Rural Round Up Archives - Page 11 of 28

Workshop Prepares Wirrinya For Harvest

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Wirrinya event was well attended. The recording of the field day held at Forbes Saleyard can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9o6yykVxiY&t=39s

As harvest time is fast approaching more safety workshops were held in preparation at Wirrinya, Peak Hill and Lake Cargelligo.

The ‘Be Road Ready for Harvest’ satellite events attracted about 45 participants with lots of positive feedback given.

The satellite events were spin offs of the main event held at the Forbes Saleyards in early August.

“We held information sessions in these locations as part of the Load Restraint Education Program last year,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor. “The sessions were well attended, and participants asked us to come back and run similar events on other relevant topics – hence the pre-harvest satellite events.

“The topics covered were similar to what was discussed at the main event, but we also included presentations from the Councils’ engineers about road upgrades and access as well as from NSW Police about compliance and rules/regulations.

“There was some feedback that we didn’t spend as much time as the audience would have liked on the relevant notices, rules and regulations, which we will take on board for next year’s events,” Melanie said.

There were also presentations from SafeWork NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers, Essential Energy, Transport for NSW and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program with advice about staying safe during harvest.

The winner of the Brass Monkey 15 litre fridge was Royce Johnston, who attended the Lake Cargelligo satellite event.

Thurlstone For Quality

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Thurlstone Poll Dorset and White Suffolk Studs can stand up to its legitimate claim of one of the nation’s top breeders. It has behind it a swag of awards and prizes, including Most Successful Exhibitor at the Sydney and Melbourne Royal shows, and grand champion prizes from shows throughout the Central West.

The stock forms the base of the reputable studs, originally established as a Dorset stud at Cookamidgera over 75 years ago by Ron Hawken. Son, Richard, has expanded on the reputation of excellence with diversification to include Poll Dorset and White Suffolk rams. His strong interest in the industry started during his 1960s primary school years. “An indication of the success of the stud is the fact that it is free of diseases,” said Richard. “Accredited brucellosis free, Ovine Johnne’s MN3 status and footrot free.”

Poll Dorsets are one of the most popular prime lamb sires in Australia, with about 50% of lambs marketed as Dorset crossed. Another open-faced, clean legged meat sheep popular with buyers is the White Suffolk.

For more information, contact Richard Hawken on 6866 1214.

Goonigal Poll Dorsets 7th Annual Sale

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The 7th Goonigal Poll Dorsets Annual Sale takes place on Friday 9th September at the Canowindra Showground Pavilion at 1pm.

Goonigal Poll Dorsets have been operating since 2006 making it 16 years of breeding good quality rams and getting great feedback from clients over the years.

Goonigal Poll Dorsets breeds flock rams to produce prime lambs, which sells to the sucker and export market. They have been selling suckers at 14-16 weeks and around 24 kilos in dressed weight. Robert, Maureen, Charles and Kylie are looking forward to their upcoming sale on 9th September at the Canowindra Showground Pavilion.

Rams will be penned by 11:30am for clients to inspect before the sale starts at 1pm. All Rams have been vet checked and are Brucellosis free accredited.

Stockscan figures will be available from the 5th September on the business facebook page, Goonigal Poll Dorsets, or by emailing a request to goonigal@bigpond.net.au

More Sessions After Successful Harvest Field Day

August 26, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Measuring equipment to ensure the operator adheres to travel requirements is but one of the many topics covered at the Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day.

More than 50 people attended the recent Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange, while a further 15 were watching online.

Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, transport companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations.

“It was great to be back face and face, but also to be able to offer the online functionality to increase the reach of the event across the region,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer Melanie Suitor.

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that during harvest all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period,’ Melanie said.

The program included presentations about access, permits, fire safety, fatigue, safety around powerlines, compliance, insurance, mental health and more.

“Participant feedback was mostly positive, with attendees reporting a good range of relevant information on offer and that it was a great opportunity to stay up to date.

The event was recorded and is available via YouTube, search ‘Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day’.

The winner of the feedback form prize, a Brass Monkey 15 litre fridge worth $230, was Darren Keane.

Free satellite events will be held in Lake Cargelligo, Wirrinya and Peak Hill in the coming weeks (with breakfast provided):

Lake Cargelligo: Wednesday, 31st August 7:30 – 10:15am at the RFS Shed

Wirrinya: Thursday, 1st September 7:30–10:15am at the Community Hall

Peak Hill: Friday, 2nd September 7:30 -10.15am at the Golf Club

Annual Harvest Field Day On 11th August

August 5, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The annual Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day will be offered in person and online, plus three satellite events to reach as big an audience as possible.

