Page 27Wednesday, August 31, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au of our stores on October 31 ww w.dmdagents.com.au NHILL 95-97 Nelson Street, Nhill (03) 53 912 Fnhill@dmdage106nts.com.auacebook@dmdnhill HORSHAM 105 River Road , Horsham (03) 53 812 horsham@dmdage828nts com.au Facebook @dmdhorsham STAWELL Fnevilleroutley@dmdageacebook@dmdst BUY 2 a Genesis Power Doser valued at $800Win over the months of August, September and October and go in the draw 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106 Proudly brought to you by: August 31, 2022 Goroke farmer Carl Hausler is pleased to see large puddles around the family farm as the crops are looking green and the stock are well fed. Average rain across the Wimmera was about 70 millimetres for August, with more expected during spring. Story, page 30. Picture: CARRACHERPAULinMoneymud
The State Government has committed a $10-million package to build on the state’s preparedness for an outbreak of the disease. For details about upcoming workshops, as well as information and resources about foot-and-mouth disease, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/fmd
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“We’re encouraging all farmers to re main vigilant in their National Livestock Identification System practices and ensure their farm biosecurity plans are up-todate,” he said. “We all need to make sure we’re pre pared to take the appropriate action when required to protect our livestock industry from an outbreak.” FMD is a highly contagious, rapid ly spread viral disease that affects clo ven-hoofed animals.
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“All livestock that is sold or goes through our yards in transit are traceable via the National Livestock Identification System.”
Mr Christopher said the council annually reviewed and updated its Livestock Stand still Plan. “Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange prides itself on its biosecurity practices and has been proactive in preparation for any outbreak related to FMD,” he said.
“The facility has a saleyard standstill plan and agents who sell through the yards have been briefed on its detail and staff are in the process of building a boot wash. “We understand the key to our region’s biosecurity is livestock traceability.
For the first time, Longerenong College implemented an early offer program for people wanting to study next year.
BY ABBY WALTER Wimmera livestock experts say the region’s high standards for biosecurity means it is prepared to fight any potential disease outbreaks.
PREPARED: Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange staff Daryl Wallace and Liz Reddie ensure the site is biosecure in the event foot-and-mouth disease reaches the Wimmera. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Longerenong College leaders have dubbed the 2022 Longy Col lege Open Day a ‘success’, with plenty of prospective students through the doors. Business development officer Donna Winfield said it was ‘ex citing’ to be back face-to-face with potential 2023 students from across Victoria and interstate. “Our students are highly sought-after and regarded in the in dustry, so we spoke at the day about career opportunities Lon gerenong can open up,” she said. “There were course presentations, campus tours, farm tours, scholarship presentations, show steers and the opportunity to talk to current staff and students.”
Ms Winfield said applications closed today and it was ‘new and exciting’ to be able to offer the initiative.
In response to an outbreak of footand-mouth disease, FMD, in Indonesia, and some fragments found at Australian borders, Horsham Rural City Council commercial enterprises co-ordinator Paul Christopher said biosecurity ensured the Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange remained one of the safest and most bio-secure facilities in the region.
Agriculture Victoria started a series of biosecurity planning workshops for live stock producers last week, that will contin ue until September 28 across 17 different locations. Participants will hear about the biosecurity risks and leave with their own on-farm biosecurity plan. Agriculture Victoria emergency animal disease engagement co-ordinator Terry Batey said the events were being deliv ered to ensure farmers were empowered with the information and skills needed to safeguard businesses and industries from exotic pests and diseases.
“It means students will know nice and early where they are going and don’t have to wait,” she said.
Page 29Wednesday, August 31, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au All will be revealed in next week’s edition of The Weekly Advertiser
Soaking gives confidence
It is mostly smiles for Wimmera farmers out in the paddocks with rain continuing to give crops a good boost before spring. August rain across the Wimmera av eraged about 70 millimetres – above the average for this time of year in mostGoroketowns.farmer
Funding for Victorian Agricultural and Pastoral Societies will support entry fees and boost COVID recovery as the spring show season begins. Grants are open to all eligible Vic torian Agricultural and Pastoral So cieties that are hosting agriculture, horticultural or pastoral events. The funding will enable groups to offer children’s entry at no charge. Agriculture Victoria executive direc tor, policy and programs, Sarah-Jane McCormack said the program ensured regional and rural shows returned stronger than ever.
BY ABBY WALTER
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The Bureau of Meteorology has con firmed a negative Indian Ocean Di pole event, which increases the chance of La Niña during spring by 70 per cent. September to November rain is likely to be above median for most of the eastern half of Australia.
SOAKED: Goroke farmer Carl Hausler and his dog Maggie are not too concerned about water in the family farm paddocks as the crops are showing plenty of potential.
“We have been in a lot harder situa tions at this time of year in the Wim mera than we are now,” he said. “There are still some challenges, but walking out into the paddocks is sensational.
Horsham’s rain for 2022 to date has been 331.8 millimetres – 88.6mm more than the same time last year – compared with an average of 244.9mm.Stawellhas recorded less rain than this time last year, with 321.8mm compared to 397.2mm, however, it is above average for the area. Ararat has received about 40 more millimetres to date compared with the same time last year and the average, with 419.6mm for 2022. Nhill has recorded 262.8mm for the year, 60 more millimetres than this time last year and compared with an average of 225mm by the end of August.
