AgLife including Mallee Field Days feature – June 24, 2024 edition
Tress Walmsley, Dave Watson, Renato Pellicano, Nunzio Pellicano, Craig O’Connor and Adam Spasic at the construction site of Horsham’s state-of-the-art InterGrain facility, part of the company’s seed breeding sites across Australia, which will bring
and
to growers in the Wimmera and beyond. Story, page 3.
Picture:
InterGrain breaking new ground
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Stakeholders of Australian plant breeding company InterGrain are celebrating the start of construction of a new state-of-the-art plant breeding facility in Horsham.
A leading cereal breeder in Australia, InterGrain offers wheat, barley and oat varieties for growers.
Its successful wheat and barley breeding programs, and a new oat breeding program, are designed to target the major cereal growing regions of Australia.
The significant investment in Horsham is part of InterGrain’s triple-node commitment to breeding programs across Australia, which also includes a new facility in Perth, Western Australia, and a seed production site at Narrabri, New South Wales.
InterGrain chief executive Tress Walmsley said the project extended the Horsham operations, which started in 2010.
“This facility is a crucial hub for our breeding activities,” she said.
“As our breeding programs continue to grow significantly, this new custom-built facility with increased capacity and efficiency will support our future growth.
“We are so pleased to get construction underway.
“The new build will not only increase operational efficiency but also greatly improve the working environment for our team.”
Secured with a 20-year lease and additional options, the facility is engineered to optimise operational ef-
ficiency through expanded storage capacity, enhanced pest control, and the implementation of advanced temperature control and dust extraction systems.
“It’s a super-exciting day for us – it’ll be even more exciting in 12
months’ time when we launch the new building,” Ms Walmsley said.
“We’re also really impressed and pleased that we got Wimmera builders – it’s wonderful.”
Pellicano managing director Renato Pellicano said his company, a property
“As our breeding programs continue to grow significantly, this new custom-built facility with increased capacity and efficiency will support our future growth”
– Tress Walmsley
development group based at Mount Waverly, had owned the Stawell Road block for some time.
“We built next door, and have been waiting for the right occupier to come along for this site,” he said.
“Pellicano is proud to partner longterm with an Australian plant breeding pioneer such as InterGrain, providing them with an end-to-end solution that made sense for both of us.
“InterGrain building here means more jobs, and more growth for Horsham.
“It’s a very exciting day to be onsite and underway, after quite a few hiccups.
“We see Horsham as a real growth area over the next 10 to 20 years – we have a larger piece of land available next door for regional occupiers to continue our ongoing investment in the region.”
Work at the new facility at Lot 4, 142-150 Stawell Road, Horsham is expected to be completed by mid2025.
PROGRESS: Project stakeholders, from left, InterGrain chief executive Tress Walmsley and Horsham manager Dave Watson, Pellicano’s Renato and Nunzio Pellicano, and Locks Constructions builders Craig O’Connor and Adam Spasic on the site of InterGrain’s new facility on Stawell Road, Horsham. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS
‘Take a Wellbeing Break’ at Dimboola
Wellbeing workshops for farming communities will be delivered across Victoria as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience program, with the first at Dimboola on August 7.
Agriculture Victoria statewide agriculture recovery manager Tess McDougall said the ‘Take a Wellbeing Break’ workshops aimed to support social connection and collaboration in farming communities.
“The workshops will provide occasions to support farmers, farming families and rural communities with mental health, wellbeing and self-care,” she said.
“Farmers have faced a series of challenging events over recent years, with the current dry seasonal conditions in some regions the latest one to confront them.”
The National Farmers Federation’s 2023 wellbeing report found burnout and exhaustion were commonly reported in the farming community, with almost three quarters of farmers experiencing burnout of some kind in the past five years.
With a background in agricultural science, experienced coach and facilitator Cynthia Mahoney said the workshops were designed to be fun and practical.
“They will bring farmers together to provide them with wellbeing tools and information, connect them with others and share ideas, and identify practical strategies they can immediately implement to positively impact their well-
Facilitator
Cynthia Mahoney
OPEN DAY:
Longerenong College will open its campus to prospective students and their families on August 11.
Farming world awaits at Longy
Longerenong College’s courses, facilities and community will be showcased at its annual open day next month.
being,” she said. “People often associate wellbeing with the serious topic of mental health and expect another workshop full of the same stuff.
“It is a weighty subject, and I have created something that is meant to be fun while also providing an opportunity for participants to talk about wellbeing in a serious way while they are doing it.”
The workshops are supported by Wimmera Women Connect, Birchip Cropping Group, Hindmarsh Shire Council and Wimmera Southern Mallee Development.
To register for the Dimboola workshop, people can visit www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1247534.
Other workshops are being planned for southwest Victoria, northern Victoria, and Gippsland, with details available on Trybooking and Agriculture Victoria website.
College training manager
Angela Wait said people considering studying agriculture next year or beyond were invited to attend.
“Prospective students can hear from course co-ordinators across Certificate III and IV in Agriculture, Certificate IV in Wool Classing, as well as Diploma of Applied Agronomy and Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management,” she said.
“There will also be sessions on our traineeship and apprenticeship program.
“Our other courses highlight-
ed will be the secondary school VDSS program and our short courses of AusChem, chainsaws, side-by-sides, and tractor operations, to name a few.”
People can join guided tours of the college’s accommodation, study centres, dining room – where students are provided three meals a day –and learning areas, including classrooms, workshops, and operational farm facilities.
“The dorm accommodation has a single room with a single bed, desk, cupboard and storage, split-system heating and cooling, and a small fridge,”
Ms Wait said.
“We also have new shared accommodation units, that have single rooms, multiple
Did you know we also do windscreens for tractors, trucks, buses and other farm machinery!
Contact Horsham Autoglass today to organise prompt repair or replacement.
world
tough
bathrooms and shared kitchen and living areas.
“Students have their own social spaces, both indoors and outdoors, and the college has done some great work in all these spaces over the past few years. We will also present information on our support services and the logistics on becoming a student at Longy.
“People who aren’t able to attend the open day are welcome to call us and book a guided tour, or have a chat over the phone.”
People are asked to register for the August 11 open day, which will run from 9am to 3pm, by calling 5362 2222 or via the website at www.longy. com.au.
Long lunch promoting ‘safe hands’
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Farmsafe Australia hosted a long lunch for Horsham’s broad farming community last week to promote the supports and strategies farmers can use to maintain their wellbeing.
This year’s campaign, ‘In Safe Hands’, extends the regular work, health and safety conversation beyond physical safety to address the role of wellbeing in people’s capacities to make safe decisions on farm.
Farmsafe Australia executive officer Stevi Howdle, who facilitated the event, said the organisation’s role was to raise awareness of issues farmers could try to tackle and find solutions to on their own properties.
“I think a lot of people intuitively recognise how important sound mental health, or being in the right frame of mind, is to making safe decisions,” she said.
“If we’re thinking about something like the argument we’ve just had with our wife or our husband, that’s when we’re more likely to do something like stick our finger into moving parts.”
Ms Howdle said it was important for people to be able to recognise and make the link between how they are feeling and what’s going on in their heads, to making sure they are consciously doing their job in the safest way possible.
“Today we’re focusing on support and wellbeing – we know a huge part of safety is feeling confident to have important conversations, and we know you don’t feel confident with people who you aren’t comfortable talking to about anything outside of work matters,” she said.
“People really need to build those relationships in the workforce, and be able to have conversations where they feel they can say they don’t think something is safe.
“Today is about raising awareness that a foundational part of safety is being able to have those conversations.”
Farmsafe Australia has grown from a Victorian farming organisation in
the late 1980s – the first campaign to Canberra was on behalf of the rollover protection on tractors at the time.
“The founders realised they needed an orchestrated voice to Canberra, so it was initiated as a one-issue advocacy situation that grew into realising there was a number of issues that needed to be tackled,” Ms Howdle said.
