Issuu

THE MALLEE’S FARMING NEWSPAPER AUGUST 2026 Successful show Page 2

Winners bale up the honours Page 3

New technology Page 14

FROM TEST TUBES TO GARLIC BULBS Ethan Marson, Nick Diamantopoulos and Carla Breen of Australian Garlic Producers have received international recognition for their innovative farming practices. Picture: Matt Elliott (570837_01)

Growing up in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Malvern, Nick Diamantopoulos’ world was one of laboratory test tubes and complex molecular structures rather than red dust, irrigation lines, and diesel pumps. When he ﬁrst purchased a small hobby farm, the Australian garlic industry was virtually non-existent. Over 95 per cent of the garlic consumed nationally was imported from China, leaving local growers struggling to compete. Where standard farm management saw a losing battle against cheap imports, the inquisitive chemist spotted a puzzle waiting to be solved. STORY - PAGE 9

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW GEN4 C4 AND C5 ATVS PACKED WITH PRACTICAL FEATURES AND ENGINEERED TO GET THE JOB DONE!

All-new GEN4 performance. Built tough for everyday work. • 33hp, 409cc engine • CFMOTO CVT • Selectable 4WD • 12-inch steel wheels • 24-inch tyres • Steel carrier racks • 40kg/80kg rack capacity • 612kg tow capacity • Available in Gedanite Grey

More control, more comfort. Work-ready with added capability. • 33hp, 409cc engine • CFMOTO CVT • Power steer • Selectable 4WD • 12-inch alloy wheels • 24-inch tyres • Steel carrier racks • 2,500lb winch • 40kg/80kg rack capacity • 612kg tow capacity • Available in Cypress Green

The Aussie favourite - now more powerful, capable, and refined. • 39hp, 499cc engine • CFMOTO CVT • Power steer • Selectable 4WD • 12-inch alloy wheels • 25-inch tyres • Steel carrier racks • 2,500lb winch • 40kg/80kg rack capacity • 612kg tow capacity • Available in Magma Red

2 | August 2026

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

Jayd Grylls from Grylls Cattle Co took the supreme champion ribbon home with her bull.

Seth and Axel Miller show off grand champion female PLB Trendy.

A successful show Lara Prust THE Swan Hill Cattle Show displayed a promising future for the Australian beef industry last weekend with well deserved winners across the board. According to senior steward Scott Bruton, the event was highly anticipated from across Victoria. “It was a great weekend, we had people driving six hours for the competition, from all over the state,” he said. He said this year had the highest number of cattle entries he has seen, and that most competitors

often took part in the Swan Hill Cattle Show in the lead-up to other prestigious competitions. “We had the most entries this year with 90 head of cattle between the two days, and a lot of them will go on to show at the Adelaide Show and the Melbourne Show in a couple of months.” Jayd Grylls from Grylls Cattle Co took the supreme champion ribbon home with her bull, Grylls Calibre. “It feels pretty cool to have won this,” Ms Grylls said. Having shown cattle since she was seven years old, she brought quiet conﬁdence and skill to the

competition. “My family has been breeding and showing cattle since long before I was born.” Proud of her win, she said she’d take that momentum with her to Melbourne, calling the Swan Hill competition “a great break-in show before heading to the Melbourne Show in October.” Grylls Cattle Co showed three cattle from their Simmental and Angus farm at the weekend. The winning Simmental bull was described by judges as “oozing easy doing, carrying his head very well, and having great strength on top”.

In second place, and earning the award of grand champion female for his cow, 15-year-old Seth Miller showed his very own PLB Trendy Shorthorn. PLB Trendy is Mr Miller’s ﬁrst cow, and he said the moment was very special to him. “I feel proud, she’s a very eye-catching cow,” he said. With a bright future in showing, Mr Miller will be joining his family to show their cattle from Roly Park at the Melbourne Show. The grand champion female was described by judges as “long fronted with plenty of barrel” and “a beautiful cow”.

YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS IN HORTICULTURE, BROADACRE, HOME GARDEN AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN Visit our rural merchandise store, you’ll find knowledgeable and welcoming staff to help you with all your enquiries.

HANDLER 4 - 870 Litre

HANDLER 2 - 160 HAN 60 Litre

• 2 inch Banjo camlock ck fittings • Includes Handler knife system g, • Capable of piercing, emptying and rinsing 0L/20L containers easily

• 2 inch i Banjo ca camlock fittings fitt • Ba Banjo pump • 6.5 6.5hp Honda en engine • 1x1 inch agitation n • Venturi Ve d manifold

SWAN HILL (03) 5032 9255 20 NYAH ROAD, SWAN HILL, VICTORIA

ROBINVALE (03) 5026 1988 22 MOORE STREET, ROBINVALE, VICTORIA

MILDURA (03) 5024 6899 2132 15TH STREET, IRYMPLE, VICTORIA

NANGILOC (03) 5065 3064 2558 KULKYNE WAY, NANGILOC, VICTORIA

DARWIN 15 TOUPEIN ROAD, YARRAWONGA, NORTHERN TERRITORY 0830

HANDLER 1 - 59 Litre

• 2 inch or 3 inch Banjo cam camlock fitti fittings • Kni Knife system • RotaFlush Rot tank rinse nozzle • 1 x 11" agitator • Venturi Ven manifold • Ban Banjo pump with 6.5hp Hon engine Honda • Optional Opt e Hose & Drum probe and and/or Mic Micromatic coupler O t • Optional Hypro pum with 13.5Hp • Honda electric start

• 3 inch Banjo camlock fittings • Knife system • RotaFlush tank rinse nozzle • 2 x 2” agitators for sup superior agitation • Venturi Ven Manifold • 3 inch in Banjo pump with 6.5hp Honda engine Bypass • Optional Opt M & Micromatic rinser • Optional Opt Hose & Dru Probe and/or Drum Mic Micromatic coupler • Optional Opt Hypro pump with 13.5Hp Honda electric start

HANDLER 3 - 275 Litre

August 2026 | 3

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

Winners bale up the honours Peter Bannan A HOPETOUN hay grower has been named among Australia’s best after taking out a national title at the 2026 Feed Central National Hay Quality Awards. Wayne Huf, of Claralda Pty Ltd, won the National Vetch Hay Feed Test Award, as well as the Victorian Vetch Hay Feed Test Award, for his 590kg large square bales. The recognition came as New South Wales growers dominated this year’s awards, claiming five of the eight national titles, alongside two Victorian winners and one from Queensland. The winners were announced during Feed Central’s Top of the Stack webinar last week. Mr Huf said the awards had come as a surprise after about two decades growing vetch on his Hopetoun property. “I didn’t even realise they held these awards,” he said. “I regularly use Feed Central to list my hay for sale and stuff like that, but I didn’t realise they actually did these awards like this.” Mr Huf said producing award-winning hay was partly down to careful management, but admitted favourable conditions had played their part. “A little bit of luck,” he said. “Don’t get too much rain or no rain, but that’s out of our control. “Don’t handle it too much once it’s cut, just let it cure, and then rake and bale. “I got lucky, I think that was probably the thing. Lucky with the weather, and it wasn’t the hugest, greatest-yielding crop, but it still obviously came out to be good.” The awards were judged on large square bales, with Feed Central managing director Tim Ford saying they recognised the skill and hard work required to consistently produce high-quality hay. “Making hay is not easy and making good hay is exceptionally difficult and these awards acknowledge the excellent management and hard work that goes into it,” Mr Ford said.

“It is a pleasure to recognise the best of the best and some of the results this year have been exceptional, which is what we need as an industry. “We want repeat buyers and the quality feed being recognised in these awards is testimony to what the industry is capable of.” Fellow Victorian Carl Chamberlain, of Meran Grove Farms at Meering West, won the Victorian Vetch Hay Visual Award. For Mr Huf, hay has become an increasingly important part of the farming operation. A generational farmer, he said the family had expanded its hay program within its cropping rotation for weed control and risk management, particularly on more marginal country. “We expanded the hay program in the rotation because of weed control, risk management, some of that vetch, even oats as well,” he said. “We’ll scrap that onto some of the more marginal country. It’s a little bit more opportunistic, which seems to be working for us. “It takes a bit of the seasonal risk, a lot of the seasonal risk, out of some of that country.” While Mr Huf did not have vetch planted this season, he had plenty of oat hay and expected cutting to begin in about three weeks. He said rain approaching hay harvest could be a doubleedged sword, with losses in hay production potentially oﬀset by improvements in grain crops. “What we lose in the hay if it gets rained on, we’ll really pick that up in the grain crops,” he said. Mr Huf estimated hay prices were averaging about $250 a tonne depending on quality, below the $300 to $400 range growers would prefer to see. The Top of the Stack webinar also featured a live virtual farm walk with northern Victorian farmer Jake Thompson, Robyn Faulkner from Renklauf Trading at Mintaro in South Australia, and Mark Burkinshaw from Lockhart in New South Wales. The large online audience was also given updates on global hay dynamics and key trends aﬀecting the domestic market.

Two local hay growers have been named among Australia’s best after taking out awards at the 2026 Feed Central National Hay Quality Awards.

Northern Wool is a locally owned wool business in Swan Hill and district associated with Endeavour Wool Export - a large Australian family-owned wool exporting business 3 Consignment for export 3 Price on result 3 Competitive auction rates 3 Prompt payment

Exporting to all major countries around the world

Tony Keam Wool Buyer 0427 993 041 E: tony-keam@bigpond.com

15 Shepherd Road, Swan Hill

4 | August 2026

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

Producer of the year for Barham

THE MALLEE’S FARMING NEWSPAPER AUGUST 2026 Successful show Page 2

Winners bale up the honours Page 3

New technology Page 14

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW GEN4 C4 AND C5 ATVS PACKED WITH PRACTICAL FEATURES AND ENGINEERED TO GET THE JOB DONE!

Lara Prust

THE MALLEE’S FARMING NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED monthly in The Guardian (Swan Hill), Sunraysia Daily (Mildura) and Gannawarra Times (Kerang/Cohuna) ___

CLASSIFIEDS Phone: 1300 666 808 Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au ___

ADVERTISING Phone: 03 5032 2161 Email: advertising@northwestfarmer.com.au ___

EDITORIAL Phone: 03 5032 2161 Email: editorial@northwestfarmer.com.au

View Online www.northwestfarmer.com.au Published by SA Today Pty Ltd. ACN 644 311 937. All material is copyright to SA Today Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions, please visit theguardian.com.au/terms-and-conditions.

LAUREN Stevens has given everything to her farm. Now, she finally has the national recognition that could help her out. Ms Stevens was awarded with the Delicious. Havey Norman overall producer of the year award in Sydney. For her, the award does not just mark a moment in time, but reflects 16 years of dedication, changes and challenges. Ms Stevens established Bundarra Farming For Good in Barham in 2010, but always had the idea at the back of her mind. “I’ve always been on a farm and always wanted to go back to farming,” she said. Her motivation was simple: to fill a gap in the market and provide local businesses with access to quality, sustainable, and ethically-farmed meat. “I used to work in a cafe, and noticed how difficult it was to get high quality pork.” The concept started small, but has grown immeasurably since. Over the years, she has swapped tactics, introduced new products, removed those that didn’t work out, and collaborated with the community. Her farm has seen beef cattle, eggs, chickens, pigs, and an on-farm butchery and store. She made the switch to regenerative farming six years ago, and said she could never imagine going back. “Regenerative farming has been a real game changer, seeing the farm benefit from our practices and not suffering,” she said. Regenerative farming is an agricultural practice that aims to support soil health, rebuild nature, and combat the effects of climate change. For Ms Stevens, this meant creating a biologicallydiverse environment, and mineral rich soils which can absorb large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. From paddock rotating, planting multispecies cover crops, to prohibiting ploughing and the use of synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and fungicides, the farm has prioritised land health and sustainability which, according to her, was undeniably worth the extra effort. “It was incredible to watch the turnaround, it’s what keeps me going,” she said. Since adopting the practice, she said her pigs were thriving, and she was delighted to see native wildlife return to the paddocks. But between the new machinery, caring for the animals, coordinating with the butchery and transport providers, managing communitysupported agriculture programs, and everything else she has taken on, Ms Stevens said the strain was beginning to show. “I’m burnt out,” she said. “I’ve sacrificed so much for the farm, and it has huge potential, but we need a bit of help.” According to her, the work can be isolating. She said that out here, no one seems to really understand what she’s doing, and it’s hard to find people with the specific skillsets she required to help

Bundarra Farming For Good’s produce on display at the awards ceremony in Sydney.