Harvest time is upon us and the annual field day in preparation will be in hybrid form this year.

Farmers, contract harvesters, transport operators, pilot drivers and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend this year’s Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day in person at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange or online via Zoom on Thursday, 11th August.

Breakfast will be provided from 7:30am for the official program to start at 8am. There

will be onsite displays from 10:30 to 11:30am.

“After two years of COVID disruptions it is great to be able to offer this hybrid event to provide important safety information in the lead up to the harvest period,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor.

Topics to be discussed include access, permits, fire safety, fatigue, safety around powerlines, compliance, insurance, mental health and more.

“Harvest is coming and it is important to refresh people’s knowledge about the current rules and regulations for legally and safely moving agricultural machinery, combinations and trucks on the road.

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to,” said Melanie.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period.”

Registration is free but spaces are limited. Register via the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Councils’ Facebook pages.

There will also be three satellite events to reach more farmers on:
• Wednesday, 31st August 7:30am – 10:15am at the Lake Cargelligo RFS Shed
• Thursday,1st September from 7:30am – 10:15am at the Wirrinya Community Hall
• Friday, 2nd September from 7:30am – 10:15am at the Peak Hill Golf Club

Calling All Farmers – Unite In Forbes For Agribusiness Today Forum 2022

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

This year’s Agribusiness Today Forum on 4th August at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel is one Farmers in the Central West should not miss.

Members of the Central West agribusiness community are set to get together in Forbes for Agribusiness Today Forum 2022, with the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel set to host the major event on Thursday, 4th August.

The theme for the 2022 forum is ‘Mixed Farming Enterprises – Adapting to a Changing Climate’.

For more than 25 years the Agribusiness Today Forum has brought together expert speakers to give an insight into domestic and international market trends, the opportunities for improving productivity and sustainability, and increasing market growth.

The forum is expected to attract over 100 delegates to Forbes who will be addressed by high calibre speakers including representatives from Rabobank, Department of Primary Industries, Endeavour Meats, HE Silos, Lachlan Commodities, Select Carbon, Future Feed, Charles Sturt University, AgStar Projects, AWI Sheep Connect NSW, The University of Melbourne and NBN Co.

Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) CEO, Wayne Sunderland said this year’s event is one not to miss.

“The Agribusiness Today Forum is a fantastic platform to highlight the agriculture sector and the developing research and new innovations driving the industry,” said Mr Sunderland.

“The industry is constantly evolving, especially regarding technology, sustainable farming practices and climate change adaptation. This year the forum will focus on adapting to the changes we are facing when it comes to climate and I’m looking forward to hearing the speakers discuss this important topic.

“It’s fantastic to see the Agribusiness Today Forum back for 2022 after two years of postponement due to Covid and we are also excited to announce the forum will be hosted by ABC Central West rural reporter, Hugh Hogan.”

To learn more about the event and to purchase tickets, visit the Agribusiness Today Forum website at www.agribusinesstodayforum.com. The $50 ticket price covers entry to hear from 13 expert speakers as well as morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

711 Days Of Work In Forbes District By BlazeAid Volunteers

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller (second left) thanks BlazeAid volunteers May Andrew (Bendigo), Alicia Westcott (Parkes), Darryl Guymer (Wollongong), Paul Dunham (Coolah Camp) and Mark Bayliss (Queensland).

BlazeAid volunteers concluded three months of assistance in the Forbes district and the last five volunteers packed up their base and accommodation last week.

“These volunteers worked tirelessly alongside the rural families to rebuild and reclaim fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed,” said Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller.

Since arriving in Forbes on 4th January, BlazeAid volunteers have cleaned 41.2km of fences and built over 16km of new fencing. At times they had up to 46 volunteers helping out, who worked for 711 days, six days a week.

“These amazing people have worked hard in the summer heat and in very difficult circumstances to assist families and farmers after the substantial flood damage sustained in the most recent floods,” Phyllis said.

Catering officer and Parkes volunteer Alicia Westcott said being a part of BlazeAid was about working towards making life better for each other.

BlazeAid volunteers assisted people in the Bedgerbong, Grenfell, Garema and Wirrinya areas.

