THE LUCERNE LEADER€¦ · THE LUCERNE LEADER ISSUE 40 MARCH 2016 PAGE 3 Lucerne Australia USA...

THE LUCERNE LEADER ISSUE 38 SEPTEMBER 2015 PAGE 1

THE LUCERNE LEADER

Issue 40 MARCH 2016

The world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking

USA Tour Promotion In this issue:

USA Tour Promotion 1

Seed Market Reports 5

Rabobank Farm Managers Program 8

2016 Trial Site Field Day 9

ABARES Export Outlook 10

Honeybee Industry Update 11

Seed Market Reports 12

Tatiara Seeds Report 13

Executive Committee Members 14

THE LUCERNE LEADER ISSUE 40 MARCH 2016 PAGE 1

Good people to know

By Charlie Hilton, Executive Committee Member

We encourage you to join us for Lucerne Australia’s ten-day USA Study Tour, from 26th July to 4th August 2016.

This tour promises to deliver a stimulating environment with a dynamic group of like-minded growers and associate members of Lucerne Australia. Participants will enhance knowledge and understanding of agriculture in the USA, whilst enjoying excellent hospitality and leisure time in the height of the USA summer.

It will take you to the most significant lucerne seed growing regions of the USA, travelling from Los Angeles to the Imperial Valley, Fresno and Sacramento in California, and to Boise in Idaho. It also includes a day trip to the breathtaking Yosemite National Park in California.

With visits to lucerne farms, processing facilities and research centres, this tour will enable you to gain a greater understanding of lucerne seed production in the USA, one of our biggest competitors but also one of our largest trading partners.

In addition, there will be a variety of additional visits to farms with different enterprises including horticulture, red meat and grain.

This tour promises to be an amazing opportunity for those involved in the lucerne seed industry, with a program that will appeal to all grower members of Lucerne Australia, as well as those directly involved in the industry.

We hope you can join us for this trip of a lifetime.

Registrations are now open! Fill out the form and submit to [email protected] by 21st March 2016.

THE LUCERNE LEADER ISSUE 38 SEPTEMBER 2015 PAGE 2 THE LUCERNE LEADER ISSUE 40 MARCH 2016 PAGE 2

Filling the Seed Boxes

Lucerne Australia USA Study Tour 2016

itinerary

3

DATE ITINERARY

Monday 25 July Arrive in Los Angeles, California

Tuesday 26 July Los Angeles to Imperial Valley

Wednesday 27 July Imperial Valley

Thursday 28 July Imperial Valley to Bakersfi eld

Friday 29 July Bakersfi eld to Fresno

Saturday 30 July Fresno

Sunday 31 July Fresno to Sacramento, via Yosemite National Park

Monday 1 August Sacramento. Afternoon departure to Boise

Tuesday 2 August Boise

Wednesday 3 August Boise

Thursday 4 August Conclude at Boise, Idaho


Lucerne Australia USA Study Tour 2016 7

f WHAT’S INCLUDED• Accommodation for ten nights (Mon 25th July to Thurs 4th August) based on

twin share. Single room occupancy is also available.

• All breakfasts and lunches for ten days.

• Dinner for eight nights (own arrangements on Mon 25th and Sat 30th).

• Some drinks with dinner for eight nights (there will be some limits).

• All bus touring, as per the itinerary.

• One-way fl ight from Sacramento to Boise, Idaho on Mon 1st August.

• Entry fee to Yosemite National Park.

• All study tour visits to farms, processing facilities and research centres.

• A hard-copy of the program and name badge.

f WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED• All items of a personal nature, including telecommunications, laundry, some

beverages and excess baggage.

• Flights from Australia to the USA return. This is the responsibility of each participant.

We encourage you to join us for this unique opportunity to travel to California and Idaho to gain a greater understanding of lucerne seed production and agriculture generally.

This tour promises to deliver a stimulating environment with a dynamic group of like-minded growers and associate members of Lucerne Australia. Participants will enhance knowledge and understanding of agriculture in the USA, whilst enjoying excellent hospitality and leisure time in the height of the USA summer.

tour details


Lucerne Australia USA Study Tour 2016 8

f FLIGHTSParticipants must arrange international flights from Australia to Los Angeles directly. Qantas options from Sydney include:

• QF11 (daily) from Sydney at 09:45am, arriving Los Angeles at 06:25am

• QF17 (daily) from Sydney at 17:25pm, arriving Los Angeles at 14:00pm

All participants must also arrange international flights from Boise to Australia (return) directly. This might include stopovers in other cities of USA that may be on your bucket list.