Carl Hausler said with the season’s rain, crops were on track with plenty of potential.
“We have been able to fill a few dams and water is starting to run into local lakes, which is great to see.”
“Most farmers I have been speaking to are finishing up their disease pro grams and turning to preparation for harvest. “Timelines and supply chain de mands mean we are all having to plan ahead so much more than ever before, which is one of the challenges, but most people are putting their minds to it and hopefully working towards a hassle-free harvest.”
“Free entry for kids makes it easier for families to head along and see firsthand best on-farm practices and to immerse themselves in learning experiences to better understand agri culture,” she said. The funding is available through the Victorian Government’s one-off investment in the Children Entry COVID Recovery Grants program. Grants will be capped and based on previous ticket revenue from recent shows, events or field days. Applications close on September 26. People wanting more information, or to apply, can visit funds-grants-programs/children-vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/agriculture. entry-covid-recovery-grants
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Gauges have recorded almost 90 more millimetres in Warracknabeal this year compared with last year, with the rain gauges tallying about 326mm. Edenhope has experienced just 12mm above average this year, but with 396mm this year, there is 68 more millimetres than last year water ing the crops.
“There is a great amount of feed about and it’s looking like it will be a huge spring,” he said.
Murra Warra farmer David Jochinke said it was a ‘ripping’ season.
BY ABBY WALTER Wimmera and Mallee agri culture industry experts are working through challenges with import while also seeing many happy farmers across the region.
“Sales wise, things are very good, but there’s always a lot of challenges with getting products finished,” he said.
“Farmers are getting smarter with their decisions to deal with that. “Machine order times are pushed right out – anything from six to 18 months – so farmers are planning their developments ahead and improving their farm structures by ordering in advance.”Emmetts displayed the new X9 se ries combine harvester at the 2022 Mallee Machinery Field Days and Mr Demario said it was ‘the way’ of the future. “Farmers are trying to get smarter with their operations and the X9 has a lot of technology in it which has been built to be smarter,” he said. “With tonnes per hour and acres per hour they’re a monster machine – it’s a way of the future. “A lot of people are struggling with staff, so instead of running two ma chines you might see a lot of farmers look into an X9, which is great for their efficiency and great for their farming practises.”
LOOKING GOOD: Ahrens Victoria operations manager Wayne Hartwich, right, speaks with Brad Witmitz, of Kaniva, at the Mallee Machinery Field Days about the cropping season.
Ahrens Victoria operations manager Wayne Hartwich said it was good to see farmers smiling as the rain contin ued and the crops were growing.
“There’s lots of positivity over a big area rather than just in pockets for the season. Hopefully we have no frosts and a bit more rain as the year contin ues,” he said.
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Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
“We’ve had some supply issues, but we are getting on top of those like everybody and we’re moving forward nicely.
“The seasons have been good. Peo ple have changed a lot and are starting to manage more of their own pro duce,” he said. “There are a lot of people doing their own marketing and cutting out the middleman, so a lot is happening in the space.”
Mr Hartwich said increasing demand for on-farm storage systems was due to the changing nature of operations.
Nutrien Ag Birchip fertiliser and depot manager Andrew Bidstrup said fertiliser sales were strong. “Farmers are coping okay with rising prices,” he“Somesaid. people have knocked back on some of their inputs of urea and MAP, but most are seeing the bene fits and still going ahead with those programs.” MAP is also known as monoammonium phosphate. Mr Bidstrup said getting fertiliser into Australia had been slow.
“A lot of chemicals aren’t coming in when we are being told they will, so that’s always a challenge to make sure we have enough to keep people going,” he said. Getting machinery and parts into the country is also a slower-than-normal process.
Mr Hartwich said it was challenging to keep up with the demands for prod ucts, but it was good to be busy.
“Labour wise, there’s always a little shortage, but we’ve been working on that very heavily and we have good numbers and good, quality people in the system.”
Emmetts Swan Hill regional man ager Shaun Demario said machinery availability was the biggest barrier the industry was facing. “Getting stock is an issue every where. It’s a global crisis and we just have to work through it,” he said.
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“We had people from the Transport Accident Commission, TAC, there with breathalysers and that’s all part of our management and making sure people are right to drive when they leave.”Theclub uses profits from the event to contribute to community projects and grants across the 12 months fol lowing the ball. Mr Batchelor said the club was yet to tally profits, but committed that all funds would return to the community in some way.
“We will have to look at what we do next but we would love to run this event again next year,” he said.
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The Longerenong BnS Ball has again raised money for the Wimmera community.
projectsCommunitywin
Horsham Apex Club 15 organised the event at Kalkee’s Blue Ribbon Raceway on August 20 – the first since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pan demic – with more than 1000 people in attendance.
Mr Batchelor said the club would ‘wait for the dust to settle’ on this year’s event before looking ahead.
“Based on the number plates through the gate, we had every state represent ed, which was interesting.
Club president Tim Batchelor said it was a great event. “We had no idea how it would go after a couple of years off, but we had more than 1000 people there,” he said.
