Southern Farmer by Provincial Press Group

Published since 1986

FEBRUARY, 2021

Kangaroos on the menu

www.farmernews.com.au

Overseas citrus success

Bull Sales

PAGE 4

PAGE 8

PAGES 11-14

Making market garden profits By EMMA OLIVER “GROWING plants out with the aim of actually selling them as a commercial quality crop is the best test of seed,” said Ben Cohen of Birdland Seeds. “If you can grow them in a market garden as an organic competitor to a supermarket item then you know the seed is incredibly worthwhile. “You quickly become aware of what’s rubbish and what is viable, and one of the principal goals at Birdland Seeds is to ensure we only stock seeds that are particularly suited to production and have a commercial value.” This dedication to the production of high quality, locally suited seed sees Ben growing a huge 70 per cent of all the seed lines that Birdland Seeds offer. With the remaining lines sourced from a select group of certified organic growers, all seeds are subject to the stringent criteria that defines the Birdland guarantee of organic, non-

MARKET GARDEN: From high school age, Ben Cohen had exposure to working on his mother’s organic blueberry farm, but had never envisaged going into farming himself until he started collecting seeds.

Intensive testing guarantees Birdland Seeds will flourish hybrid, non genetically modified, pesticide and herbicide free seeds. With this guarantee also comes the commitment to only selling lines that produce delicious produce. “At the start I didn’t really test the vegetables to determine which cultivars I would propagate for seeds, and I soon realised that was very foolish,” Ben said. “I had no idea what I was getting into at the beginning, and when it’s such an involved and labour-intensive process, to get to the end of it all and be disappointed with the results is a bit devastating.” Ben grows everything out first now to determine if it’s even worth progressing with a line, and is currently in the process of doing radish trials to determine which ones to persevere with. When deciding on a carrot cultivar, Ben grew a staggering 2000 carrots,

harvesting the whole lot and then subjecting the harvest to rigorous assessment, taste-testing and core testing the lot to decide on a top 100 to transplant as the seed growing crop. Though carrot tops won’t form a new carrot, they will flower and produce seeds, and as long as they aren’t hybrids they will produce true-to-type seed. “I believe that if you take that much trouble, I think you can really improve on the lines and though of course this is not viable with a large scale enterprise I’m in the fortunate position where I can really control the quality,” Ben said. With all the preliminary work undertaken through extensive trial and error, Ben is assured that all seeds he sells are not only organic, but high producing, taste delicious and are the perfect cultivar for his region. ■ Continued page 2

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Page 2 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

Making market garden profits ■

BROAD BEANS: Only the strongest best specimens are retained for seed production. THE SOUTHERN

Est. 1986

Covering Central South Victoria and West Gippsland 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta Victoria, 3677

(03) 5723 0100 sfarmer@nemedia.com.au farmernews.com.au Advertising:

Michael Kidman Phone (03) 5731 3306 mkidman@nemedia.com.au

Editorial:

Jarrah Loh Phone (03) 5723 0129 jloh@nemedia.com.au

From page 1 Operating primarily from Emily Farm Hill located in Dewhurst, Victoria the climate is temperate and the majority of Ben’s crops flourish in the region, with the exception of spinach. “I just can’t manage to grow spinach seed really as the weather is just a little too hot, so it’s in situations like this that I source premium quality spinach seed from other organic growers,” Ben said. Ben also concentrates specifically on varietals that would suit a market garden context, and though offering a select number of herbs, the majority of the 120 strong seed catalogue are vegetables. “I don’t really bother too much with unusual vegetables, or things that are fringey or even bizarre heirlooms,” Ben said. “The plant world is so massive, and the question arises that if you don’t narrow the focus where do you stop? “My motivation and interest is in market gardens, and so I have a separate enterprise in Drysdale that is not only seed production but a market garden. “It’s on a very small scale and is only an acre, however, I’m looking at it more being a test

TRANSPLANTING LEEKS: Ben Cohen uses the market garden as a working project to determine the viability of particular crops and also provide a separate source of income. model that can be replicated in other regional areas and towns. “I’m heavily invested in the market garden, and really want it to be successful and make money and provide food options for the surrounding community, so that it can pop up in other regions and provide direct access to local high quality organic food.” With Ben beginning to offer CSA (Community Sourced Agriculture) boxes from December, he believes that the market garden will prove financially viable and earn its keep. “Market gardens are a good

money earner if done in a smart and efficient way, and though I do stock some certified organic shops with fresh produce and the occasional farm gate, the CSA boxes ensure a steady income stream and a market for all seasonal produce,” Ben said. “And there is the beauty of crops like kale, where you can harvest an awful lot of produce before it goes to seed. “In relation to the bottom line, to be able to effectively harvest two crops from the one product is great for any farming enterprise.” And so even though the busi-

ness started originally as more of a hobby for Ben, collecting seeds from his own kitchen garden and learning the tricks of the trade, the evolution of Birdland Seeds has seen Ben return to growing vegetables. Albeit more as a working project with Ben hoping that similar models will one day be dotted throughout the regional and metropolitan landscape. And with Ben determining the ideal seeds to produce quality, organic, high yield vegetables within his temperate climate, the vision may well become a viable and manageable reality.

SENIOR Emma Oliver JOURNALIST Phone 0433 267 203 eoliver@nemedia.com.au Pre-Press Coordinator

Noelene Allan Phone (03) 5723 0110 nallan@nemedia.com.au

Published by Hartley Higgins for North East Media Pty Ltd, 37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Editor Jeff Zeuschner. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is the copyright of North East Media Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission.

YOUR

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Michael Kidman ADVERTISING MANAGER

Jarrah Loh

Emma Oliver SENIOR JOURNALIST

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LETTUCE: At the start of the pandemic, Birdland Seeds experienced a crazy three weeks when restrictions kicked in and the demand for seeds was unprecedented.

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Southern Farmer - Page 3

CSIRO develops ‘Gene Sandwich’ to enhance wheat rust resistance AUSTRALIA is expecting a strong wheat crop this year, but that would be threatened if a large outbreak of wheat rust occurred. However, researchers at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, led an international effort to develop wheats with a stronger and potentially more durable level of resistance against rust diseases by “stacking” five resistance genes together. This represents a major advance over conventional wheat breeding protocols where individual resistance genes are added one by one. The researchers developed novel genetic technologies that combine and insert the five different wheat resistance genes together. The bundling prevents separation in subsequent breeding generations of the plant, according to results published in Nature Biotechnology. Lead CSIRO researcher Dr Mick Ayliffe said this novel approach of building multiple layers of protection will make it much harder for rust pathogens to successfully attack wheat. “Our approach is like putting five locks on a door â€“ you’re making it very difficult to get in,” Dr Ayliffe said. “Rigorous field testing showed that our gene stack approach provided complete protection against the rust pathogens we were targeting. “Successfully validating the effectiveness of our technology makes this approach an incredibly attractive opportunity to protect global grain crops.” In Australia, wheat is a $6 billion per annum industry, and the wider Australian grains industry supports over 170,000 jobs. It has been estimated that a disease outbreak of one

of the world’s most virulent strains of rust â€“ Ug99 â€“ could cost the industry up to $1.4 billion over a decade. Wheat provides around 20 per cent of the world’s calorie intake, making crop protection vitally important for world food security, with cereal rusts also affecting barley, oats, rye and triticale crops. As rust is a global problem, it requires international collaboration with the team comprising researchers from CSIRO, University of Minnesota, Aarhus University, The John Innes Centre, USDA, Xinjiang University and strategic funding by the 2Blades Foundation. Dr Ayliffe said this study had targeted stem rust, but the same technology can be used to breed against stripe and leaf rust diseases as well, and in different existing wheat varieties to add resistance. “One of the genes we selected actually protects against stem, leaf and stripe rust diseases, so it’s entirely possible to include genes that also work against other rust species,” he said. “We don’t know the limits of this new gene stacking technology yet. “We currently have an even larger genetic stack with eight resistance genes in the lab, so even more protection against rust is possible.” Wheat rust can rapidly mutate, making it difficult for wheat breeders to respond quickly using conventional breeding. However, multiple genes compiled together in a gene stack can greatly strengthen wheat’s defences and be deployed far more quickly. Stripe, leaf and stem rust diseases cause in excess of US$1 billion in crop damage globally every year, with different strains of each fungal