Lauren Stevens at the 2026 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards. Pictures: Lucas Jarvis Photography.

For Lauren Stevens, the Producer of the Year Award is the culmination of 16 years of challenges, change and commitment to her craft.

out on the farm. “Casual work is so hard to ﬁnd up here, and with freight costs, ﬁnding specialised tradies, and repairing machinery breakdowns, everything costs more up here in the country.” So, when she received the Producer of the Year Award, she saw a window of opportunity. Ms Stevens said the award came as a shock. “We didn’t know we were winning so it was a big surprise… it shows we’re doing a good thing and people recognise that what we’re doing is valuable.” “I couldn’t ask for a better pat on the back,” she said. While the awards ceremony in Sydney was an exciting experience, Ms Stevens said its real value lay in the impact it could have on her business. She said she hoped the recognition would create new possibilities for the farm and for herself. “It’s really just about the awareness it could raise about the things we’re doing.” “I’m not really focusing on one pathway, because when you do that, you can let opportunities pass you by, so I’m open and letting the opportunities come to me.”

She said a little help could go a long way for her business. After years of backing those around her through working with small businesses and contributing to local agricultural causes, she is turning to the farming community for support. “Input from processing, or connecting with a similar business to us, even just sharing freight or land could make a big diﬀerence. It’s very challenging to do this by ourselves.” Ms Stevens said she loved what the farm contributed to the environment, her own wellbeing, and the local community, and believed its “huge potential” could be realised with a little extra support. Amid the challenges, Ms Stevens said the awards ceremony highlighted the invaluable contributions of her team behind the scenes. “I just want to thank my team who works tirelessly through some probably very frustrating times, with all these changes.” Without them working for me, it wouldn’t be possible and I’m forever grateful and humbled that they want to work for me every day.”

August 2026 | 5

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

Breaking News NEW TO KERANG! Antiques, Antiques and much more...

OPEN NOW! New Home to Royston’s Collectables

Antiques from England, France and early Australia. Large Collection - furniture • lamps • paintings • extensive range of china Also includes high quality, pre-used furniture, garden furniture, pots and much more!

You will not regret your decision by visiting Royston’s Collectables Kerang. Royston’s Collectables, brings back memories... R oysston’s C olleecta ables, bri ings b ac k m em

Business Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 10am to 4pm Saturday: 10am to 2pm Former Kerang Hotel 79 Wellington St, Kerang

Enquiries: Roy 0424 688 744

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

6 | August 2026

Bees and blossoms mark the start of almond season By Almonds Australia chief executive Tim Jackson ALMOND orchards are bursting into colour, as blossom season begins. It is a spectacular time of year and one of the most important for almond growers and beekeepers alike. While ﬂowering has been slow to start, warm sunny days will help the orchards transform. It is a busy time for beekeepers, as hives are trucked into orchards to help with pollination. There aren’t enough hives in Victoria to meet the needs of almond growers, so many hives from interstate are needed. Almond pollination season is regarded as Australia’s largest annual movement of livestock, with 300,000 hives needed nationally. While these hives will only be on farm for around six weeks, they will generate more than $60 million revenue for the beekeeping industry. Preparing hives for almond pollination begins at the start of the year and beekeepers take great pride in providing healthy colonies. Unfortunately, the spread of Varroa mite, a bee parasite is making it harder for Australian apiarists, who now need to implement additional management practices to protect their hives. The almond industry is reliant on bees for pollination but growers are starting to show heightened interest in selffertile almond varieties. New mapping of almond orchards across Australia has revealed more than 25 per cent of all new trees planted in the past three years are self-fertile varieties. Self-fertile plantings now make up

about 7.5 per cent of all plantings, up from two per cent in 2023. The almond industry is preparing for a signiﬁcant replanting phase and it is expected that when old orchards are removed many will be replaced with a self-fertile variety. The almond industry will always need bees for pollination but the move towards self-fertile varieties will free up hives for other crop pollination. The number of feral bees in Australia will decline as varroa mite becomes more established. This means that other fruit and vegetable growers, who had their crop pollinated by feral European honey bees, may soon be looking for managed beehives. Finally, congratulations to the organisers of the Mallee Almond Blossom Festival, for staging another successful event in Robinvale on Sunday. Hundreds of people boarded buses to see the blossom at a nearby almond orchard and learn more about the industry. For many getting photos amongst the blossom at this community event is an annual highlight. Outback Almonds, on the Darling River, north of Wentworth also hosted a blossom dinner for 140 people last Saturday night. The dinner was held in the Douglas family’s shed that is used to store almonds after they are harvested. Almond trees around the shed were illuminated and people had the opportunity to wander through the trees during the evening. While many of the guests were from the Mildura region, there were others from as far away as Melbourne who attended.

Robinvale in bloom THE sun shone down on Robinvale for the 17th Mallee Almond Blossom Festival on Sunday, welcoming more than 3000 locals and tourists to enjoy food, entertainment and tours of the blooming almond orchards. While the almond orchards have been slow to bloom this season, the bus tours throughout the day were full. Tourists made the most of the blossoms that were on show at Lake Lucas Almonds, watching the bees at work pollinating the orchard and taking photos with the iconic ﬂowers. More than 138 million bees were at work in the orchard from hives transported speciﬁcally to ensure the trees bear fruit, while the industry is under development to transition to self-fertile almond varieties. At the Robinvale Community Arts Centre, the crowd was treated to live music performances, including the Sunraysia Irish Dancers, food, beverages, arts and more, from almost 80 stalls.

Tourists from around the world joined tours to Lake Lucas Almonds in NSW. Pictures: Sam James

Almond Board of Australia industry development officer Peter Jealous shared his knowledge of the almond industry with tourists.

The bees didn’t take Sunday off busy in the orchards to ensure a successful harvest.

The Mallee Almond Blossom Festival was enjoyed by more than 3000 guests. Picture: Supplied

Vertical Feed-mixers 10 to 40 cubic metre models Single or Twin Augers, Front Door or Side Doors with 3ft - 9ft elevator options See us on site at Henty & Elmore Field Days

ROLLER MILLS

Quick and effective mixing, complete and rapid emptying. What you put in your mix gets to your herd, consistently. Large carbide-insert knives for efficient and uniform cutting.

