SNOWY MONARO
Part of the F Farmer Group of Rural Newspapers – Incorporating Y Your our Farm www.monaropost.com.au
Wednesday November 8, 2023
Monaro ram sales hold firm By NATHAN THOMPSON THE Monaro’s reputation for producing high-quality wool has held the district’s merino studs in good stead with recent ram sale results largely better than expected. Damien Roach from Nutrien Livestock said the Monaro’s merino studs would be pleased with their results in the face of a challenging market. “Considering the market conditions, local sales went very well,” Roach said. “Overall, the studs would be happy. “The district’s reputation, especially that of the bigger studs, definitely helped prices.” Roach commended buyers RAM SALE SEASON: Adina Merino Stud launched the region’s ram sale season. The stud sold to a top of for showing faith in local $4500 with Stephen Platts from Dungaree Pastoral Company securing the top ram. Plaats joined the merinos, declaring this year’s team from Elders Cooma, Nutrien Ag Solutions and James Barron (centre) from Adina. ram sale season exceeded his Despite the prevailing market the top priced ram, securing McGufficke said it was exciting expectations. “Our locals studs breed and rewarding to see the conditions, Boudjah Merino Stud lot 76. “It’s a quality ram. We have very good sheep and this was confidence new and returning principal Michael Green said he reflected in the prices. With how clients exhibited during the sale. was pleased with how the stud’s been with Michael for 15-years and seen improvements in that He said their attentiveness annual ram sale played out. things are going, the sales went Boudjah held its ram sale at time,” Matthew said. better than we initially thought,” to purchase the higher-ranking Roach said the sales have the Cooma Showgrounds, as animals was evident. Roach said. “Our point of difference part of the 44th annual Monaro local breeders optimistic about On the Monaro, the top priced ram was sold by Conrayn is our adult clean fleece White Wool ram sales, alongside the season ahead, with an eye always on the sky. Merino Stud. Conrayn sold to a weight, where our genetics Main Range Merino Stud. “Our local wool market will Boudjah sold to a top of $5000 display evident longevity,” top of $10,500. with 52 rams purchased at an be dependent on rain across the Hazeldean’s rams again McGufficke said. next few months. We really need “Greendale sheep are proven average of $1955. performed well, selling to a “I think it was a terrific result a bit before Christmas,” Roach top of $9000 with an average of to retain high quality wool that said. $2448. Hazeldean cleared 228 of has high fleece weights with in a tough market,” Green said. “Store lambs can get a good “We appreciate the support of low micron, across an animal’s 249 lots. Local and interstate buyers whole life. This continues to be our clients, we are happy with run on before Christmas. “The next 12-months will be showed confidence in Greendale proven over the many industry this year’s sale.” Matthew and Cooper Hassall tough but if we can get through Merino Stud, selling to a top of comparisons and evaluations Greendale genetics are of Coonerang Estate purchased that the outlook is positive.” $5250 at an average of $2084. Greendale principal Alan involved in.”
Lamb prices rise PAGE 3
Greendale pleased with result PAGE 6
MFS soils day PAGE 7
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Snowy Monaro Farmer - Page 2
Wednesday November 8, 2023
Livestock water advice for landholders HOW much water is left in your dam or waterway? How much longer will the water supply for your livestock last? These are crucial questions farmers are being urged to assess as the dry conditions in the Braidwood, Monaro and Far South Coast region continue and the forecast is for a hot, dry summer season. A priority for farmers during dry times should be to ensure that there are adequate amounts of good quality water available to stock to reduce the risk of decreased productivity and compromising livestock health. During dry times, stock water requirements increase dramatically. High temperatures and low moisture feed, such as dry standing pasture or hay further increase water intakes.