“It has led to a national organisation with members including state and national farmers federations, university researchers, and health specialists, so it’s a really great, broad section of experience and advice we have at our fingertips.”
Guest speakers at the lunch were Mike Rolls and Ben Pettingill – a
all POLY REPAIRS & WELDING
MESSAGES SHARED: Guest speakers Mike Rolls, Ben Pettingill, Farmsafe Australia executive officer Stevi Howdle and NFF president David Jochinke at a Farmsafe lunch in Horsham.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
duo with a profound understanding of overcoming adversity.
Mr Rolls battled a deadly disease resulting in the loss of his legs, and for Mr Pettingill, a headache one day resulted in 98 per cent of his eyesight gone forever.
Both Melbourne-based, Mr Pettingill said he and Mr Rolls had been speaking individually for about 10 years, but decided to speak together about six years ago.
“We thought we’d have more fun and have a bigger impact if we were doing it together,” Mr Pettingill said.
“We both have a passion for getting out to areas that don’t have easy access to mental health support services – in metro it’s all around and easily accessible.
“Out here we know the stats are twice as bad around suicide in rural and regional areas, so we want to focus on these areas and with down-toearth people, with some of the toughest people, who are actually the worst about talking about the tough stuff.”
Mr Pettingill said Farmsafe Australia had a different theme for each day of Farm Safety Week.
“They thought we would be a good fit to kick-off on the Monday with wellbeing, and it’s been great to cruise up to Horsham and be part of it,” he said.
“We are having conversations about partnering to run a heap of workshops next year, which will be cool.”
The ‘In Safe Hands’ campaign recognises the unique challenges faced by farmers, their families and the broader farm workforce, and aims to ensure farmers know vital, practical support is available to them.
For more information on farm safety initiatives and strategies, people can visit farmsafe.org.au.
People in need of crisis support and suicide prevention services can call Lifeline’s 24-hour hotline on 13 11 14.
“Having the duo and calling ourselves ‘legless and blind’, you get people laughing, but it’s also relatable, it’s that sense of Aussie humour to it. We are on a mission to get tough people talking about tough stuff.
‘Very few signs of La Niña ahead’
Raintotals in the northern Wimmera are mostly about average for this time of year, but the southern Wimmera and southwest Victoria still lag behind.
Agricultural Victoria’s seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey said predictions from the June model forecast average weather in July, August and September for three-quarters of Victoria, except the south-west.
“There was a stronger, drier signal for the south-west quarter of Victoria, and particularly coastally, which was just a continuation of what we had been seeing in the previous three to four months ... which is a concern if that continues,” he said.
But in positive news, the weather
could turn for the south-west in August, September and October, as Mr Grey said most models predicted conditions to be a bit wetter.
Mr Grey said there was ‘very few signs of a La Niña ahead’.
“Things have been very dry in the previous four to five months, particularly in the south west,” he said.
“That’s really been as a result of the high pressures sitting south of the Great Australian Bight, and very strong ones, such that northern and eastern areas have been getting average-ish rain, but that south western areas have been completely missing out on its frontal activity, and that’s been affecting the whole of the South Australian grain belt as well.
New studs for ram sale
Organisers of the Glenelg Regional Merino Field Day at Balmoral are looking forward to their annual event following the success of last year’s field day and ram sale where two rams were top sellers at $7000 each.
Field day president Warren Russell said the Glenelg group welcomed three new studs last year – Gringegalgona, Rockbank South and Kurra-Wirra.
“The addition of these local studs to the group further add to the depth and quality of the studs involved, as well as an injection of youth and enthusiasm that will hold the group in good stead into the future,” he said.
“This year the Glenelg group will welcome a further two new studs to the group – Glenpaen and Rock-Bank.”
Last year’s sale saw 74 registered buyers purchase 99 of 107 rams for a 92 per cent clearance.
“The average price was $2439, to a top price of $7000, twice, for both Mount Yulong and Stud Park South rams,” Mr Russell said.
Last year also saw the end of the long and greatly valued relationship with founding group member Valleyella Merino Stud.
Maree and Peter FitzGerald have both been an integral part of the group’s workings since the beginning.
“Peter’s role of sponsorship officer has been invaluable to the group and endured since the inception of the Glenelg Field Day Group,” Mr Russell said.
“Maree’s role of chief administrator for the Glenelg Field Day Group for 15 years started in 2008, doing every job, from thanking sponsors
“We’ve been dominated by pressure patterns rather than the tropical oceans during the previous four or more months, and we just have warm ocean everywhere to the north of us, particularly in the coral sea to our northeast, but also up off Sumatra in Indonesia.
“To our northwest, the ocean is warmer than normal, which means it has to be evaporating more moisture.
“So the moisture sources to our north are better than normal, it’s just that we’ve been completely unable to get a connection to them.
“It’s really about those pressure patterns moving on and allowing us to get a connection to some of that tropical moisture, and it would seem like
the models predicting the blockage to not getting a connection might be going to change, but I’d be waiting to see a bit more evidence for that to be the case.”
Mr Grey said rain was widespread across Victoria in most of the state in June – except the south-west region –but across the Mallee and East Gippsland was wetter.
“Our south-west area is still pretty much underdone. Many of our soil moisture probes down there are only just starting to wet up now at 10 and 20 centimetres, which is nothing like what you would expect for this time of the year,” he said.
“Much of our northern areas have got good soil moisture levels, and the
moisture and the rain that we’ve had has joined those up.
“The crops that have generally been going a bit later, are ticking away, but things have just been so cold at this time of the year.
“Growth is generally slow in both crops and pastures, but it’s really that southwest area, which has got a very dry profile and it’s just only starting to wet up, and there’d be no runoff into dams or things either.”
July rain totals, until Friday, July 19, were as follows: Ararat 27 millimetres; Warracknabeal 16mm; Stawell 15mm; Nhill 16.4mm; Longerenong 9.8mm; Kanagulk 17mm; Horsham 5.8mm; Edenhope 25.6mm; Hopetoun 17mm.
to booking tents for Sheepvention and buying gifts for judges.
“We all appreciate everything both Maree and Peter have done for the group.
“The Glenelg Field Day Group has been very fortunate to have received their dedicated help and support.”
This year’s field day and auction will include studs – Elmbank Poll, Glendonald, Gleneden, Glenera North Poll, Glenpaen, Gringegalgona, Kalenea Poll, Kevlyn, Kurra-Wirra, Melrose, Mount Yulong Poll, Rock-Bank, Rockbank South, Stud Park South, Thornlea and Wurrook.
The Glenelg Field Day Group will also have a display at Hamilton Sheepvention on August 4 and 5, sites 317 and 318, promoting some of the group’s top auction rams that are on offer at Balmoral.
For more information on the August 12 event at Balmoral Recreation Reserve, people can call Warren Russell on 0427 881 204.
ANNUAL EVENT:
Organisers of the Glenelg Regional
Field Day are looking forward to welcoming studs and buyers to the August 12 showcase at Balmoral Recreation Reserve.
Merino
TRAILERS!
Changing climate change council
Newmembers have been appointed to the second term of the Victorian Agriculture Climate Change Council, with experienced rural, agricultural and community leader Alexandra Gartmann to continue as chair of the council.
The former BCG chief executive will be joined by Mark Wootton, a leading beef and wool farmer experienced in carbon neutral farming at Jigsaw Farms, who will continue in the role as deputy chair.
“I’m honoured to continue this critical work with new and reappointed members to the council,’ Ms Gartmann said.
“Victoria’s agricultural sector continues to grow its engagement with the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents.
“I look forward to working with the council to advise on how we can further strengthen the agricultural sector’s capability and capacity to mitigate the risks and execute on the opportunities.”
The new and returning members reflect a broad cross-section of expertise and networks across Victoria’s diverse farming communities, supply chains and academia intersecting with climate change issues.