For over 60 years the heart of the RENN Roller Mill has been its precision-machined 16” diameter rolls, which provide more grain rolling area per revolution . Save time and money year after year by rolling more grain per hour with less horsepower. Long lasting chill cast rolls.

BIO SPREADERS

Heavy duty design, reinforced beaters with patented reversable and replaceable teeth, consistent spreading pattern.

Ideal for all types of grain, corn and legumes.

12”, 24”, 36” & 48” models

Eastern States Distributors for MARSHALL MULTISPREAD Fertilizer Spreaders — 2.5 to 16 tonne

EASTERN SPREADERS PTY LTD 9508 Murray Valley Highway, KERANG, Vic 3579 Mob: 0409 691 226 or 0429 480 337

Ph: 03 5450 3077

easternspreaders.com.au

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

{issue_no} | 7

The Victorian Government is delivering real help, right now by giving you 20% off your rego. Extended until August 31st, Victorians can apply for 20% back off 2025/26 rego. To apply go to the Service Victoria app or website.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

8 | August 2026

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

Cool change delays vines Peter Bannan A COOL start to winter could delay budburst in dried grape vineyards, with growers urged to keep a close eye on soil moisture as vines begin waking from dormancy. Dried Fruits Australia industry development officer Michael Treeby said the timing and consistency of budburst depended heavily on temperatures experienced during winter and as vines emerged from dormancy. Dormancy begins with leaf fall and the cessation of metabolic activity and ends with budburst, but Mr Treeby said the process involved two distinct phases known as endo-dormancy and ecodormancy. Endo-dormancy was eﬀectively a rest period for the vine, with its duration linked to the number of

hours spent below a particular temperature. The temperature threshold and number of cold hours required varied between grape varieties and species, while cold conditions experienced earlier in winter were generally more effective. “Early cold temperatures in late May and early June are considered more effective than the same temperatures in July,” Mr Treeby said. This year, the rolling three-day average minimum temperature did not fall below five degrees until the final week of June, potentially contributing to a later budburst. Eco-dormancy begins once the vine’s endodormancy requirements have been met, or mostly met. Warmer temperatures at that point hasten budburst, while continued cool conditions can delay it. Mr Treeby said problems could emerge when

vines had not fully satisfied their endo-dormancy requirements before warmer weather arrived. “In these circumstances, budburst is delayed, prolonged and sporadic,” he said. “This makes pest and disease control difficult and can lead to extended flowering and asynchronous fruit development and maturation.” Growers were also being urged not to assume recent rainfall had left soil moisture levels adequate as vines approached budburst. About 225mm of rain had fallen since March, including 59mm across May, June and July. While that could suggest the soil profile was reasonably full, Mr Treeby said growers should check their soil moisture probes and irrigate if necessary. Root activity begins before there are obvious signs of budburst, with the root flush expected to begin around the third or fourth week of August.

Complete your Census now. It‘s not too late.

“The root flush needed to help push water up the trunk and into those swelling buds will be healthier if it is occurring in a soil profile at or near field capacity than it will be if the soil is at or near the re-fill point,” Mr Treeby said. Attention also needed to be paid to the soil surface, which had dried considerably after little more than 3mm of rain during the previous fortnight. The Bureau of Meteorology’s water and the land rainfall outlook also suggested less than a few millimetres of rain would fall during the following 10 days or so. Mr Treeby said those dry conditions could also increase the importance of frost control as vines approached budburst. “Frost control may become important under these circumstances and could be another reason to consider irrigation,” he said.

GrainGrowers’ 2026 State of the Australian Grain Industry Report found production had surged despite only modest growth in the amount of land being farmed. Picture: File

Against the grain Peter Bannan

Census night was Tuesday 11 August. It’s compulsory for each household to complete the Census to help plan for Australia’s future. For help, visit census.abs.gov.au or call 1800 181 227.

Every answer matters. Authorised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra

AUSTRALIA’S grain industry has enjoyed a recordbreaking five years, but growing global instability was threatening to test the sector’s resilience. GrainGrowers’ 2026 State of the Australian Grain Industry Report found production had surged despite only modest growth in the amount of land being farmed. Released every five years, the report analysed data from a range of sources to identify the major trends, risks and opportunities facing the industry. GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton said continued productivity growth had helped deliver five of Australia’s six biggest grain production seasons on record during the past six years. “These long-term productivity gains are underpinned by growers’ ability to adopt new technologies, maintain sustainable farming practices and expertly manage climate volatility,” Mr Turton said. “Importantly, the volume of grain grown has increased significantly while the area planted has only increased modestly, which shows growers are making the most of every hectare.” The industry’s five-year average production increased from 44 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 64 million tonnes in 2025-26, representing a 45 per cent increase. The sector also contributed an average $27 billion a year to the Australian economy over the past five years. About 37,000 grain farmers operated across 18,000 farms nationwide, with 69 per cent of farms employing workers. Australia also remained a heavyweight in global grain markets, exporting 39.6 million tonnes in 2024-25. Its five biggest export markets by volume were China, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam. Australia accounted for about 10 per cent of global wheat exports, 20 per cent of global canola and barley exports and 40 per cent of global chickpea exports. However, Mr Turton said the industry’s success had come against an increasingly difficult international backdrop, with threats that were far less pronounced five years ago. “The risks posed by global volatility have heightened in recent years, driven by geopolitical tensions, ongoing supply chain disruptions and a renewed rise in protectionist and interventionist trade policies in key markets,” he said. “It has never been more important for the industry to work with government to address the challenges and support growers in realising the opportunities before them.”