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STATEWIDE CONCRETE PRODUCTS BEWARE: Farmers can expect a strong wheat crop this year, but that would be threatened if a large outbreak of wheat rust occurred. disease occurring around the world. Adoption of this new inbuilt resistance technology would also be a valuable tool for integrated pest management, lowering the need for fungicides and increasing the durability of the management tools for farmers. Further advances in this technology are now allowing the researchers to explore building new gene stacks that would not be considered GM (genetically modified) and would ease their broad on-farm deployment. Rust spores are transported by wind, so international adoption would help to reduce the risk to Australian grain crops from exotic incursions from overseas. “This promising gene stacking technology is a way we could rust-proof not only Australia, but international crops as well,” Dr Ayliffe said. “It’s a valuable insurance policy in case we face mutations in wheat rust with catastrophic virulence, with the ability to deploy long-lasting solutions to the field much sooner than we would have in the past.”

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Page 4 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

Paddock to plate option on the table for kangaroo harvest THE State Government is improving access to sustainable food and supporting sustainable jobs, with changes to the Kangaroo Harvesting Program that will see more meat available for Victorians to enjoy. Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas recently announced the 2021 quota allocation for the Kangaroo Harvesting Program - which has risen due to a notable increase in the estimated state-wide kangaroo population in the last three years. The 2020 survey estimates the current kangaroo population at almost two million across Victoria - up almost 40 per cent compared to 2018. While natural in the Victorian environment, over-abundant populations compete with livestock for feed, and damage crops and fences. To reduce these impacts, the Kangaroo Harvesting Program quota in 2021 is 95,680 kangaroos - an increase of 37,780 from last year. To reduce waste and boost economic opportunities, shooters can now allow the

LOCAL HARVEST: Finally Victorian kangaroos will now be on the menu. extra meat to be made available for human consumption - not just for pet food as is currently the case - and look for opportunities to export the skins. Kangaroo meat is an environmentally friendly protein - the animals have less impact on land and they are a low-emissions meat source. Boosting supply of locally-

sourced kangaroo meat will also reduce the environmental impacts of importing kangaroo meat from other states. Only trained professional shooters authorised through the program meeting strict health and safety measures will be able to provide animals to abattoirs to be processed for the table. To be part of the program,

harvesters must be authorised, hold a firearms licence and be accredited in firearm proficiency and game harvesting. Harvesters must abide by the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes. Their vehicles and cool rooms must also be accredited through PrimeSafe.

Since October 2019, 86 harvesters and five meat processors have taken part in the pet-food-only program, with many calling for changes that allow processing for human consumption to support jobs in country communities. Domestic demand for the high protein, low fat meat, plus interest from overseas for the skins, could help as

many as 100 regional businesses grow. The sustainability of kangaroo populations is protected through annual quotas, in accordance with Victoria’s Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan 2021-2023. The quota is based on population surveys and modelling from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and is set alongside the estimated numbers of kangaroos controlled under their Authority to Control Wildlife permit system. “It’s important that kangaroo numbers are sustainably managed in Victoria to reduce impacts on landholders and the community,” Ms Thomas said. “This program provides a service to farmers and an income to trained professional shooters. “The changes to how products generated from the Kangaroo Harvesting Program can be used gives more options to harvesters and processors to make use of these animals and reduce waste - and create more jobs in country towns.

February 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 5

PLANNING ON TRAVELLING INTERSTATE ?

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To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), all Victorians travelling interstate must apply for a permit to re-enter Victoria.

Do not travel to a red zone. To find out whether your destination is in a red, orange, or green zone, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

Page 6 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

Dairy discussion paper highlights importance of feed productivity cost NEW research into Australian dairy farm profitability has found that farmers need to have a strong focus on feed production for each dollar of investment. Research papers released last month by Dr Jon Hauser of Xcheque and farm business consultant Neil Lane have highlighted how feed productivity remains the key to farm profitability. Dr Hauser said farmers need to focus on pasture management and achieving as much as possible from their resources to produce profit. “Our analysis shows the importance of maximising feed production from your available land and water assets,” Dr Hauser said. “The top 25 per cent of farmers are almost universally getting more feed per dollar invested. “We believe the industry should be focused on feed production per dollar of investment rather than a specific industry target for tonnes per hectare. “Individual farm feed productivity will vary according to factors such as water availability and quality of land.” Mr Lane added that management of stocking rates,

paddock rotation and pasture residuals are the keys to success. “We’re more likely to see wastage through under grazing in the spring and suppression of regrowth by overgrazing in the summer and winter â€“ both result in a reduction in potential pasture harvest,” he said. The research paper is the final chapter in a comprehensive industry economic review compiled by Dr Hauser and Mr Lane. The review examines the Australian dairy industry’s economic performance and provides a pathway to improve on-farm profitability. Dr Hauser and Mr Lane based their research on the published Dairy Farm Monitor project data from 2006/07 to 2019/20. This comprises 1741 annual farm datasets from most Australian dairy regions. The analysis was carried out using Xcheque’s OurFarm.app farm business software tools. Mr Lane said the research re-confirmed the vital importance of true cost of feeding, including the capital cost of the land. “The clear message is that

RESEARCH FINDINGS: Dairy farmers need to have a strong focus on feed production. farms give themselves the best chance of being profitable by lowering the cost of feed for per unit of production out the door,” he said. “Feed cost is about feed management. “This is one of the most important things for farmers to focus on every day. “If you’re an intensive grazing system, good grazing management is critical â€“ maximise quality growth and minimise wastage. “Those running farm sys-

tems with a lot of supplementary feeding must think about how they provide that feed to cattle, maximise crop yields and minimise wastage during storage and feeding.” Dr Hauser said lower rainfall, summer temperatures and more variable weather conditions made low cost pasture-based feed production more challenging in some parts of Australia. “It is important to understand that Australia is not a ‘one size fits all’ dairy indus-

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Southern Farmer - Page 7

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Page 8 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

Strategic pivots help citrus succeed overseas in 2020 THE Australian citrus season has shown great success in key Asian export markets with an increase in value from the previous season seen in Japan and Vietnam. The 2020 Taste Australia Citrus campaign worked to drive sales of Australian citrus in Asian markets by positioning Australian citrus products as the best choice in the market. Japan was a key market with Australia exporting 50,175 tonnes of citrus produce valued at A$92.7m, a 38 per cent increase in value from the previous season. Vietnam also saw strong trade with 8566 tonnes exported and valued at A$18.6m, reflecting a 44 per cent increase in value from last season. Hort Innovation general manager marketing and trade Justine Coates said: “The 2020 Taste Australia Citrus campaign has played its part in the success and continuation of citrus exports to key Asian markets.” As the campaign launched during the COVID-19 global outbreak, all markets were impacted in some way. A review of the campaign was undertaken to ensure that the planned activities were appropriate to the evolving consumer landscape.

As Japan and the Philippines went through waves of COVID-19 induced lockdown, the retail landscape changed dramatically. Shoppers were limited in stores and footfall dropped, with many consumers turning online for grocery shopping. In response to these changes, activity was adapted to invest more heavily in e-commerce and digital promotion, with a focus on social media, influencers, and digital advertising to reach consumers in their homes. The 2020 Taste Australia Citrus campaign involved a range of promotional activities to China, Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines, including: z Retail in-store activity (sampling, point of sale materials and display competitions); z E-commerce; z Digital and out-of-home advertising; z Livestreaming; z Public relations; z Use of influencers; z Use of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs); and z Social media. “The citrus season success was underpinned by the production of high-quality produce and the hard work of the industry, as well as the adaption of the Taste Australia Citrus campaign from

the traditional in-store marketing activities to digital and online modes,” Ms Coates said. Citrus Australia chief executive officer Nathan Hancock said: “In a difficult year our growers and marketers tapped into the pandemic driven demand for citrus by reaching health conscious consumers. “Our growers worked hard to provide high quality produce despite the challenges, and I look forward to seeing continued growth next year.” The Taste Australia campaign is funded by Hort Innovation using industry research, development and marketing levies and funds from the Australian Government. Regarded as the “boldest foreign trade initiative to date”, the campaign was underpinned by more than $40 million in research and development projects. The Taste Australia initiative was developed in response to industry calls for a cohesive, national export project to drive foreign interest and demand for Australian horticultural products. The initiative was originally launched at Asia Fruit Logistica (AFL) in 2017, which is the largest specialised fruit and vegetable trade event in Asia.

LOCAL COLOUR: Citrus season has shown great success in key Asian export markets.

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February 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 9

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Page 10 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

Industry supported duty ensures sheep tags remain affordable FROM January 1, changes to the prices of electronic National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) (Sheep) tags and the duty paid when sheep and goats are traded, came into effect. NLIS tags for sheep and goats now cost from 76 cents, meaning Victorian producers are still able to buy the cheapest electronic NLIS (Sheep) tags in Australia. Victoria’s chief veterinary officer, Dr Graeme Cooke, said it was vital that livestock can be identified and tracked from their property of birth throughout their life. “Traceability, through the NLIS, protects the reputation of Victorian livestock industries as a supplier of safe food and enables efficient response during disease outbreak or food safety emergency,” Dr Cooke said. “Since the introduction of mandatory electronic identification for sheep and goats, producers have purchased more than 40 million tags and almost 39 million sheep and goat movements have been recorded on the NLIS database. “It’s important to remember that traceability is an im-

NLIS: Sheep tags have been a big success. portant responsibility for all livestock owners - whether you’ve got a large flock or herd or a few pet sheep or goats - and you must follow the requirements.” A recent independent evaluation of the electronic NLIS (Sheep & Goat) system operating in Victoria found that more than 99 per cent of electronically tagged live-

stock could be traced back to their last property of residence, exceeding the traceability standards of sheep identified with visually readable tags. “The performance of Victoria’s electronic NLIS (Sheep & Goat) system compared to the visual tag system is a great achievement, and a credit to the commit-

ment of Victorian producers, saleyards, agents and processors,” Dr Cooke said. The sheep and goat duty has remained at 12 cents per head since 1999 and only increased from January 1 to 19 cents per head. Increasing the duty is supported by the Victorian Farmers Federation and the Sheep and Goat Compensa-

tion Advisory Committee. Duty payments are collected into the Sheep and Goat Compensation Fund, which gets reinvested into industry through the Livestock Biosecurity Funds grants program. The increase enables the compensation fund to grow its investment into important projects for the benefit

of the sheep and goat industries and improve Victoria’s biosecurity. The duty will be increased incrementally over three years, to 27 cents per head from January 1, 2022, and 35 cents per head from January 1, 2023. These increases come after thorough consultation with industry. The new sheep tagging requirements started in 2017: - All sheep and most goat breeds born in Victoria from January 1, 2017 must be identified with an electronic NLIS (Sheep) tag before being dispatched off a property. - All sheep and most goat breeds born before January 1, 2017 must be identified with either a visually readable or an electronic NLIS (Sheep) tag before being dispatched off a property. - All sheep and nonexempt goats introduced from interstate and born after January 1, 2019 must be electronically tagged with a pink post-breeder tag before being dispatched from a Victorian property, unless it is already tagged with an electronic NLIS (Sheep and Goat) tag.

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February 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 11

RIDDELLVUE ANGUS

Debut autumn sale to build on 2020 success

RIDDELLVUE Angus expects strong industry demand for female cattle to flow onto bulls when it holds its inaugural autumn bull sale on March 10. The stud’s debut spring bull sale at Whanregarwen near Alexandra in 2020 was a success with 22 bulls sold for a total of $122,000 with a top price of $9000. Stud principal Ian Bates expects the autumn sale to match or exceed these results with a solid range of bulls being offered in a strong market. “There’s very high demand for female cattle so we’re hoping there will be high demand for bulls,” Mr Bates said. “With the way females are selling, I’d expect that to flow through to the bull section.” Traditionally, autumn sales

have stronger outcomes than spring and Mr Bates says the 21 18-month-olds and 10 yearlings on offer on March 10 will easily match or better his previous outing. “Overall, it has been a fantastic season but because we had so much feed around, we didn’t get early summer crops in,” he said. “They have had a stack of feed but dried feed doesn’t have the power of summer crops, but they’re still as good a group as September.” Most of the bulls being offered are from Riddellvue Angus’s own sires Bannaby Reality K63 and Te Mania Melfin. “They’re the two biggest sire groups and they’re both good female and bull producers,” Mr Bates said.

“I’m really excited about the females I have in the herd out of these bulls. “There are quite a few heifer bulls in the sale by Melfin and I think everyone who sees them will be impressed.” Mr Bates said the 31 bulls on sale offered good buying opportunities. “They have a great conformation, good feet and great structure,” he said. “What makes them so good is that they can breed you good females. “With the current interest in the market, we expect it will go quite well.” The auction will be conducted by Nutrien Livestock and Elders and online via AuctionsPlus.

DEBUT: Riddellvue Angus will hold its inaugural autumn bull sale on March 10.

Ensure your livestock are fit to load

AN INVESTMENT: Agents and transporters are being reminded that livestock must be ‘fit for load’.

WITH strong sheep and cattle prices, producers, agents and transporters are being reminded that livestock must be ‘fit for load’ for the journey ahead. Agriculture Victoria livestock welfare compliance program manager Dr Rachael Holmes said it’s important that all parties across the livestock supply chain are aware of their obligations when transporting livestock. “Livestock must be inspected prior to being loaded and they must not be suffering from conditions that could cause, or would be likely to cause, increased pain or distress during transport,” Dr Holmes said.