FLYING HIGH: Ian, Amber and Riley Davis, of Horsham, show off their birds at the Wimmera Poultry Club’s August Show in Horsham. There were less birds exhibited than August shows of the past, however, it is the club’s second show since 2019. The club is now turning its attention to preparing for a September poultry auction at Maydale Reserve, Horsham. Picture: PAUL
“There’s nothing set in stone just yet, but this will allow us to look at funding community projects and we’re also looking at opening some community grants later in the year,” he said. “In the past, we have donated a car to Centre For Participation and we donated a treatment chair to the Wim mera Cancer Centre. “Without the ball, we wouldn’t be able to give these sizable donations. “The donations are also on top of the money that comes into the community with the people coming through towns on their way to the event and over the weekend.“It’swhat we are all about – fund raising and putting money back into the community.”
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Research showcase to return
Another item on the program is a session on BCG’s silicon trial. BCGs trial aims to discover whether, and if so, how, the process of spraying silicon on crops would benefit broa dacre crops during stressors such as drought, heat and frost. The use of silicon has not been test ed at a broadacre scale, despite studies in glasshouses proving that it can aid plantResearchresilience.agronomist Tariq Gerardi said a trial into silicon use was de signed to investigate if commercially available silicon products could in crease yields in standard Mallee crops during dry times.
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“We are so passionate about the work we do and while webinars and videos are useful, there is nothing like being in the paddock, discussing and answering farmers and advisers’ ques tions in person,” she said.
The project received funding from the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund. This event is free for BCG members and $50 for non-members. People wanting more information on becoming a member, or the field day, can phone 5492 2787.
Page 35Wednesday, August 31, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au ThisDogPro 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106 Proudly brought to you by:
Birchip Cropping Crop re searchers will feature promi nently at this year’s Main Field Day. After two years without the not-forprofit agricultural research company’s main event, researchers are more ea ger than ever to speak with farmers. The Main Field Day is scheduled for September 14 at Nullawil, on the cor ner of Calder Highway and Burgins Road.Birchip Cropping Group, BCG, re search and extension officer Brooke Bennett said nothing matched the abil ity to meet people face-to-face for events.
TRIAL: Birchip Cropping Crop research agronomist Angus Butterfield spraying silicon on a BCG silicon pulses trial at Nullawil.
“A number of new cereal varieties have been released over the past few years with characteristics such as im proved disease packages, longer co leoptile length, awnless varieties and differing maturity,” she said. “The Grains Research and Devel opment Corporation National Variety Trials offer the opportunity to see how the yield of new lines and commer cially available lines stack up against each other in varying environments. “Growers can then take this research and combine it with their own knowl edge of management requirements to select the best variety for their farm ingPulsesystem.”agronomy, Septoria manage ment in the low rainfall zone, barley agronomy, varieties, soil carbon, her bicide technology and fodder trials are also on the program for the field days.
“We are also using this trial to see if silicon could be used as a tool to employ farming rotations which are more marginal – such as winter wheats, grain and grain systems and some pulses like chickpeas and faba beans – in the Mallee due to variable rainfall,” he said. “I’m certainly looking forward to seeing and discussing the trial with farmers from across the region at BCG’s Main Field Day. “Research such as this is just another way BCG helps growers be more re silient in times of drought and that has a flow-on effect into communities.”
“It is why we come to work each day – to see our research have a positive impact on farmers, our communities and, more broadly, agriculture on a national and international level.” Ms Bennett will discuss the latest barley agronomy research and new barley and wheat varieties available to growers.
FIELD DAY: Birchip Cropping Crop research and extension officer Brooke Bennett is preparing to discuss Grains Research and Development Corporation National Variety Trial results at BCG’s Main Field Day.
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BY ABBY WALTER The National Farmers’ Federa tion is making recommenda tions to a national Jobs and Skills Summit to address chronic labour shortages in the farming sector. The summit brings together em ployers, civil society, government and unions to discuss economic challenges and propose both immediate and longterm solutions. Its goal is to find common ground on how Australia can build a bigger, better trained and more productive workforce; boost real wages and liv ing standards; and create more oppor tunities for more people.
“The trend I am seeing is that it also opens up the opportunity to have discussions about career development and more opportunities to learn and upskill.
“It’s fantastic for the employees, however, it means they move on and the employers are training a new per son. Not having access to backpackers or as many people coming through visa sponsorship pathways means there’s a lack of seasonal workforce, too.”
Mr Jochinke said people working in the agriculture industry were highly adaptable and worked hard.
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Mr Jochinke said NFFs recommen dations were categorised within four core“Thepillars.first pillar is needing access to an international and domestic sea sonal workforce and making it more attractive for employees to come to re gional Australia. We need safeguards around the obligations of the employ er to make it clear to the workforce the award, tax rates and what comes under different contract agreements,” he said. “The second is regulations that as sure the workforce that the days of exploitation are over and they are protected.”
“This isn’t just a farmer issue, it’s hurting our economy and ultimately, every Australian.”
“It’s also a reasonably good thing for employers who have to look even harder about facilities like smoko rooms and toilets as well as employ ment packages.
“Agriculture workers are so adapt able and, going into mining, for ex ample, have heavy vehicle licenses, know their way around machinery and are not frightened of hard work over long hours.
“Employers need to become em ployers of choice because there is a lack of people available to hire.”
“There’s a small pool of highly skilled agriculture workers, which makes it competitive and good for employees,” he said.
