Aglife - August, 2016 edition

August 31, 2016

New recruits Horsham Agricultural Society’s latest committee member and new mascot are looking forward to this year’s Horsham Show. Story, page 25.

Picture: KELLY LAIRD

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BY SARAH SCULLY

orsham Agricultural Society’s newest committee member looks forward to sharing his knowledge for the benefit of the community.

Zack Currie moved to the Wimmera in January to start a wool-buying traineeship with Australian Wool Network in Horsham.

He became involved in the society after being approached by committeeman and steward Ian Walter.

“Wool handling is something I like doing and I figured being part of the show committee would keep me out of mischief,” he said.

“It’s a young committee and everyone has been so welcoming. And I figured it would allow me to do my bit for the community.”

President Dalton Cross said the committee was excited to have Mr Currie, 18, on board.

“He’s a fantastic young lad who brings a lot of enthusiasm,” he said.

“He also has a lot of knowledge about wool-handling competitions, so he’s already been a great help to our other committee members by telling us what young people are looking for.”

Mr Cross said Mr Currie’s appointment to the committee fitted with the society’s new youth focus.

Mr Cross, 22, is the society’s youngest-ever president, while vice-president Leigh McGennisken is also in his early 20s.

“The idea is to get more youth involved

NEW CHALLENGES: Horsham Agricultural Society’s newest committeeman Zack Currie is excited to build on the success of last year’s inaugural wool-handling event.

Picture: KELLY LAIRD

Excitement builds

Make more from your wool

“Horsham is the next one.”

Mr Currie said he expected competitors from across the region to participate.

“It is like a sport,” he said.

“People compete for prizes and there is a circuit, through Sports Shearing Victoria.

“You accumulate points at each show – which also depends on your results – and once you get enough points you can compete in the state titles.

“The best of the best are chosen to represent Australia, forming a team with the best shearers.”

Horsham Show will also feature shearing competitions and the Wimmera Legacy Fleece Championship, which will raise money for war widows.

People can visit www.horshamshow.com.au or search Horsham Show on Facebook for more information about this year’s competitions.

– Sarah Scully

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New mascot Bolt

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Horsham Agricultural Society committee members are excited by the buzz surrounding the wool-handling competition at this year’s Horsham Show.

New committeeman and wool buyer, Zack Currie, said the competition had already generated significant interest on social media.

He said organisers looked to build on 2015’s inaugural wool-handling event.

“It wasn’t that big last year because it was still being established, but a lot of people are very keen to enter this year,” he said.

Mr Currie, who moved to Horsham from Bonnie Doon at the start of the year to take on a job at Australian Wool Network, said he enjoyed putting his skills to the test.

“I started as a novice at Balmoral and Natimuk and then advanced to senior competition at Bendigo and Hamilton’s Sheepvention,” he said.

in the show to attract other young people in the industry, to ensure we can keep the show going,” Mr Cross said.

“It’s been great so far. We have got some new ideas and another actionpacked event planned for this year.”

Mr Cross said plans for the society’s show, on Sunday, September 25, were progressing well.

“We have a few working bees scheduled for the next couple of weeks to make sure the showground is in the bestpossible condition,” he said.

Mr Cross’s involvement with the annual Horsham Show began when he started helping with the animal nursery at the age of 12.

A couple of years later, he took over the running of the popular attraction.

Mr Cross said this year’s animal nursery was coming along well.

“All the planning is done and the yards are set out,” he said.

“I’m working on filling it with the animals I want. It’s always a favourite with the kids.”

Mr Cross said the show had a new mascot in 2016, with Bolt, a patterdale terrier, replacing Max the Lamb.

“Max has retired from mascot life and is enjoying time in the paddock,” he said.

“Bolt has taken to the role quite well.”

Mr Cross said this year’s show would feature a new drawcard, with children’s entertainers The Mik Maks to perform.

“They are really popular, so we’re expecting a big crowd this year,” he said.

“Let’s hope the weather plays its part and we get a beautiful day.”

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History lesson beckons H

BY DEAN LAWSON

istory tells us that English-born Charles Carter, with his wife Thomasina and young family, left Melbourne in May 1842 on a nine-week journey with overlander James Darlot to drive 400 cattle and two bullock teams to Victoria’s ‘unsettled’ west.

Carter’s exploits, involving everything from dealing with the Wimmera’s extensive indigenous population to overcoming bushrangers, droughts, bushfires and a lack of secure water, is etched into Wimmera folklore.

