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Issue No. 13, Nov-Dec 2009
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End of year demonstration site tours
 The final bus tours for the GTH project visited many of the project demonstration sites, in both the Tallangatta and Corryong areas, over two days. Facilitator Tim Paramore led the tours which focussed on assessing the harvest of all the sites and the plans for the coming sowing season. The Corryong tour which visited sites in Biggara, Tintaldra, Cudgewa, Colac Colac and Corryong saw great diversity in crop density and resultant yields. The topic of weed infestation and the likely success of early or late sprays to control difficult weeds was hotly discussed. On the Tallangatta tour the topic of storing silage underground as at the Moyle's Tallangatta demonstration site was very informative and provided a great deal of food for thought. Both tours concluded with dinner and drinks and a chance to discuss the plans for the demo sites for 2010. Pasture discussion group meetings for the GTH project are held four times each year decided on by seasonal activities at both Corryong and Tallangatta. The meetings facilitated by Tim Paramore discuss all aspects of pasture production and issues relating to establishment and management of pasture in Northeast Victoria and all are welcome. Young Achievers
Too often we hear of the ageing demographic of farmers. Well, not any more. A recent visit to the Mansfield district by the Upper Murray Agribusiness Group showcased some of our emerging agricultural talent with young guns Liz Paton, Angus Butler, Mat Parker, Will Nankervis and John Mitchell all attending the overnight tour. This group may represent the next generation of farmers in our region, and Peter Nankervis, a founding member of UMAG, was really proud of their efforts. "It was always a goal of UMAG to help young, aspiring farmers and it's really pleasing to see them come along on this tour, contribute, learn and have such a good time." Four of the group are current and previous recipients of the Upper Murray Agribusiness Youth Award which is provided by UMAG and Towong Shire Council to one student each from Tallangatta Secondary College and Corryong College. The award is for Year 10 students with interests and aptitude in agriculture and related fields. Recipients receive a laptop computer and training options through UMAG and various training bodies such as TAFE. The program has been a highly successful initiative and, judging by the turn out on this tour, is certainly helping young farmers in our region. Scholarship applications for 2010 open at the start of Term One. Contact the relevant staff at each school to find out more. Mansfield Tour a Great Success
A recent tour of prominent grazing operations in the Mansfield district was a great success. Twenty farmers from across Towong Shire attended the tour which was organised by the Upper Murray Agribusiness Group and Towong Shire Council as part of the "Grazing the Hills" (GTH) project. The overnight tour visited several properties and addressed pasture and grazing management. Project agronomist, Tim Paramore, was really pleased with the outcome. "Some of these operators are highly aggressive beef producers with a very clear focus on productivity and profitability. It was great for our farmers to see their operations which followed on from recent presentations and all the work we're doing with our demonstration sites and pasture discussion group meetings." Notes from the tour are available and can be obtained from Project Coordinator Brooke McKimmie |
REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN
What a year for the Upper Murray Agribusiness Group! 2009 has seen the Grazing the Hills project well and truly up and running with eleven 10ha demonstration sites sown across the Towong Shire, most now having been harvested. Pasture discussion group meetings were rub in both Tallangatta and Corryong, and guest presenters visited the Northeast on a regular basis, one of which was the acclaimed Dr Rod Manning. The partnership with Melbourne University in the GTH project has seen Professor David Chapman visiting the area every six weeks, collecting crop data and providing information to demonstration site participants. David's involvement provided great insights into the most up-to-date research findings for pasture establishment and management strategies. In 2010 we hope to have Professor Chapman as a guest speaker at one or more of the GTH Pasture discussion group meetings. The My Farm project is in its final throes with all equipment up and receiving data, for the irrigation season, assisting farmers to make decisions on irrigation scheduling in their crops. The Seed Potato project is entering its third season with four local farms sowing potato minitubers last month. The UMAG executive has just held its 2009 Annual General Meeting. I am very pleased to again have the support of the committee members to continue as Chairman and am fortunate to have some very familiar faces continuing in their positions. We are very keen to keep up the momentum and build on the successes of our current projects across Northeast Victoria. On behalf of the UMAG executive, I hope you have a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. We look forward to seeing you at the next UMAG event in 2010. Regards SHARE OUR NEWSLETTER
UMAG promotion winnersA recent flyer advertising the end of year demonstration site tours and UMAG project activities provided Towong Shire rate payers with the opportunity of a discount on shopping locally and a chance at seed valued at $150 from Costello Rural in Corryong. For all those who returned their flyer with contact details we thank you for your support and look forward to providing you with Upper Murray Agribusiness Group project information and seeing you upcoming events. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ciccones IGA in Tallangatta, Food Works in Corryong and Costello Rural for their generous donations in supporting their farming local community in Northeast Victoria. |
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