Richard Sanders, District Veterinarian with South East Local Land Services, said, “When water supplies dry out, cattle can become bogged attempting to access water, particularly if they are poor in condition. “Landholders need to monitor dams and creeks for signs of bogging where cattle have been accessing water and if bogging is beginning to exceed 30cm deep, calves or even adult cows, are very likely to get bogged, especially those in low body condition. “Removing a bogged adult beast can often require a tractor or heavy earthmoving machinery but leaving cattle bogged is unacceptable under animal welfare regulations, so prevention really is the only option,” Richard said. Water quality is
important to ensure animals can safely consume their daily requirements and this should be monitored closely during dry times. As water levels fall, the quality can decline, particularly from extremes of pH and salinity, and cause reductions in water intake. “Provision of water, including during droughts, is a legal obligation under animal welfare legislation and if you cannot provide your livestock with water, then you will need to make the decision to either sell or send stock on agistment.” There are a range of resources available on the Local Land Services website www.lls.nsw.gov. au or call 1300 795 299 and ask to speak to one of the South East Local Land Services team for advice.
Grow you good thing ■ Aussies called on to get behind farmers
this National Agriculture Day “GROW you good thing!” is the catch cry for this year’s National Agriculture Day – or #AgDayAU – as the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) rallies all Australians to get behind our farmers on Friday November 17. NFF President Fiona Simson said the annual shout out to farmers and the incredible food and fibre they grow could not come at a better time. “We have an El Nino on our hands and some farmers are facing a very poor outlook for the season ahead,” Ms Simson said. “That being said, Aussie farmers work hard to make sure the impact of dry times is barely felt at dinner tables. “Our farmers are the best in the business. A huge amount of planning and careful management goes into make sure food and fibre still gets grown despite difficult times.” How to celebrate AgDay Register AgDay events now The NFF encourages people to hold an event
in their community or workplace to receive a complimentary event kit loaded with AgDay goodies. All you need to do is register your event, choosing whether you want to make it public or private, at agday.org.au – and make sure you tag us on social media on the day by using #AgDayAU. “It’s always wonderful to see communities coming together on AgDay to celebrate Aussie farming. It doesn’t matter where you live, that connection to farming is such an important part of our identity as Australians,” Ms Simson said. New look ‘I Love Farmers’ merchandise released The NFF has given the iconic “I Love Farmers” merchandise a fresh new look. There’s also plenty of merch in the store featuring this year’s theme “Grow you good thing!” For the first time, the NFF has introduced cattle tags and bucket hats to the range, which also includes t-shirts, trucker caps, stickers and
tote bags. Shop the range at agday.org.au. Photo and video competition Entries are now open for the coveted photo and video competition with a prize pool of $5,000 up for grabs thanks to sponsors Syngenta. There is no age or skill limit on entries, the judges are just looking for imagery that celebrates Australian agriculture. Entries close at 5pm AEDT on AgDay, Friday, 17 November. For more information visit agday.org.au. Stay in touch Keep updated on all things Australian famers by following Australian Farmers on social media Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok). Find loads of recipes and interviews with Australian famers on our website farmers.org.au where you can also sign up for our newsletter to get a little bit of Australian agriculture in your inbox each month.
Monitoring forestry outcomes in state forests Poll Dorset - White Suffolk Rams
A program that independently monitors forestry outcomes on NSW coastal state forests has secured a further $1 million per year over 20 years to fund new science and research. The funding was secured in the NSW Government’s 2023 budget. State forests are used to grow native timber products for building houses and other uses, while also providing habitat for native animals and plants and supporting regional jobs. The NSW Government appointed the NSW Natural Resources Commission to independently oversee a monitoring program with independent scientific experts to ensure environmental and wood supply outcomes are achieved. The funding will extend an existing monitoring program that has been in place in since 2019. “This program has already generated important science-based evidence about forest health and biodiversity,”
Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW’s Natural Resource Commissioner said. “Additional funding will build on the valuable baseline data and analyses that researchers have undertaken so far and continue to explore how these forests and their values are changing over time, what is driving these changes, and identify effective management strategies.” Professor Phil Gibbons, from the Australian National University and an independent advisor for the program said fauna baselines established by scientists on state forests and other tenures were the largest and most significant analyses of this type in the history of forest management in NSW. “This funding continues to support researchers to analyse more data on state forests so we can measure and predict change over the long-term,” Professor Gibbons said. Professor Patrick Baker,
another independent advisor from the University of Melbourne said the program was a good example of how to implement a complex and multi-faceted approach to forest monitoring. “It really is a remarkable collaborative achievement, and one that should be widely acknowledged,” Professor Baker said. The Coastal IFOA monitoring program has been developed and overseen by a Steering Committee that is independently chaired by the Natural Resources Commission and includes independent scientific experts and agency representatives from the NSW Environment Protection Authority, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Department of Primary Industries, Local Land Services and Aboriginal Affairs. Monitoring and research under the program is carried out by leading academics, expert consultants in their fields, and agency scientists.