“It’s a great thing to have highly skilled people, but as they move on in their career, there’s a position you have to backfill,” he said. “A good person working in agricul ture can put their hand to anything, and we’re seeing that a lot with the mining industry.
Mr Jochinke said the third pillar was accessibility and a chance to upskill. “We are calling for making things like short courses available through TAFE free for anyone who works in agriculture in Victoria, such as some one from overseas or interstate – not just Victorians; and also opening up that free initiative to more institutions that offer short courses,” he said. “We want it to be more accessible for people to build up their resumes and build a career pathway, with dif ferent training such as Occupational Health and Safety, OHS.”
Mr Jochinke said. NFF president Fiona Simson will represent the sector at the summit. She said there was no silver bullet to fixing workforce challenges.
“Even before the pandemic, farmers were reducing plantings or shifting to less labour-intensive produce,” she said. “We’re going into the summit be ing honest about those problems and offering up carefully considered solu tions that we think anyone can get behind.
NFF vice-president David Jochin ke, of Murra Warra, said agriculture workforce numbers in the Wimmera were as critical as skill.
The fourth pillar is a perception of agriculture. “We want to debunk the horror sto ries of working in agriculture and get out the message that we are tidying up the career pathways in the industry,”
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
SOLUTIONS: National Farmers’ Federation vice-president David Jochinke, of Murra Warra, says a multifaceted approach is the way forward to easing workforce shortages.
OPPORTUNITY: Chris Montgomery of the Department of Home Affairs’ Skilled Migration Program discusses workforce challenges during the agribusiness forum in Rupanyup. with David Matthews
leftFromfield
Page 38 Wednesday, August 31, 2022www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Safe Farms • Safe Families • Does your child love to help on the farm? It’s always great having an extra set of hands on the farm. We invite you to take a look at our latest farm safety resource, featuring real farming families and advice from industry professionals on how to provide a safe workplace for our future farmers. The Victorian Farmers Federation Making Our Farms Safer project is committed to improving safety of children on farm. Follow, Making Our Farm Families Safer campaign across all social platforms. To learn more visit www.makingourfarmssafer.org.au Scan the QR code to learn more! HORSHAMWOOL WOOL BUYERS Ph. 0417 119 216 12 KING DRIVE, HORSHAM – 5382 1628 “A family business of true locals” Kaniva Nhill HorshamDimboola BrettJamieKANIVABUYINGWOOLHORSHAM...NOWOPEN...ThursdayfortnightlyNHILL...EveryFriday...........................04171192160417344182Call the team at Horsham Wool for the best advice on selling your wool Travelling from Horsham to Kaniva and covering the wholeMalleeWimmera ThisDogPro 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106 Proudly brought to you by: Positive perception is critical There was an agribusiness fo rum in Rupanyup earlier this month. One of the speakers was Chris Mont gomery of the Department of Home Affairs.Chris heads the Skilled Migration Program for Victoria and Tasmania. He’s a terrific bloke and was able to walk us through what is a fairly complex topic. He met with Wimmera Development Association and some key business owners as well. Given the chronic skills shortage we have across the region, I think we should add Chris’ number to the favourites list. What did become obvious is we’re notThisalone.isa significant national issue, and while that may help to get the attention of policy makers, superan nuation funds and big business, it now means we’re in competition with ev ery other town and suburb in Australia to attract talent. Which leads me to wonder about some recent articles we’ve seen on the front pages of rural newspapers. They call out the higher costs coun try people are paying for things such as water, power and rates when com pared with our city cousins.
While this analysis may well be correct, I worry about the unintended consequences of this media coverage. For decades there was a perception in our major cities that moving to the country was not an option because there were no jobs. It took some great work by Regional Australia Institute to bust this myth. There are consistently more than 85,000 advertised jobs in regional Australia. But it took us 20 years to get this message through. The higher cost per household in rural areas is related to the lower pop ulation density. If we create an impression that coun try living is expensive, we exacerbate our problem. We deter people from moving here. And as we’ve seen with the ‘no jobs’ myth, these perceptions are incredibly difficult to change. The beautiful part of data is you can almost always find some that suits your argument. So when it comes to the comparative cost of country versus city living, I think we should look at some data from the last Census. In a typical Wimmera town, 63 per cent of people owned their homes outright compared to 32 percent state average. Of house owners with a mortgage, none reported paying more than 30 percent of their income in repayments in the country town compared to 16 percent statewide. And in the country, only 18 percent of renters paid more than 30 percent of their income in rent compared with 31 percent statewide. So while we should address ineq uities when we see them, let’s think carefully about how we do that. We must have an eye to the long game and invest in a narrative that will attract people to us. Creating the perception our regions offer many opportunities, with pro gressive businesses, welcoming com munities, and a terrific balanced life style, should be our goal. Can’t be too hard. It’s the truth.
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Leading into spring and only months out from harvest season, commodity prices in the Wimmera have been relatively stable in August. Since Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange recorded one of its smallest ever lamb offerings last month, num bers have fluctuated between 1250 and 3300 throughout August. August 24 was the market day with the lowest number of lambs yarded, with 1250 lambs and 650 sheep of fered at GrahamHorsham.Pymer’s market report showed quality was mixed with a few pens of heavier-weight lambs yarded. Light-trade-weight lambs sold from $91 to $113 a head, averag ing 630 cents a kilogram, while me dium-trade-weight lambs sold from $153 to $176 a head, averaging 680 cents a kilogram. New season young lambs sold from $168 to $183 a head, merino ewes made to $157 and crossbred ewes sold for $153 a head. Export weight lambs sold from $175 to $199 a head, averaging 660 cents a kilogram, and heavy weight lambs sold from $205 to $208 a head, aver aging 590 cents a kilogram. Unshorn young lambs, weighing 20 to 24 kilograms, sold from $168 to $176 a head and averaged 730 cents a kilogram. Heavier weights sold for $183 a head and averaged 720 cents a kilogram, while hoggets sold from $172 to $186 a head. Light sheep sold at $30 a head and medium weight sheep sold for $85 a head.Heavy merino ewes sold from $139 to $157 a head ranging from 460 cents to 555 cents a kilogram and crossbred ewes sold from $142 to $153 a head averaging from 445 cents to 500 cents a kilogram. Meat and Livestock Australia, MLA, reported sheep and lamb yardings eased 33 percent nationally last week as producers held onto stock in the hope of higher prices. MLA also reported that some pro ducers were trying to sell off older lambs before they cut their teeth, but it was proving difficult with the varying quality and over-supply available to processors. In other commodities, grain prices remain high as the global market experiences shortages, particularly in canola. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry reported Australian ex port prices, as at August 25, for canola were $1049 a tonne – a 25 percent in crease compared with 12 months ago. Milling wheat was $534, a 30 percent increase compared with 12 months ago; feed wheat was $494, a 12 percent increase; and feed barley was $459, a 33 percent increase. In the Wimmera, bidding prices were slightly lower than national ex port prices on the same date. At GrainCorp at Carpolac, canola was $715 and APW1 wheat was $358; in Hopetoun APW1 was $349 and bar ley was $280; in Lillimur APW1 was $355 and barley was $284; in Murtoa APW1 was $358, barley was $285 and canola was $713; in Natimuk APW1 was $359.50, barley was $288.50 and canola was $716.50; and in Warrack nabeal APW1 was $354, canola was $711.25 and barley was $283. Prices at Dimboola GrainFlow were APW1 at $346.50, barley at $266.50 and canola at $726.50.
Commodity prices remain stable
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CHANGING MARKETS: Lamb numbers yarded at Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange are varying week to week but have not dropped as low in August as in July. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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“I like that we will be able to use the fruits and vegetables that we grow in our cooking program instead of buying them — especially because the prices are high at the mo ment.”
The ‘Impounding Livestock Act 1994’ states if an authorised officer of a council enters land and finds live stock that are not adequately confined, the officer may impound the livestock if they are satisfied if the livestock were to wander from the land, the wel fare of the livestock, or other stock, would be at risk; or there would be a risk to public safety. Mr Brady said the ‘Livestock Man agement Act 2010’ dictated the re quirements of livestock owners in terms of how many head of stock were allowed in one space, and the type and quality of fencing needed.
“We also get to see how we can help make rais ing animals better in the future.
Apsley Primary School students are caring for var ious animals and expand ing their vegetable garden to learn more about agri culture. The school’s ‘farm’ is home to calves, lambs, chickens, rabbits and a goat. Students take time each day to learn from and care for the animals.
FEEDING TIME: Apsley Primary School’s Maggie Mueller feeds the calves, while Maggie Treglown, Leela Makin, Wesley Hocking and Amos Keating help round-up the animals.
Year-six student Maggie Mueller said she had fun doing activities with other schools involving animals. “We go to Edenhope for Leading Day and compete against other schools in leading our calves and you get ribbons and rewards,” she said.
Page 43Wednesday, August 31, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au AFSL No: 244601 79 Hamilton Street, Horsham Ph (03) 5382 8600 With over 50 years of local requirements.generaltheFarmTransport,specialisingexperience,inHeavyContractors,&Cropwehaveanswerstoallyourinsurance How can we help? Quotes and premium Claims management Expert Automatedadvicepayments Protecting Australians Since 1975 desktop westernrenewableslink.com.au phone 1300 360 795 � info@westernrenewableslink.com.au � PO Box 638, Ballarat VIC 3353 As part of our current round of community information sessions we’re holding a webinar for local community members. This is a chance for you to learn more about the Western Renewables Link and discuss any queries or concerns. Where When For full details and to register please scan the QR code or visit westernrenewableslink.com.au 7 pm Thursday, 8 September Community information webinar ThisDogPro 95 Nelson Street, Nhill Proudly brought to you by: Stock wander risk warning
The calves’ names are Tim Tam, Toffee Brown ie, Gangster, Coffee and Chaser and the goat’s name is StudentsFranklin.arealso reju venating the vegetable garden with new planter boxes they built together to be able to provide fresh produce for the Stephanie Alexander kitchen pro gram.
Picture: ABBY WALTER
“We also have stock trailers and yards, if that is not possible, to ensure they are out of danger and do not pres ent any danger to others.” Mr Brady said rangers would use the National Livestock Identification System to find the owner. “Once the stock has been returned to its owner, we will review the fencing with the owner and try and find how the stock got out,” he said.