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

August 2026 | 9

From test tubes to garlic bulbs

Melbourne-based Nick Diamantopoulos has turned a hobby farm into Australia’s biggest garlic producer over the past 30 years. Picture: Matt Elliott

Presenting before global delegates and commercial giants, including Bill Christopher of the nearby Christopher Ranch, Nick’s scientific presentation turned heads across the industry. Picture: Supplied Matt Elliott MY monthly cameo as an agricultural industry interloper had already made a stuttering start. After a week of boasting to my Sunraysia Daily colleagues that I had hit the big time with an interview “in Iraak,” our photographer called in sick. Diverting at Hattah towards the Robinvale–Sea Lake Road, my dynamic but less than robust MG hatchback navigated a 54-kilometre stretch, past Rocky Lammatina’s carrot farm, before being interrupted by seemingly endless roadworks. Eventually I arrived, ready to talk garlic with Nick Diamantopoulos, who immediately put me at ease with his friendly disposition and sprawling grey hair. When Mr Diamantopoulos first bought a farm, he readily admits he could not drive a tractor. Three decades later, he still can’t. Yet despite his unconventional entry into agriculture, the diminutive industrial chemist from Melbourne, turned garlic grower, is spearheading a world-first scientific breakthrough. His business recently unveiled revolutionary research showing that specific local garlic cultivars possess powerful antiviral and therapeutic properties. It is a discovery set to launch Sunraysia into the global health supplement market. At the centre of this transformation stands Mr Diamantopoulos. The jovial scientist has spent 30 years proving that the future of Australian agriculture lies not in competing on raw commodity volume, but in unlocking high-value biochemical potential through rigorous discipline. His journey into horticulture was anything but conventional. Growing up in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Malvern, Mr Diamantopoulos’ world was one of laboratory test tubes and complex molecular structures rather than red dust, irrigation lines, and diesel pumps. When he first purchased a small hobby farm, the Australian garlic industry was virtually non-existent. Over 95 per cent of the garlic consumed nationally was imported from China, leaving local growers struggling to compete. Where standard farm management saw a losing battle against cheap imports, the inquisitive chemist spotted a puzzle waiting to be solved. “My chemistry background was really the catalyst for everything that followed,” Mr Diamantopoulos reflected. “It gave me a mindset of always wanting to understand the ’why’ behind what I was seeing in the paddock, not just accepting it at face value.” That scientific curiosity sent him travelling across the globe for three decades, scouring obscure growing regions, collecting rare genetic lines, and studying ancient traits. Australian Garlic Producers amassed a collection of more than 300 cultivars sourced worldwide, growing them under strict experimental conditions to observe how individual plant genetics performed. Today, the business stands as Australia’s undisputed

leader in garlic production, operating across major growing regions including farms in Deniliquin, New South Wales, and Mount Gambier, South Australia. Their drive for domestic quality has reshaped national supply chains: Coles now exclusively sells 100 per cent Australian-grown garlic, while Woolworths sources the vast majority of its range domestically. The culmination of Mr Diamantopoulos’ 30year obsession is a genuine breakthrough in nutraceutical science. In peer-reviewed studies conducted alongside leading institutions, including the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at Melbourne University, and published by the prestigious international Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, researchers discovered that garlic’s health properties vary dramatically across varieties. The research reveals that a specific, proprietary cultivar bred and selected by the company possesses extraordinary antiviral and therapeutic potency. Crucially, the research has also proved that biological activity depends entirely on the underlying genetics of the cultivar, precise extraction techniques, and controlled processing conditions. “These findings fundamentally change the way the world should think about garlic,” Mr Diamantopoulos said. “For centuries, garlic has been viewed as a broad, generic natural remedy. Our research indicates that not all garlic is equal, especially when it comes down to health benefits.” To unveil these historic findings, Mr Diamantopoulos flew to California to address the world’s largest garlic conference in Gilroy, the selfproclaimed garlic capital of the world, situated in Santa Clara County, just south of Silicon Valley. Presenting before global delegates and commercial giants, including Bill Christopher of the nearby Christopher Ranch, Nick’s scientific presentation turned heads across the industry. “The Americans were fascinated,” Mr Diamantopoulos said. “They realised an Australian company had uncovered an entirely unmapped frontier in garlic’s medicinal potential.” He said American producers had spent generations focusing almost exclusively on yield, bulb size, and culinary flavour. The Australian scientific evidence on targeted therapeutic efficacy was a complete revelation. While the discovery hinges on specific genetics rather than region-exclusive soil, Mr Diamantopoulos said Sunraysia provided the vital operational foundation to bring this science to scale. “The soils here are exceptional,” he explained. “They are well-drained, mineral-rich, and paired with the long, dry growing season and cold winters that garlic requires to bulb properly.” To meet anticipated demand as the company expands into global health markets, Australian Garlic Producers is developing a major new greenfield production and extraction facility in the region. What makes these medicinal cultivars particularly

The research reveals that a specific, proprietary cultivar bred and selected by the company possesses extraordinary antiviral and therapeutic potency. Picture: Supplied

Twenty-year-old Ethan Marson, originally from Gippsland, manages the property as part of his family’s agricultural operations. Picture: Matt Elliott

attractive to growers is that in the paddock, they require no exotic agronomy. They follow the standard planting, irrigation, and harvest calendar as culinary crops. During our walk across the property, Mr Diamantopoulos explained that this allows for a staggered approach across their geographically diverse holdings, stretching harvest from late September to January, and planting from March until June. The true innovation occurs post-harvest. The crop undergoes a controlled ageing process to naturally stabilise bioactive compounds before being processed through patented extraction technology. Traditional heat processing destroys delicate organosulfur compounds, but this extraction seals those active bioactives in, protecting therapeutic substances from degradation. The commercialisation of medicinal garlic marks a major milestone for local economic development around Mildura and Robinvale. “By attracting export markets we will be able to grow more garlic, which will have a ﬂow-on eﬀect for the community.” Mr Diamantopoulos said the new site at Iraak will create high-skilled positions in agronomy, biochemical processing, and extraction. Importantly, the business is transitioning longserving casual farm workers into permanent, fulltime roles, securing local family livelihoods and proving that value-added ag-tech can build a lasting regional enterprise. For Diamantopoulos, backing science means embracing cutting-edge technology right across the enterprise. “Farming is not what it used to be; we need to embrace modern technology,” he asserted. Today, Australian Garlic Producers utilises soil monitoring technology, automated GPS machinery, satellite imagery, and crop-scouting drones that analyse canopy density and identify potential diseases. Yet behind the advanced algorithms and