Snowy Monaro Farmer - Page 3
Wednesday November 8, 2023
EU free trade agreement not acceptable FARMER OPINION SNOWY Monaro Farmer welcomes the news that Australia’s trade minister Don Farrell has decided not to pursue a free trade agreement in its proposed form with the European Union. This will be a relief for Australian farmers and their advocates following the minister’s talks in Japan on the sidelines of G7 trade ministers’ meetings in which the EU failed to offer better access to Australian farm products and name protection for European products. While the move may set back future negotiations, Australian farming leaders and organisations successfully lobbied federal ministers strongly for better EU agricultural market outcomes.
Other concerns centered around naming protections for European food and beverages known as geographic indicators. If accepted Australian producers would have been forced to change names of locally processed products such as feta, parmesan, and prosecco wine now a significant Australian variety brand. National Farmers Federation launched a campaign against accepting the July version of the free trade offer and hit out at the Australian government for appearing to be settling for a deal not in farmers best interests. Retiring NFF president Fiona Simson, who has done much to bridge the divide between Australia’s cities and farming and rural communities, was
strident there should be no compromise, and that ideology is not put ahead of established agricultural industries. She also criticised the government’s commitment to the phasing out of live sheep exports by sea during the current term of parliament, a decision already having negative effects on sheep prices during depressed market conditions and El Nino weather forecasts. Hopefully, the government having accepted the need for improved EU trade outcomes for Australian farmers, better understands the sector and their challenges at home and abroad.
Prices buck long downward trend By RABOBANK LAMB prices for what seems like the first time in months, trended positively in October across all indicators. Trade and heavy lambs saw prices increase by 8 percent and 10 percent month on month, respectively, while light and restocker lamb indicators saw the strongest growth throughout the month, climbing 27 percent and 31 percent, respectively. It appears increased consumer confidence has helped firm lamb prices, given the market opportunity in southern NSW and Victoria for fattening programs to target heavy specs where there is reduced competition and strengthening prices. Weekly slaughter
numbers softened in October, down six percent month on month, dropping closer to 2022 levels. Weekly lamb totals sat between 415,000 and 450,000 head with SA and QLD seeing increased numbers. NSW slaughter held below 80,000 head during the month, dropping below 110,000 head for the first time since June. Sheep slaughter numbers followed suit with total slaughter numbers falling eight percent month on month in October, although early October weekly numbers sat at 135,000 before climbing to 150,000 head. Old season lambs may have cycled through the system while improved conditions in southern NSW have made farmers
more confident to hold lambs rather than offload them into the current market. Lamb exports continue to grow with export volumes anticipated to climb 20 percent year on year with 26,270 tonnes shipped weight exported as of October 26. Growth continues to centre on the Middle East, with volumes climbing above 7,000 tonnes for the first time since May 2019. Mutton exports continue to remain well above 2022 levels with October volumes on track to climb 50 percent year on year. Middle East exports continue to increase in volume while US export totals are back significantly, down 39 percent year on year.