“Any person in charge of an animal, which may include producers, farm workers, transporters and livestock agents, must not allow any animal to be loaded that is not fit for the journey ahead. “It is the responsibility of each person in charge of the animal at each step of the supply chain, to make that assessment, and to make appropriate arrangements for the care, treatment or humane destruction of any animals that are deemed to be unfit for transportation.” Abattoirs and saleyards also have a duty of care to the livestock they receive. If the welfare of received

WEDNESDAY 10TH MARCH ON PROPERTY - 1PM 35 HBR/APR ANGUS BULLS 25 - 18 MTH & 10 - 12 MTH BULLS ON OFFER AUCTION LIVE ONLINE VIA AUCTIONSPLUS Ian Bates - 0418 367 209 ian@riddellvue.com.au

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it increased pain during transport? z Is it blind in both eyes? z Is it in late pregnancy? Persons transporting livestock are also reminded of a new provision in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations regarding the transportation of animals that are not fit to load. The new regulation stipulates that a person must not transport a farm animal or livestock that is not able to walk on its own by bearing weight on all legs. Transporters can face infringement penalties of up to $495 or prosecution for offences under this regulation.

BULLS BRED TO PERFORM

INAUGURAL 2021 AUTUMN BULL SALE

livestock is compromised, these livestock will be managed according to policy and procedures, which may include reporting to the department for investigation. Consider these questions when loading livestock, if the answer is yes to any, the animal is not fit for transport. z Is it lame? That is, the animal cannot walk on its own, bearing weight on all legs. z Is it too weak to undertake the journey, emaciated or visibly dehydrated? z Is it suffering from severe visible distress, injury or disease? z Is it suffering from any condition that could cause

Page 12 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

Fifty bulls suitable for joining maiden heifers FIFTY bulls suitable for joining to maiden heifers will feature in the sale offering of 125 bulls at Banquet. These young bulls have exceptional calving ease traits but do not compromise on soundness, temperament or type. Their progeny will maintain the traditional Banquet type that consistently attracts premium prices for both steers and heifers. Banquet is renowned for supplying high growth and robust sires with extra frame and weight. Be assured there is an exceptionally good selection of this type of bull. The sale is on Thursday, February 25 at 420 Fosters Lane, Mortlake. Inspection will be from 11am and luncheon is supplied.

ON DISPLAY: Lot 76 and 75 at the Banquet sale in February.

Sale will commence at 2.30pm. Banquet gives free delivery of all local bulls and to centres in SA, NSW and QLD. This is a great opportunity for producers who are yet to try Banquet bulls to inspect and purchase. For more information or a catalogue please contact Noeleen Branson on 0437 029 992. Another feature of this sale will be the offering of 150 PTIC commercial heifers. These heifers are rising two years old and PTIC to low birth weight Banquet bulls. They are due to begin calving early March. These heifers are of the highest quality for herd expansion or foundation.

SSBAN0020121

ON PROPERTY BULL SALE 20% MORE BULLS

THURS T HURS H URS SD DAY D AY A Y2 25TH 5TH F FEB FE EB BRUARY RU UA ARY

2.30 2 .30 P PM M-1 125 25 B BU ULL LS S 150 1 50 C CO OM O MM M ME ER RC R CIAL ANG GU US U SP PT TIC HEIFE ER RS R S

LIVESTOCK: Positive results are being influenced by strong lamb and mutton prices.

2019-20 Livestock Farm Monitor reveals insights on farm performance

PIC: 3MYNL043

STEPHEN BRANSON Mob 0419 884 839 NOELEEN BRANSON Mob 0437 029 992 EMAIL banquetangus@westvic.com.au

www.banquetangus.com.au ANGUS ŇWHITE SUFFOLKS ŇSUFFOLKS ŇSOUTHDOWN COMPOSITES

FARM profit has been positively influenced by higher gross farm income and lower costs compared with the previous year according to data collected and analysed in the 2019-20 Livestock Farm Monitor report. Agriculture Victoria farm business economist Sam Henty said the positive results were influenced by strong lamb, mutton and beef prices, and increased availability of feed. “Despite an average reduction in stock weight sold per hectare, strong lamb, mutton and beef prices coupled with an increased quantity and value of stock and feed on-hand resulted in increased gross farm income in 2019-20,” Mr Henty said. Ninety-four sheep, beef and cropping farms located in Gippsland, South West Victoria and Northern Victoria were surveyed as part of

the 2019-20 Livestock Farm Monitor Project. “Overall, average farm profits saw an increase in each region in 2019-20 after two consecutive years of decreased profits,” Mr Henty said. The results of the annual survey provide a valuable sample of farm-level data for industry and government. Mr Henty said surveyed farmers in the South West recorded higher profits than those surveyed in Gippsland and Northern Victoria. “Average variable costs decreased for surveyed farmers in Gippsland and South West Victoria, as most were able to reduce their reliance on purchased supplementary feed, coupled with decreased market price of hay and grain,” he said. “In Northern Victoria, average variable costs increased as surveyed farms

were forced to purchase feed to supplement reduced pasture growth from below average spring rainfall.” Data collected from farm businesses includes farm income and costs for the financial year, trading and breeding details, feed input and production, fertiliser and labour inputs, and a complete stock, feed, land and farm machinery inventory, including all farm assets and liabilities. Mr Henty said once the data has been collated and analysed, participants are provided with detailed information on their financial and production performance. “They can use this information to understand the cash, profit and wealth position of their business to inform on-farm decision making and help to build business resilience,” he said.

Robinson Rd, Beechworth

FRIDAY 12TH MARCH

AUTUMN BULL SALE BEECHWORTH

Enquiries welcome.

Alan & Jan Robinson Inspection welcome anytime by appointment

Email: jarobee@bigpond.com

Mobile: 0429 324 124

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February 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 13

Poll Hereford Bulls

Industry leading Whiteface genetics

Mon 24th Feb Mon 22nd Feb 1:30pm Bordertown SA

ON SALE: Allendale Anzac M009 (PP).

Allrounders at Allendale

PIC: SA225592

PIC: SA223589

VR4576181

Full catalogue available on both websites

ON February 22 Allendale will offer 40 Poll Hereford bulls in conjunction with Day’s Whiteface. This year’s draft features well balanced, mid maturity bulls with typical Poll Hereford doing ability and temperament. Many of the sale bulls are homozygous polled and all have genomically enhanced EBVs. There are at least 10 different sires of this year’s bulls to give clients a variety of bloodlines. Allendale Anzac M009 has some excellent sons on offer that appeal for their balance, correctness and excellent type along with figures excelling in 200 and 400 day weight, fertility and IMF.

Sons of Allendale Chisel L3 are an excellent group of mid maturity bulls with plenty of shape and good skins. Chisel L3 excels for short gestation length, 400 day weight, scrotal size, EMA and fat. This results in L3 having all of his indexes in the top five per cent. Koanui Techno 6179 (NZ) has bred bulls with plenty of length, excellent skins and sirey heads. Techno is a trait leader for 200 and 400 day weight and scrotal size and has indexes that are all top 10 per cent or better. There are also a number of excellent sons of Allendale Imperial N114 who was Senior Champion at Dubbo

and sold to the Oakdowns Stud. The Imperial sons impress for their doing ability, fertility and weight for age. Imperial is in the top 10 per cent for all of his indexes with his 400 and 600 day weights, scrotal size and IMF being exceptional. Allendale Heidelberg M061 who was sold to Day’s Whiteface at Dubbo in 2018 has some long bodied, correct sons on offer. M061 is a trait leader for 600 day weight and is also very good for milk, carcase weight, EMA and the SSR index. Their Beef Week field Day is on Tuesday, February 9 and all are welcome for inspection.