Please note:

• Places for this tour will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. • All bookings and payments will be managed by Lucerne Australia Inc.• All fees are quoted in Australian dollars ($) and inclusive of GST.• All payments must be made in Australian dollars.

f INVESTMENTThe investment per participant for this tour is AUD $6,000 (gst inc):

• A 25% deposit ($1500) is required by 21st March 2016 and an invoice will be issued• The balance payment is required by 1st July 2016 and an invoice will be issued• No deposits can be returned to participants after 5pm on 1st June 2016.

The ATO has indicated that this tour is likely to be eligible for a tax deduction. However, we recommend you consult your tax advisor to ensure you understand the rules and how they apply.to

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Seedmark and Heritage Seeds Market ReportBy Craig Myall, International Business Manager, Ph: 0407 620 580

As forecast during last year, 2015 exports of lucerne seed from Australia surpassed levels recorded over the last decade, with a massive 10,512mt departing our shores up until end of November with only the December number to be reported.

Almost 3,000mt of this has been received by Saudi Arabia whilst the other major importer of lucerne seed was the USA at a touch over 2,200mt. Together these countries are responsible for almost 50 per cent of our exports and much of the USA tonnage would have eventually also found its way to Saudi also.

This highlights a very big question. What if the Saudi water restrictions come into effect and what are the likely implications?

At present the Saudi government is reviewing the situation and the likelihood is that it will severely restrict water availability for hay production in the near future. To combat this, many large dairy farms in Saudi (and nearby regions), have already secured alternate sources (countries) for hay supply, and this behavior is likely to continue moving forward. I believe this will continue to drive solid demand, especially for varieties that display superior genetics (increased herbage production, days to cut, disease package). Therefore the market will continue to demand seed, however it may be more selective in its requirements.

Argentina also seems to finally be changing its regulations around the importation of seeds, and this once very large market for Australian origin seed could again become integral in our demand profile. They historically pay less than the MENA region. However, they do consume good amounts of seed internally. What effect the introduction of GM/Biotech traits to markets such as Argentina and Mexico in the future, is yet to be seen.

Heritage Seeds are currently looking for new areas for lucerne seed production, so should you wish to discuss our varieties available for planting and contract terms and conditions, please contact Nathan Smith on the number listed below.

Like all of the industry, I’m keeping a keen eye on the weather and hoping all seed producers have a successful harvest in what is a great time to be in the lucerne seed business (high prices/high demand).

Let’s make seed whilst the sun shines!!

Craig Myall International Business Manager 0407 620 580

Nathan Smith Lucerne Production Manager 0408 655 220

Daryl Turner National Production Manager 0418 191 060

Tom Botterill Procurement “Publics” Manager 0439 384 375


Certified Seed Produced under OECD, AOSCA and Australian Seed Certification Schemes in Australia in the 12 months to 30 September 2015.

(tonnes)

Published by Australian Seeds Authority Ltd – 22 December 2015

AREAS REGISTERED IN AUSTRALIA FOR CERTIFICATION UNDER OECD, AOSCA AND AUSTRALIAN SEED CERTIFICATION SCHEMES – 2011 TO 2015

Report compiled by Australian Seeds Authority Ltd from data provided by Seed Services Australia, AsureQuality Australia Ltd, and AGWEST Plant Laboratories. Registered areas of Gossypium spp (Cotton) are not included in the data.

Please note that not all areas registered proceed to harvest and final certification due to seasonal conditions.

Species and Variety

Common Name

Area 15 Dec 2011 (ha)



Area 15 Dec

2014 (ha)


GRASSES

Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot

Currie 72 32 32 32 0 Porto 184 58 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 15 0 25 0 0

Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue

Demeter 116 51 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 685 745 450 111 162

Lolium multiflorum Italian Ryegrass

Proprietary Varieties 1205 1161 1763 2751 2678

Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass

Victorian 1499 1235 1117 1218 1075 Proprietary Varieties 1168 1283 803 487 677

Lolium rigidum Annual Ryegrass


Lolium x boucheanum Hybrid Ryegrass

Proprietary Varieties 152 340 302 154 160 Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu

Whittet 0 0 72 72 0

Phalaris aquatica Phalaris

Australian 0 0 0 0 0 Holdfast 96 149 58 60 31 Sirolan 0 9 9 0 0 Sirosa 256 49 16 0 0 Uneta 0 0 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 773 702 603 405 313

Other Grass species


LEGUMES

Biserrula pelecinus Biserrula

Casbah 46 97 50 44 0 Proprietary Varieties 0 0 0 0 95

Published by Australian Seeds Authority – 22 December 2015

2

Seed produced (tonnes) in the 12 months ending 15 September:

Species and Variety 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Lens culinaris (Lentil)

Proprietary Varieties No Certified Seed produced in this period

Lupinus albus (White Lupin)

Kiev Mutant No Certified Seed produced in this period

Proprietary Varieties

Lupinus angustifolius (Narrowleaf Lupin) Proprietary Varieties No Certified Seed produced in this period

Lupinus luteus (Yellow Lupin)

Proprietary Varieties No Certified Seed produced in this period

Medicago polymorpha (Burr Medic)


Medicago sativa (Lucerne)

Aurora 38 60 108 87 78

CUF 101 1 5 26 34 10

Hunterfield 7 18 62 43 21

Hunter River 51 66 178 104 48

Sequel 35 83 148 86 65

Siriver 349 735 1659 1318 1242

Trifecta 10 11 16 8 6


Medicago scutellata (Snail medic)

Kelson 17 12 8

Sava 15 5 8

Proprietary Varieties

Medicago truncatula (Barrel Medic)

Paraggio 70 29 36 8 30

Parabinga 10 23 4 25

Proprietary Varieties 44 60 64 65

Ornithopus compressus (Yellow Serradella)

Proprietary Varieties 6 12

Ornithopus sativus (French Serradella)


Pisum sativum (Field Pea)

Proprietary Varieties 15

Trifolium alexandrinum (Berseem Clover)


Trifolium fragiferum (Strawberry Clover)

O’Connors

Palestine 4 5 24 24 46


Trifolium glanduliferum (Gland Clover)

Prima 8 5 9 15


Trifolium hirtum (Rose Clover)

Hykon 24 2 23 20

Certified Lucerne Seed DataCourtesy of the Australian Seeds Authority

Areas Registered in Australia for Certification under OECD, AOSCA and Australian Seed Certification Schemes 2010 - 2014

(hectares)

2


Species and Variety

Common Name






Hedysarum coronarium Sulla


Lupinus albus White Lupin

Kiev Mutant 0 0 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 0 0 0 0 0

Lupinus angustifolius Narrowleaf Lupin


Lupinus luteus Yellow lupin


Medicago littoralis Strand Medic


Medicago murex Sphere Medic

Orion 8 0 0 0 0

Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic

Santiago 10 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 83 44 59 212 291

Medicago scutellata Snail Medic

Kelson 20 0 20 0 00 Sava 20 53 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 0 0 0 20 20

Medicago truncatula Barrel Medic

Parabinga 30 63 55 77 48 Paraggio 84 24 19 26 23 Sephi 0 0 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 190 0 96 136 105

Other Annual Medics


Final Area

15 Feb 2012 (ha)

Final Area

26 Feb 2013 (ha)

Final Area

28 Feb 2014 (ha)

Final Area

28 Feb 2015 (ha)

# Area

15 Dec 2015 (ha)

Medicago sativa Lucerne Aurora 409 199 200 252 232 CUF 101 27 27 27 26 0 Hunterfield 75 75 75 65 47 Hunter River 170 163 163 110 110 Sequel 287 191 176 111 131 Siriver 2411 2556 2613 2318 2490 Trifecta 24 15 7 7 0 Proprietary Varieties 16,746 17,971 19,742 16,359 15,880 (Total Lucerne) (20,149) (21,197) (23,003) (19,248) (18,890)

Ornithopus compressus Yellow Serradella

Avilla 16 0 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 37 0 0 2 12

Ornithopus sativus French Serradella


Pisum sativum Field Pea



AREAS REGISTERED IN AUSTRALIA FOR CERTIFICATION UNDER OECD, AOSCA AND AUSTRALIAN SEED CERTIFICATION SCHEMES – 2011 TO 2015

Report compiled by Australian Seeds Authority Ltd from data provided by Seed Services Australia, AsureQuality Australia Ltd, and AGWEST Plant Laboratories. Registered areas of Gossypium spp (Cotton) are not included in the data.

Please note that not all areas registered proceed to harvest and final certification due to seasonal conditions.

Species and Variety

Common Name




Area 15 Dec

2014 (ha)


GRASSES

Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot

Currie 72 32 32 32 0 Porto 184 58 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 15 0 25 0 0

Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue

Demeter 116 51 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 685 745 450 111 162

Lolium multiflorum Italian Ryegrass


Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass

Victorian 1499 1235 1117 1218 1075 Proprietary Varieties 1168 1283 803 487 677

Lolium rigidum Annual Ryegrass


Lolium x boucheanum Hybrid Ryegrass

Proprietary Varieties 152 340 302 154 160 Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu

Whittet 0 0 72 72 0

Phalaris aquatica Phalaris

Australian 0 0 0 0 0 Holdfast 96 149 58 60 31 Sirolan 0 9 9 0 0 Sirosa 256 49 16 0 0 Uneta 0 0 0 0 0 Proprietary Varieties 773 702 603 405 313

Other Grass species


LEGUMES

Biserrula pelecinus Biserrula

Casbah 46 97 50 44 0 Proprietary Varieties 0 0 0 0 95

Forthcoming Events for your Diary

1-2 March: ABARES Outlook Conference, Canberra Convention Centre 18-19 March: South East Field Days, Lucindale, SA 12 April: GRDC Farm Business Update, Naracoorte, SA 18 May: ABARES Regional Outlook Conference, Port Lincoln, SA 23-27 May: Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne 16-17 June SA Apiarists Association 72nd Annual Conference, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island 1-3 August: AFIA National Fodder Conference, Crown Perth, WA 9-11 August: Eyre Peninsula Field Days, Cleve, SA 10-12 August: Lambex Conference, Albury, NSW 2-11 September: Royal Adelaide Show, SA 8 October: Keith and Tintinara District Show, Keith, SA 15 October: Naracoorte Show, Naracoorte, SA 12 November: Bordertown Agricultural Show, Bordertown, SA


Lucerne Export Statistics from Australia - January 2010 to November 2015Courtesy of Teague Australia

We thank Teague Australia, an associate member of Lucerne Australia, for supplying these figures.

Month 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015January 501,139 310,144 245,741 687,172 698,895February 317,070 445,793 118,025 518,553 1,099,252March 479,471 130,625 269,091 334,033 582,929April 183,775 385,262 424,057 171,816 549,340May 51,539 594,069 647,509 495,472 940,000June 271,574 721,122 1,509,605 1,029,000 2,176,805July 503,509 951,685 1,510,278 1,260,782 1,649,080August 568,791 430,924 1,482,357 1,217,121 834,178September 482,668 726,310 811,667 1,516,965 770,857October 433,397 509,447 719,882 1,356,922 667,503November 300,364 169,450 363,877 810,704 543,246December 330,326 483,832 379,122 829,293

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

Lucerne Exports Statistics from Australia 2011‐2015

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Month 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Year to date Difference

2014 & 2015January 501,139 310,144 245,741 687,172 698,895 +11,723February 317,070 445,793 118,025 518,553 1,099,252 +592,422March 479,471 130,625 269,091 334,033 582,929 +841,318April 183,775 385,262 424,057 171,816 549,340 +1,218,842May 51,539 594,069 647,509 495,472 940,000 +1,663,370June 271,574 721,122 1,509,605 1,029,000 2,176,805 +2,811,175July 503,509 951,685 1,510,278 1,260,782 1,649,080 +3,199,473August 568,791 430,924 1,482,357 1,217,121 834,178 +2,816,530September 482,668 726,310 811,667 1,516,965 770,857 +2,070,422October 433,397 509,447 719,882 1,356,922 667,503 +1,381,003November 300,364 169,450 363,877 810,704 543,246 +1,113,545December 330,326 483,832 379,122 829,293Total 4,423,623 5,858,663 8,481,211 10,227,833 10,512,085

Lucerne Exports Statistics from AustraliaJanuary 2011 to November 2015

Quantities below are in kg

This summary was produced using data supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.


Apply Now! Rabobank Farm Managers Program, June 2016 at Barossa ValleyBy Nicola Raymond, Executive Officer

One of Lucerne Australia’s missions is to provide opportunities for the next generation of seed producers to have an active input into the future. We understand the importance of members having exclusive opportunities to expand on their business management skills.

Grower Member Offer

Lucerne Australia is offering up to two young grower members the chance to apply for the 2016 one-week Rabobank Farm Managers Program course, and will subsidise one-third (33%) of the course costs to participate.

The potential applicant can be a next generation family member or external farm manager directly involved in lucerne seed production. One applicant per business can apply.

The Program

The Farm Managers Program is specifically for farm managers who will be running and/or taking ownership of a progressive agribusiness in the future. It is presented by business professionals, agricultural specialists and academics who introduce themes of business management through presentations, discussions, work groups, farm tours and case studies. It is a week-long management course to acquire skills to contribute to the strategic direction of the farm business.

It will help you:

Develop business management and communication skills, focus and set the direction of your farming career, recognise and develop your leadership style, be alert and responsive to opportunities in the agribusiness industry, gain confidence to pursue goals of increased responsibility and/or farm ownership, develop new contacts and expand your network, be inspired, challenged and stimulated.

Topics include:

Managing people through leadership, managing time and increasing efficiencies, economic influences on business, insights into successful farming operations, essentials of financial accounts and budgeting, global trends in agriculture and business and key issues affecting agriculture.

Testimonials from 2014 Graduates

In 2014, grower members Tara Hawkins and Scott Manser were successful graduates of the Rabobank Farm Manager program, supported by Lucerne Australia.

The value they gained from this course was immense. In their words:

Doing this course will change your life forever. The range of different skills that I learnt was amazing. Graduates that complete this course will think about business and people in a whole new way, which in turn, will help them, have a much better understanding of themselves and their businesses. Rabobank provided such an outstanding variety and quality of speakers for the week. I would highly recommend the Farm Management Program to any other LA members. I feel if we can get other members to participate in the course it will ensure we have the leaders for the future of agriculture.

- Scott Manser, Grower from Keith, SA

The farm management program was amazing, very beneficial and interesting! The program content was all very relevant to farm management and our farm business. The content included managing people, managing time, communication and influence, financial management, economic influences, succession planning and designing a business plan. Networking throughout the week was a highlight. I would highly recommend the program to others who want to increase management and leadership skills. It is extremely motivating and starches your thinking and takes you out of your comfort zone.

- Tara Hawkins, Grower from Neuarpurr, Vic

Brochure here: https://www.rabobank.com.au/-/media/rabobank-au/files/pdf/bmp_brochure_2015.pdf/?la=en

Application form here: https://www.rabobank.com.au/-/media/rabobank-au/files/pdf/forms/pdf_bmp-application-form-2016.pdf/?la=en

The Farm Managers Program is run once a year. In 2016, it will be held Sunday 5 to Friday 10 June 2016. It will be held in SA, at Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, Golf Links Road, Barossa Valley.

Applications close Friday 15 April 2016.

Apply Now!


Summary: 2016 Annual Trial Site Field DayBy Nicola Raymond, Executive Officer

Over 65 grower and associate members attended the 2016 Lucerne Australia trial site field day, which was held in the Keith region of South Australia on Wednesday 10th February.

Members travelled by bus to the “Evaluating alternative fertilisers to maximise lucerne seed yield trial” site at Brecon Proprietors. Here, they received the latest results and participated in a crop walk with an address by Belinda Rawnsley, Project Manager from Peracto SA, who are also an associate member of LA. We thank RIRDC for supporting this five-year trial.

On return to Keith, members received marketing updates from PGG Wrightson Seeds, Heritage Seeds, Seed Genetics International and Naracoorte Seeds about the forthcoming season.

In addition, silver sponsor of LA Seed Services Australia provided an update on their certification services.

Another highlight of the day included presentations from machinery dealers, who showcased their products and services. This included:

• Paul Fisher from The Farmers Centre, showcasing an Agrex Kylo 3000lt spreader

• Brian Bartlett/Quentin Knight from Wickham Flower, showcasing a Kuhn H-EMC 50.1 spreader

• Stuart Harris from Techgrow, showcasing Bogballe and Bredal spreader(s)

• Jason Templeton/Jason Lummis, O’Connors, showcasing Sulky X40 weighing and Sulky DX30 standard spreaders

In addition, Trevor Pfeiffer from Topmark Machinery Naracoorte spoke about a new hay steamer

The event concluded with casual drinks and robust discussions at the Keith Football Club.


ABARES Outlook for Australian Agricultural ExportsSource: Agricultural Commodities Publication, ABARES, December 2015

Overview

Total volume of farm production is forecast to fall by 1.8 per cent in 2015–16, following an estimated decrease of 0.3 per cent in 2014–15. A forecast increase in crop production in 2015–16 is expected to be more than offset by a forecast decline in livestock production from the record level of 2014–15. In 2015–16 the volume index of crop production is forecast to increase by 1.6 per cent, while the volume index of livestock production is forecast to decline by 4.8 per cent.

Wheat and Canola

The world wheat indicator price is forecast to average US$215 a tonne in 2015–16, which would be the lowest in 10 years in real terms. World wheat supplies are expected to be ample in 2015–16, with abundant exportable supplies in some major exporting countries. The volume of world wheat trade is forecast to fall by around 1 per cent in 2015–16, with reduced import demand. Small increases are forecast for Australian wheat production and exports in 2015–16, despite the adverse impact on production of unfavourable seasonal conditions during spring.

Australian canola production is forecast to fall by 14 per cent in 2015–16 to around 3 million tonnes, largely because of a fall in planted area. Despite a warmer and drier than average finish to the season in most canola growing regions, average yield for Australia is expected to be largely unchanged from 2014–15 and only slightly below the five-year average to 2014–15.

Beef and Veal

The Australian weighted average saleyard price of beef cattle is forecast to average 505 cents a kilogram (carcase weight) in 2015–16, a 39 per cent increase year-on-year. Australian cattle slaughter and beef production are forecast to decline because of herd rebuilding but to remain relatively high. Exports of beef and veal are forecast to fall in 2015–16 but to be the second-highest on record after 2014–15. The number of live cattle exported to Vietnam is forecast to increase in 2015–16, offsetting a forecast decline in the number shipped to Indonesia.

Sheep meat and wool

Lamb and sheep prices are forecast to increase in 2015–16, reflecting reduced slaughter and lower lamb availability as producers rebuild flocks. Flock rebuilding is expected to drive reduced rates of turn-off in 2015–16, and as a result the sheep flock is forecast to increase to 71.2 million head by June 2016. Australian wool exports are forecast to fall by 4 per cent to around 440 000 tonnes in 2015–16 as a result of lower opening flock numbers and a reduced proportion of wethers. The Australian Eastern Market Indicator price of wool is forecast to average higher in 2015–16, reflecting a forecast fall in production and the effect of a lower Australian dollar.

Dairy

World dairy prices are forecast to average lower in 2015–16, mainly reflecting reduced demand from major importing countries. World milk production is forecast to increase in 2015–16 but at a slower rate than in 2014–15. Australian milk production is forecast to remain largely unchanged in 2015–16.

The average Australian farmgate milk price is forecast to fall by 2 per cent in 2015–16 to around 47.5 cents a litre, largely reflecting forecast lower world dairy product prices. Partially offsetting the effect of lower world prices is an assumed depreciation of the Australian dollar, which will support producer returns.

Australian milk production is forecast to remain largely unchanged at 9.75 billion litres in 2015–16, with higher milk yields offsetting lower cow numbers. Spring weather conditions were dry until November in some key milk producing regions, including western Victoria, Gippsland and the Murray, which increased the need for supplementary feed use. The size of the national dairy herd is forecast to decline by 1 per cent to 1.73 million head in 2015–16 as producers take advantage of high beef prices and cull less productive cows.


Australian Honeybee Industry Council UpdateBy Trevor Weatherhead, Executive Director, AHBIC

SENSATIONAL REPORTING

Many would have seen the recent article published by Fairfax Media which appeared in Fairfax news lately. To say it was sensationalist would be to put it mildly.

Industry and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) recognises that honey produced from

Paterson’s Curse will contain these Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA’s) as reported in the article and that consumers should not exclusively eat large quantities of this honey. In 2000, FSANZ set a tolerable daily intake of 1.0 μg/kg of body weight per day as a guide to industry and consumers when considering an appropriate food content of plant alkaloids.

Dr. Peter Brooks from the University of the Sunshine Coast estimated that the average 75 kg adult would need to consume 500g of this type of honey daily to reach the precautionary level.

It should be noted that there is not one single case anywhere in the world that documents human health being unfavourably affected as a consequence of the consumption of honey containing the extremely low levels of alkaloids being reported.

The Food Safety and Prevention of Residues Committee of AHBIC had three teleconferences and the media contacts were handled by AHBIC. AHBIC handled 15 radio interviews, 3 TV appearances, several newspaper interviews plus enquiries from beekeepers.

Information has been put on the AHBIC website and an information sheet was prepared for sending to retail outlets and overseas customers. We need to be positive. The issue has currently died down in the media.

The effect was even felt overseas with various Government officials fielding enquiries which AHBIC has been able to help by providing the information sheet to reassure those markets.

It is hard to work out why honey is being singled out when other foods such as teas, herbal products, milk, meat, grains and cereals also contain PA’s. Even photos of the effect of other foods on people are being shown in videos, but nothing to say what the food was, leaving people to link honey with those photos. One photo is from Afghanistan showing the effect of flour not honey. It is quite misleading.

To reiterate there have been no known cases of honey making people sick. PA’s in some honeys is an issue that our industry has been addressing for several years now and that work will continue. No doubt this will be raised at the upcoming State conferences and the AHBIC AGM.

A Reminder about Standardised ContractsBy Nicola Raymond, Executive Officer

Lucerne Australia officially launched a standardised seed contract at the 2014 Trial Site Field Day, three years after the initial meeting held at the Keith Institute on Friday, 4 February 2011.

Lucerne Australia spent three years, countless hours and effort to develop this standardised contract, using a pasture seeds industry contract as a guide, developed by Professor Rocque Reynolds, and framing it to suit our lucerne seed sector.

We encourage all members to use this contract as it will create better, informed discussions between growers and buyers of seed. This will hopefully meet both parties’ needs.

Agreement for Public Varieties

Lucerne Australia also appointed a lawyer to prepare a pro-forma agreement for Lucerne Australia members to use for sale of public lucerne.

This agreement contains the relevant PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register), ROT (Retention of title) clauses and standard terms and is suitable for growers who sell public varieties.

It was launched in mid-2014 and is available for all members. Copies are available on request: [email protected]

If you have any questions regarding either contract, please contact Nicola on 0439 538 332 or Chairman Guy Cunningham on 0429 875 422.

Lucerne Industry Seed Production

Agreement

Released February 2014


Naracoorte Seeds are looking to buy public lucerne seed, so please feel free to give me a call

to discuss on 0427 790 655.

Naracoorte Seeds - Market ReportBy Josh Rasheed, Executive Committee Member, Ph: 0427 790 655

lucerne does drop away from where it is today, you must remember it will still well above prices that have been reached over the past ten or more years.

For other certified lucerne seed outside Siriver, the markets naturally aren’t as strong, but enquiries are still forth coming. I don’t believe prices for other certified public lucerne seed will reach the records of Siriver, but all the same they should still be strong and still greater than what we have seen in the past.

With uncertified public lucerne seed, outside dorm 8/9 varieties, we are still seeing interest, but mainly domestically. Again, prices have been quite strong this season, but once the domestic market is full it leaves the international markets and they are limited, especially at current pricing. This may well put pressure on pricing going forward.

Introducing Pasture Genetics

As of 15th January, 2016 Seed Distributors changed our trading name to Pasture Genetics. The decision to change the name to Pasture Genetics was made to better reflect our company’s commitment to researching and developing the best pasture varieties for the Australian market place.

Pasture Genetics is the result of the merger of seed sales, marketing and logistical distribution company Seed Distributors Pty Ltd (which was established in 1997) and its sister science- ‐based IP product development company Pasture Genetics Pty Ltd (established 2003).

Still 100% owned and operated by Rob & Ann Damin, Pasture Genetics is a company built on Australian innovation, leadership and bold future thinking.

The merging of the two entities provides Australia’s first fully integrated seed breeding, product development, marketing and distribution forage seed company dedicated to making Australian beef, sheep and dairy farmers more profitable.

We will continue to heavily invest in our forage breeding and product development program and maintain our commitment to world class scientific innovation in pasture and forage seeds.

BUYING LUCERNE SEED 2016

Pasture Genetics are active in both the domestic and export seed markets, buying common pasture seed lines and Lucerne seed direct from growers. In 2016 we have been active in Certified and Uncertified Siriver, Sequel, Aurora along with other varieties. Our key buyers are James Holland and Andrew Mason and may be contacted via phone number (08) 8445 1111

Since mid-December the public lucerne trade has been quite slow with not a lot of trade taking place. This isn’t a reflection of our lucerne markets dropping off, but more due to the fact that there was a large amount of public lucerne seed forward sold earlier in the season. Since then, growers have generally being happy to sit and wait to see what harvest brings before selling any more seed.

As many of you are aware, our two main markets for public lucerne seed have been Saudi Arabia (certified Siriver) and the USA (uncertified dorm 8/9 varieties). Other countries have purchased, and are still showing interest, but these two markets have well and truly dominated the purchase of Australian lucerne seed.

The Saudi Arabia market is still strong and it appears it will stay that way for the 2016 season with record prices currently being set. As growers and marketers, we need Saudi to stay buoyant as they would take the vast majority of our certified Siriver seed. While there are other countries purchasing certified Siriver, it is nowhere near the volume Saudi look to take.

The US market has been varying with strong interest early before dropping away coming up to harvest. Prices for uncertified dorm 8/9 lucerne have been at unprecedented level, but it will be interesting to see if that pricing can be held over the 2016 season. I am expecting the harvest of dorm 8/9 lucerne seed to be quite strong this year and if demand doesn’t pick up it will put pressure on pricing going forward. However, even if the pricing for dorm 8/9


Tatiara Seeds ReportBy Graham Ramsdale, Proprietor, Ph: 08 8752 0054

It has been an interesting lucerne season so far, as most irrigated crops are being harvesting a month earlier than usual. There is the usual variation, with the first lucerne seed being delivered in early January.

We have been advised that there is a worldwide shortage of lucerne seed at present. This means that lucerne seed needs to be processed quickly, ready for certification and the market.

Certified Siriver is in strong demand overseas, which is driving record grower prices at the moment. The rest of the International markets are still quite slow and we are expecting them to improve as harvest goes on. Brett at Tatiara Seeds will be looking for seed to on sell into markets again this year. We believe prices should remain strong for both the certified and uncertified markets.

It is vital that each lucerne paddock has a PCR test done on that seed. Samples are taken when the truck is unloaded, and a representative sample is sent to SARDI (SA Research and Development Institute). Normally within two days the results are returned to indicate whether the sample contains any dodder or dodder contamination. Even if there is dust from the dodder seed, this DNA test will produce a positive result. Seed that has a positive PCR is treated very differently by the processor, with quarantine measures in place and additional processing machines being used. It is vital to try to protect Australia’s dodder free status in the world market.

This season, Tatiara Seeds has worked closely with Lucerne Australia to develop a certificate for the PCR results. Once results have been received from SARDI, a certificate is produced and emailed to growers. In the past seasons, growers and marketers have been requesting a certificate to be produced, but there have been some hurdles to overcome. Hopefully this certificate meets the requirements of the industry.

Keep an eye on your Inbox for your PCR Certificate.

Tatiara Seeds at Keith has new joint managers. Tina Sellars and Michael Hogarth have taken over the reins recently. Both have been working in the business for some time, and it is business as usual there.

All the best for all growers and marketers this season.

THE LUCERNE LEADER ISSUE 40 MARCH 2016 PAGE 14 THE LUCERNE LEADER ISSUE 40 MARCH 2016 PAGE 14

Bruce Connor, Deputy Chairman Bruce was born on the family dairy farm at Mt Compass. He relocated to a property at

Tintinara in the late-1970s to grow out replacement heifers. He and his family now farms beef cattle, cropping, dryland and pivot irrigated lucerne for hay and seed.

Contact: 0428 835 310.

Scott Campbell, Grower Member

Scott and his family own and manage 4,100 ha at Keith. They are highly focused on dryland and irrigated lucerne production. There are also 3500 ewes and a winter cropping program.

His family has been involved in the lucerne seed industry for more than 40 years. Contact: 0417 887 562.

Sarah Martin, Associate Member

Sarah is a Senior Rural Manager at Rabobank, responsible for a portfolio of rural clients. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) from the University of Adelaide. She resides on a mixed farming operation (lucerne, sheep, cattle and horses) with her family west of Keith.

Contact: 0429 101 840

Charlie Hilton, Grower Member

Charlie’s family moved to Keith in 1970. Their focus is on lucerne hay and seed production, as well as sheep and cattle enterprises. In 2003, Charlie was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship

to study lucerne seed production. He is a strong believer in the future of lucerne and its benefits. Contact: 0412 668 558

DO YOU KNOW THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS?

Guy Cunningham, Chairman

Guy farms with his wife Sarah and family near Willalooka. The business comprises a 300-cow stud beef cattle herd, dryland winter cropping and lucerne production, mainly aimed at seed with some hay sold off farm. Contact: 0429 875 422.

Lisa Charlton, Associate Member Lisa has lived and worked as an agronomist in Tintinara for over a decade, specialising in dryland lucerne seed, broad-acre cropping and pasture renovation. Lisa is also involved in transport company Frank Fatchen Pty Ltd at Tintinara. Contact: 0408 856 445.

Adam Desmazures, Grower MemberAdam runs the family-owned business with wife Michelle, a young family and parents. The mixed farm has a self-replacing Merino flock, beef cattle and dryland lucerne for hay and seed, which is south of Tintinara. Contact: 0427 560 091.

Josh Rasheed, Associate MemberJosh was appointed as the Contract Cropping Manager and Pasture Advisor at Naracoorte Seeds in 2011. In his role, lucerne is one of the major crops he is involved with. He was previously a Real Estate Agent at the family business in Meningie. Contact: 0427 790 655.

Nicola Raymond, Executive Officer

Nicola is a communications professional with 16 years’ experience in the agricultural industry in both the UK and Australia. She is a farmers’ daughter from a 3,000 acre farm in Wales. Nicola travelled to Australia in 2007 as part of a Nuffield Farming Scholarship and became an Australian citizen in 2011. She resides with her partner on a property south of Keith. Contact: 0439 538 332.

Got a question for Lucerne Australia? Contact the Executive Officer or any of our Executive Committee Members who will be happy to help.

AJ Cotton & MA McDonald

Alpha Group Consulting

Archards IrrigationAsure Quality

Cox Rural Keith

Crop Monitoring Services

D & M Rural

Dow Agro Sciences Australia

Elders Keith

Farmers Centre

Forage Genetics International

Frank Fatchen Pty Ltd

Gibbs Agricultural Consulting

Associate Members/ Bronze Sponsors:Heritage Seeds/Seedmark

Imperial Valley Milling Company

JJ O’Connor E. Sons Pty Ltd

Jolpac Rural Supplies

Kongal Seeds

Landmark Keith

Lawrie & Co

Mellor Olsson

Momentum Energy

NAS AgribusinessNaracoorte Seeds

Peracto SAPGG Wrightson Seeds

Rabobank Australia

SA Apiarists Association

Seed Distributors

Seed Services Australia

Seed Genetics International

Tatiara Seeds

Teague Australia

Vermeeren Bros Manufacturing

WFI

Wickham Flower

Wise Farm Equipment

Zadow Apiaries

PO Box 505,

KEITH SA 5267

Phone: 0439 538 332

email: [email protected] www.lucerneaustralia.org.au

Twitter: Twitter.com/LucerneAust

ABN: 38 226 068 425

Sponsors:The world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking

RabobankGold sponsor of Lucerne Australia

Seed ServicesSilver sponsor of Lucerne Australia

Murray NankivellProviding financial advice

Welcome to New Members:

WFIGold sponsor of Lucerne Australia Good people

to know

Wise Farm Equipment Silver sponsor of Lucerne Australia

Mellor OlssonSilver sponsor of Lucerne Australia

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