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Snowy Monaro Farmer - Page 4
Wednesday November 8, 2023
Aphid alert for Monaro graziers By STUART BURGE IF it’s not one thing it’s another. Such a commonly expressed comment applies equally to broadacre graziers as well as home gardeners. At present, this is applicable to the arrival of aphids. Aphids are small sap sucking insects which belong to an insect “superfamily” Aphidoidea. This description comes from the fact that there are about 5000 species of aphid of which it is believed around 400 species are found on food and fibre crops with many being serious pests of agriculture and home gardeners. Indeed they are regarded as being amongst the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in the cooler temperate regions of the world. Their pest status comes primarily from the fact that they weaken plants by sucking their sap. Moreover, they also act
as vectors for the spread of plant viruses which can further debilitate plant growth. We see this locally with the spread of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus by aphids in cereal crops which has the capacity to significantly reduce winter growth in some varieties of Oats and Winter Wheat. (A tell-tale sign is the reddening of leaves akin to Phosphorus deficiency). While there is a significant research program to breed for resistance to this virus, in some situations susceptible varieties are actually sprayed not to control the virus (for which there is no remedy) but to prevent aphid invasion. In home gardens, aphids can disfigure plants and cause the leaves of susceptible plants to curl and twist as is evidenced in the accompanying photo of a Brassica crop. A further secondary impact is that some aphid species cause the build up of honeydew on the leaves and
stems with the subsequent growth of sooty moulds. Other than the academic interest, in the past week I have investigated two outbreaks of aphids throughout the Monaro involving two different plants/crops and two different aphids. In the first instance (pictured) a stand of kale in a vegetable garden was being severely checked by an infestation of cabbage aphid. This aphid also is regarded as a major pest of broadacre summer forage Brassica and Canola crops. The second aphid outbreak was of a lucerne stand being severely infected with blue green aphids. The initial symptoms of these aphids was consistent with those in the brassica with the distortion of leaves. Interestingly in both situations the landholders were initially of the opinion that the “damage” was caused by frost …. In terms of control there are a range of highly
ALERT: Aphids are small sap sucking insects. effective insecticides to control aphids. However, unless causing significant economic damage, it is worth emphasising that there are many natural biological predators which help in the control of aphids. Hoverfly larvae,
lacewings, damsel bugs and, best known of all, ladybird beetles are known predators that can suppress aphid populations. Aphid parasitic wasps lay eggs inside bodies of aphids and evidence of parasitism is seen as bronze-coloured enlarged aphid ‘mummies’.
Naturally occurring aphid fungal diseases can also suppress aphid populations. So yes, if it’s not one thing it’s another – but always better to know exactly what it is that you are dealing with and implement an appropriate management strategy accordingly.
Hazeldean sells to $9000
TOP: Hazeldean rams sold to $9000. Pictured, Craig Wilson, Jack Glasson, Bea Litchfield, Ed Bradley and Damien Roach. Buyers were thanked by Bea Litchfield and Ed
Bradley for their continued support. Forbes: Tamworth: Cooma:
1707
-4
-0.2%
18
1512
-16
-1.0%
19
1392
-31
-2.2%
20
1298
-26
-2.0%
21
1275
-15
-1.2%
22
1240
0
0.0%
23
1050
0
0.0%
26
578
18
3.2%
28
370
0
0.0%
30
355
10
2.9%
32
310
-10
-3.1%
MC
700
-1
-0.1%
Nov‐23
17
NRI AU NRI US
Oct‐23
2.1%
Aug‐23
37
Jul‐23
1837
Jun‐23
16.5
Northern Region Indicator (c/kg)
1650 1600 1550 1500 1450 1400 1350 1300 1250 1200 1150 1100 1050 1000 950 900 850 800 750 700
May‐23
-1.2%
Apr‐23
-14
Feb‐23
For enquiries or quotes contact Anthony: 0428 484 153 | Tim: 0401 720 418
1169
Mar‐23
Our product is of the highest quality and meets all HACCP standards for use in the poultry and animal industry. Our product is clean and free of contaminates such as CCA, glues and resins.
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Jan‐23
We cater to all types of animal industries including: • Small animal breeders, such as rabbits and cavies • Stable bedding for the family pony or champion thoroughbred • Dairy calves • All forms of barn-raised poultry
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Dec‐22
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Sep‐23
HAZELDEAN’S annual on-property Merino and Poll Merino sale on October 20 sold 223 of 261 lots, to a top of $9000 and an average of $2448.43. The top-priced ram, lot 242, sold to Jack Glasson of Jimenbuen. Jack said he chose the ram because it had good figures, was a good size and was a well-put-together sheep. The next top price was $7500 paid by C & N Hill, the volume buyer at the sale , with $6750 paid by the Shorter family, who also bought several rams.