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Page 14 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

Alpine Angus to hold 2021 autumn bull sale

THE 2021 Alpine Angus autumn bull sale offering 100 HBR and APR bulls will be held at the Alpine Sales Complex, Rosewhite on Wednesday, March 10 at 1pm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our 2020 spring sale result was our best ever due to the excellent line up prepared by Chris Oswin and the unbelievable support shown by repeat buyers who shared with us their optimism at the very favourable spring season and strong market conditions which combined delivered to us a 100 per cent clearance and an average $10,619,â&#x20AC;? Alpine principal Jim Delany said. Stock agent for Paull and Scollard Dan Ivone said Paull and Scollardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Myrtleford sale on December 17 last year saw excellent lines of Alpine bred cattle presented in forward condition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This highlights not only the season but also the strength of genetics used to achieve the weight, finish and evenness the Alpine calves displayed and the prices they achieved,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Markets have lifted another $100/head throughpout the sales in January, so the very strong markets continue.â&#x20AC;? For many years now the Alpine Angus program has been consistently investing in genetics they believe put dollars in their clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pockets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course we use Breed-

Line up promising to be long, strong and full of body

ON SALE AT ALPINE: LOT 2 CGKP171 r02. plan as a selection tool but we also put as great an emphasis on getting length, capacity and growth in our cattle and we try to use genetics we know can breed true to type and deliver calving ease,â&#x20AC;? Alpine manager Chris Oswin said. On the Labour Day weekend on Monday, March 8 a second sale preview will be held just two days before the sale.

Once again all sale bulls will be yarded from 10amĂ˘â&#x201A;Źâ&#x20AC;&#x153;3pm with a delicious barbecue beef lunch and refreshments available. This affords those who cannot be there sale day to make their selections and either bid themselves on line via Auctions Plus or via their agent or by arrangement with Alpineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sale agents Paull and Scollard, Mrytleford and Rodwells Euroa. ON SITE: The Alpine sales complex.

Glendan ready for strong sales TWO breeds will go under the hammer at the Glendan Park Hereford and Adameluca Angus 8th annual bull sale. Held on Friday, February 26 in Barfold, there will be 42 Hereford/Poll Hereford bulls and 42 Angus bulls on offer. Both studs are run by the Trovatello family: Alvio operates the Hereford herd while his brother Sam is the principal of the Angus stud. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We first established Glendan Park (Herefords) in 1989 with our parents,â&#x20AC;? said Alvio. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And due to succession Sam established his own Angus stud in 2012.â&#x20AC;? The two herds have a focus on â&#x20AC;&#x153;cattle that have good fertility, structure, feet and females with good uddersâ&#x20AC;?. They believe both the Angus and Hereford drafts of sale bulls this year are some of the most commercially relevant bulls they have put up for auction to date. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We highly recommend your inspection. we have bulls to suit several markets and programs,â&#x20AC;? Alvio said. There are also some low birth weight heifer bulls throughout the catalogue. These bulls were all unassisted at birth, have good shoulders and come from proven low birth weight genetics. The sale will be interfaced with AuctionsPlus for those who cannot attend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions, you will still be able to secure a bull and we feel you will not be disappointed with your purchase,â&#x20AC;? said Alvio. There is also free delivery on route to Casterton, Wodonga and Bairnsdale. Alvio and Sam are more than happy to help you selecting suitable bulls for your program, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are only a phone call away to discuss your requirementsâ&#x20AC;?. The Trovatello family look forward to seeing you on sale day.

2021 ALPINE AUTUMN BULL SALE

100 ANGUS BULLS

VOLUME. VALUE. VELOCITY.

WEDNESDAY 10TH MARCH 2021 HRR & APR Registered Bulls Backed by a comprehensive QA Program & 3 Year Guarantee* FREE DELIVERY* *Conditions apply. Refer to Sale Catalogue.

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alpineangus.com.au alpineangus.com.au Chris Oswin: 0427 562 254 Suzy Martin: 0418 577 627 Jim Delaney: 0408 535 658

2 BREEDS 2 STUDS 1 SALE

Alvio: 0419 191 193 www.glendanpark.com.au

Beef Week Field Day: Saturday 30th Jan

Sam: 0419 191 192 www.adameluca.com.au

February 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 15

Government to establish Organics Industry Advisory Group

MINISTER FOR AG: David Littleproud said he remains responsive to the needs of industry.

VFF announces Jane Lovell as new CEO THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) recently announced that Jane Lovell will join the organisation as its new chief executive officer from February 15. VFF president Emma Germano said she was excited to announce the appointment of Jane who comes with significant industry experience as the manager National Rural Issues at AgriFutures and the CEO at Seafood Industry Australia. “Jane joining the VFF is super exciting for the organisation,” Ms Germano said. “Jane will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role and I look forward to working with Jane in continuing to move the VFF forward. “As the VFF looks to grow our membership and refocus our efforts to return value to our membership and influence government decision making, this external appointment will help to ensure the VFF is a contemporary organisation that represents today’s Victorian farming sector.” Ms Lovell said that she feels extremely privileged to be taking the leadership role with the VFF. “We have some real challenges ahead to promote and secure the critical role farming has in our communities and for our state,” Ms Lovell said. “I look forward to getting out and connecting with our members to better understand their priorities and concerns, and to working with the VFF team to provide a strong, united voice for Victorian farmers.” The appointment follows a robust recruitment process conducted by Pacific Search Partners that considered more than 100 applicants. The process, which began in mid-2020, was briefly delayed due to COVID-19 and the 2020 VFF elections.

Covering Central, South Victoria, and West Gippsland

AN Organics Industry Advisory Group representing producers, manufacturers, exporters, importers and retailers will be established to ensure our regulatory framework is fit-for-purpose going forward. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said that the Australian Government remains responsive to the needs of industry and will investigate the potential

to improve current regulations to facilitate industry development. “Australia’s organics industry contributes around AUD$2.6 billion to the Australian economy each year and is projected to grow strongly over the next five years, with revenue forecast to increase at an annualised rate of 15.1 per cent through to 2024-25,” Mr Littleproud said. “With a huge amount of or-

ganic agricultural land, Australia is well placed to take advantage of the global organic market, which is already worth over USD$97 billion. “This is only set to grow due to rising consumer demand. “Improving the regulatory framework should be focused on growing our organic industry, improving market access with other countries, especially our major trading partners, and reducing the need for

multiple accreditations from different countries - reducing regulatory burden and saving money. “That is why I have asked my department to establish an Organics Industry Advisory Group to look at ways the regulatory system can support domestic and export producers. “The group’s members have a broad range of skills and expertise from across the organic supply chain.”