Farm teaches valuable life lessons
Year-six student Maggie Treglown said she enjoyed caring for the animals when they were babies. “We’re getting to expe rience hands-on what it’s like to handle the animals and it’s a lot of fun seeing how they grow,” she said.
If wandering stock is found on a VicRoads road people should phone the Road Hazards Department on 13 11 70.
Mr Brady said owners of stock that were not adequately contained, and caused a crash, were liable for dam ages and prosecution in the event of injury or death.
BY ABBY WALTER As spring begins and rams, lambs and sheep are being transported across the Wimmera, farmers are reminded to ensure their fences are up to standard. Stock can endanger themselves and people if not properly fenced into a property and wander onto the road or roadsides. Horsham Rural City Council com munity safety co-ordinator Jason Brady said people who noticed wan dering stock on the region’s roads should contact their local council or VicRoads.MrBrady said authorised officers could impound and issue notices to comply if livestock was not adequate ly confined on the land under the ‘Impounding of Livestock Act 1994’. “People should ring council recep tion or the after-hours line, which will put them through to the ranger and we will try to get the stock back into the paddock,” he said.
SHOW CALVES: Edenhope College students, from left, Layla Linto, Eliza McDonnell, Ellie Bentley and Kate McDonnell practise haltering and leading the calves. Picture: ABBY WALTER
One team is investigating niche field pea and lentil varieties to meet the demand for alternative proteins, a sec ond team is converting waste products into fertiliser, while another is em ploying drones to manage weed and pest infestations. They use intelligent growth algo rithms, IoT sensors and AI mapping, connecting growers to customers and consumers across the value chain. Ms Coath said teams would spend the coming months fast-tracking ideas, working with researchers from universities and Agriculture Victoria. They will gain skills in business planning and development, finance, marketing and communications. “At the end of the program these teams will also have the opportunity to apply for a grant that will assist them to take their business a step fur ther,” she said. Applications are open for AgTech Seeds round two program, starting in February 2023. There are 12 positions available.Applications close on November 28; for more information or to apply visit www.rocketseeder.com/agtechseeds
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These Victorian technology entre preneurs have joined Rocket Seeder’s AgTech Seeds three-month program. The program offers industry repre sentatives a chance to work with re searchers to help them develop skills to build deep, sustained partnerships with industry and government and solve real-world problems.
Agroup of budding entrepre neurs and researchers will unite to solve some of agricul ture’s biggest global challenges.
Teams participating in the inaugural program are developing digital farm management platforms, urban crop ping systems, smart gardens and pas sive solar protective cropping houses.
Joint effort to find solutions
School program rears small herd
Five calves are calling Edenhope College home this year, as students learn to lead and rear the animals as part of the school’s agriculture program. The calves’ names are Buddy, Jim my, Clover, Kayce and TimTam.
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“These are individuals and teams that are at the early stages of develop ment. Some have ideas they want to test and refine, while others are more advanced.”
Rocket Seeder managing director Emma Coath said it was ‘extremely exciting’ to see the first cohort begin their AgTech Seeds journey.
“These teams will develop agtech solutions that respond to the needs of Victorian farmers to boost their sustainability, productivity and profit ability,” she said.
Edenhope College student Layla Linto said the calves were ‘really friendly’. “We have to wash them, cut their extra fur, shine their hooves and make them nice and neat,” Layla said. “One of the calves, Clover, got pneumonia earlier in the year, so we had to give it antibiotics and painkillers. “We have also had to drench them and give them vaccines.” The calves are nearly five months old, and the school also has older steers on agistment that are part of the agriculture program.
complete farming
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MattBeddison'Beddo' AGRONOMIST Bridget joined the CropOpti team about a year ago, working in agronomy and agriculture chemical sales and servicing growers in the northern Wimmera and southern Mallee. She graduated from Longerenong College in 2019. Bridget grew up at Rainbow. Agriculture, community and sport are important to her. “My aim in ag is to provide the most up-to-date service and be innovative with what I am doing. I want to help growers be the most productive they can be and give them great service,” she said. Dorrington'Didge'
long lasting relationships with growers is
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Matt graduated from Longerenong College with a Diploma Of Agronomy and has the for more than 10 on the farm Matt has a strong passion of the process. with an of of his role. Creating something Matt himself on. “It’s what
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Natural control options explored
The group will continue to communicate regu larly regarding IPM strategies.
Page 47Wednesday, August 31, 2022 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
“This will ensure the grains industry has access to high-quality information that is available offline,” she said.
“The guides are a valued resource for our Vic torian growers and we are pleased to be making them more user-friendly to help growers manage disease risk, reduce yield losses and improve theirTheprofitability.”2022Agriculture Victoria Disease Guides are available to download by searching for ‘Vic torian cereal disease guide’ or ‘Victorian pulse disease guide’; Android users can download a copy of the eBook from the Agriculture Victoria website at https://go.vic.gov.au/ihRoNc
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“By downloading the eBook to a tablet, agron omists and farmers can carry multiple technical resources on the same device that they use for information in the paddock.