It’s a time from where countless stories have emerged and what is now providing a descendent of Charles Carter with inspiration to delve further into the past.

But Donald Carter, rising 77, and himself a prominent figure in Wimmera society, needs the time offered by retirement to pursue the exploration of his family’s past.

“I also want to simply wake up without thinking what I need to do and go for a coffee or lunch, or simply enjoy the day,” he said.

Similar to his ancestor, Mr Carter has made a mark in the region as everything from businessman and regional development advocate to volunteer firefighter and even school busservice provider.

Mr Carter left school to work on the historic family farm Rosebrook at Wartook before a tough season on the land in 1969 ‘changed everything’.

“We had a farm truck and started carting grain, and from there the whole world changed for me,” he said.

“It wasn’t long before we had five trucks which travelled to the extremities of Brisbane to Perth. We started with grain and then it became general freight, which became Wartook Haulage,” he said.

“It still operates today, but it is a school bus for the primary school at Laharum.

“We struggled to find drivers so we sold off the trucks in the early 1980s, and in partnership with Bill Brennan and Bob Watson, bought Laharum Bulk Handling Company.”

His partners then sold him their shares, so he operated the business on his own.

“We started with two 350-tonne bins and now the site has a 20,000-tonne capacity,” he said.

“When we started receiving grain the system really didn’t work. Our only real competition was Graincorp, which opened from 8am to 5pm, so we decided to open at 8am and shut at midnight.

“The line of trucks we had at Laharum would have anyone envious.”

Mr Carter said one of his busiest and most memorable occasions came in 1986, when in

GRDC update in Horsham 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

A Grains Research and Development Corporation Farm Business Update will be at Horsham Golf Club between 9am and 1pm on Wednesday next week.

Topics will include: Grain marketing: Planning for a bumper harvest, with GeoCommodities’ Brad Knight; Business performance: How to drive profits and manage inputs with Agprofit’s Matt Bryant; Land values: Will past trends continue? With Greg Kuchel from Rural Bank and rural Finance; Social license: Using big date to save the Aussie family farm with David Bone from ORM; Machinery efficiency: How to achieve the highest productivity for the least cost with David Jeinjus from rural Directions.

The cost to attend is $30 and $20 for each extra person from the same business.

People can access more information or register at website www.grdc.com.au/UpdateDates.

Case IH on the road again

Donald Carter a 24-hour period, 1800 tonnes of grain went by road from Laharum to Portland.

“We didn’t have modern transport or Bdoubles then. It was all on single trucks,” he said.

“In that year 21,000 tonnes of wheat went through one, 1000-tonne bin. It was a year that basically set us up. I had a good team around me and if there is one thing you should always do, it’s recognise your staff.

Without staff you are nothing.”

Mr Carter said the ‘name of the game’ was making grain-handling as efficient as possible.

“With my right-hand man for many years, Hugh Russell, the key was getting it all automated and in the end all we did was push buttons.”

Fighting fires

Mr Carter has a great love for the Grampians which he admits is ‘in his blood’.

As well as running a business he has spent a lifetime fighting fires in one of the most bushfire-prone areas of Australia.

He was Laharum Fire Brigade captain for 20 years and Country Fire Authority Grampians Group Officer for 12, and was also in other key fire-fighting roles.

“I’ve lost count of the number of fires I’ve seen,” he said.

He has also gone well beyond Wartook and Laharum to pursue his passion for Wimmera development opportunities.

He helped nurse Wimmera Development Association through its infancy and as a board member for more than 20 years, including stints as chairman, was determined to

work against regional parochialism to allow the region to grow collectively.

“I like to think WDA has helped put the region on the map and become a flag-bearer, not only in Victoria but Australia,” he said.

“Natural gas, the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline and the rest. They wouldn’t have happened without WDA.”

Passionate

Mr Carter has also been a passionate supporter of Wimmera organisation skillinvest, formerly Workco, where he was chairman for 10 years and remains a board member.

He was at the coalface with John Ackland in Workco’s adventurous reinvigoration of Longerenong College and takes great delight in seeing the institution surging ahead.

But for the moment he is keen to sell Laharum Bulk Handling Company so he, and his partner of 35 years Bronwyn Camilleri, can enjoy more personal interests.

“I’m keen to go back and explore the family history. A lot of stories have been passed down, and passed down again. If we don’t do something with them, they will disappear,” he said.