Page 16 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

Opening the gate to virtual fencing

NEW RESEARCH: Virtual fencing could be far less stressful on sheep than other standard farming practices. of the neckband is currently being tested in the beef industry in NSW and Queensland, but the sheep industry is lagging a little behind. Danila and Tellisa hope their findings may expedite the development of an automated neckband for sheep. Tellisaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comparative experiments explored how sheep respond physiologically and behaviourally to

the audio and electrical stimuli. Combining video analysis and measurements of cortisol levels and body temperature, she found that sheep were more stressed by a barking dog than the fenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beep. Similarly, the restraint associated with crutching or shearing was more stressful than the electrical pulse they received if they tried to

breach a virtual fence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once the sheep recognise that the beep indicates the boundary, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no more problematic than any other fence, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been an important finding,â&#x20AC;? Tellisa said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very similar to the principles of a normal electric fence, except that it is an audio barrier rather than a visual, physical one.â&#x20AC;? Tellisa also discovered that sheep learn to interact

with a virtual fence very quickly - after about three interactions, over a day or two and that social learning is possible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We think individual ewes may be able to teach their lambs how to interact safely with the virtual fence, and while this maternal learning warrants more investigation, it has applications for when and how a farmer implements fencing within a

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VIRTUAL fencing, a concept for keeping domestic animals within a boundary using audio signals and electric pulses, is far less stressful on sheep than other standard farming practices, University of New England (UNE) researchers have found. Post-doctoral researcher Danila Marini and PhD candidate Tellisa Kearton are wrapping up a series of complex experiments that have tested and measured sheep stress responses to virtual fencing, as well as its effectiveness for managing intensive, rotational grazing. Danila has discovered that sheep eat the same amount of food, in much the same way as if contained by electric fencing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They behave normally, graze normally, without any stress, and learn very quickly how to interact with the fence,â&#x20AC;? Danila said. A virtual fence is an invisible line in the landscape that can be created on a map on a tablet, and moved or erased at the farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touch. Animals wearing a GPSenabled neckband are warned of the presence of the invisible â&#x20AC;&#x153;fenceâ&#x20AC;? through an audio cue and then, if the beep is ignored, the collar delivers a short, mild electric pulse. A commercial version

February 2021

Southern Farmer - Page 17

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February 2021

The International Year of Fruits and Vegetables THE Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has officially announced 2021 will be the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, with the idea to improve healthy and sustainable food production through innovation and technology, and to reduce food loss and waste. FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, launched the branding at the 74th session the UN General Assembly in December, with a goal of raising awareness about the important role of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition, food security and health. Mr Dongyu described the initiative as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a unique opportunity to raise global awarenessâ&#x20AC;?. He said the COVID-19 pandemic had challenged people to find new ways of fighting hunger and malnutrition and said IYFV would highlight the role of digital technologies in improving nutrition and market opportunities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the current health crisis we are facing around the world, promoting healthy diets to strengthen our immune systems is especially appropriate,â&#x20AC;? Mr Dongyu said. While noting the challenges in improving production and agri-food chains,

Looking after your work-mate - dogs on utes By Dr JEFF CAVE, District Veterinary Officer

UN announcement hoped to help fruit and veg exports

THERE is no argument that working dogs are a valuable and helpful asset to farmers and it stands to reason, if your dog travels on the back of your ute, you need to take extra care to avoid exposing them to heat stress on hot days. While it is legal to allow appropriately restrained dogs to travel on the back of utes, dogs being left in the sun for long periods can quickly dehydrate or even die from heat stress. Adequate shelter, for example a fixed canopy, needs to be provided to protect tethered dogs from extreme temperatures. A lot of utes and tray backs these days are made of metal and will heat up quickly and could easily burn dogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; paws. New regulations introduced in Victoria in December 2019, require that when the temperature is 28 degrees or above that an area of insulating material be placed on the metal tray to protect the dog from the metal surface. Ensure dogs kept in cages have adequate ventilation, particularly when the vehicle is not moving, and ensure all dogs are given regular access to cool water. Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act requires dogs travelling in the back of utes, trailers or open tray trucks to be tethered or caged in a manner that prevents them from falling from the vehicle. The only exemption is when dogs are actively working livestock. The tether should only be long enough to permit the dog to stand, lie down and move about but not so long that it could potentially let the dog fall off the vehicle and be dragged or strangled. Tethering dogs should always be regarded as a temporary, short term method of restraint. In addition, it is an offence to leave an animal unattended inside a motor vehicle when the outside temperature is 28 degrees or above, so be sure to make appropriate arrangements when you are travelling with animals.

THE YEAR OF: United Nations has officially announced 2021 will be the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. he encouraged countries to see the International Year as an opportunity to improve infrastructure and farming practices thereby supporting small scale farmers. He said fruits and vegetables were a good way for farmers to create cash crops. In his message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a more â&#x20AC;&#x153;holistic approachâ&#x20AC;? to nutrition and sustainability noting next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Systems Summit

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would also be an opportunity to consider the fragility of food systems. FAO and the World Health Organisation recommended each adult consumes at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis to prevent chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity, as well as to counter micronutrient deficiencies. Mr Dongyu said food loss and waste in the fruits and veg-

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Managing livestock to prevent heat stress Dr JEFF CAVE, Agriculture Victoria District Veterinary Officer AS we move into summer, heat stress in livestock can become a major issue both for production levels and animal welfare, but there are precautions that you can take. The ideal temperature range for cattle is between 5 and 25Â°C, and for adult pigs just 18 to 20Â°C. It is important to remember high producing livestock, such as dairy cows, are the animals most

sensitive to heat stress. Poultry have been known to perish due to heat stress on very hot days. As temperatures rise, animals use their energy to cool themselves â€“ this results in reduced production or weight gain. Feed intake is also reduced further increasing these impacts. High humidity can also play a significant role in heat stress. For any given temperature, the degree of heat stress increases as the relative humidity increases.

Heat stress can significantly impact the production and animal welfare of your stock. Check your livestock daily, looking for any signs of stress during hot weather. Heat stressed livestock will seek out shade, drink more, eat less, stand rather than laying down, pant, may produce less milk and can be less fertile. On hot days, give livestock unlimited access to shade or shelter and good quality, cool drinking water. Make sure you are ready to im-

plement your fire plan. Avoid moving animals during the hottest part of the day and try to avoid on extreme days. High quality feed should be given during the evening when it is cooler, as livestock are more likely to consume it. If you are not living at a property, arrange for a neighbour to check on animals in your absence. All producers have an obligation to ensure livestock in their care are free from pain, suffering or distress. Failure to provide livestock with

adequate food, water or shelter may be an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. By making some minor management changes and taking a little extra care of your livestock in extreme hot weather, the effects of heat stress can be substantially reduced delivering better welfare and production outcomes. For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.

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Page 20 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

Keeping our agriculture workers moving WITH the border between Victoria and New South Wales closed to keep our state safe from ongoing coronavirus transmission, the Victorian Government claims it has ensured primary producers and agriculture workers have been able to travel between states to undertake their important work. Effective from early January, all agriculture workers who live and work between New South Wales and Victoria â€“ other than those already covered under the existing border bubble arrangements â€“ were able to apply for a permit to enter Victoria to keep the state’s vital food and fibre supply chain moving. These arrangements applied to agriculture workers with the same safeguards as workers in the freight and essential services industries â€“ stipulating they must only remain in Victoria for the period necessary and minimise contact with other people in Victoria. Permitted agriculture workers who enter Victoria are legally required to wear a face mask in all public places, get regularly tested for coronavirus, self-quarantine when not working and only leave their accommodation for takeaway food or drink, bathroom stops, medical care, to obtain a coronavirus