Source: AWEX
Snowy Monaro Farmer - Page 5
Wednesday November 8, 2023
Growing, maintaining sheep on dry feed By AUSFARM NUTRITION PRODUCTS THE onset of higher temperatures over the past month has licked the moisture out of many spring pastures and has essentially browned off the green growth that we usually see emerging at this time of the year. As winter dominant grasses mature and dry off, the nutritional value of that feed is significantly reduced. A pasture with green growth that, a month earlier, was able to support a lactating ewe, would now most likely be insufficient in supporting the maintenance of a dry ewe. As a result, Monaro producers who have recently finished lambing, may be faced with the challenge of supporting lactating ewes and weaned lambs on dry feed throughout summer. In a recent presentation to Monaro sheep producers in Cooma, Jon Meggison, Technical Support Manager South East NSW at AusFarm Nutrition Products, discussed the different options for growing and maintaining ewes and lambs on dry feed. “if producers have lactating ewes on dry feed and are not supplementing, there is a good chance they are underperforming, to the detriment of the lambs,” Mr Meggison said. “Lactation is driven by energy and protein, and milk production is
150
essential for getting lambs off to a good start.” Recently, the cost of supplement feeding with grain or pellets has become inhibitive, especially with the price of lambs remaining low. For managing lactating ewes, Mr Meggison recommends producers have a plan. “Mapping out when you want to wean and at what weight so you can budget for and manage supplement feeding activities”, he said. “If you’re weaning at fourteen weeks, what’s the average weight you’re going for and how much are you willing to spend? If you’re going to feed grain how much and for how long?” Mr Meggison says it’s common in dry times and in a depressed market for producers to pull right back on input costs. “Although there is much need for a tightening of the belt with the current seasonal conditions and cost-price squeeze, it is important to focus on efficiency. Where or what are you getting most bang from your buck,” Mr Meggison said. “An easy win for efficiency is making the best utilisation of current on farm forages. It may be as easy as allocating the best feed to producing animals and saving the low-quality feed for the dry ewes or feeding an effective high protein mineral supplement to get the most out of the pasture you have.”
High protein supplements like StockMins-HiPro or StockMins-Stubble Starter have been shown to boost the digestibility and utilisation of dry feed by up to 30 percent, giving the producer the ability to maintain dry sheep on poor dry feed or receive production benefits from moderate dry feed. StockMins-HiPro is an antibiotic free, weatherproof mineral and protein supplement, designed to boost dietary protein, fibre digestibility and energy availability and utilisation of low value dry feed. StockMins-Stubble Starter is a buffered version of StockMins-HiPro and is designed to boost dietary protein and the efficiency of dry feed when paired with high level grain supplementation. For an additional boost, Bovatec, a highly cost effective and safe ‘Ionophore’ feed additive, can be optionally included. Bovatec promotes the growth of certain beneficial rumen bacteria for improved rumen performance while controlling coccidiosis-causing parasites. Together, these benefits allow for optimal nutrient utilisation, animal production and milk yield, for lactating ewes, while delivering effective animal welfare solutions. For more information on how to grow and maintain livestock on dry feed contact Jon Meggison from AusFarm Nutrition Products 0412 048 055.
