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World class Dadswells Bridge’s Nigel and James Pfitzner were among the hundreds of visitors at the Victorian State Merino Field Day at Marnoo last week, where sheep and wool innovations were showcased by exhibitors, studs and guest speakers. Story, page 35. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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ing, Mr de Fegely said the rain came at the perfect time. “We’re hitting peak lactation, so our demand for feed is as great as it’s going to get,” he said. “The feed is there now that will get us through to, I think at least the end of September. “One more rain would take us further, but with a heavy clay soil we retain moisture for a fair while, so it has set our spring up really well.” Mr de Fegely described his lambing season as ‘fantastic’. “Survival is huge and lamb growth rates are so different to last year,” he said. “All the lambs last year were grainfed. This year we’re grass-fed, and what a difference that is.” Mr de Fegely said while farmers in the area were content with recent rain and others further north celebrating ‘massive seasons’, farmers in south-

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

ecent rains have given another boost to Wimmera and Grampians-region farmers, with livestock producers confident feed will last until at least the end of September. Ararat lamb producer Charlie de Fegely said a recent 21mm of rain had left his soil probes full, and his operation was ‘back on track’. “We’d actually had a really good season leading up to July where we got a barrage of frost, and that shut everything down,” he said. “We weren’t too sure whether the weather bureau was going to get it right for a change and our season was going to finish. But this has just made us totally saturated. “The pastures just needed rain to get them back to normal, which is what we’ve got.” With his flock in the midst of lamb-

west Victoria had received comparatively little rain. While the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting El Niño conditions, Mr de Fegely said some uncertainty remained, but his operation was well placed regardless of conditions. “Even in an El Niño year, you can actually have a good season, so it could still be that,” he said. “Unfortunately the track record of the bureau is not flash, but if you ignore it, you might ignore it at your peril. “After the two dry years in 2024 and ’25, we put some strategies in place to ensure we don’t end up like we did, having to reduce our breeders by 15 per cent and running out of fodder and buying it at an expensive rate. “We’ve put a lot of tactics in place, so if it does come, we’re prepared for it better than we were last time.” Officials from multinational agri-

business banking company Rabobank said the winter crop outlook across Australia had improved in recent weeks, with rainfall increasing soil moisture in key grain-growing regions. Rabobank senior grains and oilseeds analyst Vitor Pistoia said Victoria and South Australia were leading the improvement nationally, with the Wimmera, Mallee, north-east and parts of central Victoria experiencing good conditions during June. He said with many crops in the region two to three weeks ahead of normal development, yield potential and frost sensitivity were both higher. “That is something that has developed to this point of the season – the big concern with frost,” he said. Mr Pistoia said average spring rainfall would likely be enough for many Victorian cropping regions to finish with above-average yields, provided

frost did not cause widespread damage. He said while the improved production outlook was a positive development for national supply, the upside was ‘more modest’ for prices, with strong supply from northern hemisphere growers already putting pressure on global wheat markets and canola remaining better supported by oilseed and biofuel demand. Mr Pistoia said crop finishes between August and early October would influence the price outlook, along with ‘what happens across the multiple ongoing conflicts worldwide’. “There is plenty of barley and canola also, and that will play heavily with the price outlook,” he said. “The major watch now is grain filling – if spring holds, Australia can move from a below-average concern to a much more constructive production story.”

Developing a farm fire plan Victorian farmers and rural landholders can prepare for the coming fire season with a webinar on September 2. Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Kylie Macreadie said managing the risk of bushfire on the farm was essential. “Whether you are a livestock producer, equine property owner, small landholder, hobby farmer or new to farming, planning now for the fire season can help reduce stress and ensure your people, property, animals and business is prepared,” she said. “Preparing involves identifying risks and taking practical steps well before a fire threatens your property. “The webinar is one of the opportunities Agriculture Victoria will be promoting for farmers to consider their fire preparedness ahead of the fire season. “It will provide practical guidance on developing a farm fire plan, identifying critical assets, protecting animals, and ensuring families, staff and contractors know their roles during an emergency.” Ms Macreadie said Agriculture Victoria’s fire preparedness toolkit would be shared during the webinar. “The toolkit includes practical resources such as farm mapping templates, preparedness checklists, action

TOP-TIER: Longerenong College alumni Jessica Gregory with her national sash. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

College alumni claims national title Longerenong College alumni Jessica Gregory is the national meat breeds sheep young judge champion, claiming the title at this year’s Ekka Show at Brisbane. Winning the state final at Bendigo Wool and Sheep Show in a back-toback victory, Ms Gregory now lives at Horsham while working in cropping at Donald. Ms Gregory said she started studying livestock and agriculture in year seven while living on the Morn-

ington Peninsula. “I have done a lambing season in New Zealand, and I was working in cattle back home,” she said. “I’d love a job in livestock one day.” Ms Gregory said she travelled to Queensland with her parents and boyfriend to compete – on her 20th birthday. “It was my first nationals. I’ve been doing the Victorian agricultural shows since I was 15, so five years

of trying to get into nationals,” she said. “But because I have won the nationals, I don’t get to go to Perth next year now.” In the competition’s final, competitors had six minutes to judge two breeds of sheep in the aspects of muscle, fat and structure, while simultaneously preparing for a twominute speech to a judge and audience.

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plans, and emergency contact templates,” she said. Ms Macreadie said the webinar would help farmers start developing their own farm fire plan. People can also register for the 7pm webinar via www.agriculture.vic.gov. au/events.

Kaniva event

Kaniva farmers are invited to a free two-day workshop to learn practical planning skills to help prepare their farm business for the future. The event, starting September 1, aims to build strategies to manage climate risk, strengthen resilience and create a more adaptable business. Presenter Kate Burke is an independent farm consultant, agri-strategist and educator. Dr Burke has extensive experience in farm business management and works with farming families and businesses across a range of areas. Participants will work to identify what matters most to them; improve the productivity, people and profit areas of their business; explore ways to balance growth and risk; and set priorities and create a practical plan for the future. People can visit Agriculture Victoria website for more details.

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Historic change for grains group

rainGrowers is considering adding a new membership category for the first time in its history amid rising input costs, increased regulation and an uncertain geopolitical climate.

At its annual general meeting on October 7, GrainGrowers members will vote on constitutional amendments to create a new category of membership enabling state farming organisations, SFO, to apply to become members of GrainGrowers. GrainGrowers will consult members about the proposed changes at events across the country during the coming weeks. The group will also host an online webinar for members unable to attend in person. The group will host events in Sea Lake and Horsham on September 3 and 4 respectively, presenting information about the proposed constitution changes, and allowing growers to network with others in their region and hear from GrainGrowers directors and staff about current advocacy priorities and upcoming initiatives. GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton said the proposed changes followed member feedback and approaches from NSW Farmers and Grain Producers South Australia, which are both seeking representation on national issues. “Growers have consistently told us they want to see a stronger and more united voice on national grain industry issues,” he said. “This proposal provides a way for like-minded organisations to work more closely together while ensuring GrainGrowers remains firmly grower-led.”

Mr Turton said issues facing Australian grain growers were becoming more complex, prompting NSW Farmers and GPSA to engage with GrainGrowers. He said the groups had signed memorandums of understanding, enabling them to work together prior to a potential constitution change. “By working together, organisations with shared objectives can amplify and increase our collective influence on issues that matter most,” he said. “GrainGrowers is a strong advocate on behalf of its grower members. With the introduction of an SFO membership category, we can better harness the expertise, networks and advocacy strengths of complementary organisations. “Together, we can deliver a stronger, more co-ordinated voice for Australian grain growers at a national level.” Under the proposed changes, any SFO admitted as a member would hold a single vote as a membership entity. “These changes do not alter the voting rights of existing grower members in any way,” Mr Turton said. “Every grower member retains exactly the same rights they have today. The proposal is about bringing organisations together around shared goals, not changing who governs GrainGrowers. “The board’s firm view is that the organisation must remain grower-led, grower-governed and focused on delivering outcomes for grain growers. This proposal strengthens our ability to advocate on behalf of growers while preserving those foundations.”

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GRINNERS: Traction Ag won the best large site award at Speed’s Mallee Machinery Field Days this year. The team was on a new site, showcasing brands they have branched out into in the past year, including Morris, LiuGong and Niqo robotics brands, across their Horsham, Naracoorte, Nhill and Swan Hill stores. Pictured are, from left, Swan Hill sales’ Stephan Milano, director and general manager Vince Carbone, Swan Hill sales’ James Williams, and Horsham sales’ Steve Graetz.

Seeking a new crop of farmers Television program Farmer Wants A Wife is searching for a brand-new crop of farmers ready to follow their hearts in the search for true love. Farmers struggling to find love in their country towns will be matched with single women on the program hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. The program features wom-

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ivestock markets are shortly about to face their first real litmus test from the heights reached over the previous 12 months with new season supply beginning to appear in northern markets – and will slowly creep south over the next six to eight weeks.

Timeframes of contracted rates on sheep and lamb on offer are beginning to match up with when growers are able to confidently supply the article. A quick ‘around the grounds’ with a selection of AWN staff gives a good snapshot of where the season is at as our clients begin to think about the marketing of this season’s stock. • Stephen Kelly, covering southern Wimmera and Western Districts: There may be a slight correction in the market, but prices are likely to remain very strong. If a grower has a price in mind that they would like to achieve, weight will be key – as it always is. Breeders are in a great position but lambing has been slightly held back across the board. This combined with a wetter season means the rush of supply will be delayed to a certain extent. Green feed gives growers options and will enable them to finish lambs if they choose to not take the money early. Shearing lambs before the onset of seed is imperative if they go down this path. Don’t discount the market as an avenue of sale, we started at a very

similar position last year and physical markets gained momentum as the spring went forward. • Scott Jackson, covering north and central Wimmera: It is definitely a year for the breeder and just reward for hard work in recent years. Opportunities to buy in spring will arise, however store lamb supply may be limited due to young stock surpassing this category very quickly in favourable seasonal conditions. It pays to think outside the box a little if looking to trade stock, for example, middle-aged ewes off shears to join and sell SIL, or merino ewes and wethers in the skin to shear and grow out on stubbles. Looking further afield to source store lambs and earlier in the season has also been a common thought in an attempt to secure supply. • Dusty Cross, covering West Wimmera and Northern Grampians: A lack of sunshine and the wetter season is seeing stock remain on top of feed in some areas as we await the start of the spring flush. For breeders with early drop lambs, assessments on stock and leaving top runs of lambs on mum until sale and weaning middle run of lambs off

PLANNING: AWN Horsham’s Spencer Smith is encouraging people to make sure their details are up-to-date. provides a bet each way in current markets. This gives the option of selling top runs of lambs at their freshest with the second run better off being weaned at this point to grow out or to sell as weaned stores to buyers with excess feed, which is a hot market at present. It also allows ewes to make a start

on banking condition, either for sale or rejoining themselves. There will be some exceptional stud stock on offer this year, along with a fantastic selection of ewes for our annual Edenhope First X Feature Sale. Numbers look up and quality will be even greater than the usual standard of excellence as a result of the early feed curve on offer this season.

• Dale Dridan, covering Wimmera and West Wimmera: It is as good a start to a season as can be remembered, with green feed available since March. In 2025, the season did not come good until very late causing reactive decision making – this year we know there will be an abundance of feed, crops are looking solid and water is now much less of an issue than in recent times, therefore we can afford to be a little more proactive. Opportunities to buy stock will come about through the spring, so it pays to be organised, ready to take advantage and buy stock that suits the environment they are going into. All the ingredients will be there this spring to put weight on stock very quickly. • Spencer Smith, AWN Horsham office: We have been encouraging and helping all of our clients to have their back office requirements up-to-date prior to the upcoming busy period. Ensuring your LPA and MLA accreditations along with your NLIS accounts are current, along with making sure your NVD books are the latest versions, and even trying out the ENVD App, makes for very smooth transacting of livestock. If you have also changed any business or banking details, share farming or succession arrangements, notifying your suppliers and trading partners may just cause one less headache during a busy time.

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ntegrated pest management, IPM, sessions will feature at Birchip Cropping Group’s, BGC, Main Field Day next month, encouraging growers to look before they spray.

Cesar Australia will host sessions at 10am and noon on September 9, helping growers to distinguish pests from beneficial insects and consider how the information affects their insecticide decisions. The sessions aim to give participants simple monitoring and identification techniques for pests likely to be found in local crops, including redlegged earth mite, blue oat mite and lucerne flea. The session will also cover when and how to use TIMERITE as part of a redlegged earth mite management strategy. Growers will also learn to identify predatory mites, parasitoids

and other beneficial insects that can contribute to keeping pest populations in check, and the session will explore how growers protect species already doing pest-control work for them. Entomologist Paul Horne said with many crops carrying strong yield potential this season, growers’ aims should be not to take unnecessary risks with pest control, but to protect potential without automatically adding another input to a program. Dr Horne said IPM was more than simply choosing not to spray. “IPM isn’t just doing nothing,” he said. “If there’s pests there, you have to control them. It’s just how you choose to use it, which products you choose, whether it’s cultural or whether it’s a pesticide. “All IPM is, is trying to use things in the best possible way so they work together.”

Dr Horne said the distinction would be central to the Main Field Day sessions. Rather than asking growers to stop using insecticides, presenters will focus on understanding when intervention is required and selecting control options that manage target pests while minimising unnecessary impacts on beneficial species. Wimmera agronomist Tim Pohlner said while broad-spectrum insecticides could be an inexpensive addition to a tank mix, the lowest-cost product per hectare did not always result in the lowest pest-control cost across a season. He said removing beneficial insects could leave crops more exposed to subsequent pest populations, while more selective products could have a higher upfront cost but preserve beneficial species and potentially reduce the need for repeat applications. “Most farmers will want to see an

economical return from that long term,” he said. “Farming is a money-making venture. We’re not doing it as a hobby.” Mr Pohlner said implementing IPM did not have to mean changing an entire farming system at once, but could start in one paddock as a practical way for growers to build confidence in monitoring and management.

Field day variety

Presenting the latest local research, practical insights and conversations relevant to broadacre farming, the day will have plenty to keep local growers busy. Attendees can explore the implications of a strong season of rainfall so far, see how trials are responding, explore cutting-edge research and hear from leading researchers and industry experts about what their results could mean for farming operations. The program covers topics includ-

ing crop management, weed control, soil nutrition, new varieties, farming systems and ways to maximise yield potential and profitability. BCG chief executive Fiona Best said the main field day was a chance to get research out of the paddock and into conversations with farmers. “The day offers a fantastic opportunity for farmers to share knowledge, learn from researchers, and connect with peers,” she said. “Together, we’re navigating rising costs, making informed decisions, and finding ways to achieve strong yields and healthy, resilient farm businesses.” Ms Best said whether growers were looking to maximise yield, improve profitability or stay ahead of emerging challenges, the day would contain something for everyone. Attendance is free for BCG members and $60 for non-members. People can register at bcg.org.au/events.

Hosking among regional changemakers Birchip Cropping Group’s Grace Hosking took part in a National Impact Forum in Mildura in June, which aimed to build leadership skills and strengthen drought-affected communities. Ms Hosking was among 60 regional changemakers selected to take part in the forum, with five from each of 12 drought-sensitive Australia regions. The three-day forum helped participants strengthen national connections, share regional knowledge and build the confidence to lead collaborative action within their communities.

Ms Hosking said the forum highlighted the importance of connecting with leaders from other drought-affected regions to share ideas and learn from different approaches communities took to similar challenges. “Coming together with leaders from other drought-affected regions really highlighted that we don’t have to solve these challenges alone,” she said. “There’s so much strength in sharing what’s working and what’s not across different rural and regional communities.”

THINK BIG: Birchip Cropping Group’s study tour group in front of the world’s biggest tractor at Carnamah, in Western Australia.

Western Australia study tour A group of 17 Victorian farmers travelled to Western Australia this month as part of a Birchip Cropping Group, BCG, study tour focused on soil management, farming systems and innovation. The group included participants aged from 17 to over 50, representing a range of farming backgrounds and experience levels. With Western Australian growers facing some of Australia’s most challenging soils and amassing decades of innovation in soil amelioration and machinery development, the tour gave participants an opportunity to see how long-term investment, research and practical innovation could transform the soils into productive cropping land. Across the week-long tour, participants visited leading growers, researchers, grower groups and machinery manufacturers, including Andrew and Todd Kenny; Ben and Sean Plozza; Ben Cripps; Waringa Farming; the Yuna Farm Improvement Group; Brad Smith; the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, DPIRD; NuFab Engineering; the CBH Geraldton Port; Daniel and Dylan Birch; and Liebe Group. The visits explored topics including soil amelioration, controlled-traffic farming, deep ripping, time of sowing, machinery innovation and integrated weed management. Participants also saw how purpose-built machinery and practical innovation helped growers overcome challenging soil constraints while improving productivity and profitability. While soil amelioration was a focus of the tour, one of the strongest themes to emerge was decision making behind farming systems. Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Rather than looking for practices to replicate at home, the tour encouraged participants to understand why growers made particular investments, what problems they were trying to solve and how their farming systems had evolved over time. A takeaway was the value of identifying areas for incremental improvement, rather than attempting to adopt every new technology or practice. Participant Bill Lee said one of his biggest takeaways from the tour was the long-term value of investing in soil. “One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of soil amelioration,” he said. “While the process is both time consuming and costly, growers consistently demonstrated that the long-term return on investment can be substantial through improved soil productivity and resilience.” The tour also provided opportunities for grower-to-grower learning, such as an afternoon with the Yuna Farm Improvement Group, which brought Victorian and Western Australian growers together to compare farming systems, seasonal conditions and shared challenges. Conversations between the groups continued throughout the tour, creating two-way knowledge exchange and new connections between regions. The tour, funded by Grains Research and Development Corporation, also strengthened relationships between BCG and Western Australian growers, grower groups, DPIRD and industry, creating opportunities for continued knowledge sharing between regions.

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HANDS ON: Blade shearer Danni Wilson of Tameluca Poll Merino Stud hands some fleece to Molly Leach at the Mallee Machinery Field days. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Marnoo field day success M

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

erino sheep and wool judging, production trial results and industry innovation were showcased as last week’s Victorian State Merino Field Day at Marnoo.

Field days president Trent Carter said about 600 people attended the event, which was organised and run by the Marnoo Stud Breeders Committee for Victorian studs. “We were absolutely overwhelmed with the day,” he said. “Obviously, the weather leading into it was a little bit daunting, but it cleared and we had really good feedback from both stud and trade exhibitors on the success of the day.” Mr Carter said the event, the seventh annual, featured guest speakers Craig Wilson and Jason Tromph. “Craig Wilson spoke on the Merino Production Trial, which was fantastic – it’s testing over 90 different bloodlines, and then we had Jason Tromph talking about more lambs from ewe lambs,” he said. “It’s an exciting topic leading into this year with the cost of replacement ewes and potentially utilising new lambs and expanding numbers within a flock. “We got good feedback from that, and also working on the next generation – we had Ballarat Grammar, Longerenong College and Stawell Secondary College there. “There were about 50 students who were there learning, we had an educational tour there for them as well.” Mr Carter said the crowd was consistent throughout the day, with more attendees than last year. “Trades were also up by a few, we had a really good mix of a variety of trades sites there on the day, covering all aspects of agricultural and livestock industry,” he said. “We had a couple of studs who couldn’t be there, but they said they would be back on deck next year. “There’s also been early indications of a couple of studs who attended this year, in a purely visiting capacity, who said they’re keen to attend next year.” At the event, Mt Challicum’s Ben Hartwich judged Orrie Cowie the champion Hogget Ram, Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino Stud was reserve, and Terrick West Poll third.

CLOSE: Fleur Hillmam and Georgie Chamings of Buangor.

GUEST: Speaker Jason Tromph addresses the gathering.

The stars seem to be aligning for the Australian lamb industry this year and Janmac co-principal Grant Hausler is confident it is more than just a flash in the pan. “It is quite clear the outlook for lamb is overwhelmingly positive and it is driven by good fundamentals – strong overseas demand with people chasing protein and markets everywhere, and a record-low ewe base,” he said. While the current ‘perfect storm of high demand and low numbers’ is behind market strength, Mr Hausler, his son Carl and a valued client were three of more than 1000 attendees at the bi-annual Lambex conference. Mr Hausler’s takeaway from the Adelaide event – the industry optimism was here to stay. “One of the things we took from Lambex was ‘it’s different this time’. The overall trend of positivity is longterm, not a bubble or a boom, but a longer, consistent trend, which is exciting,” he said. Mr Hausler runs Janmac Poll Dorset and White Suffolk stud with his brother Bryce, son Carl and their families at Goroke. Like many producers across the country, they are experiencing improved seasonal conditions after a few tough years. With a record number of registered buyers last year, the stud has been encouraged to offer an increased number of rams at its annual on-property sale this year. About 200 Poll Dorset and White Suffolk rams are set to go under the hammer – last year the 50 registered buyers cleared all 181 rams catalogued to a top price of $7000, with Poll Dorsets averaging $1806 and White Suffolks $1269. “We still focus on growth and carcass shape and still chase yield, because it gives them the flexibility, – they have options,” Mr Hausler said. “We are continuing to do what we know works and breed sheep that make our clients’ money. “Our lamb industry has changed, it isn’t the same it was five years ago – there are markets for super heavy, trade lambs to light lambs, all offering different cuts and opportunities. “There has also been a change with the rise of the lot feeding industry, which is putting a really solid floor in the store lamb market. That industry going forward will be able to add value to those looking to sell their store lambs, a market that wasn’t there five years ago.” The national sheep flock was forecast by Meat and Livestock Australia to fall to 67.1-million head by June this year, the lowest figure since 2020, after several years of high turnoff and record production. “We can’t rebuild the flock quickly. This will underpin the medium-term outlook and see a strong demand for rams,” Mr Hausler said. “This demand, along with high lamb prices, is likely to flow through to maternals as well, with strong clearance rates expected this spring.” Proven genetic lines from Kurralea, Ulandi Park, Mallee Park and Janmac will feature in this year’s sale, as will progeny from a high-performance ram purchased for $15,000 from Ivadene. “Forward contracts for October are already coming in at 1000 to 1080c/kg, anything with a 10 in front of it is really positive,” Mr Hausler said. “It is very exciting going forward, we are in the box seat with the sheep we already have that drive profit. The type of rams we are breeding continue to perform for our valued clients.” The Hausler family welcomes all visitors to Janmac, Edenhope Road, Goroke, at 1pm on October 7, for their 22nd annual production sale.

THE E V A WE H OU Y P ! E TO KE MOVING 60B Darlot St, Horsham (Next to Horsham Bearings) Wednesday, August 26, 2026

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ustralian agriculture finds itself in an interesting position this week.

On one hand, new Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows agriculture was the only industry to record a decline in business numbers during 2025-26. On the other, agriculture has the highest four-year business survival rate of any Australian industry. That contrast says something important about our sector. Agricultural business numbers fell 0.5 per cent to 170,185 over the past financial year. Yet 60.2 per cent of agricultural businesses that entered the sector in 2022-23 were still operating four years later, compared with 49.2 per cent across all industries. For those of us working with farming families and rural and regional communities, that resilience will come as little surprise. Agriculture has always demanded an ability to adapt, manage uncertainty and make decisions with a long-term view. But resilience should not be mistaken for an absence of pressure. That was one of the messages I took from this week’s National Farmers’ Federation Leaders’ Summit at Parliament House in Canberra, where Australian agriculture also celebrated a significant milestone: reaching $100-billion in annual farmgate output. ABARES is forecasting farm production to reach $101.4-billion in 2025-26 – achieving the NFF’s $100-billion target four years ahead of its original 2030 deadline. It is an achievement worth celebrating. It reflects the innovation, investment and determination of people across agriculture and demonstrates what can happen when

AgVocate with Paula Doran

industry, government, researchers and businesses work towards a shared ambition. But NFF president Hamish McIntyre also made an important distinction: a $100-billion industry does not mean every farm business is profitable. As he put it: “Productivity without profitability does not keep a family on the land.” That message particularly resonates with the work we do at Partners in Ag. Behind every national production figure are individual businesses, families and communities making decisions about their future. Succession, workforce, profitability, leadership and the confidence of the next generation to invest in agriculture matter just as much as the headline value of production. The Summit’s theme of ‘the national table’ was therefore timely. Hamish spoke about the kitchen table as the place where farming families discuss cattle and crops, water, finances and their next big idea. But increasingly, what happens around that kitchen table is influenced by decisions being made at many other tables. Geopolitical instability can affect fuel and fertiliser supplies. Trade decisions can change commodity markets. Energy and housing projects can increase competition for regional workers and infrastructure.

Policy and regulation developed in Canberra can have very practical consequences in a paddock hundreds or thousands of kilometres away. Agriculture cannot afford to enter these conversations only after decisions have been made. The Summit highlighted the importance of agriculture being part of national discussions about food security, energy, infrastructure, housing, trade, technology, biosecurity and sovereign capability from the beginning. For Partners in Ag, there is another dimension to that conversation: who is sitting at those tables? Strong agricultural businesses and communities need diverse voices, capable leaders and people who have the confidence and skills to participate in decision-making. We need to continue creating opportunities for women, young people, farming families and emerging rural leaders to contribute their knowledge and experience. The latest business figures tell us agriculture is extraordinarily resilient. The $100-billion milestone tells us what the sector is capable of achieving. The challenge now is ensuring that growth translates into profitable businesses, thriving regional communities and genuine opportunities for the next generation. As Australian agriculture considers its next national ambition, perhaps success should be measured not only by how much we produce, but by the strength of the people, businesses and communities behind that production – and whether their voices have a meaningful place at the national table.

Event for women in ag A Year of the Female Farmer event aimed at helping women in agriculture learn and connect with others across the industry will be in Horsham next week. The showcase is in recognition of the United Nations declaration of 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer, IYWF. The UN declaration aims to highlight the essential roles women play across agriculture that often go unrecognised. Year of the Female Farmer showcase organiser Rachel Titley, who operates women’s agricultural mentoring business SheFarmer, said the showcase grew from annual International Day of Rural Women events she organised at Adelaide Showground. “There were a few women who came to last year’s Day of Rural Women event from across the border in western Victoria and said ‘if there’s any way you could ever bring anything like this out here, we will help you – this would be so good’,” she said. “So I’m doing half a dozen regions in South Australia and then one in Victoria. It’s an opportunity to mentor local women who are stepping into different parts of the community and into leadership positions. “I will talk to all things rural life for women – business for women, family, farm – because of course it’s all very blurry and one thing bleeds into the other. There can be lots of beauty in that, but there can also be lots of burden. “I’ll also bring a team of women who are all industry leaders and authorities, but have also experienced plenty of life themselves and had their own chapters of grief, loss and hardship. They can speak to those things and what they’ve done, how they’ve grown through them, what they’ve done since and what they’d do differently.” Ms Titley, a fourth-generation farmer from South Australia’s Mallee region, said she was inspired to start SheFarmer when she returned to agriculture in 2022 after working in other industries. “What I discovered was there weren’t a lot of industry groups within ag that were telling their story well, building relationships with people and running great events,” she said. The showcase will be at Horsham Golf Club on Thursday, September 3 from 9am to 3pm. Tickets are $50 and include morning tea and lunch. People can visit www.facebook. com/events/1243678027841370 for more information.

TRUCK

TALK WITH HORSHAM TRUCKS

Welcome back to TRUCK TALK DON’T GIVE THEM A REASON NO MUCKING ABOUT Harvest is fast approaching, and trucks TO LOOK TWICE across the Wimmera are about to get busy. Let’s be honest — appearances matter. Last month, we spoke about getting your truck mechanically ready for harvest. But there’s another question worth asking before you hit the road:

A truck covered in mud, dust and grime doesn’t just hide potential issues; it can make your truck look like it hasn’t been looked after.

Is your truck ready to be checked at Before harvest gets underway, give any time? it a proper clean and make sure it’s With compliance checks likely to be taking looking as good as it’s running. place throughout the busy harvest period, At Horsham Truck Company, we stock now is the time to give your truck a proper quality truck cleaning products, once-over. including Trucking Gold and OMIKRON, to help get the job done.

READY TO GO?

Harvest is busy enough without THE PRE-HARVEST ONCE-OVER unexpected delays. Before heading out, ask yourself: Make sure everything is in proper Is everything in working order? working order, from lights and tyres Are my signs sorted? Are my through to the smaller things that can mudflaps fitted and correct? Are there any maintenance easily be overlooked. issues I need to address? Is my Check that your signage is sorted and truck clean and ready for clearly displayed, your mudflaps are the road? fitted correctly, and any maintenance you spot jobs you’ve been putting off are taken If something that care of before things get busy. needs attention, A few minutes spent checking your now is the time to truck now could save you unwanted get onto it. attention and downtime later.

Whether you need replacement parts, expert advice, or Trucking Gold and OMIKRON cleaning products, the team at Horsham Truck Company is here to help. No mucking about. No waiting around. So, before harvest gets into full swing, get the jobs sorted and make sure your truck is ready to roll. Because if your truck was checked today... Would it be ready?

SAM BARNES & BRENDAN WILLS HORSHAM TRUCK COMPANY

TALK TO THE LOCAL TRUCK PART EXPERTS. PH: 5381 1413

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