Published since 1986
AUGUST, 2020
Livestock
www.farmernews.com.au
Pasture fertiliser/ hay silage
PAGES 16-17
PAGS 18-19
Sheep sales
PAGES 20-22
The shows must go on By EMMA OLIVER
GOORAM BRED: Harold and Annette Cocking recently cleaned-up at the inaugural Southern Grainfed Carcase Classic at Teys’ Charlton feedlot, placing in the top three of the feedlot performance section, and a second and third in carcase performance. The couple attribute their success to not only concentrating in the last eight years on premium-quality genetics, but to the breed of cattle itself, believeing feedlots favour Black Angus. Their story is on pae 14.
BACK bigger and better in 2021 is the caption most agricultural shows are running with, as they tackle the onerous task of cancelling events for the upcoming show season. With the majority of Victoria’s spring season shows postponed, a few of the smaller events have held off making their final decision in the hope that restrictions would ease and the state would have the pandemic under control. Recent weeks, however, have proven otherwise, and the positivity felt in May and early June as to how the virus was tracking, has unfortunately shown to be premature. Rather than continue to invest in events that may unfortunately be cancelled organisers are pulling the pin now to ensure future events can and will go ahead. “Some of these shows are over 150 years old and it would
be a huge shame to lose these historical events from the agricultural calendar,” Rod Bowles, executive officer of Victorian Agricultural Shows, said. “They are often an icon of their town, and looked forward to with anticipation as a get-together for the extended agricultural community, and a celebration and affirmation of their achievements. “And as such, the benefit of shows to mental health and wellbeing in rural communities cannot be underestimated.” This consideration is at the forefront of committee members’ minds when making the devastating decision to cancel events for 2020. “There is also the fear for those not running their shows, that after annual expenses, they may not have sufficient cash resources to put on a show next year,” Mr
Bowles said, “and whether the enthusiasm will still exist within a committee to put on a show in this era of uncertainty. “There is not a huge profit margin in shows, and often it is harder to get something back in business than maintaining the momentum of an already running event. “Insurance for shows is a massive outlay, and if anybody was to contract COVID-19 at an event that insurance would be rendered null and void. “Having drafted a risk management document with required operating procedures, the logistical nightmare of putting on a show during a pandemic has frightened a lot of committees. “With the extra costs of employing additional staff, and the massive requirements in relation to cleaning and sanitising, expenses have become prohibitive for most shows. ■ Continued page 10
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