Phyllis thanked BlazeAid and its many selfless volunteers who helped out in Forbes and acknowledged that not only did many of these volunteers stay in our town but contributed to our local economy by purchasing thousands of dollars worth of groceries, fuel and supplies.

“We wish you well as you move on to support other communities,” she said.

Many of the BlazeAid volunteers will be heading to the next disaster zone to assist after the floods in the north of the state.

BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood event after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires.

Rubie Ready For National Young Judges Championship In April

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Australia’s best young sheep judges have been announced including 18-year-old Campbell Rubie of Forbes by Agricultural Shows Of Australia as eligible to compete in the prestigious national young judges championship in April.

The competition brings together the best young judges aged 15 to 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. Qualification occurs through success in competitive regional and state competitions with only one per state making the national championship.

The national championships are held in a different location each year. This year, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, in its bicentenary year, will host the 2022 championships including the 2021 finalists who were unable to compete at EKKA due to COVID cancellations.

Rubie will represent the state in the Merino sheep young judges competition.

“I’ve grown up on a family farm, which is a mixed farming enterprise, with the major focus on our Merino and Poll Merino Stud. I am actively involved in all farming activities, including sheep work, machinery work and many other activities,” Campbell said.

The 2022 cohort of delegates for New South Wales will be determined at the Sydney Royal ahead of the national competition.

Mice Support Extended Until 2022

December 17, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FIGHT AGAINST MICE: The NSW Government has invested heavily in the eradication of mice. Pic courtesy of Stephen Michael Barnett.

The NSW Government has today announced mice bait rebates for farmers, small businesses and households have been extended into 2022, while primary producers will now be able to make multiple claims for zinc phosphide purchases, up to the $10,000 cap.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the changes ensured the mice bait rebates would benefit those in the bush who need it most ahead of a potential post-harvest surge.

“The reports we are getting indicate mice numbers are down, but we can’t be complacent, which is why we’ve extended the deadline,” Mr Toole said.

“Under the changes, households and small businesses will have until 31 January to claim up to $500 or $1,000 respectively to help meet the cost of mice baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after 1 February 2021.

“Primary producers, who can claim up to $10,000 in zinc phosphide-based bait re-bates, will also have until 31 January next year to claim. This change means farmers can better protect crops from any resurgence in mice numbers.

“More than 52,500 households and 6,500 small businesses have taken advantage of this rebate worth more than $31 million so please get your applications in. It’s an easy process both if you’re a small business or household applying through Service NSW, or the Rural Assistance Authority if you’re a primary producer.”

NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) had so far approved more than 800 rebates worth $5.5 million.

For information on rebates for small businesses and households, visit the Service NSW website. For information on zinc phosphide rebates, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

For the latest information about the mice plague, including information about eligibility, how rebates can be claimed as well as health advice visit www.nsw.gov.au/mice.

Improving Young Farmers Mental Resilience

November 5, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FEDERAL SUPPORT: The Networks to Build Drought Resilience program focuses on local initiatives to enable agricultural communities to be better prepared for the impacts of drought. It is part of a Government investment of $19.2 million to help build drought resilience. Pic courtesy of Chris Watson and Farmpix.

A special project to help young farmers manage stress has received a big boost from the Federal Government.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Farmlink Research Ltd would receive $18,096 for a project titled Improving Young farmer Mental Resilience in Times of Drought. The grant is one of 33 awarded across Australia worth a total of $1.4 million in Round 1 of the Future Drought Fund’s Networks to Build Drought Resilience program.

“One of the worst droughts in our history has ended, thankfully, but as anyone living on a rural property will tell you the stress that comes with drought does not just switch off the day the rains come,” Mr McCormack said.

“The mental anguish of drought lingers and I know there are young farming families today still dealing with the trauma of what they had to endure two years ago before the latest drought broke. “We need to recognise the long-term effect of drought on young lives and support programs which build resilience. As well, we need to be aware farming practices and farming family relationships are very different to how they were even 20 years ago and develop ways which help people cope with change.”

Farmlink, based at Temora in the heart of the Riverina electorate, will host an event for young farmers to build skills and networks to manage the impacts of stress during drought, intergenerational relationships and communicating effectively within family farm businesses.

The aim of the project is to increase awareness of practical on-farm strategies which improve capability, participation in networking opportunities for farmers and interpersonal abilities to manage the stress associated with drought and climate change.

Applications are open until 15 November 2021.

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