Other members include – Fiona Conroy, a sheep and cattle producer with experience of carbon-neutral farming practices; Professor Richard Eckard, a globally recognised climate scientist focusing on emissions reduction in the agriculture sector; Gillian Hayman, a dairy industry leader with experience in natural resource manage-
“Victoria’s agricultural sector continues to grow its engagement with the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents” – Alexandra Gartmann
ment, agriculture extension, and facilitation and engagement activities; Jack Holden, a sustainability and dairy supply chain professional with extensive networks across industry in Australia and New Zealand; Luke Hooke, a sustainability manager with knowledge of Victorian farming systems, their linkages to global markets, and supply networks; Catherine Jenkins, a farmer, consultant and regional leader experienced in working with farm businesses to manage risks and mitigate impacts of climate change; and, Professor Lauren Rickards, an inter-disciplinary academic focusing on climate adaptation and the social complexities of managing climate change in agriculture and rural communities.
The council provides independent, expert and strategic advice to the Agriculture Minister about the challenges and opportunities facing the Victorian agriculture sector due to climate change.
Members bring valuable industry perspectives and will continue to help government work in partnership with industry to deliver meaningful and collaborative action on climate change for agriculture.
For more information about the council, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Consultation opens for new strategy
People with a keen interest in shaping the future of Victoria’s wine industry are encouraged to share their insights to contribute to the development of a new Victorian Wine Strategy.
The State Government and Victorian wine industry are co-designing the new strategy as part of a 2023-24 State Budget commitment.
The new strategy will address the key issues the industry faces, while working towards a more economically and environmentally sustainable
sector. To offer additional context to contributors, an engagement paper, outlining the primary challenges and opportunities within the wine sector, is available on the Engage Victoria website.
There will also be industry consultation forums from late July and August to engage with interested parties.
The western Victorian forum is at Mount Langi Ghiran Winery at Bayindeen, from 11am to 2pm on August 5.
There will also be online forums on August 28 and 30.
BETTER VINTAGE: This year’s vintage was challenging for the region’s wine producers. While the fruit ripened slowly, which was favourable, it was followed by heat that would drop and then increase like a rollercoaster. Winemaker Jacob Parton, centre, from Best’s Wines at Great Western, described the vintage as a ‘tale of two stories’. “It was very cool and wet coming into Christmas and then got very warm in February. But what that meant was we produced some great wines and the two pillars of our industry, riesling and shiraz, are looking spectacular,” he said. Mr Parton said overall it was a good vintage – better than 2023. He predicted the standout for Best’s to be the riesling, with Best’s having harvested more than 100 tonnes of riesling compared to 30-40 tonnes last vintage.
Wine Strategy Steering Committee member and Wine Victoria chief executive Stephanie Duboudin said she encouraged wine industry participants from across Victoria to attend a forum and make a submission.
“The strategy is for everyone in the wine industry – from grape growers and wine makers, through to wholesalers and exporters, and hospitality, retail and consumers,” she said.
“Victoria has one of the most exciting and innovative wine sectors in the world, and this strategy is a fantastic partnership between the Victo-
rian government and wine industry to shape the future of our sector.”
Wine Strategy Steering Committee chair Traci Griffin said the committee was looking to determine the best path forward for Victorian wine.
“By inviting industry input, we aim to create a comprehensive and inclusive strategy that not only strengthens the wine sector, but also enhances tourism, creates jobs and drives economic growth across the state,” she said.
Following industry engagement, a draft strategy will be released for public consultation later this year.
The final strategy is expected to be ready by early 2025.
People can have their say on the future of the Victorian wine industry and register for a forum, via www.engage. vic.gov.au/victorian-wine-strategy.
“While many of our wineries continue to perform strongly, this strategy is about addressing key challenges and enabling opportunities to ensure a vibrant, diverse and flourishing wine industry in Victoria.”
Eligible farmers and small related enterprises who are experiencing, or are at risk of, financial hardship, can access a free and confidential financial counselling service
Farmers,
It’s the Western Australian equivalent of
‘Don’t mention the war’ – raising the topic of the live sheep export ban.
Forget reasoned discussion and prepare yourself for a diatribe against the ignorance and arrogance of the Federal Government decision to phase out the trade.
I’ve just spent two weeks in WA and the Northern Territory – the first time I’ve been in some of Australia’s most stunning countryside since the mid 1980s where I started my career as a rural journalist.
I stayed at the iconic cattle station, Diggers Rest, nestled in the Cockburn Ranges in the East Kimberley.
The land is covered in red sandstone, boab, wattle, kapok, bloodwood trees and numerous native grasses, plus of course crocodiles and extraordinary birdlife.
If you’re thinking of scenery reminiscent of the movie Australia starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and Jack Thompson, you’re right. All the cattle station scenes were filmed there.
Talk to just about any West Australian with rural roots and they see the ban on the live sheep trade as a decision by city folk thousands of kilometres away with no knowledge or experience of the sheep industry in the West.
It took me back to the similar outrage when the Gillard Labor government banned the live cattle trade in 2011 after the exposure of footage of cattle being treated cruelly in abattoirs in Indonesia.
Any attempt by a journalist to play the devil’s advocate, to question both sides of the argument, was invariably met with hostility and anger.
There is enormous scepticism towards the government’s pledge – it won’t go down that path again with live cattle exports.
Country Today
with Libby Price
And yet there is another side to the argument among a quiet few of the cattlemen.
I spoke to some who admitted they’d far rather the cattle weren’t exported live, but rather processed locally and shipped as boxed meat.
Sadly, the Wyndham meat works, the largest in the country in its day employing up to 2000 workers, was closed in 1985.
Now the only option is for cattle to be trucked to ports that have cattle handling facilities, and for Diggers Rest, that’s Broome, a 12 hour, thousand kilometre journey in huge road trains.
For 400 steers, it cost in the league of $20,000 just to get them to port. The buyers are also fussy, refusing to take horned cattle or any with obvious scars or lumps. The agents quickly reject any, no matter how minor the blemish. Of course, if they were to be processed domestically, no one would be the wiser.
The cattle breeds that can survive the incredibly tough conditions aren’t favoured by our domestic market, so they are destined for export.
It’s a tough life for cattle and the pastoralists, many of whom are barely making a buck.
Perhaps WA farmers would be a tad less enraged if the Federal Government settled the compensation claim the cattle industry has been waiting nearly 15 years for, after the live cattle ban was ruled as ‘capricious and unreasonable’ by the Federal Court.
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Speed’s biggest days yet
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
This year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days will present the largest number of exhibitors yet – with more than 350 from across Australia expected to showcase the latest technology and advances within the agricultural industry.
Organised by Speed Lions Club, Mallee Machinery Field Days secretary Matt Brady said the event continued to be a major fundraiser for the club.
“We’re happy we will be able to provide an economic boost to many community groups and organisations who have been hit hard in recent years,” he said.
“Proceeds from past events have been donated to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Flying Doctor Service, local hospitals, schools, sporting clubs, community groups and not-forprofit organisations.”
At the purpose-built field days site, located two kilometres south of Speed, in an area renowned for dryland cropping and prime Mallee lambs, the 44th annual event will feature broadacre farming equipment and machinery worth more than $100-million.
Football legend Terry Daniher is guest speaker and will open the event, and there will be demonstrations of the first Fendt autonomous tractor of
its kind in the Mallee, a Proud Poppy pop-up store, and Turbo Gallery paint and sip sessions.
work year-round to bring the event to fruition.
Lions enjoy longevity
The first Mallee Machinery Field Days featured 39 dealers exhibiting their broad acre agriculture machinery and equipment in a paddock, brought together by the Speed Lions Club in a bid to fundraise, placing the club in a sound financial position to serve its community.
For six years, Lions Club volunteers put up and took down all the amenities, hosting the event at different sites, before a permanent site was established.
The club constructed permanent amenities and acquired the historic Speed railway station as its main office.
Throughout the years, buildings and utilities were added to meet the demand of the ever-increasing crowds and exhibitors.