cleanroom extraction labs remain the dedicated local people who keep the paddocks running smoothly day in, day out. Twenty-year-old Ethan Marson, originally from Gippsland, manages the property as part of his family’s agricultural operations. “I’ve been working on our farms since I was 16. I didn’t enjoy school,” he said. Energetic and deeply passionate about his work, Mr Marson represents the new generation of Australian farmers who thrive in tech-forward agriculture, recently reaping the rewards of hard work with a snowboarding trip to Japan before travelling through Mexico. Overseeing daily business precision is New Zealand-born Carla Breen. Having served 15 years with the business, she modestly refers to herself as a compliance officer. Mr Diamantopoulos swiftly corrects that description, emphasising that she is an indispensable cog in the Australian Garlic machine. Known as a straight-talking stickler for detail, Ms Breen’s sharp operational oversight ensures high quality standards are strictly maintained as the business scales up. With initial research focused on immune support, Mr Diamantopoulos said the business was already looking toward future clinical trials exploring heart health, cholesterol reduction, and potential oncology applications alongside biotechnology partners across Australia and the United States. For young growers across regional Australia, the business trajectory offers a compelling blueprint for the future of farming. “If there’s one thing I’d want a young grower to take from our story, it’s that nothing is impossible,” Mr Diamantopoulos said. “We started out fighting just to survive against cheap imports. However, if you dedicate yourself, embrace science, and back yourself for the long haul, you can take a humble commodity crop and turn it into something the world has never seen before.”

10 | August 2026

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

Celebrations in order

Wild dog promise A VICTORIAN Coalition government has vowed to restore tougher wild dog controls, claiming Labor’s approach has left farmers to shoulder the growing cost of livestock attacks. Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister Emma Kealy said farmers needed practical, evidence-based wild dog management to protect their stock and livelihoods. “Farmers should be able to protect their livestock and their livelihoods,” Ms Kealy said. The pledge followed reports a Rainbow farmer sent the State Government a $40,000 bill after sheep were killed in wild dog attacks. “Farmers warned Labor what would happen when eﬀective controls were removed,” Ms

Kealy said. “Labor made the decision, but farmers are paying the bill.” Ms Kealy accused the State Government of quietly winding back wild dog baiting, claiming ground baiting targets had been cut by up to 66 per cent across Victoria’s 14 management zones before 2026-27 targets were removed from management plans altogether. She said a Liberals and Nationals Government would restore eﬀective wild dog management and deliver its Fair Share Guarantee, committing at least 25 per cent of new infrastructure investment to regional Victoria. “Our plan is about backing the people who produce our food and ﬁbre,” she said.

DAIRY with PAUL BETHUNE WHAT are the chances that Sally and I made it to our 20th wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago? How she put up with me for so long is remarkable. Trying to get major brownie points, I went full hog mode. We abandoned our children and had a weekend away. If I have learned one thing over the journey, it is the importance of recognising and celebrating the good stuff. Whilst we have our moments, as a team mostly, we rock! Given we are both boring wowsers, we toasted cups of grey earl tea to another 20 years. I was watching Sally give a tour to a school group. There were two buses of them, hordes of children and I thought two things: I could ever do that. Sally does 20 or 30 school groups a year, and what’s more, she does it with great joy. She is such a great advocate for agriculture. Farming is fantastic and we should tell people more often. The wet weather has created multiple problems on the farm and in the factory. There’s lots of sick cows and lots of mud. Brad, the manager has done an amazing job and he held a thank you barbecue for all the staff who have worked so hard in very difficult conditions over the last two months. Luckily the days are getting longer and spring has almost sprung. Let’s not sugar coat it, we have had one of our worst periods in the factory for quality and shelf life. There is nothing that makes me want to curl up in a ball in a dark room more than when milk does not make its shelf life. The risk is if we lose the trust of our customers then we don’t have a business. The really sustained wet period meant that our tolerances were less on top of this and we found a couple of small post pasteurisation hot spots that were causing problems. Ultimately, the long-term plan is we need to take total control of our own milk testing to deliver quicker feedback and response. We were taking the first bottles off the line for all our quality and shelf-life testing, which was my mistake. In future we need to take samples at the start, in the middle and at the end. The bottle capping machine, and in particular a loose screw on one of the capping heads appears to have been the main issue, which is why only some bottles where affected. We have improved our checking and cleaning protocols and I hope we are learning. We have also bought a teat scrubbing machine to make sure the cows are coming into the dairy clean in wet weather, the novelty of handwashing 1000 cows twice a day has worn off. They say it always rains after a long dry spell, we have had a lot of rain and conversely, I’m not asking for a long dry spell, but three or four weeks would be nice.

Wild dogs are impacting the agriculture industry.

Worried, stressed, or overwhelmed? Check in on your mental health with free access to new online self-guided tools. Plus telehealth ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧ ˙˥ˢˠ ˤ˨˔˟˜Ѓ˘˗ ˠ˘ˡ˧˔˟ ˛˘˔˟˧˛ ˣ˥˔˖˧˜˧˜ˢˡ˘˥˦ʡ

mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au 1800 595 212

8:30am – 5pm weekdays (except public holidays)

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

It’s been a wet month at the farm.

August 2026 | 11

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

FOR SALE: RIVERMAN ORCHARDS Multi-generational stronghold in a productive farming parcel, K.B Property Co. is proud to present for sale “Riverman Orchards”. Incorporating three main titles; this versatile package lends itself to many farming and business pursuits only limited by your own vision. Riverman Orchards has potential to grow a wide variety of crops by way of irrigation and with its’s location to main storage and processing facilities a bonus. The property is predominately planted with red and white wine grape varieties totalling just over 129 hectares, this well established and meticulously cared for property is a credit to the current owners.

HOME BLOCK

213 Hayward Rd, PIANGIL 3597

• 65.33 Hectare’s total with 52 Hectare’s planted to wine grapes • Extensive shedding infrastructure with main packing & machinery shed being an impressive 3,265.9 m2 under roof. • Cool Storage with 3 totalling 468.4 m2 under roof. (330 Pallet) • Pump & Filtration system in standalone shed with large irrigation storage dam • Large 4 Bed 1Bath brick veneer home with carport

MALLEE BLOCK

347 Mallee Highway, PIANGIL 3597

• 197.67 Hectares total with 60.07 Hectares planted to wine grapes. • Approx 130 Hectares of well rested Mallee Loam soil type currently sown to crop • Irrigation Infrastructure storage tanks & machinery shedding • Potential for further crop irrigation beyond vineyard

LISA’S BLOCK

Lot 1\TP217602 Mallee Highway, PIANGIL 3597

• 41.10 Hectares total with 29.08 Hectares planted to wine grapes • Rising red soil type perfect for any horticultural pursuit • Access from both Mallee Highway & Church St. • 26 Murray St. Piangil • 6 Church St. Piangil The property is being offered for sale “as a whole”, with full list of Plant & Equipment available on request - sold separately. Each main block can be irrigated individually if needed by way of separate pumps and incorporating water storage systems, with main pump direct from the Murray River. Riverman Orchards represents a rare opportunity to carry on the legacy as a well-established Vineyard or totally transform this property, the fertile soil types and significant infrastructure lends itself to many cropping opportunities.