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Snowy Monaro Farmer - Page 6
Wednesday November 8, 2023
Heavier lamb prices improve Meat AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA’S CATTLE AND SHEEP MARKET WRAP Cattle MARKETS lifted slightly this week off the back of slightly lower yardings and improved competition in sales but remained mostly unchanged from previous weeks. Yardings eased by 4,771 to 43,012 head, slightly below the four-week average but almost identical for the average for 2023. The processor cow indicator lifted by 9¬¢ to 166¬¢/kg live weight (lwt),
however this was not consistent, with considerable variation between sales. Patchy export buying at Wodonga meant prices eased 9¬¢ from last week’s sale, while in Mortlake prices held firm, lifting 1¬¢. In NSW, processor cow prices lifted at every sale except Forbes, while in Queensland prices eased at Roma but lifted at Dalby. For the past few weeks, cattle prices have followed a relatively flat-to-lifting trend, which stands in contrast to the constant easing earlier in the year. Comparing prices from a
month ago to now, steer prices have eased slightly, while restockers and cows have improved. Sheep and lamb THE market continued the varied trend of the past few weeks, as heavier lamb and mutton prices improved, while other categories held firm or eased. Combined yardings fell by 32,805 to 287,299 head. Most of the decline came from a 30,134 fall in lamb yardings to 215,235 head, while sheep yardings fell by 2,581 to 72,064 head. The restocker lamb
indicator lifted 13¢ over the week to 339¢/kg carcase weight (cwt). Prices lifted in South Australia and NSW, while easing in Victoria and Western Australia. At Narracorte, a slightly smaller yarding alongside a strong showing of new season lambs led to a 10¢ lift in prices from the previous week, while relatively slow bidding at Bendigo eased prices. National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) market reports continue to note a preference for heavier lambs, predominantly
among processors where competition for well finished lambs can outpace the rest of the market, especially where conditions are dryer and finish is variable. Slaughter CATTLE slaughter fell 2,377 to 130,044 head. The largest fall was in Queensland, where slaughter was down 2,001 to 67,055 head. Slaughter was also down in Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, while it lifted slightly in NSW and South Australia.
Lamb slaughter lifted by 56,273 to 478,534 head, while sheep slaughter lifted by 21,933 to 175,451 head. Overall, slaughter largely held firm in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, falling by a total of 353 head between them, while lifting in NSW, Tasmania and Victoria. Taken together, the combined slaughter figures of 653,985 head is the equal-largest weekly slaughter figure this year, alongside the last week of September.
Greendale Merinos produce industry leading genetics ON Saturday October 21, Greendale Merinos held their annual on-property ram sale. The 2022 September Drop rams included some of the highest indexing animals currently in the merino industry. Ranking in the top percentiles of the industry the 2023 ram sale team ranked in the top five percent for FP+ (Fibre Production Plus) index, MP+ (Merino Production Plus) index and YFD (Yearling Fibre Diameter), top 10 percent for ACFW (Adult Clean Fleece Weight) and top 20 percent for YCFW (Yearling Clean Fleece Weight). Principal Alan McGufficke said it was exciting and rewarding to see the confidence new and returning clients exhibited during the sale and their attentiveness to purchase the higher-ranking animals was evident. Greendale Merinos was pleased to welcome four new clients from Victoria, NSW and locally.
Greendale Merinos sold 76/80 lots, to a top price of $5,250, purchased by SR & ML Beasley, from Barnsdale, Victoria (Lot 9. Tag 220426), with an average of $2,084. The sale was interfaced with AuctionsPlus, online bidding was strong having 16 lots being sold to long-term clients located in Tasmania and Northern NSW. Greendale Merinos said their genetic production is unique and unmatched. “Our point of difference is our adult clean fleece weight, where our genetics display evident longevity,” Alan said. “Greendale sheep are proven to retain high quality wool that has high fleece weights with low micron, across an animal’s whole life. This continues to be proven over the many industry comparisons and evaluations Greendale genetics are involved in.” On the day, Greendale Merinos displayed two of their industry-leading sires, 200734 and 210210
(double PP ram), these animals are ranked at the top of the merino industry. In the 2023 Merino Superior Sires Report 29, which compares 396 sire evaluation entries across the country, concluded that; • Greendale rams 190435 (Sire of 210210, PP) and 200743 were ranked as number one and two, respectively, in the top 50 Sires for FP+ index • Both sires were also ranked two and seven in the top 50 Sires for MP+ index. • 190435 ranked top 50th sire for DP+ index
RAM SALE: The McGufficke family of Greendale Merinos was pleased with their on-property ram sale results.