The unique, circular layout of the site showcases a variety of exhibits, from crafts and interests, to central demonstrations and displays.
A special guest opens the event each year, and shares experiences, information and anecdotes with the crowd.
Today, the Mallee Machinery Field Days is one of the Mallee’s biggest events, and is a major feature on the agricultural calendar.
The event continues to enable the Speed Lions Club in its work, financially supporting charities, groups and projects across its community.
This year follows the trend of past years – increasing numbers of exhibits and visitors, ensuring the 44th annual Mallee Machinery Field Days will be an event not to be missed.
Key information
Date: July 31 and August 1, 2024.
Time: 8.30am to 5pm.
Location: 2574 Sunraysia Hwy, Speed, Victoria 3488, two kilometres south of Speed.
Admission: $15 and children under 15 years no cost.
Exhibitors travel far and wide to be a part of the Mallee Machinery Field Days, showing a variety of crafts, machinery, agriculture and marketing, banding together to showcase their products in the paddock, and in the cloud.
The annual field days have evolved and stood the test of time, which has been no mean feat for the small but dedicated group of volunteers who
The first event, in 1979, featured 39 exhibitors and raised $2800.
The Speed Lions Club was named the Awards Australia Community Group of the Year 2021 at Victorian Community Achievement Awards.
It is the largest agricultural and agribusiness trade show run by farmers for farmers, and features the latest agricultural machinery to finance and brokering, clothing and safety gear – the exhibits cover all facets of farm-
ing. Organisers of the Mallee Machinery Field Days believe the longevity of the event can be attributed to the fact the club has never steered away from its main agricultural focus.
This year’s two-day event, on July 31 and August 1, is expected to attract more than 8500 patrons.
Gates open at 8.30am and close at 5pm, with entry $15 an adult and children under 15 years can enter free of charge.
Facilities: On-site parking and toilets, food and refreshment stalls, first aid and Victoria Police, phone and mobile phone service and EFTPOS facilities. Accommodation: No camping on site. Accommodation at Lascelles, Patchewollock, Woomelang, Sea Lake and Hopetoun. Camping facilities at Tempy, Lascelles, Woomelang, Ouyen, Sea Lake, Hopetoun and Nandaly.
For more information, people can visit www.mmfd.com.au.
More information: www.mmfd. com.au
WARM WELCOME: Speed Lions Club current members, including two original members from the first field days, look forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors to Speed next week.
The unique, circular layout of the Mallee Machinery Field Days.
Site Map & Exhibitors List
CBA Craft & Interest Pavilion
Daniher to share journey
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Exhibitor profile
Save time, money
Football great and Motor Neurone Disease
advocate
Terry Daniher is guest speaker of the Mallee Machinery Field Days, and will officially open the event this year.
Field days president Chris Monaghan said Mr Daniher would speak about his life’s journey, through ‘farming, footy and FightMND’.
“Terry is off a farm in New South Wales – his brother still lives and works there,” Mr Monaghan said.
“He will speak about going from the farm to league football, and supporting his brother’s battle with MND.”
Mr Daniher is one of four brothers to play Victorian Football League – he was recruited to South Melbourne Swans in 1976, before being traded to Essendon at the end of that season.
Australian Rules history was made when all four brothers – Anthony, Chris, Terry and Neale –played together for Essendon.
Terry Daniher was awarded a best and fairest, was a dual-premiership player, team of the century member and an inspired coach.
He also participated in the Big Freeze at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2022, sliding into the ice pool as movie favourite Crocodile Dundee.
Mr Monaghan said he would like to see people wearing FightMND
Big Freeze beanies at the event. Terry’s brother Neale suffers from MND, and along with his family has raised more than $100-million for MND research.
“It would be great to see people supporting Terry and the MND cause by wearing the FightMND
VISIT US AT SITE 66
beanies at the field days,” Mr Monaghan said.
“We’re looking forward to hearing from such a down-to-earth bloke.”
For more information on FightMND, people can visit fightmnd. org.au.
“It would be great to see people supporting Terry and the MND cause by wearing the FightMND beanies at the field days”
– Chris Monaghan
RYAN NT’s revolutionary double disc system saves time, money – and shed space – the retrofit system removes the need for buying a seeder or planter.
RYAN NT national sales manager Paul Ryan said the system was strong enough to handle most conditions, particularly when planting through heavy stubbles.
“Whether it’s canola, cereal stubbles or wire weed, this will cut through. Being a double disc, it will cut and tear, unlike a big single disc, where you need a lot of weight,” he said.
“The leading serrated front disc will slice through thick stubbles, meaning no hair-pinning, it will allow you to drive in all soil types and not stop turning, and you will be able to simply switch back to your cultivator tine if conditions require it.”
Built from cast steel, RYAN NT discs are faster to set up than existing tine systems, and will double-chute.
“The system comprises three spaces that are two millimetres wide, which means as the discs wear, you can chase the gap in. The axle is 30 millimetres with two Timken tapered bearings,” Mr Ryan said.
Mud will not impact the front boot and will keep firing grain into the furrow, while there is an option to use outside scrapers.
“Before searching for the latest planter for sale, get in touch with us,” Mr Ryan said.
“We believe our discs could be the perfect upgrade for your air seeder system.
“You can easily retrofit this to most air seeder systems made in the past 40 years, whether it’s a Flexicoil, Bourgault, Morris, John Deere, RFM, Seed Hawk, Gason or something else, we have different legs to suit most models – all your common machines that we see around in Australia.”
For more information, people can visit ryannt. com.au or visit site 192-193 at the field days.
SPECIAL GUEST: Mallee Machinery Field Days president Chris Monaghan, right, with wife Di and this year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days guest speaker Terry Daniher. Mr Daniher will speak about farming, footy and FightMND.
RYAN NT
Better results in a pinch
Farming brothers Jack and Sam Gall joined forces with Primary Sales Australia and harvester specialist Brett Asphar to maximise harvesting productivity and efficiency by upgrading their four Case 8240 and 8250 headers.
The key modification involved centring the concave ‘pinch point’ and installing hooked rasp bars – the factory ‘centred’ position is measured during pre-delivery for flexibility in harvesting a range of different crops.
For the Galls, who mainly harvest wheat and canola, altering the pinch point to a better position enhanced the machine’s performance in hard or difficult threshing conditions, delivering separated material to the sieve more evenly and reducing engine load.
Mr Asphar has many years’ experience working with Case headers, and said the hooked rasp bars created a stirring effect to the crop mat.
“Replacing original rasp bars with hooked rasp bars will introduce a stirring effect and increase separation performance in most crop conditions,” he said.
“It’s important the rotor maintains balance during rasp bar installation – the bonus of using
SHARED KNOWLEDGE:
specialist Brett
pictured with Brian Legg, will be at the field days to talk to farmers about refining farming practices to be more efficient and get the most out of their harvests.
Primary Sales hooked rasp bars is that they are uniform in weight.”
Jack Gall said the installation process, which was facilitated through phone consultations with Mr Asphar, was quite simple.
“The first one took us a little while, but it was quite simple and easy once you knew what you were doing,” he said.
Comprehensive instructions and support means growers across Australia can make these changes.
Mr Gall said the outcomes of the revamped setup were ‘nothing short of impressive’.
“We’ve had excellent results, better performance out of the machine, a lot less grain loss and more capacity with less horsepower,” he said.
To meticulously gauge grain loss, the Gall brothers have each equipped their headers with the Bushel Plus SmartPan System from Primary Sales.
“We love Bushel Plus, it’s very good and it’s been a cheap asset to buy,” Jack Gall said.
“We bought one each and transfer them between our different headers, so we can test a couple of machines on the go.”
The Primary Sales team will be joined by Brett Asphar and John Deere harvester specialist Kassie van Der Westhuizen at next week’s Mallee Machinery Field Days. Meet the team at site 137.
Exhibitor profile
Davimac Group
Building business
Davimac’s chaser bin model continues the Davimac Group’s tradition of excellence in harvest productivity and efficiency, adding to the features of a grain cart already packed with innovation from more than 40 years of experience.
Marketing manager Joshua Whalan said the bins’ high-quality construction withstands the demanding conditions of Australian farming.
“Australian farmers need dependable, sturdy equipment to get the job done efficiently, especially during harvest,” he said.
Available in 25- to 35-tonne capacities with single or dual axle undercarriages, Davimac bins feature a low-profile height for easy loading from headers and reduced auger collision risk.
The design also lowers the centre of gravity, ensuring a sturdier ride and simpler road transport.
New features include a rubber-auger chute for precise grain output, a grain sampling valve for easy quality monitoring, a larger gearbox for increased efficiency, and a single cleanout lever controlling all six cleanout doors.
Optional upgrade packages are available.
“We use a simple, robust undercarriage design to ensure long-lasting performance. During harvest, reliability is crucial, and our bins allow farmers to focus on maximising their grain yield,” Mr Whalan said.
Chaser bins boost field efficiency, reclaiming unloading time and ensuring the combine harvester operates at full capacity.
Davimac bins’ versatility extends beyond wheat to carrying corn, rice, beans, peas, and even fertiliser, with an optional auger hopper chute for spreading animal feed year-round, maximizing return on investment.
For more information, people can visit davimac. com.au or view the machine in person at Mallee Machinery Field Days.
Harvester
Asphar,
Ultimate
The G6 Crop Cruiser Series 2 self-propelled sprayer.
Precision spraying with:
G-Hub – Goldacres integrated system.
TriTech RivX boom 36-42m – composite symmetrical with even more stability. TriTech V boom 48m.
Fast Fill – liquid induction & distribution.
G-Hub system. TriTech Fast Dynamic Weedetect
Dynamic Drive - highly efficient mechanical direct drive system.
Weedetect green on brown or green on green camera technology option.
Ultimate control just got easier with Goldacres G6 Crop Cruiser Series 2 – Built just down the road.
Lorem ipsum
Take the time to get up to Speed
BY KYLIE ZANKER, YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE MAYOR
The Speed Lions Club has done it yet again in organising the Mallee Machinery Field Days, attracting more than 350 exhibitors from across the country and a crowd of more than 8500 to the small town of Speed in the north of the Yarriambiack Shire.
From humble beginnings in 1979, this hardworking band of volunteers have developed the event into not only the shire’s largest event, but also one of the biggest and most respected field days in the state.
It is a great example of volunteerism and our agricultural industry working hand in hand as the combined lifeblood of our economy and community.
On behalf of Yarriambiack Shire Council, I’d like to congratulate the Lions Club of Speed for its continued efforts and hard work to provide the agricultural industry the two-day event that provides such an economic boost to our region.
Yarriambiack Shire councillors and staff will again be in attendance this year to answer your questions and share your ideas on projects, issues and ideas that impact our community.
Visitors to our stand will be able to get further information on our council plan and other strategies, current and completed projects, and share feedback on issues available for public comment.
Council’s engagement van will again be in at-
tendance and jam packed with fun activities, new release books and information on how to utilise our wonderful mobile library service. The child and maternal care team will also be on hand to have a chat to parents from across the shire.
Council acknowledges the hard work and volunteer hours that go in behind the scenes to deliver these events and wish the committee, exhibitors and patrons a wonderful Mallee Machinery Field Days.
See you at Speed!
Mayor Kylie Zanker
Sheepvention nears
Organisers are ramping up for another key agricultural sector event when Sheepvention Rural Expo is staged at Hamilton on August 4 and 5.
Despite the ram sale not going ahead this year, there will still be a jam packed schedule on the cards as part of the two-day event.
The organising committee announced a strategic decision to cancel this year’s ram sale, describing it as a ‘proactive move’ aimed at re-evaluating and enhancing the event for future success.
Sheepvention president David Botterill said despite the challenges, this year’s event would still be a fantastic event.
“We are disappointed that a longstanding aspect of Sheepvention has succumbed to the changing nature of ram sales, with the increase of on-property sales and the postCOVID rise of online platforms,” he said.
“We are, however, still very excited to showcase the merino breed through a number of merino stud exhibitors on display and the Merino Sheep Show.”
The ram sale had been a highlight of the annual event for more than 40 years, drawing breeders and buyers from across the country.
However, Mr Botterill said this year’s entries did not reach anticipated levels.
“Rather than proceeding with a
“We are disappointed that a longstanding aspect of Sheepvention has succumbed to the changing nature of ram sales, with the increase of on-property sales and the post-covid rise of online platforms”
– David Botterill
suboptimal sale the committee has chosen to take this opportunity to regroup and come back stronger,” he said.
The decision presents an opportunity for the committee to gather feedback, explore new ideas, and implement strategies to enhance interest and participation into the future.
Mr Botterill said the committee was confident the cancellation would lead to improved and more exciting event components that continued to support and engage the agricultural community.
Sheepvention Rural Expo will continue to host a number of highly anticipated competitions, including the Virbac Hamilton and Western District Sheep Show, Coprice Victorian Farm Dog Championships, Proway Wool Handling Competition, Inventions Competition, interactive demonstrations, children’s entertainment and more than 500 trade exhibits.
The Hamilton and Western District Sheep Show is renowned for
showcasing the finest sheep breeds in the region. The competition attracts top breeders who present their best stock, vying for recognition and awards that highlight their dedication to genetic excellence.
This year’s event will showcase Hampshire Downs as the feature breed.
Another highlight will be the farm dog championships, which will exhibit the skills of working dogs and their handlers.
The competition tests the agility, obedience and intelligence of working dogs as they navigate sheep into yards, a thrilling event that demonstrates the vital role these dogs play in modern farming operations.
Innovation is at the heart of the agricultural industry, and the Inventions Competition invites inventors and entrepreneurs to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and solutions designed to advance farming practices.
From machinery to software, the competition provides a stage for groundbreaking ideas that could shape the future of agriculture.
The 2024 competition will include the launch of three new compressed categories: South West TAFE New Invention, Sinclair Wilson Improved and Modified Invention; and the Rural Bank Primary School Invention.
For more event information, people can visit www.sheep vention.com.
Cleaning up for 25 years
The One Cleaning Service owners Jenni and Michael Tucker clean it all, and have done for a quarter of a century.
Mrs Tucker said moving into their new premises in Bradbury Lane six months ago had seen an increase in business, with more employees on the books now than ever before.
“Since moving in here, we are getting more people coming in off the street,” she said.
“At the moment we are employing 11 people casually – but we are always looking for more staff, for part-time and fulltime work, too.”
The One Cleaning Service offers services to people who want anything from a one-off domestic clean or exit clean, to NDIS clients, and commercial cleaning contracts.
“We cover a big radius – from Horsham, Edenhope, Jeparit, Rainbow, Ararat and Stawell,” Mrs Tucker said
“We are fully insured and our staff have working with children checks.
“We have a very inclusive working environment, and welcome anyone to get in touch with us if they’d like to work.”
The One Cleaning Service also offers carpet and upholstery steam cleaning, the stripping and sealing of vinyl floors, and tile and grout cleaning.
“There is very little we don’t do,” Mrs Tucker said.
People can call 5382 2387 for more information or a free quote.
THE ONE TO CALL: Jenni Tucker at the business’s Bradbury Lane premises.
The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble culti-vation of light and medium soils, but o ers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!
The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble culti-vation of light and medium soils, but o ers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!
The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble culti-vation of light and medium soils, but o ers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!
The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble culti-vation of light and medium soils, but o ers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!
Bene t from its numerous other advantages:
Bene t from its numerous other advantages:
The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble culti-vation of light and medium soils, but o ers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!