$11,000,000

Inspection by appointment: email info@kbprop.com.au

12 | August 2026

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

From Swan Hill to Scotland Lara Prust SWAN Hill Cattle Show competitor Lincoln Butler is taking his highland cattle expertise to Scotland later this year. After competing at the Swan Hill Cattle Show and Melbourne Show later this year, Mr Butler will move to the UK for two months to learn traditional practices of breeding and showing highland cattle. “It’s very exciting and a great opportunity,” he said. Alongside gaining classical breeding knowledge that he will bring home to his family’s farm in Bearii, he is looking forward to attending the Oban Highland Cattle Show and Sale in Scotland which attracts buyers from across the UK, Europe and North America. He said he’s always had a passion for the industry, and the experience would help further his skills. At just 17, Mr Butler already has nine years of experience under his belt in breeding and showing cattle from his family-owned Red Rock Farm. “At ﬁrst I thought I wanted to get into Herefords, but as soon as I came across my ﬁrst highland, I

knew it would always have to be highland cattle,” he said. Red Rock Farm’s highland fold started with Lincoln’s ﬁrst highland heifer, Heidi in 2018. The business has since grown into a 300 acre farm with more than 20 cows under Mr Butler’s carefully developed breeding program. During this time, he has received the Youth Merit Award at the 2026 Australian Highland Cattle Society National Show and was recognised as a Junior Show Ambassador State Finalist through Victorian Agricultural Shows, while completing his VCE VM studies. He said juggling his studies and cattle commitments could be a challenge, but it’s something he loves. “It can be full on, but it’s good and it’s what I want to do,” he said. Red Rock Farm’s Lady Brogarth of Blasta Mhor placed fourth in Swan Hill Cattle Show’s Junior Classic Class 4 competition. Lincoln Butler with highland cow, Solly of Blasta Mhor.

China ripe for growth

Dried Fruits Australia chief executive Justin Lane has returned from the Austrade-funded Accessing New Markets Initiative trade mission. Picture: Supplied

Peter Bannan A TRADE mission to some of China’s biggest inland cities has opened the door to new export opportunities for Australia’s dried fruit industry. Dried Fruits Australia chief executive Justin Lane has returned from the Austrade-funded Accessing New Markets Initiative trade mission, which explored the potential of large tier-two Chinese cities and the infrastructure being developed to service their rapidly growing markets.

The Australian Table Grape Association led the delegation, which brought together representatives from nine horticultural industries. Along with dried grapes and table grapes, the mission included citrus, summer fruit, apples and pears, avocados, cherries, mangoes and berries. Hort Innovation representatives and

exporters from several industries also joined the delegation, which was hosted by Austrade representatives in each region. Mr Lane praised ATGA chief executive Jeﬀ Scott and marketing representative Jesse White for coordinating the mission. “Jeﬀ Scott and Jesse White from ATGA did a great job coordinating this and making it a very successful trade mission,” he said. “The visits were very informative, and to see the investment China is making in the facilities, infrastructure and rail network to feed these regions into the future was an eye opener.” The delegation visited four cities in just six days, travelling to Kunming, Chongqing, Changsha and Qingdao. Combined, the four cities have a population of about 53 million people, while their respective provinces are home to almost 244 million people.

Some Australian citrus and table grapes are already reaching the markets visited by the delegation. However, Mr Lane said significant investment was being made in infrastructure that could support increased imports in the future and allow products to reach inland markets quickly, cost effectively and in good condition. The mission also provided an opportunity for representatives from different horticultural industries to strengthen relationships and explore how Australian producers could collectively expand their presence in China. “It was great to spend time and get to know some of the other peak industry body leads as well as all the others on the delegation, and I’m sure this will lead to future growth for highquality Australian products into these regions,” Mr Lane said.

MM | RURAL

EST. 1911

‘NOWINGI PLAINS’ Aggregation 1 NOWINGI LINE TRACK, CARWARP VIC 3494 ÑÚçèÖéÞáÚ ¾çäååÞãÜ ÖãÙ ËçÞâÚ ÇÖâ× ÀãéÚçåçÞèÚ ìÞéÝ ÎØÖáÚ ÖãÙ ÊåÚçÖéÞäãÖá ÀĝØÞÚãØî • Versatile and highly productive cropping and prime lamb enterprise in äãÚ äÛ ¼êèéçÖáÞÖąè âäèé Øäèé ÚĚÚØéÞëÚ cropping regions with scale and äåÚçÖéÞäãÖá ÚĝØÞÚãØî • ÎåÖããÞãÜ %%! ÛçÚÚÝäáÙ ÝÖ % " ÖØ ÞãØáêÙÞãÜ $ % ÝÖ ÖØ ÖçÖ×áÚ ØçäååÞãÜ • ÊĚÚçÚÙ Ûäç èÖáÚ Öè äãÚ áÞãÚ äç Öè a combination of three individual åçäåÚçéî ÖèèÚéè

• ’Nowingi Plains’ spanning 9,466*ha % ÖØ ÞãØáêÙÞãÜ " #% ÝÖ " ÖØ ÖçÖ×áÚ ØçäååÞãÜ

service providers and livestock exchanges at Mildura, Carwarp, ÊêîÚã ÒÚççÞâêáá

management of sheep, double ÜÖéÚìÖîè Ûäç éÝÚ èÖÛÚ ÖãÙ ÚĝØÞÚãé movement of machinery and áÞëÚèéäØà

• ĄÆÞÚááäçèą $" ÝÖ ! " % ÖØ ÞãØáêÙÞãÜ %! ÝÖ ! ÖØ ÖçÖ×áÚ ØçäååÞãÜ

• Well-managed cropping program with a consistent investment in fertiliser ÖãÙ ØÝÚâÞØÖá Øçäå çäéÖéÞäãè