BORDER DRAMA: Victorian farmers and agriculture workers living outside the border bubble and re-entering Victoria after conducting work in NSW are required to self-isolate for 14 days. test or in an emergency. Victorian farmers and agriculture workers living outside the border bubble and re-entering Victoria after conducting work in NSW are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return and get tested for coronavirus twice. This permit system is consistent with the National Agriculture Workers’ Code endorsed by National Cabi-

net in September, recognising that many agriculture workers regularly cross state borders â€“ and will provide Victorian contact tracers with vital contact information if there is a positive case where these workers have been. The only other categories of authorised entry to Victoria from NSW â€“ apart from existing border bubble arrangements â€“ are

individuals holding an exemption from the Department of Health and Human Services, those with a transit permit from another jurisdiction, Victorians who have completed 14 days’ mandatory quarantine in NSW, and people in set categories like emergency services workers. Anyone who seeks to enter Victoria from NSW, outside of these approved cat-

egories, will now be turned back. Agriculture workers who need to cross the border will be able to apply for a permit at service.vic.gov.au, or contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 for further information. The Victorian Government is also backing regional businesses and workers with initiatives including the $17 million Seasonal Work-

force Support Package to address workforce shortages caused by the pandemic. The package is part of the $57 million Agriculture Workforce Plan supporting worker relocation, induction and business adaption. For more information on the border closure, current coronavirus exposure venues or to find a testing site, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

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Paddock practices: Caltrop can be controlled with careful management CALTROP (Tribulus terrestris) is a significant and persistent summer weed in most grain growing regions of Australia. Strong vines, sharp, woody seeds and a very short growth cycle make caltrop problematic for a range of reasons. Research by the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the University of Queensland and the University of Adelaide through investment by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has revealed useful information about caltrop ecology, seed bank persistence and susceptibility to chemical control. A problematic weed Caltrop grows throughout Australia, except in Tasmania. It is also known as puncture vine, bindii, bindy-eye, cat’s head and goat’s head. Caltrop will germinate most readily in temperatures between 24 degrees Celsius and 27Â° Celsius. Germination can occur once the average soil temperature has reached 15Â°C to 20Â°C for at least two weeks. The plant grows quickly into prostrate, sprawling vines up to three metres in length. It can set seed within one month of seedling emergence and will continue to spread and grow seeds at its extremities, even as seeds near the centre of the plant are drying and shedding. The seeds have sharp, woody spines that can stick in the hooves and coats of grazing animals, as well as in footwear and vehicle tyres. The spines have been known to puncture tyres. The dried vines can also be dragged by tillage equipment, shedding seeds as they travel. Seed germination DPIRD researcher Dr Catherine Borger said up to 90 per cent of newly-ma-

tured caltrop seeds will have an inherent dormancy and need a ripening period of six to 12 months. “As caltrop requires warm temperatures to germinate, those seeds will remain in the soil through winter and germinate in the following spring or summer,” she said. “Seeds without this inherent dormancy can germinate immediately if there is moisture available, allowing the population to produce several cohorts in one season.” Under warmer conditions, caltrop can germinate before harvest in Australia’s southern cropping regions. Like all summer weeds, caltrop depletes nutrient and moisture reserves in the soil. Controlling caltrop Dr Borger said caltrop’s woody seeds, high seed production and inherent seed dormancy all contribute to a persistent seed bank in the soil. “The viability and persistence of caltrop seeds increases when seed is buried deeper than five millimetres below the soil surface,” she said. “In our irrigated trials at Northam, seed buried at one centimetre had 56 per cent emergence in the first year, 21 per cent in the second year and 10 per cent in year three. “When seed was buried at depths of two or 10cm, seed viability remained at 10 to 11 per cent after two years while the viability of seed left on the surface had reduced to three per cent.” As a result, Dr Borger said one of the most effective ways to control caltrop is to leave seeds on the soil surface during summer fallow periods. “In no-till systems, seeds left in the first five millimetres of soil or on the surface will germinate readily if moisture is available and the plants can then be sprayed out,” she said. “A minimum tillage system will bury a higher proportion of seed, inducing dormancy.

CROP KILLER: Caltrop is a significant and persistent pasture pest. Burying seeds with deep tillage Deep tillage soil inversion practices used in WA, such as mouldboard ploughing, can bury caltrop seed so deeply that emerging plants will never reach the surface and germination will fail. However, burial will induce dormancy and allow the buried seeds to remain viable for longer. These seeds will germinate if they are brought back to the surface by subsequent soil amelioration. The cost of deep tillage limits its usefulness as a standalone control method for caltrop. Chemical control Currently, caltrop has not evolved resistance to herbicides so there is a range of chemical options for effective control when seedlings emerge. Studies by University of Adelaide researchers at Roseworthy, South Australia, found treatment with glyphosate or glyphosate plus group I herbicides provided greater than 90 per cent control of caltrop. The researchers also found that mixing glyphosate with group G herbicides could reduce the effective control of caltrop to below 50 per cent.

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Because the plant only needs a month to produce viable seed, with 17 days from emergence to flowering and an average of 10 days from flowering to seed shedding, spraying may need to be repeated frequently where multiple germinations occur. Western Australian agronomist Andrew Storrie from AGRONOMO says there are plenty of effective herbicides that are registered for control of caltrop. “Killing the plant is not

the problem,” he said. “The problem is its rapid seed set and the potential for multiple cohorts from summer rain events.” Some growers have experienced difficulty controlling caltrop with optical sprayers due to the fern-like nature of the foliage, according to Mr Storrie. “We have now found that if optical sprayers are kept to a ground speed of 14 to 16 kilometres per hour, the cameras will detect the weed

and provide effective control,” he said. Controlling caltrop in crops The increasing emergence of caltrop in late spring is adding to the risk of seed set before winter crops can be harvested and a summer spraying program commenced. In some situations, a residual herbicide may be used to provide longer term control. Mr Storrie recommends working with an adviser to identify a combination of registered residual herbicide and tolerant crop variety when planning the cropping program. Growers need to be mindful of caltrop’s short life cycle, while observing chemical residue limits and withholding periods whenever using herbicide to control caltrop before harvest. Another option is to identify caltrop patches within a paddock and avoid sowing them until the caltrop is under control. “As long as any risk of soil erosion can be managed, this option helps limit vehicle traffic and make timely herbicide applications possible,” Mr Storrie said.

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February 2021

New look CFA workwear but same great service CFA has released the design of its new workwear which will be available to volunteers when they are undertaking non-response duties within the community as part of their brigade roles. The workwear, including short and long-sleeved shirts, blouses, jackets, trousers and shorts, will feature a distinctive blue colour (Patriot Blue) and the CFA logo, making it unique within the emergency services sector. “The new workwear gives CFA volunteers comfortable and distinctive clothing to wear while undertaking nonresponse duties,” chief officer Jason Heffernan said. “The workwear doesn’t replace the traditional personal protective clothing (the “yellows”) which is used for operational response purposes, but it does provide a practical and recognisable alternative for volunteers undertaking important roles in the community. “Instances where the workwear will be used include brigade activities, training, fundraising, community education

activities and while working in incident management teams,” Mr Heffernan said. Acting chief executive officer Catherine Greaves said she was delighted that after much discussion, engagement and feedback, the CFA workwear will be delivered from mid2021. “CFA is a volunteer emergency service therefore it’s important that our members have a unique and distinctive identity that they can wear with pride,” she said. “This is just one of many projects supporting and investing in CFA volunteers, such as the rollout of 5500 new firefighting helmets and $4.8m worth of equipment for brigades, funded by community donations.” The first tranche of the rollout will deliver around 8500 sets of workwear to volunteers in leadership and communityfacing positions in the second half of 2021. The workwear is funded by a $3m investment from the Victorian Government’s Volunteer Support Package.