Bene t from its numerous other advantages:
Bene t from its numerous other advantages:
■ The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing
Bene t from its numerous other advantages:
■ The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing
■ The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing
■ Maximum clearance to prevent clogging
■ The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing
■ Maximum clearance to prevent clogging
■ The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing
■ Maximum clearance to prevent clogging
■ Maximum clearance to prevent clogging
■ Low lifting power requirement due to low weight
■ Maximum clearance to prevent clogging
■ Low lifting power requirement due to low weight
■ Low lifting power requirement due to low weight
■ Low lifting power requirement due to low weight
■ Flexible uses for both soil cultivation and tillage
■ Flexible uses for both
■ Low lifting power requirement due to low weight
■ Flexible uses for both soil cultivation and tillage ■ Hydraulically adjustable
■ Flexible uses for both soil cultivation and tillage
■ Flexible uses for both soil cultivation and tillage
■ Hydraulically adjustable levelling tines for optimum levelling lemken.com
■ Hydraulically adjustable levelling tines for optimum levelling lemken.com
■ Hydraulically adjustable levelling tines for optimum levelling lemken.com
A car for every adventure
Stawell Toyota Exhibitor profile
Get
ready for the all-new
Toyota LandCruiser Prado, arriving later this year.
Set to redefine Australia’s favourite large SUV, the Prado combines timeless LandCruiser reliability with modern innovation.
The latest iteration of the beloved SUV promises to elevate the driving experience with a blend of iconic design, modern engineering, and unparalleled off-road capability.
Whether you are navigating the streets or exploring the rugged outback, the new Prado range is designed to meet every challenge head-on.
The Prado introduces a striking retro-inspired design alongside advanced 48-volt technology and enhanced off-road capabilities across its range, captivating both enthusiasts and families seeking the ultimate blend of rugged capability and everyday comfort.
The five-variant lineup showcases Toyota’s commitment to innovation and reliability.
Featuring the GX, GXL, VX, Kakadu, and the exciting new Altitude grade, each model is packed with enhancements that make the Prado more appealing than ever.
The introduction of 48-volt technology across the range ensures
July 31 & August 1, 2024 at Speed Support at hand
improved efficiency and performance, while the retro-inspired styling pays homage to the Prado’s storied legacy.
Toyota Australia vice-president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the Prado had enduring appeal.
“The Prado has become a favourite for Australians in need of an SUV that can transport the whole family during the week and go off the beaten path on
the weekend, all with signature Toyota reliability,” he said.
This new generation continues that tradition, offering advancements that make it a standout choice for families and adventurers alike.
Safety remains paramount, with the Prado boasting a comprehensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense technologies.
Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist, and a
panoramic view monitor ensure peace of mind on every journey.
Be among the first to explore this exceptional SUV and prepare for your next adventure with Toyota’s legendary reliability and innovation.
People can visit Stawell Toyota at 72-76 Longfield Street, Stawell, or call 5358 1555 to register their interest.
It is a dry season, and for some, there is not much joy in the long-term forecast.
Most farmers in the region are probably praying for rain but planning for none, while weighing up the amount of hay in the shed, the cost of feed or seed, the size of the herd or flock, and current stock or grain prices.
Farmers are thinking there’s too much maths in this job when all they want to do is jump in the ute and check on the fences.
That’s where Rural Financial Counselling Service, RFCS, can help.
They won’t do the bookwork, but they will sit down at the kitchen table and work through a financial management system.
Accurate information, after all, leads to informed decisions.
Setting up a cash flow budget is one of the most important tools. It shows what income is likely to land in the bank account and when. It shows if a loan can be serviced, expenses paid, or credit applied for. It can help avoid penalties and to keep the farm running.
An RFCS counsellor can show how to develop a detailed cash flow budget and how to use it.
Farm Household Allowance, FHA, started a new cycle on July 1.
FHA is a fortnightly payment for a farmer or their partner. It is paid for up to four years in a specific 10-year period.
There are eligibility rules, but RFCS can assist you to gather the information and help you apply.
Budgets and income support are not the only thing that rural financial counsellors help with. They also help a client to understand their financial position, explore options and opportunities, help with succession planning, and negotiate with creditors and insurers.
People can call RFCS on 1300 735 578 for a fast, face-to-face, and free appointment.
THERE IS A SILVER BULLET
ON ITS WAY: Discover the all-new Toyota LandCruiser Prado with Stawell Toyota.
•
•
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Spotlight on farm future
Birchip Cropping Group’s Cultivating Futures in Farming mentor program aims to arm growers with the skills to run sustainable and profitable farm businesses.
Hosted in partnership with Agriculture Victoria, the program is run by experienced Pinion Advisory consultants and aims to build confidence in on-farm decision making.
BCG project manager in extension Demi Taylor encourages growers aged 18 to 40 years to apply for the free program, valued at $4000, to develop key financial, business and people-management skills.
“One of the key benefits of the program is that you can bring a mentor with you, whether that be a parent, your farm business advisor or agronomist, or an existing farm manager,” she said.
“This creates a more personalised business-centred approach to the program and provides participants with support in benchmarking their management performance and business for future production years.
“If you have recently returned to your farm business, are learning the ropes of management, or have been working in the business for a few years but are transitioning to
“One of the key benefits of the program is that you can bring a mentor with you, whether that be a parent, your farm business advisor or agronomist, or an existing farm manager”
– Demi Taylor
a management position – this program is for you.
“We’ve already had a couple of local growers sign up, which is really exciting to see.”
Participants will have the opportunity to attend face-to-face workshops, farm tours, a series of webinars, and gain valuable one-on-one coaching time with experienced business consultants.
The program will cover areas such as benchmarking, business foundations, people management, succession, leasing and share farming, risk management, opportunity identification, business cases, and natural resource management.
People can visit www.bcg.org. au/services/bcg-young-farmernetwork/cultivating-futures-infarming-mentor-program for more information – applications close August 7.
SHOWCASE:
The fully autonomous Fendt 936 G7 tractor, tested for more than a year and available now, will feature at Traction Ag’s Mallee Machinery Field Days site.
Driverless tractor demonstrations
The team at Traction AG are excited to present the way of the future – the fully autonomous Fendt 936 G7 tractor, their featured product which will be doing live demonstrations at the Mallee Machinery Field Days.
Traction AG general manager Vince Carbone said the fully-autonomous tractor had been tested for more than a year and was now on the market.
“It’s a machine that will navigate your fields with pinpoint accuracy, avoiding obstacles, and working seamlessly – and all without a driver,” he said.
“This isn’t science fiction, it’s the reality of autonomous tractors powered
by cutting-edge technology.” The Fendt tractor, fitted with the autonomous kit, has extensive features including: 360-hp MAN engine, 3m wheel centres, dual hydraulic pumps, front and rear wheel weight, infotainment package and sound system, independent front suspension, air-suspended cab, superior comfort seat, exhaust brake, cooler box, telescopic mirror and marker lights, and a three-year or 3000-hour warranty.
“It’s like having a tireless, super-
skilled farmhand working and maximising efficiency and maintaining consistent performance that can be measured conveniently from your phone or tablet,” Mr Carbone said.
“Traction AG is a leader in the distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, so come and see us and talk to the sales team about how we can help you move forward in your farming business.
“We have your technology and equipment needs covered, now and into the future.”
The Traction AG team will be at sites 229 and 230.
The Action Steel team is manufacturing and installing more purpose-built sheds across the Wimmera-Mallee this year, at a time when compliant chemical storage is more important than ever.
Cropping enterprises looking to improve on-farm safety and gain sustainable grain certification is increasing.
The demand is largely driven by Sustainable Grain Australia implementing International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, ISCC, to audit growers and certify Australian grains, such as canola, as sustainable.
The auditing process for sustainable grain covers cropping rotations, paddock inspections, waste management, general farm safety and chemical use and storage.
The ISCC system provides growers and exporters with access to international markets, such as the European biofuel market, which pays a premium for certified canola – making it worthwhile to have compliant chemical storage.
