Animal health - the learning never ends - SBPA on-farm event tthis Friday at Palma

Join member and vet Doc Jenni Manna for an animal health discussion including:

• Fertility and calving including anatomy and calving problems
• common diseases and prevention
• selecting the right equipment for the right treatment 
• other animal health issues members wish to discuss

For more details and to book click here.  Members free, non-members $20 per person.

Mandatory certification for chemical use

Did you know that to use chemicals on-farm you require chemical use certification?
This includes all agricultural chemical users – eg 1080, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, pour ons, backliners, fumigants and others. Certificates last 5 years and must be renewed.

Courses are available on-line and also in the Shoalhaven area (eg Nowra) from time to time. Online courses appear to cost $145-$165. We are currently awaiting costs of local courses. If you have not done this training and would consider undertaking it with the SBPA, please contact us ASAP.

Change of date - August workshop

The August 2013 workshop has been moved to Friday 23rd August. Further information will be posted shortly.

Sensational strategic planners

Congratulations to all who participated in SBPA's strategic planning session last Friday. Many of you have commented on the outcomes achieved and the collegiate way in which the session was conducted. The management committee would also like to thank Jason Carson and Peter Pigott from the CMA for facilitating the workshop, and advisers Amanda Britton and John O'Connor for their valued contribution.

Next steps are:

1. Participants/members to submit their preference for an association vision.
2. Jason/Peter to collate and massage the strategic objectives and craft a vision for review
3. Each working party to prepare a project outline and accountabilities for taking their project forward.

We would also like to welcome new members who participated in the workshop.

Getting value out of Soil Tests

In the business world we say that you can't manage what you don't measure. Perhaps the farming equivalent is that you can't (or are less likely to) grow great soil if you don't know what's missing.

the most critical step to soil testing is the actual sampling process. This article Soil nutrient testing - how to get good results covers key aspects of soil testing from how to sample to how to interpret the results.
Soil testing is a critical farming activity but it doesn't come cheap. So make sure you get the best bang for your buck by doing it well.

Weeds spreading too fast on your farm?

We know fireweed spreads with (like) the wind, and this year in the Shoalhaven members have reported an increase in parrmatta grass and Giant Parramatta Grass (GPG). Apart from animals carrying the GPG seed, it can also be brought in with utility contractors (through easements), farm contractors and other visitors.

A farm biosecurity toolkit is available to help farmers identify actions they can take to reduce biosecurity risks. There's also an introductory video featuringTony Cootes of Mulloon Creef Farms and other farmers - it's worth the 5 minutes to watch.

WA Dept Agriculture & Food

Organic Production expert joins DPI team at Berry

Primary producers in the Shoalhaven region have a new resource available.

Robyn Neesan has recently relocated from the west to the rain-soaked east. Robyn has a state-wide role to develop and provide information and advice on organic farming systems, liaise with the peak National Organic body and other organic industry groups and provide advice to the NSW Department of Primary Industry senior management and other State and Federal Government bodies on policy matters and correspondence in relation to organic farming systems.

Robyn’s objectives for the coming year are :

• To become more familiar with the coastal environment and organic management options
• To get to know the south coast district(s) and primary producers
• To develop projects
• To prepare a number of publications on aspects of organic farming and biosecurity

DPI organic farming websites that may be of interest to members:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/farm/organic
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/resources/periodicals/newsletters/organic-news

Robyn can be contacted at the Berry DPI office on 4464 6003, email robyn.neeson@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Shoalhaven Beef Producers Association welcomes Robyn, and look forward to meeting her at the SBPA strategic planning workshop on 19 July. We are delighted to have an opportunity to gain more knowledge on the business case and methodologies for organic farming.

Southern Beef Production - shaping the future

Share your views, your voice and your needs for improved beef production performance. 

With the merging of CMAs and DPI front line services, future support for Shoalhaven and environs beef is changing. Shoalhaven Beef Producers Association has been recognised by State Government with the appointment of an Industry Partnerships Senior Land Services Officer (Jason Carson) to assist beef producers...read more and register for SBPA's strategic planning workshop, Friday July 19th, 2013.

Planning for the future - 19th July 2013 - save the date

The SBPA committee has held its second strategic planning session to develop a framework for the association going forward. This follows a review of whether existing objectives remain important for members. Consultation with members confirmed the objectives listed in this blog remain important. They support the objectives identified in the SBPA Constitution (see below).