Project members worked with agronomists to address pest issues they were finding in the pad dock – the major pest currently being slugs – and how to best manage these using IPM. Prior to the meeting with Dr Horne and Ms Page, pitfall traps were placed in each of the farmer’s paddocks to capture insects to gain an insight into what insects were present. These were then counted and displayed, which enabled attendees to gain a truer understanding of what pests and beneficials were in their sys tem. It also showed how using fewer broad-spec trum insecticides to help boost beneficials and hence increase natural control of the pests will be an important part of an IPM strategy.
Ms Page said IPM encouraged growers to think about management practices differently, for ex ample, checking paddocks weekly, factoring in the insects present and seeking alternatives to spraying.“Ifwe keep the beneficials in the paddock, these can do a lot of the work for us,” she said. “We are not saying don’t spray, just be more selective and start planning earlier. This can be more cost effective long-term.”
Agriculture Victoria and Grains Research and Development Corporation produce the guides. They detail resistance and susceptibility levels of cereal and pulse crops to disease. Agriculture Victoria grains pathology services project officer Luise Fanning said launching the guides as an eBook would improve accessibility, making it easier for growers and agronomists to keep up-to-date with information.
ture Victoria Crop Disease Guides more accessi ble as they include an eBook option for growers.
“This is particularly important for grain grow ers and their advisors who may operate in areas with limited internet connectivity.”
Ms Fanning said disease resistance ratings could change over time. “This information needs to be consistently reviewed and updated and this new platform al lows us to make those updates quicker,” she said.
Birchip Cropping Group’s Integrated Pest Management project members have met to discuss pest control strategies for the next three years.
The group met with entomologists Paul Horne and Jessica Page, along with representatives from chemical manufacturing company, FMC. Farmers involved in the project have chosen a paddock to use IPM strategies to control insects across the next three years. The project aims to discover if, and how, IPM can be used in broa dacre cropping systems to improve profitability and decrease reliance on pesticides.
BCG chief executive Fiona Best said it was ‘fantastic’ the school students were able to capi talise on Dr Horne and Ms Page’s visit. “They are specialists in their field and BCG is proud to be able to provide our up-and-coming agriculturists access to such prestigious present ers, foster positive experiences and support their ongoing learning in this area,” she said. LEARNING: Birchip Cropping Group chief executive Fiona Best with Tyrrell College agriculture students Sophie McClelland and Lance McClelland and teacher Ashlen Wright at BCG Management, IPM, student workshop.
“By using Apple Books as a platform, we can push out updates directly to users, reducing the chance that they will be using out-of-date ratings.
Dr Horne and Ms Page also met with Birchip P-12 and Tyrrell College agriculture students to speak about IPM strategies. They spoke about how the approach had sev eral ‘layers’ including biological and cultural factors in addition to the benefits of selective insecticides to rebalance the pest-beneficial ratio in broadacre cropping systems.
“Each year two guides are published – one for cereals and one for pulses.
a
Integrated Pest
Updating data access
Agriculture Victoria is aiming to make Agricul
Page 48 Wednesday, August 31, 2022www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Keep an eye out for in the last edition of each month The Weekly Advertiser @theweeklyaddywww.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au2StawellRoad, Horsham | (03) 5382 1351
Thornlea, Mount Yulong, Glened en, Kevlyn, Stud Park South, Glena ra North Poll, Melrose, Glendonald, Wurrook and Valleyella studs auc tioned rams at the event. Firgrove Poll and Kalena Poll dis played studs but were not part of the auction.Glendonald won champion long wool sale ram and the reserve went to Melrose. Mount Yulong won champion short wool sale ram and the reserve went to Glendonald. Rock-Bank Merino and Poll Me rino stud’s Sam Crawford was the judge.Ofthe 96 rams for auction, 86 were sold for an average of $2230 and a top price of $7250.
Glenelg Regional Merino Field Day president Warren Russell said it was a ‘terrific’ day for the studs involved. “The ram sale was solid with a slightly lower average and clearance to last year’s sale,” he said. Three lots were sold via Auctions plus with 17 bids placed online.
Thornlea sold 11 of 16 rams at an average of $1842 with a top price of $2400, while Mount Yulong sold all nine rams at an average of $2478 with a top price of $3400.
TOP SALE: Glendonald Merino Stud owner Robert Harding shows off the reserve champion short wool sale ram that sold at top price of the sale at $7250 to buyer Will Staude, pictured right. “It was a chance to see how merino genetics had improved in the last two years – on a stud-to-stud level, but also for commercial studs to get a look at what’s happening.” – Trent Carter
“All the larger studs in western Vic toria were there, and we look for ward to more people coming along in 2023.”
Gleneden sold 14 of 16 rams at an average of $2428 with a top price of $4000, Kevlyn sold all 10 rams at an average of $2205 with a top price of $3800, and Stud Park South sold all three rams at an average of $2583 with a top price of $2750. Glenara North Poll sold five of six rams at an average of $1000 with a top price of $1000 and Melrose sold all four rams at an average of $3050 with a top price of $3750. Glendon ald sold all 19 rams at an average of $2239 with a top price of $7250 – the top price of the field day. Wurrook sold all three rams at an average of $3000 with a top price of $3500 and Valleyella sold eight of 10 rams at an average of $2150 with a top price of $3000.
“It was a chance to see how merino genetics had improved in the last two years – on a stud-to-stud level, but also for commercial studs to get a look at what’s happening,” he said.
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BY ABBY WALTER Merino studs gathered at Mar noo for a ‘successful’ third Victorian State Merino Field Day thisVictorianmonth.State Merino Field Day president Trent Carter said more than 500 people came through the gate throughout the August 15 event, which he deemed a ‘fantastic’ result. “Feedback from businesses and studs was that it was a very well laidout event and the day was a success,” he said. “We had a nice, steady crowd throughout the day. “We have momentum now and want to build on that, so we’re getting more than 1000 people through the gate at futureBetweenevents.”the 33 merino studs in attendance, there were 550 rams on display that would be sold during the spring sale season. The judge for the day was Andrew Calvert of Wool Solutions and associ ate judge was Travis Telford. Judges awarded Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino Stud with champion pen of three rams. Champion ram was awarded to Glendonald Merino Stud. Reserve champion ram and champi on ewe went to Terrick West Poll. Third place was awarded to Belbou rie Merino and Poll Merino Stud. Mr Carter said it was good to see the number of studs and sheep at the field“We’reday. definitely going to make sure this is an annual event. We have more room in the Marnoo Recreation Re serve for studs to bring more rams and ewes,” he said. “It’s been hard getting people out and about. “A lot of people seem to be laying low. But it was a great day. “Last year we did run this event, but it was hard as we only advertised to get essential people, however this year we could turn that on its head and told everyone to come along and bring their families,” he said of the 2021 event during a period of COVID-19 restrictions.MrCarter said the field day was not only for studs to display their stock; but also for producers to see what was happening across the industry.
Twelve merino ram studs were on show at Balmoral Recreation Re serve for the Glenelg Regional Meri no Field Day earlier this month.
“It’s a great day for a commercial producer to have a look at the leading genetics and what’s available.
resultsStrong at field day
Australian sheep producers have report ed a half million head increase in the national breeding flock since last year.
“Proactive disease management with fungicide is warranted under these conditions to avoid crop losses.”Stripe rust has been found in many wheat crops in the region a month to two months before it is commonly detected. It can be controlled with a well-timed fungicide application soon after de tection, with a follow-up application four to five weeks later, if needed.
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Agriculture Victoria senior pulse pathologist Joshua Fanning said farmers should also monitor pulse crops for Ascochyta blight.
Agriculture Victoria senior cereal pathologist Mark McLean said diseases in cereal and pulse crops in Victoria were observed earlier than usu al this season due to rain.
“Compared with the last survey released in February of this year, 27 percent of producers surveyed said they would like to increase their ewe flock, while 60 percent indicated they would like to retain current numbers,” Mr Atkinson said.
“The majority of this growth is coming from eastern Victoria, northern New South Wales and southern Queensland where there have been very wet“Thisconditions.demonstrates plenty of confidence in the market with room for growth moving into spring.”Atotal number of 7.6 million lambs are expect ed to be sold in the next four months — about 34 percent of the total number of lambs on hand. Victoria is expected to account for 18 percent of total lamb sales in the next four months, with about five million lambs expected to be offered in Victoria and New South Wales.
“With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting strong seasonal conditions for the eastern states as the new season lambs hit the market, the signs are looking positive for the Australian sheep meat industry,” Mr Atkinson said.
“We’ve so far had reports of powdery mildew and stripe rust in wheat, Ascochyta blight in len tils and beans and Botrytis grey mould-chocolate spot in bean, lentil and vetch,” he said.
“Ascochyta blight can result in reduced grain yield and quality if it is uncontrolled and condu cive disease conditions continue,” he said.
“Given the wet conditions, and the outlook for a wetter than average couple of months ahead, growers and advisors are encouraged to inspect and monitor crops closely for diseases.
Dr McLean said stripe rust and powdery mil dew were most damaging in wet seasons when it appeared early.
“In such seasons, timely fungicide sprays are required in at-risk varieties,” he said.
“This can lead to seed discolouration, some times resulting in discounted prices or grain being rejected by some buyers.”
Confidence as flock increases
Botrytis grey mould, also known as chocolate spot, has been reported in bean, lentil and vetch crops. It can develop rapidly given the right weather conditions and requires early interven tion to minimise damage. Further information on field crop diseases can be found in the online Identification and Management of Field Crop Diseases in Victoria manual.Forassistance in diagnosing field crop diseas es, people can phone the Horsham Field Crop Diseases research group on 5450 8301 or email crop.safe@agriculture.vic.gov.au
A Meat and Livestock Australia, MLA, and Australian Wool Innovation, AWI, wool and sheep meat survey report for June reported a total breeding flock of 42.5-million head. Merinos accounted for 72 percent of the total breeding ewe flock, with more than 50 percent purebred and 19 percent crossbred.
There were 22 million lambs on hand, produc ersMerinosreported.made up 55 percent of the total lamb flock, at 12 million head, followed by first cross, 19 percent, and pure meat, 17 percent. MLA senior market information analyst Ripley Atkinson said the desire to retain breeding ewe populations stemmed from stellar growing sea sons — particularly in the eastern states.
Wet conditions are accelerating the appearance of disease in field crops and with spring around the corner farmers are being encouraged to take action to minimise any impact.
Crop disease warning
“The early infection of Ascochyta blight in pulse crops will result in a higher chance of pod infection later in the season if rainfall continues.
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