“There are little things I’m keen to follow up. About two months ago I managed to catch up with a distant blood relative, who in Thomasina Carter we shared a common ancestor.”

Mr Carter said he was keen to sell his business as soon as possible.

“And considering the busy grain season we are expecting, it shapes as being a good opportunity for someone to make a killing the first year,” he said.

Challenging weather conditions failed to dampen the spirits of about 600 Case IH customers who attended the Case IH Red Excellence Tour events in Horsham and Toowoomba, Queensland.

The tour was a unique opportunity for regional customers to meet global product experts face-to-face and gain hands-on experience driving machinery in the field.

Case IH specialists from Australia, North America and New Zealand presented 17 of the latest product models, from the Farmall, Puma and Maxxum range of tractors, to the Steiger Quadtrac ‘machine of the year 2014’ and the ‘2015 tractor of the year’ Magnum Rowtrac to customers in three weeks.

A range of hay, tillage and harvesting gear was also on show.

Case IH marketing manager for Australia and New Zealand Pete McCann said the open days were a great success, with customers leaving excited and informed about the current and up-and-coming products.

“This is the second year we have had a travelling roadshow of Case IH products, and while it is a bit of a logistical challenge, it is a great opportunity to talk to our customers about their needs for the future,” he said.

Grains group calls for tenders Grains Research and Development Corporation, GRDC, is calling for grain growers, researchers, farm advisers, consultants and agribusiness professionals to nominate to become a member on its Southern Regional Cropping Solutions Networks.

Tenders are also open to individuals or organisations for the provision of facilitation and co-ordination services for each of the three networks in the southern region.

The southern region networks, comprising South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, were established in 2012.

Each of the three networks have 12 members and are focused on farming systems, in a particular production zone – low rainfall, medium rainfall and high rainfall.

Members liaise closely with, and represent, the wider grains community in their respective zone.

Applications for Regional Cropping Solutions Network members close on September 2, with appointments being for a two-year term, starting in November this year.

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BCG researches hay production H

BY JESSICA LEMON BIRCHIP CROPPING GROUP

ay production in 2015 was a viable option for many growers.

With growing season rain in 2015 among the lowest on record, and grain production predicted to be poor, about 50 percent of Wimmera and Mallee cereal crops were cut for hay.

In 2015 BCG ran a versatile oat-evaluation trial at Berriwillock, funded by Grains Research and Development Corporation through its Grain and Graze 3 initiative.

The trial aimed to evaluate the yield performance of milling oat varieties as well as the grazing value, hay and grain yield of grazing-hay oat varieties.

Under the decile one conditions of last year, there was found to be no difference between varieties when biomass production was measured at anthesis, flowering, but there were differences between crops that had been grazed and those that had not, with grazed oats producing 15 percent less biomass, hay yield, than their ungrazed counterparts.

In recent years, hay has become an important part of many Wimmera and Mallee farming systems with farmers using it as an agronomic tool to control weeds and to manage risks associated with climate variability, such as a dry spring.

At BCG’s Future Farmers Expo last month, Kaniva farmer Sam Eastwood said the inclusion of vetch and oaten hay into his rotation had reduced reliance on chemicals and improved the long-term profitability of his business.

To help farmers improve knowledge and skill around hay production in the medium to low rain

zones, BCG has included hay-fodder trials in its field research program.

This year at a BCG-Agritech Rural site at Kalkee, a row-spacing trial will evaluate the difference in hay production sown on nine, 12 and 15-inch row spacings, and the effect grazing has under these scenarios.

On August 8, biomass cuts, removal of a quadrant of plant matter at ground level, were taken prior to grazing from different row spacings.

These biomass cuts, as well as cuts scheduled for when the crop is flowering and the overall hay yield at the season’s end, will help BCG researchers determine if row spacing influences crop growth and recovery after grazing.

The 2016 BCG main site at Warmur is also hosting hay trials this year, examining the performance of oat varieties in the region and how they respond to grazing.

One of the field trials at Warmur is investigating the use of gibberellic acid on vetch and oat crops, for experimental use only, which are also being subject to simulated grazing during the season.

Gibberellic acid can stimulate plant cell elongation and researchers are interested to see if it is possible to increase the biomass recovery after grazing with its use. This trial will be discussed at the BCG main field day on September 14.

Other trials investigating grazing and hay production at BCG’s Warmur research site include wheat and barley variety trials and a mace and trojan wheat grazing and nitrogen response trial.

The BCG main field day is open to all. It is free for BCG members, $50 for non-members. Visit www.bcg.org.au/events for details.

Farmer body wants guarantee

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Victoria’s peak farming body is negotiating on behalf of livestock producers in response to a State Government decision to introduce mandatory electronic identification, eID, tags in sheep and goats born after January 1, 2017.

Victorian Farmers Federation Livestock Group president Leonard Vallance said the federation was working hard to ensure farmers and other stakeholders would not face additional costs because of the decision.

“Livestock producers need a guarantee that they won’t be disadvantaged by the cost of fitting electronic tags to their stock,” he said.

“The State Government has offered to invest in eIDs for the first year, but this investment by government needs to be guaranteed for the long term.

“The State Government’s tag-tender system is a well-proven method of sustaining low-cost tags, as is evident in the cattle industry.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

“Governments, state and federal, need to remember they have a community obligation to contribute to the cost of traceability when it comes to major livestock disease outbreaks that affect everyone – not just farmers.”

Mr Vallance said the VFF still believed the most effective way of implementing electronic tags was to have a consistent approach that was affordable to farmers and well supported by industry.

“But as it stands, we are determined to negotiate the best possible outcome for livestock producers to guarantee there’s no impact on livestock operations across Victoria,” he said.

“We will make it clear to government that the cost of post farm-gate eID infrastructure must not be imposed on farmers.”

More information about the government’s changes to eIDs is available online at www. agriculture.vic.gov.au/sheepEID.

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Field trials set for open day “Like” Us On Facebook

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

B

irchip Cropping Group’s main research site will be open for inspection on September 14, as part of its 2016 main field day.

Substantial winter rain has resulted in a colourful display at the Warmur site, with close to 20 field trials showcased.

BCG extension manager Ciara Cullen said the field day promised to deliver much more than an attractive backdrop.

“We have a full day planned featuring highly regarded industry experts who will talk to farmers about a range of agronomic issues and options to improve the profitability of their crops,” she said.

The day kicks off with breakfast from 8.15am. Site host Dan Boyle will give an overview of the paddock and his farming enterprise at 9am.

Attendees can select from one of four site tours which will visit various research trials. BCG research staff, agricultural scientists and leading industry professionals will be on hand to discuss the trials and answer questions.

Topics include gypsum management, wheat nutrition, volunteer cereal control, late glyphosate use in barley, gibberellic acid in lentils, vetch and oats, pasture systems and hay marketing, canola management, wheat, barley and pulse variety

selection, integrated pest management and more. In the afternoon keynote speakers include integrated Harrington Seed Destructor engineer Jud Wheatley from DeBruin Engineering, grain-storage specialist Chris Warrick, Primary Business, and Colin Peace from JumbukAg who will discuss grain and hay marketing. Afternoon discussions will also feature a presentation on header efficiency and stubble management and seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey will deliver a spring climate outlook.

Ms Cullen said the BCG team looked forward to welcoming farmers to the annual field day, particularly with trials looking so healthy this year.

“This event is designed to help growers and consultants learn about new agronomic strategies and products and opportunities to maximise crop yield and farm profitability,” she said. “It’s also a chance for growers to get off the farm, catch up with friends and neighbours and gain some perspective on the season and harvest which is looming ahead.”

The 2016 BCG main field day will be at Warmur, 18 kilometres south-west of Birchip on the Birchip-Warracknabeal road.

Entry is free for BCG members and $50 for non-members, with lunch available to buy on site. For details call BCG on 5492 2787 or visit www.bcg.org.au/events.

TOP DAY: Donald’s Cuisine in the Crop is a formal gathering where patrons can sample high-quality food and wine.

Cuisine in the Crop a must next month Donald is again shaping as the place to be on September 24 with tickets on sale for the third annual Cuisine in the Crop.

On arrival to a ‘secret but stunning’ location near Donald, patrons will be welcomed by the music of Luke Bourchier as they are offered a chance to sample a selection of wines provided by Mitchelton Winery. The winery has teamed with the event as wine provider for 2016.

Event organisers have entrusted regionally renowned Coriander Catering to provide what they

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have described as a mouth-watering menu that includes regional sourced and produced specialties.

As they day unfolds, Wimmera rock band Last Stand will tempt patrons to get feet tapping and hips swinging, drawing them onto the dance floor.

Cuisine in the Crop is a fully catered event with strict formal dress-code rules for all patrons.