The next step will be a facilitated strategic planning session 19th July to which members and potential members will be invited to participate. Further information will be provided shortly. In the meantime comments are invited and should be directed to SBPA.

Objectives (or perhaps more acurately, goals,) identified in the SBPA Constitution :
(a) Create a viable structure for the benefit of its members to deliver group buying advantages; synergies with other primary producers in the region and to apply for appropriate funding to deliver objectives
(b) Represent members of the Shoalhaven Beef Producers.
(c) Develop a quality Beef Production Program.
(d) Develop a quality Beef Marketing Program for the region.
(e) Establish and develop a regional cattle/beef sales management program.
(f) Provide a comprehensive education services program
(g) Establish and maintain networking and collective [including Meat and Livestock Australia, NSW Farmers, government representatives and other agricultural groups]
(h) Do all such other lawful things as may be incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objectives

Tocal online diplomas - mid year enrolment closes 30 June

External diploma courses - ONLINE
- a unique way to earn a diploma in Agriculture or Conservation and Land Management

Apply now for mid year entry!

Enrolments will close on 30 June for entry into a Tocal College external diploma in Agriculture and Conservation and Land Management. Our diploma courses are delivered online.

Diploma in Agriculture

Designed for practicing farmers and those wishing to enter the agricultural workforce at management level.

Diploma in Conservation and Land Management

For landholders, bush regenerators and students of environmental management.

Do you want to simplify your farm operations?

SBPA's June event at Bundanon on Friday 21st will help you identify ways you can simplify your farm operations, so you too can sit around and chew your cud!

Agenda

9.30am – 10am: Presentation – Henry Goodall will discuss:

• Changes in Enterprise/Land Use

            -   From a Stud to a Beef/Vealer Enterprise

• Simplification of Cattle/Farming Operation
• Change in Management Structure/Efficiency
• Long Term Plan

 10am-12noon: Walk and Talk – To look at and discuss above changes and how or what you can apply to your farm

 12 – 12.45 pm: Sausage sizzle.
Please bring:

• Gum boots
• Rain coat
• Hat
• Water

To register please click here

Please RSVP for this event by 19 July so that we can ensure sufficient sausages to sizzle. Guests welcome.

Click here for additional driving directions (not to register)

Meet the member - SBPA committee meets Shelley Hancock

As part of our aim to build better networks, the SBPA committee this week met with State member Shelly Hancock. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a relationship and inform Shelley of some of the issues facing beef producers in the Shoalhaven. These include:

•  Unsustainable farm gate returns
• High land prices inhibit scale
• Smaller enterprises have higher unit costs of production
• Inability to consolidate loads of produce to larger markets (logistics for B-doubles)
• Full pricing – the costs of land rehabilitation and biosecurity fall on producers but also benefit the community
• The need for supply chain participation to take advantage of programs such as MSA (Meat Standards Australia)
• Need to increase regional awareness of local produce and for local shops to buy locally (cost considerations)
• Transition to Local Land Services potentially leaving the sector short of expertise
• Lack of solid data on the producers’ share of retail price

 Shelley proved to be a good listener and the door is now open for dialogue as new issues arise.

Know your responsibility when people come on your farm to help out

Spaces remain for the In Safe Hands workshop – Milton Showgrounds next Tuesday May 21, 9am – 1 pm. To register email
jai.cooper@conservationvolunteers.com.au now as time is running out.

  ·        Are you unsure how recent changes to WHS legislation will affect you?

·        Are you thinking of, or already, hosting conservation works on your property or land that you manage?

·        Are you wondering if your safety management system is comprehensive and would like to develop a complete one?

 

It’s only “common sense” to have a good safety management system in place.

 

For more information and how to register - see below.

“In Safe Hands” is a Safety Management System designed for community groups in practical conservation.

The content and processes have been adapted from Conservation Volunteers Australia's own system which is based on our 30 years of knowledge and
experience in managing volunteers in practical conservation.

The toolkit has been updated in 2013 and includes reference to recent changes in legislation. Workshops for Landcare and other community
groups in NSW have been made possible through funding from the NSW Government’s Landcare Support Program. There is no cost to workshop
participants.

Conservation Volunteers will conduct training in the practical use of the In Safe Hands Toolkit. 