Action Steel sales manager Lennie Grace said there were several requirements in the Sustainable Grain Australia ISCC grower self-assessment and audit checklist for people to consider when looking to gain sustainable grain certification by upgrad-
ing their chemical storage. “Firstly, chemical sheds need to be a secure lock-up structure that is suitable for storing chemicals,” he said.
“For example, it should be manufactured from inflammable materials and have a RE30 rating, which means it will resist a fire for 30 minutes.
“Additional details to address include installing the required signage, ensuring the shed is well-ventilated and well-illuminated and having a sealed, bunded concrete slab with the appropriate storage volume and drainage.
“Compliant chemical storage does seem to be a topic with limited information available, however, the building consultants at Action Steel can provide advice and recommendations.
“Action Steel recommends paying attention to shed access points to ensure the shed can be safely exited in the case of an emergency.
“The shed layout is also an important detail to consider, such as storing flammable chemicals away from access points and installing pallet racking to allow solid fertilisers to be stored above liquid fertilisers.
The building consultants at Action Steel have also developed a range of standard chemical sheds to address the lack of information and options available for compliant storage.”
The Action Standard Chemical Shed Range includes three configuration options for varying operational requirements such as sprayer bays and undercover wash down areas.
Sizes available range from 50 shuttle spaces to more than 70 shuttle spaces and the designs include lockable doors, ventilation and bunded concrete slabs for compliance.
“If upgrading on-farm chemical storage is a requirement for your cropping enterprise, the standard chemical shed range is an excellent starting point,” Mr Grace said.
A standard chemical sheds brochure, which includes sizes, prices and design options and inclusions is available at actionsteel.com.au.
The team at Action Steel will also have information available at the Mallee Machinery Field Days – visit site 98 to learn more about and discuss a farm shed project.
Farmer input key to planning
Hindmarsh Shire Council representatives will further consult with farmers to prioritise and collect maintenance requests and feedback before committing funding.
Chief executive Monica Revell, infrastructure service director Ram Upadhyaya, and works and operations manager Daniel Griffiths will host five sessions across the municipality to gather information.
The trio will present an overview and intention of the consultation, before a workshop.
Mrs Revell said it was important to prioritise road maintenance to accommodate large farming equipment.
“Agriculture forms the economic backbone of our region,” she said.
“With changes to farming practices, including increases to truck mass and larger equipment, it is important we work with our farming community to prioritise where we focus our road maintenance and tree trimming, and identify priorities for future grant applications to upgrade our road network.”
Council hosted a series of consultation sessions in June to inform the farming community of council operations, as well as to understand farmers’ challenges in farming operations.
The second round of consultations will review identified priorities, and take new requests into consideration.
Two-hour consultations are at Jeparit Memorial Hall, 9am on July 31; Yanac Hall, 9.30am August 6; Rainbow Mecca, 9.30am August 12; Nhill Memorial Community Centre, 9am August 22; and Dimboola Library, 9am August 23.
Action Steel
Exhibitor profile
TALK SHEDS: Visit the Action Steel team at the Mallee Machinery Field Days to discuss your shed needs.
Livestock sales surge
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Representatives from more than 40 of Victoria’s top merino and poll merino studs will converge on Marnoo on Friday next week for the annual Victorian State Merino Field Day.
Organiser Trent Carter said the field day would be a must-attend event for merino breeders and agricultural enthusiasts of all kinds, with plenty of displays and more than 600 rams for sale.
Mr Carter said spirits were high ahead of the field day, with positive news for merino breeders.
“Things are looking good. Everyone’s season is starting in the right way from feedback I’ve received from all over the country,” he said.
“Everyone’s outlook on the year has certainly improved with the lift in the current mutton and lamb market, which is great.
“Pretty much all of the biggest and best Victorian stud producers will be there. We have nearly every stud that’s selling large numbers of rams attending the day.
“They’ll all have good examples and exhibits of their styles of sheep on offer for this year for everyone in springtime to top up and keep breeding merinos into the future.”
Mr Carter said a variety of caterers would give attendees plenty of eating options, while Marnoo Cricket Club representatives would operate a licensed bar.
He said agricultural displays would cover a range of topics.
“We have a wide variety of trade displays for livestock and grain handling, and sheds with other displays – everything is agricultural-based,” he said.
“Reps will be there to answer any questions on administering any drugs or any other questions on livestock health and husbandry.
“There will be sheep-handling equipment.
“There will be a wide variety of agricultural businesses there to help answer questions or demonstrate any new developments or technologies that could help assist people with their workload on the farm.”
Merino judges will crown the top sheep in the state from 2pm, with more than $3500 of gate prizes to be
announced during judging. Mr Carter said all money raised from a $5 entry fee would go to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“Hopefully everyone can work towards having a relaxing, educational and enjoyable day,” he said.
People can find more information by visiting www.facebook.com/Marnoostudbreeders.
Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange witnessed a significant increase in sheep and lamb sales at last week’s auction, following a quieter period throughout 2024.
The sale attracted a much higher yarding, with sales up by more than 12,000 head.
Buyers from across the region flocked to the afternoon sale, reflecting the surging demand for livestock.
Horsham Rural City Council commercial enterprises co-ordinator Paul Christopher attributed the surge in numbers to shifts in supply and demand.
“We’ve seen low lamb production throughout the year so far. But now the supply and demand equation has moved in favour of producers,” he said.
“We only had 1500 head last week, and 13600 this week. So it was a significant lift.
“Confidence in the market is high with buyers reacting positively despite the increasing prices trends, and that’s a sign that we are in for a strong few months ahead.”
As the major regional exchange for the Wimmera-Southern Mallee region, Horsham’s saleyards can attract vendors from as far afield as the South Australian border and southern-New South Wales.
SHOW: Claire McGauchie at last year’s Victorian State Merino Field Day at Marnoo. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Delivering solar solutions
Solar Water Pumps Australia started modestly in 1989, as a personal need to pump water efficiently.
It has progressed as the increase in demand for solar powered water pumps across all agricultural sectors continues, exceeding expectations.
Growing from a one-man operation in a shearing shed to a current team of five taking up much larger industrial spaces in Kapunda is proof the business must be doing something right.
Continuing the many years of hard work and dedication which have been put into the business, Solar Water Pumps Australia continues to improve and develop the range and solutions on offer. Every system is custom-designed and built to suit the requirements of the customer.
Solar Water Pumps Australia staff work hard to get it right and ensure the product provides complete satisfaction.
With pumps in every state of Australia and throughout New Zealand, it gives Solar Water Pumps Australia immense pride knowing its product has a trusted and proven name.
Its Hardi transfer pumps range in sizes to suit a wide variety of needs.
From the basic pump to supply a substantial garden to large systems pumping distances about 20-kilo-
Exhibitor profile
metres for station requirements –the business can design a system to suit any requirement.
The mountainous territory and high heads of the New Zealand countryside prove no problems either, with a pump designed to suit.
Becoming more popular is the range of mobile trailer units.
The units provide a quick setup at any water source, but also offer the ability to be easily shifted later to other sites and is ideal for leased properties.
The pontoons have been added to the range of solutions offered –mounting the pump and often the panels on the pontoon allows the entire unit to float on the dam and safely move with the water level, reducing the risk of pumps becoming submerged during storms.
The ultimate unit is the trailer including mounted solar panels and provisions to winch the pontoon onto the back and transport the entire system to another site.
While the Hardi transfer pumps are the heart and soul of the business, Solar Water Pumps Australia has access to a broad range of pumps including 240V household and transfer pumps, while the Nastec, Grundfos and Lorentz solar submersible pumps form part of the offering.
Flexibility is a speciality, as Solar Water Pumps Australia branches out into solar and battery systems and retrofitting failed existing pumping systems.
Understanding how critical water supply is, Solar Water Pumps Australia prides itself on its backup service.
The business does its best to ensure any emergencies are dealt with in a swift and prompt manner.
Having a skilled team of technicians means any of their staff members can attend situations, giving customers confidence any issue will be dealt with in a professional and satisfying manner.