Best-dressed patrons on the day will be in the running for prizes.

Cuisine in the Crop is a major Donald community money-raiser, with profits supporting a wide

range of activities. Beneficiaries from the past two years have included Donald Primary School, Donald Chamber of Commerce, Donald High School, The Men’s Shed and many others.

Patrons will pay $150, which allows food and wine lovers to indulge their culinary bent.

People seeking more information on Cuisine in the Crop and accommodation options can call the event hotline on 0457 215 470, visit www.cuisineinthecrop. com. of follow Facebook for more details and updates.

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Young farmers follow the ‘grain chain’ 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

Young Wimmera and Mallee grain growers followed the supply chain trail from their farms to the Port of Melbourne earlier this month as part of a farmer trip delivered through the GAPP – Growth, Adoption, Production, Profitability program.

The 11 participants, who were representatives of one of seven GAPP groups established by Birchip Cropping Group across the Wimmera and Mallee, enjoyed the two-day experience, which they said gave them a better understanding of what happened to their produce after it left the farm.

As well as the Port of Melbourne, the group visited Hay Australia’s production centre at Bridgewater, Latrobe University AgriBio Centre, Cargill Crushing Plant, Emerald Grain and Barrett Burston Malting Company.

There was also time for networking, farmer-to-farmer learning and socialising with dinner and an overnight stay in Melbourne.

GAPP group co-ordinator Linda Walters said the tour aimed to build growers’ understanding about what happened post farm gate by providing insight into agricultural supply chains, logistics and research and development.

“But importantly, it also offered young growers a chance to mix with farmers from other regions, build networks and learn from one another’s experiences,” she said.

FOLLOWING THE TRAIL: From left, Jeremy Hose, Daniel Steer, Sebastein Sester, Scott Worner, Genevieve Clarke, John Renney, Sammy Mitchell, Adam Wallis, Sam Eastwood, Cameron Dawes, Cathie Weidemann, Cam Parker, Jarrod Kemp, Sheree Henderson, Billie Addlem and Linda Walters at Hay Australia Plant at Bridgewater.

“Farming can often be a lonely occupation, so it was great to be able to provide growers with a chance to connect with others who were facing the same day-to-day joys and challenges that come with their chosen career.”

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Hay Australia. The export hay business, based at Bridgewater, moves 70,000 tonne of hay every year, of which 90 percent is oaten hay.

Japan and Korea are the main markets.

Growers were interested to discover how stringent traceability was, with every grower and every paddock having its own identification number.

The group also toured facilities at Latrobe University AgriBio Centre and attended presentations by VFF, ADM and Bayer.

While the city-based laboratories felt a world away from their Wimmera and Mallee paddocks, the farmers were impressed by the technology used in plant breeding and disease research.

“I’m looking forward to seeing future developments and how these applications will filter down to farm and grain trade level,” one of the farmers said.

Day two started with a visit to the Cargill canola crushing plant at Footscray, where growers discovered how their oilseeds were processed.

On average 500-tonne of oilseeds are crushed at the plant daily. The group was surprised by the number of steps involved in extracting canola oil, including the rigorous quality tests

Yield vs quality A

s we tick over into the months of spring, the 2016 winter cropping season is continuing to deliver widespread rain.

From week to week we are inching closer to what is looking increasingly more like a very solid grain harvest.

Many growers are proceeding with caution to ‘not disturb the wryneck bird from its nest’, however, many more are keenly monitoring the uptake of nutrients by their crops, looking to maximise yields assuming a certain set of parameters for the remainder of the season.

With quite a long tail to the top-dress period this year, it is worth elaborating on the topic of nitrogen application, which I touched on in the July edition of AgLife. In particular, the relationship between nitrogen application and its effect on yield and protein in latter growth stages.

Providing that paddocks can be accessed over the ensuing weeks, how long can ‘N’ continue to be applied for and what are the benefits, if any, of investing in further nitrogen application at this time of year?

Using wheat as an example, its highest demand for nitrogen is just prior to flag-leaf emergence through to flowering.

Ordinarily this period will see the plant draw on soil reserves of nitrogen due to the root sysWednesday, August 31, 2016

with Mick Phelan

tem being the most efficient avenue for nutrients. As the plant then moves from flowering into grain-filling stages, its ability to draw on soil N diminishes and as a result it will draw on the nutrients from within the plant rather than the soil.

With N being very mobile, grain fill can be at the expense of loss of leaf area due to ‘movement’ of N where it is needed most. So far this season we are seeing a high leaf-area index indicating high-yield potential. This can mean protein levels in the grain itself will be lower, assuming weather conditions continue to be kind.

Soft finish

The longer moisture is present in the soil and the root system in the plant remains active, the longer green-leaf matter is maintained and the less N will be remobilised from the plant to assist with the grain-filling process.

This is what most call a ‘soft finish’ and as a result, individual grains will be bigger but will contain higher levels of starch and a lower concentration of protein. However, this process can be altered and it is possible to increase protein levels in the grain through late applications

of N, with the most effective time to do so being in-between head emergence and flowering.

As a rule of thumb, after 10 percent head emergence, a nitrogen application will no longer contribute to yield and will instead increase protein levels.

An application of 10 units of N – 21.7kg Urea – per hectare will raise the protein level in the grain by about 0.1 percent.

As we look at the grain market at this point in time, is it worth investing in N in order to chase higher protein levels?

Unless the grower has a specific reason for achieving high-protein levels, the short answer to this question is no, with the spreads to H1 and H2 over APW being extremely narrow at present.

However, if grain has been forward-contracted throughout the season, it might be worth a quick look at the conditions of each contract in order to assess the spreads and if it is worth chasing premiums offered for higher protein grades for AH varieties.

As many grain-growers will tell you, yield is king and 2016 is shaping up to be a season whereby if a late investment in nitrogen is willing to be made, current conditions would suggest it be made purely with the goal of picking up those extra few kilograms per hectare rather than being bumped up a grade at the silo come harvest.

the grain underwent. Emerald Grain, at the Port of Melbourne, is a ‘just-intime’ business with grain held on-site for a maximum of three days before being loaded onto ships, as a bulk or in containers.

The farmers were amazed by the scale of storage facilities – 40,000 tonne of grain – and found talks on the quality and traceability enlightening.

A tour of the Port of Melbourne was an eye-opener, with the group hearing about the logistics of moving 2.6million containers annually. Of these, 70 percent is imported goods and 30 percent exported goods, comprising mainly agricultural products.

Barrett Burston Malting Co, a 100year old malthouse, was the final stop.

Here growers gained an understand-

ing of the barley malting process.

The company processes batches of 75 tonne of barley and produces malt in an old-fashioned way compared with modern plants. Nevertheless, the malt produced meets criteria required by brewers to produce quality beer.

The growers who attended the GAPP supply chain trip said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and gained valuable insight into post farm-gate processes, which they will share with other members of their GAPP groups.

The GAPP initiative is a joint project facilitated by BCG in partnership with Agriculture Victoria.

Discussion groups at Birchip, Hopetoun, Manangatang, Rupanyup, Nhill and Quambatook, and a women’s group, also based at Birchip, meet regularly to take paddock walks and to hear from agricultural, climate, agronomic and business specialists to build their skills and knowledge.

Bayer Cropscience, ADM and Rural Bank-Rural Finance helped support farmers who participated in the trip.

Rural Bank-Rural Finance regional manager Greg Kuchel said Rural Finance had partnered with BCG to provide career development, leadership and networking opportunities for young women working in agriculture.

Anyone interested in becoming a GAPP member can call BCG on 5492 2787.

– Sebastien Sester, BCG

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Fremantle auctions paused this week resulting in a national offering of less than 30,000 bales, a similar amount to the corresponding sale from 12 months ago.

The series was ran in a Tuesday and Wednesday pattern to allow for ‘wool week’ activities in Melbourne late in the week.

A one-cent dip in the exchange rate helped support auction prices, sending the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator – EMI – 11 cents higher.

Merino fleece made a solid contribution to the overall result of the EMI despite a cautious start.

Rises generally totalled between five and 15 cents for most microns, although it was the broader microns, 20 to 23, which found the most consistent support and were the best performing sector.

The sale finished on a strong note when a late surge on the final day pushed prices up another five to 10 cents in the last half hour.

Merino skirtings recorded a similar result to fleece types, rising 10 to 20 cents.

Buyers had the greatest appetite for stylish low vegetable matter types. Crossbreds finished as much as 25 cents dearer, although there were large differences between the various microns.

Twenty-wight microns were the most keenly sought and jumped as much as 30 cents in Melbourne before steadying on the second day.

Merino cardings had mixed results. Losses in Melbourne were outweighed by small gains in Sydney.

Next week returns to a three centre rostering, with more than 42,000 bales offered around the country.

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P

erennial Pasture Systems eighth annual conference will give the region’s agricultural producers an opportunity to make the most of good winter rain.

Project manager Rob Shea said the prospect of a good spring and profitable year was a welcome change from dealing with drought.

“It is a good time to refocus on productive pasture systems and our annual conference will give farmers and others involved in grazing systems the chance to do just that,” he said.

The conference will be at Ararat’s Gum San on September 14.

Perennial Pasture Systems, PPS, formed in 2007 and involves more than 100 farm enterprises. The group has an annual conference, attracting high-profile presenters for a seminar session ahead of a farm tour, which complements the conference theme.

This year’s theme is ‘Looking at legumes: legumes to lift your bottom line’.

It will explore lucerne and clover management and their importance in grazing systems. Three speakers from New Zealand and Western Australia will head the line-up, which also includes regional guest speakers.

“When PPS members visited New Zealand last year on the annual study tour they inspected lucerne and clover research trials at Lincoln University with Professor Derrick Moot,” Mr Shea said.

“They were immediately impressed with his depth of knowledge and skill at ex-

INTERNATIONAL GUEST: New Zealand’s Professor Derrick Moot. plaining complex animal and plant interactions. Plans were immediately put in place to invite Derrick to share his information with other farmers in Australia; PPS has been able to get him as one of the conference’s keynote presenters.”

Renowned subterranean clover breeder Phil Nicols of Western Australia will also speak.

“Phil will tell the conference about new sub clovers and other legumes that have been developed, as well as reviewing which varieties, old and new, are assisting producers to make productive gains in their systems,” Mr Shea said.

“The other speaker from Western Australia, Professor David Pethick, will leave the legumes alone and will focus on what is eating them.

“David, who leads the Centre for Production Animal Research at the Murdoch University’s School of Veterinary and Life

Sciences, has enjoyed a 34-year research career which has seen him contribute valuable findings to the sheep, beef cattle and pig industries.

“His nutritional biochemistry research has led to diet formulation for beef cattle and lambs to optimise meat quality and shown that lamb compares favourably with pork and chicken for the beneficial minerals iron and zinc. He is also involved in research which shows that lamb is a significant source of beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids and is also low in saturated fats.”

Two PPS members will also present at the conference. Simon Brady will talk about using arrowleaf clover in his mixed farming system, while Charlie de Fegely will discuss the use of legume pastures in maximising weight gains in lamb production.

Following the seminar, participants will tour Hassad Australia’s ‘Barton’ property at Moyston.

The conference will culminate with a dinner at Chalambar Golf Club in Ararat.

Guest speaker Viv Thompson from Bests Wines will talk about his long career in the wine industry.

The conference cost, which includes the seminar, morning tea, lunch and bus trip to Moyston is $50 for PPS members and $70 for non-members. New members can join on the day and receive the member rate.

Annual membership costs $55. The dinner costs $35 and must be pre-booked.

People can call Mr Shea on 0438 521 357 or email yadin@netconnect.com.au for more information.

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Wimmera Southern Mallee September Agricultural Events

SFS Agronomy Day. Westmere Trial Site.

An inspirational evening with Dr Gill Hicks. $20 per head. Kaniva.

VFF Wimmera Branch meeting. Royal Hotel. Horsham.

BCG GAPP Group Crop Walk. Manangatang.

Sustainable Farming Families. Yapeet.

Leadership Wimmera Ethics Workshop. Horsham.

GRDC Farm Business Update. Horsham Golf Club.

BCG GAPP Group Crop Walk. Southern Mallee.

2016 Business Session with San Jolly. St Arnaud.

Rural Women Uncovered 2016 Containing stock to increase productivity in dry times. Stawell.

Financial Health Check Workshop for Small Business. Edenhope.

Perennial Pasture Systems 8th Annual Conference. Ararat.

BCG Main Field Day. Warmur. 8.15am - 5pm Financial Health Check Workshop for Small Business. Kaniva.

Containing stock to increase productivity in dry times. Wonwondah.

2016 Nuffield Australia National Conference. Adelaide.

Containing stock to increase productivity in dry times. Warracknabeal.

Containing stock to increase productivity in dry times. Telopea Downs.

National Landcare Conference. Melbourne.

RockOut for RARE. Brim Rec Reserve.

For full details about these and future events

www.wda.org.au/brif

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

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Wednesday, August 31, 2016