Milton “In Safe Hands” Workshop
Milton Showgrounds, Croobyar Road, Milton
Tuesday May 21: 9am – 1pm (includes morning tea)
Please register to attend by emailing:
Jai Cooper - NSW Trainer, Conservation Volunteers
jai.cooper@conservationvolunteers.com.au
In your email, please indicate location of the workshop you are attending.
An electronic copy of the In Safe Hands Training Toolkit will be provided by return email.

Feedback from earlier workshops:
“Great materials and workshop”
“Need to have more of these workshops... to all Landcare networks and groups”
“Good to see WHS in a real Landcare setting”

Is your herd as good as it could be? April on-farm event now on 26 April

With most of our herd assessments completed, join us for our April event where well known assessor Jim Hindmarsh will discuss his observations, provide some guidance on markets and opportunities for our members. For more details go to our event booking page. This is an SBPA event not to be missed.

Last chance Local Land Services consultation

Tuesday April 9th is the last chance to have your say in the current LLS consultation period - at least in person.

Don’t forget to register online.
Location: Moss Vale, Moss Vale Services Club, Corner Argyle & Yarrawa Sts,

When: April 9, 9.30 am-12.30 pm

http://engage.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/locallandservices

Event Postponed

The April on-farm herd assessment workshop has unfortunately been postponed due to a double booking. This will be rescheduled ASAP. Berry/ Nowra herd assessments have now been completed and initial feedback is that the exercise has been very valuable to members involved.

Is your herd as good as it could be? Do you know how it measures up against other Shoalhaven Beef members? Don't miss our April on-farm workshop at Milton.

As part of SBPA membership, all members are entitled to an annual free herd assessment. This year assessments will be undertaken by Jim Hindmarsh on 21 and 22 March and 12 April. Jim Hindmarsh is a stock and property agent and accredited assessor for AuctionsPlus. He will not only address our April meeting, he will also conduct a herd assessment with us to help us hone in on desirable traits, and market opportunities relevant to our own herds. Jim will discuss:


•Observations of SBPA member herds from the assessments (noting Milton member assessments will take place after the meeting on Friday 12 April)
•Key traits to consider improving in our herds
•Market opportunities based on herd quality observed
•The meaning of all those stock types on a sale report
•An onsite herd assessment – warts and all – to help us train our eyes to desirable and undesirable traits.
Members free, non-members $20 per person.

Please note the earlier start time of 8am - this is to enable Jim to complete the Milton herd assessments in good time on Friday. Apologies to those travelling from the north. We're sure the event will be worth the earlier start, and you'll miss the Nowra traffic mess.

Click here for further details and event registration.

SBPA on farm workshop, Friday 8th February 2013

Are you out of the woods yet with the late January rain? The season may have turned for now, but for how long? All members know how tough it has been over the last seven dry months. This month we focus on drought management strategies, how you managed and what you might do next time. It is also timely to discuss quick recovery strategies.


For more details of this event please click here

2013 meetings for SBPA
It was determined at the AGM in 2012 that meetings/workshops would be held bimonthly in 2013, leaving the ability to respond to new events that may come up during the year.
Meeting dates for 2013 are:
8th February - Oakdale, Foxground
12th April
14th June
9th August
11th October
Meetings will generally from 8.45 am until 11.30am or as advertised. Invitations are sent by email and registration is online. If you would like to receive notification of our events and are not on our mailing list please send a request to education@shoalhavenbeef.asn.au.

In 2012 SBPA responded to member feedback to provide more on-farm events.
February -  Minerals and trace elements with Peter Jack (Healthy Earth and Jeff White (CRT)

March - Animal health – disease, pests and hands-on checking bull and calf health at Tarawonga, Coolangatta with LHPA vets Ian Lugdon and Keith Hart, SBPA member Dave Thompson

April/May -  Low stress stock management with Bruce Maynard

June - Bull selection day at Goodwood Green, Wildes Meadow with Kate Parry (DPI Wagga)

July - Spring and summer pasture management with Daniel Parker, CRT

August - Water leak detection and WorkCover for farmerswith Faith Cook and WorkCover Ulladulla

September - Plant identification and Mick’s marvellous meat – how he does it, Oakfield, Foxground with Amanda Britton, Mick Hamilton

October-  Grazing management at Harby Farm with Brad Fleming



It should be this big……





Danger – knife-bearing vet!



A studious bunch



Intimidating, but low stress…

The year ended with a well attended AGM and dinner at the ButterFactory.