Becoming a Bushman tank agent recently has added to the business in providing customers with another option and often, a complete package.
Offering poly tanks ranging from 1000 litres up to 46,400 litres in a choice of colours and the Bushman range of Aqualine Steel Liner Tanks means there is something for everyone.
People can give the staff at Solar Water Pumps Australia a call, send an email or visit site 13 at the field days to discuss water pumping and storage solutions for their individual situation.
‘Fit to load’ guidelines
Meat and Livestock Australia has produced a guideline for producers to ensure they know livestock is fit for travel before being loaded for transport.
Titled ‘Is the animal fit to load?’, the guide outlines what deems an animal unfit for transport, including if an animal is not able to walk normally or bear weight on all its legs, is suffering severe distress or injury, is blind in both eyes, is in late pregnancy, or in a condition that could cause it increased pain or distress during transport.
Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer Jeff Cave said the person in charge of the animal was responsible for its welfare.
“If people are in doubt about an animal’s suitability for transport, they can ask a private veterinarian or any Agriculture Victoria animal health officer or veterinary officer if livestock are fit to load,” he said.
Dr Cave said if an animal was unfit to load, people had options.
“The animal can be treated and transported when it has recovered and is fit to load. Naturally this is not an option in cases that are not readily treatable,” he said.
“Alternatively, the animal could be humanely destroyed. A knackery service is available in many areas to help with this option.
“Finally, a veterinarian could be consulted, and the animal transported under their advice.”
People wanting further information on animal welfare can call animal health staff at Agriculture Victoria on 136 186.
Standard guidelines for the land transport of livestock and other information can be found via go.vic.gov.au/45RZ6uQ, while ‘Is the animal fit to load?’ can be viewed on MLA’s website www.mla.com.au/extension-training-and-tools/ resource-hubs/fit-to-load.
OPTIONS: Solar Water Pumps Australia offers a wide range of solar water pumps to customers.
Solar Water Pumps Australia
Ahrens bolsters national presence
National company Ahrens has added a new business to its expansive portfolio of construction, manufacturing, engineering and rural infrastructure divisions, acquiring Safety Steel Structures in Victoria.
The deal, completed on July 1, has been strategically designed to boost Ahrens’ national presence as a leading rural infrastructure company, with Safety Steel Structures complementing its 27 existing divisions across Australia, Asia and the United States.
Safety Steel will solidify Ahrens’ capabilities in the rural sector through their strategically located manufacturing sites at Dandenong and Tarranyurk, Victoria; Goombungee and Withcott, Queensland; Gilgandra, New South Wales; Shea-Oak Log, South Australia; and Bellevue and Northam, Western Australia.
The acquisition will also bolster Ahrens’ manufacturing footprint in Victoria, with more than 20,000m2 of rural infrastructure facilities in Dandenong, Tarranyurk and Nhill.
Ahrens commercial and investment manager Riley Ahrens – a fifth generation Ahrens – said Ahrens’ strong national presence would ensure Safety Steel’s 60-year history for producing quality steel rural and industrial structures continued.
Mr Ahrens said the latest addition followed the company’s historic trend of acquiring businesses to en-
A
sure it remained a standout in the industry.
“We are excited to be extending our national manufacturing footprint as Australia’s leading rural infrastructure company and extending our steel structure offering in Victoria to the rural, commercial and industrial markets,” he said.
“We remain committed to our cus-
tomers, and this acquisition will enable us to continue to offer highquality, Australian-manufactured steel products to protect their most important assets.”
Safety Steel Structures has a workforce based in Dandenong, which now joins Ahrens Group of experienced employees of draftspeople, boilermakers, welders, trades assistants and
sales and administrative support. The new business transaction brings Ahrens’ total workforce to more than 1400 employees.
“Our businesses complement each other well and the acquisition gives us the ability for both companies to offer each others’ services to both client bases,” Mr Ahrens said.
“The merger of Safety Steel with
“We are excited to be extending our national manufacturing footprint as Australia’s leading rural infrastructure company and extending our steel structure offering in Victoria to the rural, commercial and industrial markets”
– Riley Ahrens
Ahrens’ current portfolio of divisions also provides us the competitive edge to ensure our key clients are delivered high-quality and cost-effective products and services on time and on budget.”
Former Safety Steel Structures proprietor and managing director David Hartley said he was excited to have a strong family business as the new owner of Safety Steel.
He said Safety Steel’s key staff were supportive of the sale and remained positive about the future.
“I look forward to seeing the business flourish and working with the team in the future,” he said.
Since beginning in 1902, Ahrens has grown to become a nationally recognised, full construction, engineering, mining services, sheds and silos, water storage and property investments company, providing complete turnkey project solutions for inner city complexes to rural remote regions.
INVESTMENT: Safety Steel managing director David Hartley, centre, welcomes the Ahrens team, including, from left, marketing manager Ellen Ahrens, general manager – sheds Amanda Armistead, managing director Stefan Ahrens, and commercial and investment manager Riley Ahrens, to Safety Steel Structures’ Dandenong site.
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Need to improve workforce access
Adifficulty in finding workers, particularly staff from overseas, has stood out in a GrainGrowers annual policy survey.
Workforce and recruitment questions in the survey of 663 growers across Australia provided a detailed snapshot of the issues that exist and opened the door to exploring options.
GrainGrowers chief executive Shona Gawel
said while there was previously plenty of anecdotal evidence, the survey provided detailed evidence and data from the people directly affected by the current problems.
“To effect change we need accurate data to underpin our requests and to support our discussions. This survey has delivered that foundational information and is an important step forward for the grains industry in terms of workforce and recruitment,” she said.
The survey results outlined that more than two thirds of growers employed someone on the farm, with 31 per cent of respondents stating they had attempted to source workers in the 12 months to March 2024.
Ms Gawel said a breakdown of those who advertised and successfully filled positions highlighted a shortfall of available workers.
Of those growers seeking workers, 77 per cent advertised for grain farm workers, yet only 47 per cent successfully filled the position.
For the position of tractor or harvester operators, 45 per cent of growers advertised, while 58 per cent successfully filled the position.
The third top category of workers required was truck drivers, with 31 per cent advertised and 45 per cent successfully filling the position.
The survey revealed greater demand for labour
from larger farms, with 45 per cent of farms greater than 3000 hectares seeking employees.
Ms Gawel said the survey results provided additional evidence of workforce issues across the grains industry.
“While some of the issues are common to seasonal roles, there remains a large number of full-time, ongoing or permanent positions that are simply unable to be filled,” she said.
Ms Gawel said a case in point was for the heavily-advertised position of grain farm worker.
“For grain farm workers, three-quarters of respondents advertised for full-time positions, with 62 per cent for ongoing or permanent positions and just 39 per cent for seasonal roles,” she said.
“This data highlights a real gap in the grains workforce. We need to carefully consider how this can be addressed across the longer term.”
Ms Gawel said an important component of grain farm labour was access to overseas workers.
She said the survey indicated that nationally, one in five respondents were looking overseas for workers.
The report highlights a diversity of countries with similar cropping supply chains and workforce skills, with Germany, United Kingdom, France, New Zealand and Denmark listed as the top five countries of origin for overseas workers.
“The results show the need for tailored solutions for different cropping regions and the opportunity to establish accessible migration pathways to assist how the grains industry can access international labour,” Ms Gawel said.
She said the issues raised by the survey component would feed into existing work underway to improve workforce access.
HIGHLIGHTS: More than 8000 people made their way to the Mallee Machinery Field Days last year. Organisers are hoping for a similar crowd at this year’s event, located twokilometres south of Speed, on Wednesday and Thursday next week.
Pictured enjoying the 2023 showcase are, clockwise from above:
Warracknabeal Secondary College students Isaac Credlin, Oliver
Harrison
and
Anne
Credlin,
Williams
Charlie Martin;
Hewson and Peter Kearns; Max and Craig Pilgrim; and brothers Jace and Drew Richardson. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER