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Loddon HERALD Vol 4 No 37, THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 ISSN 2653-1550
FANS SHOW
FETE FUN
CANDIDATES
THEIR FOOTY
MARKS END
ANSWER
COLOURS
OF TERM
QUESTIONS
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Hay exporter expands
BIGGER BALES
MAJOR exporter Hay Australia is expanding capacity by a third at its Bridgewater plant. Framework for the new $1.5 million shed to store up to 18,500 bales arrived at the Calder Highway site last week and will be lifted into position within days. The company with 32 employees says increased storage will be a game-changer in handling and processing high-density bales. National grower services and quality assurance manager Geoff Walker said development was a further long-term investment in grower partnerships across the region. Expansion comes a decade after the company, with operations in four states, opened in Bridgewater. Mr Walker said high-density bales weighed upwards of 750kg compared with older bales of 600kg. “They require less movements on site as well as truck logistics ... we can put more hay into the sheds and it’s more efficient,” Mr Walker said, “Bales are safer
By CHRIS EARL
to stack while before, stored hay could become spongey and bottom bales squashed. “We are becoming more efficient on site and with more storage we can prioritise production.” The dairy industry in Australia and Asia remains a major market for feed products processed at the Bridgewater plant. Mr Walker said there continued to be similar challenges domestically and internationally where milk prices were under pressure. “In Asia, it’s not much different to our dairy farmers here, pushing back on cost. “Long-time farmers have seen all this before.” Mr Walker said investment at Bridgewater “comes in this challenging environment but we are looking long-term”. Hay Australia had taken a similar approach with future staff recruitment, beginning an internship with the University of Adelaide for agronomy students, including Bridgewater placement, Mr Walker said.
Wedderburn brigade members Jeroen van Veen and Harry Hargreaves with CFA Loddon commander Bryan Suckling after receiving their National Emergency Medals. LH PHOTO
Firies recognised with medals and praise COUNTRY Fire Authority volunteers from across the Loddon have been recognised with the National Emergency Medal for their work during the Black Summer fires of 2019-2020. Dozens of firefighters packed Serpentine Memorial Hall on Friday night by the presentation ceremony.
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and CFA board member Peter Shaw presented the first medals to be awarded to local firefighters who were part of strike teams battling fires in Victoria and New South Wales. Mr Shaw said Black Summer had one of been the longest and most horrific fire seasons.
“You have exemplified what it means to be part of this organisation,” Mr Heffernan told medal recipients. “You are (all) incredibly worthy of this award.” The operational service medal recognises significant or sustained service in response to nationally significant emergencies.
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LONGVIEW PRESTIGIOUS & MAGNIFICENT FERNIHURST – BOORT AREA “LONGVIEW” 1102.14 Hectares – 2723.41 Acres AUCTION: Thursday, 24th October 2024 @ 11:00am On Site TO BE OFFERED IN 4 LOTS Seldom does a prestigious property like “Longview” present for sale, in the tightly held area of Fernihurst. Owned by the Coutts family for 152yrs, this magnificent property represents a significant opportunity to acquire a large parcel of land, operating a successful sheep & wool enterprise. With first rate infrastructure, excellent fencing & laneways through lot 1 for seamless transition of both livestock & machinery. The whole property is subscribed to the Warranga dam fill system & comes with our highest recommendations! FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE