at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days

79 Hamilton Street, Horsham Ph (03) 5382 2599 AFSL No: 244601

Page

24

Let us know about industry insights, life living on the land or anything agricultural related.

To find out more, phone Bonnie on (03) 5382 1351 or email twasales@team.aceradio.com.au www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Proudly brought to you by: This Weeks Special DogPro Working Dog

$25.00

Region’s eyes turn to mice

20kg Bag

“Like” Us On Facebook

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

A

BY DEAN LAWSON

uthorities continually assessing information about mouse numbers across north-west Victoria say it is too early to predict if the pests will reach plague proportions this year.

Agriculture Victoria natural disasters and emergencies manager Banjo Patterson said conflicting reports on a build-up of rodent numbers were painting an inconclusive picture.

He said while conditions were in many ways conducive to a widespread mouse-population increase, December surveys had shown numbers to be low.

“But we’re getting mixed messages and we have some people saying they have seen a significant build-up,” he said.

“What that tells us is that it is too early to predict what might happen and we simply have to wait and see.

“It all works on irregular patterns and while we’ve had quite heavy crops and there is more grain on the ground than usual, there are also factors such as rain and summer-weed seeds to consider.”

The CSIRO warned in January that Victorians and South Australians should expect a build-up in mouse numbers as a result of last year’s wet spring.

Ecologist Steven Henry said at the time that climate, food and breeding were the three key factors that could contribute to a plague.

He said the breeding season usually started in

late August or September, but researchers had found it had started in early August.

He added readily available food meant mice could concentrate more on breeding instead of using energy for foraging and that could continue unless hindered by hot, dry weather.

“This means there is potential for ‘greater base population’ ready to procreate when farmers starting sowing in autumn,” Mr Henry said.

The region has had some extreme hot days but many people monitoring environmental conditions believe the summer season has been relatively mild.

Mr Patterson said Agriculture Victoria used information from the CSIRO as well as other sources to monitor mouse numbers across the state.

“We also talk to individual growers and groups such as Birchip Cropping Group, so it is a mix,” he said.

“What we suggest is growers record and map activity on the web with the MouseAlert website and mobile phone app.

“The next big risk time will come in sowing in autumn and the potential damage to newly sown crops.”

Australia’s most financially devastating mouse plague came in 1993 when the rodents caused an estimated $96-million worth of damage in the cropping and livestock industries.

The pests not only eat crops, but attack animals and poultry, foul water storages and are driven by hunger to chew through electrical cables.

FARMERS:

See us at the field days for your hay shed and beat the price rise!

Don’t leave your valuable hay go to s#*%

✘ TIME

$400,000 to help tag transition goat producers received benefits from the package.

With new rules that came into effect on January 1, all newborn sheep and goats in Victoria now require an electronic NLIS tag before they leave their property of birth.

“We’re making sure livestock producers, sale yards and abattoirs are ready for this change that will help Victoria succeed on the world stage and strengthen our biosecurity system,” Ms Pulford said.

“No one needs to buy new gear other than the tags and a reader, but it’s great to see so

many farmers who want to do more.”

Ms Pulford encouraged farmers who were keen to embrace additional on-farm benefits to apply for grants to purchase optional equipment such as readers and purposebuilt weighing systems.

To date, close to 100 applications from farmers have been approved.

Application forms for equipment grants are available at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/ sheepEID or by calling 1800 678 779 during business hours.

Are yoeurady tyres r

a McDonald y b d te c te Pro hed Steel hay s

EFFORT ASSETS RETURN

Be organised... get in early, Cnr Golf Course Road & Kendal D and beat 5381 09 therush!

Vecteezy.com

Sheep and goat producers can apply for a share of $400,000 to help with the transition to an electronic identification traceability scheme.

Sixty-one farmers will benefit from this round of State Government grants, which will reduce the cost of electronic identification equipment such as readers and applicators.

Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford said the government’s transition package provided for cost-neutral tags at 35 cents to farmers in 2017, meaning nearly all Victorian sheep and

✓

www.mcdonaldsteelhorsha

For a smashing deal on a hay shed, with no thin s#*%!

SEE THE IRON MAN!

FOR SOWING?

24-HOUR CALLOUT SERVICE

Vecteezy.com

Drive & Corner of King d, Horsham Golf Course Roa

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Cnr Golf Course Road & Kendal Drive, Horsham

0411 658 270

ht blue signs!