These rankings represent the highest performing sires in the country with the results solidifying the superiority that Greendale genetics have on the most profitable and productive traits of a merino enterprise. Alan said Greendale’s focus and direction has not changed as they continue breeding the most
profitable and productive animals under realistic commercial conditions. “Return per hectare on the most commercially viable traits of a merino wool producing enterprise (high fleece weight, low micron) is our focus. The current 2023 catalogue demonstrated this with group ASBVs averages significantly
above the industry average,” Alan said. “We are excited to see our genetics continue to progress and are pleased our clients focus their businesses on breeding the most productive and profitable animals to meet their commercial needs for their enterprises.” The sale was conducted by Elders Cooma and
interfaced with AuctionsPlus. Greendale look forward to the continued progress of their Superior Sires with the Greendale Semen Sire list available in early 2024 which will include both 200734 and 210210. Grade rams are still available for appointments, contact Alan McGufficke on 0429 448 078.
Snowy Monaro Farmer - Page 7
Wednesday November 8, 2023
Industry leaders ready for soils field day
SOIL TESTING: Doug Alcock of Grazprohpet Consulting will join an experienced line-up of speakers at the MFS summer soils day in December. MONARO Farming Systems has assembled an experienced and exciting line-up for its summer soils field day. The organisation is preparing to host its next soils field day to celebrate World Soils Day, and help local graziers improve their operations. The field day is on Wednesday December 6 at Woburn, 98 Gadens Road Bungarby. Running from 9am-4pm, there will be five presentations from leading experts. Dr Richard Simpson will deliver the the 2023
soils report and results from plant tissue testing (boron deficiency). Edward McGeoch from Rabobank will provide a commodity outlook before Doug Alcock from Grazprophet Consulting will discuss his findings and results of the MLA producer demonstration site ‘winter feed gap 2019’. There will be an update on a serradella trail and other factors important for successful establishment of serradellas from Rebecca Haling of the CSIRO. The fifth and final
presentation will come from Richie Cartwright of Specialised Livestock Services who will deliver an in-depth analysis of trends is previous worm egg counts, discuss best practice worm control strategies and present private drench resistance database. The soils field day is funded by the Australian Government and is supported by Rabobank, Dawbuts, CSIRO, Meat and Livestock Australia, LLS, Specialised Livestock Services and Incitec.
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New chair of Sheep Sustainability Framework MARKET analyst, Angus Gidley-Baird, has been appointed to the role of Independent Chair of the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF). Mr Gidley-Baird brings broad experience in the red meat sector and agriculture industry advocacy, and is currently Senior Analyst, Animal Proteins at Rabobank, where he has worked for the past 10 years. Prior to that, he spent a decade at NSW Farmers in various roles including managing the livestock, economic and rural affairs policy areas. The trained agricultural economist said he was looking forward to helping drive the SSF forward, particularly as national and international attention focuses on the sustainability efforts of primary production. “After moving through its initial setup stage, the SSF now leads some of the most important global discussions on sustainability in the wool and sheepmeat industries,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.
“My term will coincide with the red meat sector approaching the CN30 target – carbon neutral by the year 2030 – so this period will be critical in how the industry positions itself and demonstrates its progress.” Mr Gidley-Baird said his work with Rabobank involved analysis of all key livestock markets including pork, poultry, beef, sheepmeat, goats and seafood, giving him the opportunity to connect with colleagues around the world and regularly discuss key issues in sustainability. “Within the global team at Rabobank, we’ve got a lot of exposure to different groups around the world, including Roundtables for Sustainable Beef, and I’ve been following programs to understand the potential implications for our livestock clients and the broader industry,” Mr Gidley-Baird said. “My current role at Rabobank also gives me great exposure to the whole supply chain. I can go from talking to a country banking client in Hamilton
on what’s influencing the sheep market, to a wholesale client who is a big meat processor or a US colleague about what’s going on in the North American market and what that means for the next 12 to 18 months. These are very diverse conversations approached with a business lens. “I hope to bring to the SSF a perspective of business practicality, but also my thoughts on the wider implications to the market and our trade access. Progress on sustainability needs to be workable for the whole supply chain, and any costs need to be managed to ensure our products remain a strong value proposition for consumers. “It also needs to reflect our commitments to mitigating the environmental impacts of our production systems while recognising the critical role our producers have in feeding the community and the financial resilience that underpins that responsibility.”
Snowy Monaro Farmer - Page 8
Wednesday November 8, 2023
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