NEW LOOK: The CFA’s new uniforms will be distributed mid-year to all officers of the CFA for wearing at formal and non-operational events.

Leave early and live, urges CFA FARMERS could be risking their lives by opting to ‘wait and see’ rather than ‘leave early’ on high-risk fire days, a CFA survey has revealed. More than 600 people in some of Victoria’s highest risk fire locations were surveyed and the results come despite the state suffering its worst fire season in a decade last year. The latest seasonal outlook predicts a lower risk of longrunning bushfires than last year, when 1.5 million hectares of Victoria burned, but grassfires remain a high risk across the state. The respondents to CFA’s 2020 Bushfire Community Survey, undertaken after each bushfire season since 2009â€“10, who fell into the ‘wait and see’ category included: â€¢ a quarter (26 per cent) said they would do as much as

possible to protect their property but leave if they felt threatened by the fire; z 12 per cent said they would wait to see what the fire was like before deciding whether to stay or leave; z 1 in 10 said they would wait for police, fire or emergency services to tell them what to do on the day. Only eight per cent said they planned to leave the area on days of high-risk fire danger. CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan warned those who waited too long to leave, or weren’t adequately prepared to defend their property, could be risking their lives and those of firefighters. “Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family and it means leaving the area before a fire starts â€“ not when you can see flames or smell smoke,” he said.

“Leaving early means leaving the night before or early in the morning of a high-risk fire day. “It means it’s easier to make good, rational decisions and avoid panic, becoming trapped and risking serious injury or death. “Waiting to leave means a drive that normally takes a few minutes could take hours, or you may not be able to get out at all.” Mr Heffernan said that on hot, dry and windy days, fires can start and spread quickly. He urged Victorians to learn what the fire danger ratings mean and use them as triggers to take action to keep themselves and loved ones safe. “Households will need different triggers depending on their circumstances, such as whether their property is located near bushland and whether escape

routes are limited,” Mr Heffernan said. “However, CFA recommends people in high-risk bushfire settings should leave early on days of fire danger ratings of Severe, Extreme or Code Red. “On Code Red days, leaving early is the only safe option; homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fires in those conditions. “Talk to your household, family or neighbours about your bushfire survival plan and check Fire Danger Ratings daily so you know when to leave. “Fire safety is a shared responsibility and on high fire risk days you cannot expect a fire truck at every house. “It’s your responsibility to make the best possible decision for your family based on the current fire danger ratings and official warnings for your area.

Finalise your livestock fire plan VICTORIAN primary producers are more aware than most the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place for their livestock. Affects faced include damaged fencing, and other infrastructure, facilities and supplementary feed stores, burnt pastures, and the devastating loss of thousands of sheep and cattle. Now is the time for livestock owners to have a clear strategy to apply in the possibility of a fire emergency on their farm. A key factor in minimising the threat to livestock during a bushfire or on extreme fire danger days, is to identify safer areas on-farm where livestock can be moved to. The area you choose will depend on the type of livestock and their expected behaviour during a bushfire. To reduce potential injury and death to livestock you should consider relocating stock to designated low risk areas during days of high fire danger and Total Fire Bans. Low risk areas include: z ploughed paddocks, areas cultivated and kept free of combustible vegetation; z bared-out paddocks, provided they are well defended by fire breaks; z irrigated paddocks or paddocks containing green summer crops (green feed does not burn easily); z stockyards that can be wet in advance, however, the yards must be well defended as the fire front passes. All low risk areas should have sufficient drinking water to enable stock to remain in the area for extended periods of high fire risk and high temperatures, be protected by firebreaks and be free of leaf, twigs and bark build-up. Areas where there are dams and swamps are another possible option. Stockyards have been known to successfully hold livestock during a bushfire, if protected by a firebreak. If this is your preferred option, consider using a sprinkler system, similar to stock being held together on a hot day, they can suffer heat stress. Horses should not be locked up in small areas or stables but moved to an open paddock with minimal vegetation, so they can move freely. Horses are good at moving themselves to safe open areas and usually suffer minimal burns if left to do so. If equipment such as rugs, halters and flyveils remain on horses, the plastic may melt, and metal buckles can burn the animal. Therefore consider using rope halters for easier handling and management. It’s crucial not to open gates that may allow stock access to public roadways, as any animals will be a hazard to traffic in smoky conditions. On days of extreme fire danger or on the day before, stock should be moved into lower risk areas on-farm, or to a safer property. Agriculture Victoria advises livestock owners to act early and not get caught trying to move stock as a bushfire approaches, listen to weather forecasts and observe your own environment to help you decide when to put your plan into action.

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$10 million for drought and climate resilience THE Australian Government is investing $10 million through the Climate Services for Agriculture program to help farm businesses increase drought and climate resilience. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said the program was funded through the $5 billion Future Drought Fund and would provide farmers with access to trusted and relevant information on national and regional climate data. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are the first government to look to the future to prepare for the next drought which is why we have estab-

lished the $5 billion Future Drought Fund,â&#x20AC;? Mr Littleproud said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Climate Services for Agriculture Program will complement seasonal forecasts and climate guides that are currently available through BoM by providing detailed regional information about future drought and climate risks, and inform management actions to address vulnerabilities and prepare for future impacts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;CSIRO and BoM will engage the agricultural sector to determine the type of climate information that is most useful to their businesses and test in four pilot

regions to ensure the decision support tools meet their needs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pilot regions will be identified in early 2021 and will include a range of climatic regions and agricultural sectors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The end result will deliver regional scale climate projections across Australia, along with actionable advice to help farm businesses to make decisions such as the commodities they produce and the information will be delivered through a userfriendly interactive digital platform.â&#x20AC;? The Climate Services for Agriculture program is one of the foundational pro-

MAKING A FOOTPRINT: The Federal Government is pouring money into drought resilience for farmers.

grams announced under the Australian Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $5 billion Future Drought Fund on July 1, 2020. The first generation of the climate service is expected to be operational by June 2021 with user engagement in four pilot regions rolling out in early 2021. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s linked grants program will also provide grants of between $20,000 and $200,000 to organisations, farmer groups and individuals to build drought resilience on agricultural landscapes. A competitive grants process for organisations, farmer groups and individuals opened on September 25

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and closed October 30, 2020. Funding for successful applicants is expected to be provided soon. Through â&#x20AC;&#x153;holistic management and adoption of new or existing technology and practicesâ&#x20AC;?, this program is to deliver a range of onground outcomes achieving benefits tailored to meet local priorities and contribute to landscape-scale drought resilience. For example, projects which regenerate and maintain groundcover can deliver drought resilience by improving the soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water infiltration and storage capacity - reducing run-off and associated water erosion.

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There is also the $3 million â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Toolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ă˘â&#x201A;Źâ&#x20AC;&#x153; an accessible online tool enabling farmers to understand their own climate and drought risks, and self-identify where improvements can be made to increase the resilience of farming businesses. The first phase of the tool is expected to be operational before June 30 this year and is supposed to bring together existing data related to drought resilience, and through a usable and accessible tool, help farmers identify localised risks to make well-informed decisions about their business.

â&#x20AC;?Pete and Andy after another successful day constructing a water boreâ&#x20AC;?

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Page 24 - Southern Farmer

February 2021

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