Look for the brig

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

 5381 0992

www.mcdonaldsteelhorsham.com.au Page

25

Wimmera Southern Mallee Ag Events February

Servicing HORSHAM, NHILL & KANIVA

27th 27th 28th 28th 28th

Hey Hay! & Stock Rotation Development Workshop. Joel Joel Hall Managing Grain Storage to meet your markets. Horsham Hey Hay! & Stock Rotation Development Workshop. Natimuk Rec Reserve Farm Business Management Essentials. Stawell Small Business Bus - Nhill

1st 1st 2nd 2nd 7,8,9th 9th 12th 14th 14th 20th 21st 22nd 22nd 22nd 23rd 24-26th 27th 27th 28th 30th 31st

Hey Hay! & Stock Rotation Development Workshop. Lawloit Hall Small Business Bus - Warracknabeal Steps to transform your business with Sarah Valentine. Stawell Small Business Bus - Hopetoun Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Longerenong Field Day Site GRDC Farm Business Update 9am - 1pm. Quambatook Meet Chris Humphrey Wild Action Zoo at the Horsham Fishing Comp Connectivity, Capacity, Trust. Farmer Data Co-op Workshop 3 Southern Mallee and Womens GAPP meeting Small Business Bus - Birchip & Donald Celebrating 30 Years of Landcare & National Harmony Day. Horsham Southern Australia Durum Pre-Seeding Forum. 8.30am-1pm. Horsham GRDC Farm Business Update. 9am - 1pm. Skipton Rupanyup GAPP meeting West Wimmera GAPP meeting West Wimmera Women on Farms Gathering.

Connectivity, Capacity, Trust. Farmer Data Co-op Workshop 4 PPS, GSSA & MLA Pasture Update Seminar. Stawell GRDC Farm Business Update. 8.30am - 4.30pm. Strathdale SFS Trial Results Day. 9am - 2pm SFS Agronomy Day. 9am - 2pm. Westmere

March

Horsham: OPEN Kaniva: VISITING THURSDAY FORTNIGHTLY Nhill: VISITING EVERY FRIDAY

PHONE: (03) 5382 1628 FAX: (03) 5382 6205 Rob Nelson 0411 196 700 Jamie Nelson 0417 119 216

For full details about these and future events

www.wda.org.au/brif

Mark Fletcher (03) 5381 6505 mfletcher@wda.org.au

: for all of your Bourgault needs

HORSHAM (VIC) 105 Dimboola Road 03 5382 9400

KADINA (SA)

13a Martin Terrace 08 8828 0200

MURRAY BRIDGE (SA)

Cnr Jose & Cornwall Street 08 8548 9277

PINNAROO (SA)

19-21 Jenkins Terrace 08 8577 8141

ROSEWORTHY (SA)

PARNDANA (SA)

RENMARK (SA)

RUPANYUP (VIC)

62 Wedgewood Road 08 8559 6066

255 Renmark Ave 08 8586 3688

4 Flett Road 08 8524 8131

6 Cromie Street 03 5385 5600

SWAN HILL (VIC)

5617 Murray Valley Hwy 03 5036 4600

WARRACKNABEAL (VIC)

67 Henty Hwy 03 5398 0700

www.emmetts.com.au Page

26

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Proudly brought to you by:

Th

D

95 Nelson Street, Nhill

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

CALL 03 5391 2106

FLYING MAMMALS: Ecologist Peter Homan with a Lesser long-eared bat and a picture of a southern freetail bat.

Bat man in action at Challicum night

P

eople in Challicum district, south-east of Ararat, will have a rare opportunity to gain insight into the life of bats in their region at an Upper Hopkins Land Management Group Bat Night on Saturday.

The Bat Night, for Landcare enthusiasts and their families and friends, will feature ecologist Peter Homan at Doug Hopkins’ Challicum property.

The event will start with a barbecue at 6.30pm followed by a trap-setting session just before dusk.

Mr Homan will explain his work and share his knowledge of bats with participants before returning to the field to check the nets.

Organisers are confident the process will be interesting for

children, but have warned of a potential late night.

Mr Homan hopes to capture a few bats the previous night to show the mammals to anyone who has to leave early.

Organisers have also advised people to bring a torch and to wear sturdy footwear and long trousers to walk along a creek after dark, and to wear or bring a long-sleeved shirt or light jumper to allow Mr Homan to place the captured bats on people’s covered arms.

Mr Homan has more than 50 years of experience in a wide range of intrusive and non-intrusive animal survey techniques, including trapping and surveillance methods.

He has extensive experience in surveying small mammals such as bats, small reptiles, especially skinks, frogs, water-

birds, forest-woodland birds, fish and freshwater macroinvertebrates. He also has extensive experience in training students and other investigators in these fields.

Mr Homan is also a longterm member of Fauna Survey Group, Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, and a member of the Australasian Bat Society and Australian Mammal Society.

Organisers have asked Landcare members to bring barbecue food for their families and a salad to share.

Upper Hopkins Land Management Group will provide bread, condiments, dessert, tea and coffee.

People need to RSVP to Una Allender by tomorrow by calling 0419 891 920 or emailing uallender@bigpond.com.

www.tengtools.com.au

CATALOGU

E

OUT NOW

Your local stockists

14B Sloss St, Horsham | (03) 5381 0800 | Fax (03) 5381 0801

JAALA PULFORD - MEMBER FOR WESTERN VICTORIA Please feel free to get in touch with my office anytime in relation to any state government issue you might have -

Jaala

Phone: Email: Website:

03 53332 2405 jaala.pulford@parliament.vic.gov.au jaalapulford.com.au

Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:

facebook.com/JaalaPulfordMP twitter.com/JaalaPulford instagram.com/JaalaPulford

This advertisement is paid for authorised by T Miller, 15 Main Road, Ballarat; and paid for using the Parliament of Victoria Electorate Office Communications Budget

Horsham

tors u ib r t is D t n a ric Fuel and Lub to ls e u f y t li a u supplying q as. e r a g in d n u surro d n a m a h s r Ho ants – ic r b u L ll e h S d obil an M f o t is k c o t –S

e G2-3 it s t a s y a d field See us at the 113 Golf Course Rd, Horsham. Ph 5382 3454

Balmoral, Beulah, Goroke, Horsham, Jeparit, Kerang, Lalbert, Yaapeet, Hopetoun Wednesday, February 22, 2017

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page

27

Proudly brought to you by: This Weeks Special DogPro Working Dog

$25.00 20kg Bag

Trial results released “Like” Us On Facebook

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

BY JESSICA LEMON BIRCHIP CROPPING GROUP

B

irchip Cropping Group has released results from an exciting 2016 research program and is preparing for more of the same in 2017.

BCG has scheduled to sow its first trial in an extensive program at Longerenong, near Horsham, on March 15.

It was a longer than normal harvest at BCG, with the Winterseiger plot harvester and its operator Daryl Burdett contracted to harvest highyielding crops in Tasmania.

Harvesting high-yielding Tasmanian wheat crops, with an average yield of 12t-ha, was a great experience for Daryl, who reported the best yielding variety reached a phenomenal 16.3 t-ha – a vast difference from top Wimmera wheat yields of about 5t-ha.

To prepare for sowing for cropping,

BCG has organised soil sampling for farmers in the Wimmera and Mallee.

Soil tests give growers a good understanding of the soil nutrient status and the current soil moisture position.

Having this information can help in making decisions about which paddock is best suited to which crop type and when, and how much, fertiliser to apply.

Another product that can assist farmers with decisions about crop input is Yield Prophet, an online crop modeling tool that predicts crop yield.

To effectively use this tool, presowing soil moisture and nitrogen status is needed.

Results from BCG’s 2016 field trials have been released in the 2016 Season Research Results compendium.

Members will receive a copy of the 230-page book this week.

To become a BCG member, people can call the group on 5492 2787.

A point of discussion raised by farmers at BCG’s recent Trials Review Day was the best time to sow crops.

BCG is attempting to provide insight into this question, running a range of field trials that test the performance of crops sown at different times.

Very soon, the early time of sowing treatments will be in the ground.

With high stubble loads in the Wimmera in 2016, many farmers will be thinking about the best way to manage their stubble to avoid lengthy issues at sowing.

With a bumper 2016 season, that came on the back of a particularly wet spring that made timely spraying difficult, paddock weeds are more prevalent.

Summer spraying will be crucial to avoid large in-season weed loads that will be harder and potentially more expensive to control.

VFF: Ban a win for industry Victoria’s peak farmer group has praised both the State Government and Opposition for putting the interests of landholders above politics by not risking prime agricultural resources for short-term gains by gas and mining companies.

The government’s Resources Legislation Amendment – Fracking Ban – Bill 2016 is widely expected to pass Parliament with cross-party support. It would see a permanent ban on the exploration and development of all onshore unconventional gas in Victoria and a five-year extension on the ban on conventional onshore gas development.

Victorian Farmers Federation welcomed the move as a victory for farmers after last year praising the government’s commitment to ensuring farm land was protected from gas exploration until more research into potential impacts had been done.

“This is a great outcome for our

farmers because the true environmental impact of onshore gas mining is still unknown,” VFF president David Jochinke said.

“Agriculture is a vital resource in Victoria, so it’s a relief to know that both sides recognise the importance of agriculture to our state’s future.

“Victoria has precious groundwater reserves, and without hard scientific evidence that shows the risks of onshore gas development can be properly managed, those reserves shouldn’t be put at risk.”

A VFF survey showed members’ greatest concern was the potential for cross-contamination of aquifers as a result of drilling for gas, while others feared it would cause financial or environmental harm.

Mr Jochinke said the VFF hoped this was the first step towards the government giving farmers the right to say no to mining proposals on their land.

Our SUPPORTING LOCAL WOOLGROWERS Ararat s a h e r o t s www.qualitywool.com d move Rear 30 Gordon St, Ararat • 5352 4322 • Paul Cocking 0417 548 211 Quality Wool offers a range of marketing options to growers, including cash payment for wool, on-farm private buying, full auction services, forward contracts, and we can pick up your wool on-farm with our Quality Wool trucks.

Head Office (08) 8341 0000

28/02/2017

Page

28

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, February 22, 2017