• ĄÅäèÚèą ÝÖ " ÖØ ÞãØáêÙÞãÜ $ ÝÖ !$$ ÖØ ÖçÖ×áÚ ØçäååÞãÜ

• Fertile soils, built on modern agronomic management and farming practices, delivering a history of highîÞÚáÙÞãÜ åçäÙêØéÞäã

• Productivity is underpinned by ěé Ûäç åêçåäèÚ ÞãÛçÖèéçêØéêçÚ èêÞéÚÙ to a mixed cropping and prime lamb enterprise including machinery sheds, workshops, extensive grain storage, together with two shearing sheds and îÖçÙè èÝÚÚå ÛÚÚÙáäé

• Fenced for the containment and

• Information Memorandum Available

• Strategically located in the renowned Ouyen / Carwarp farming district, proximity to grain receival, agricultural

MCKEANMCGREGOR.COM.AU |

LAND SIZE: %%! ÛçÚÚÝäáÙ ÝÖ % " ÖØ EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: ¾áäèÞãÜ Öâ ÏêÚèÙÖî !éÝ ÎÚåéÚâ×Úç ÄÉÎË INSPECTION: By appointment AGENT: ÈÞØÝÖÚá ÁÚçãÖãÙÚï % "! ##

August 2026 | 13

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

LIVESTOCK REPORT

with Matt Rowlands

Prices spring to life SPRING conditions and strong livestock prices are giving producers plenty of reasons for optimism as new-season lambs began hitting markets across eastern Australia. Elders Swan Hill livestock agent Matt Rowlands said milder mornings and forecast rain were providing a positive start to spring, with hopes pasture growth would continue. “Springtime is well and truly upon us,” Mr Rowlands said. “There’s a bit of rain forecast this week, which is looking positive for everyone to keep feed growing into the spring.” The first new-season sucker lambs had begun appearing at major selling centres, with about 4000 lambs being yarded at some markets. The licestock agent said most new-season lambs were still in lighter trade or store-weight categories, with few heavy lambs available and old-season lambs continuing to underpin supply. Heavy lamb prices had dropped by about $10 to $18 a head before recovering last week as wet weather reduced yardings and made it difficult to move stock in some areas. Heavy lambs were generally fetching the mid to high $10/kg range, while trade-weight lambs were selling from about $10.80/kg to $11.50/kg. “The very best presented lambs, well presented and neat lambs, have been making around that $11.50 to $12, so still quite strong markets,” Mr Rowlands said. The mutton market had eased from its recent highs, falling about $25 to $40 a head, but remained strong at about $7.50/kg to $8.50/kg. Skin prices were also holding between about $10 and $35. “That’s still showing strong returns for breeders or traders that have got cast-for-age ewes to sell off,” Mr Rowlands said. More lambs were expected to hit markets during the next month after generally good lambing percentages across many districts. Merino lambs were also beginning to emerge from the Riverina, with an upcoming Elders sale expected to provide buyers with an opportunity to secure store wether lambs carrying leading genetics. Elders will host its Riverina Store Wether Lamb Sale through AuctionsPlus on [DATE], with the online offering expected to feature store wether lambs from across the Riverina. Mr Rowlands said the sale would provide

Weaning of Merino Lambs has began. traders with another buying opportunity as more Merino lambs began coming onto the market. “There’ll be some good store buying opportunities there of some leading genetics throughout the Riverina,” he said. “With a wool market as strong as it is too, it shows good returns on being able to trade Merino lambs this year.” Attention would then turn to feature ewe sales through September and October, while local ram sales were expected to begin later this month. The cattle market was also relatively stable despite some price fluctuations and reduced yardings. Mr Rowlands said cattle were performing well on feed locally, raising expectations that heavier and finished cattle would begin hitting markets from late September and continue through October and November. Numbers were also expected to increase from pastoral areas of NSW and potentially southern Queensland. Heavy cows had recently traded between $3.70/kg and $4.10/kg, while heavy bullocks were making about $4.20/kg to $4.80/kg. Grain-fed cattle, depending on weight and

type, were fetching between $4.95/kg and $5.50/kg, while quality feeder cattle were generally trading between $4.70/kg and $5.40/ kg. Store cattle opportunities remained limited because favourable seasonal conditions stretched across a wide area, reducing pressure on producers to sell. “We’re seeing reduced yardings and limited capacity to be able to purchase store cattle where there’s good margins,” Mr Rowlands said. “But I believe that will all change as we head into September and October and into the summertime.” Mr Rowlands said September would be an important period for the feeder cattle market as feedlot operators began purchasing cattle expected to finish on grain in the new year. That timing could coincide with tariffs resetting in some Australian export markets, potentially encouraging greater competition for suitable cattle. “What we may see there is a bit more competition if the price is going to allow it,” he said. “There’ll be a bit of a space to watch on the feeder cattle price.”

FOR SALE All Year Round Production, Versatile Irrigation, Development Potential ‘WOOLAHRA’ Vinifera Vic 95.5ha/236.07ac* • Located 22km* from the regional centre of Swan Hill and Melbourne 362km* • Outstanding 50sq home under roof encompassing open plan living, kitchen and dining; main bedroom plus ensuite, two bedrooms and office, double garage and inground pool. • Combination of GMW pipeline irrigation water and town water to the property. • Modern improvements include extensive shedding infrastructure as machinery storage and vegetable grading and packing facilities. Also, 18kw solar system, 30kva generator for emergency power backup, 21 pallet coolroom and large enclosed hay shed, intensive cattle feed pens. • Maximise production using 17ha/42ac* permanent and 4ha/10ac* semi-permanent overhead irrigation on premium undulating red sandy loams. 158ac* potential development. • Proven producer of quality and in demand vegetables during winter months using the local favoured winter climate. Asking Price: $3,300,000

*approx

eldersre.com.au | 300P182924 Elders Swan Hill 03 5036 0100 Matt Rowlands 0447 818 304 Peter Robertson 0417 636 348

14 | August 2026

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

New technology in Tooleybuc Lara Prust IN the midst of their busiest citrus season, Chislett Farms is using new technologies to increase productivity in their recently acquired packing shed in Tooleybuc. According to farmer Jonathan Chislett, the shed has been a game-changer for business and production. “It was a huge risk, but it’s going really well,” he said. The family-owned company bought the fullyconstructed shed in 2024, alongside 315 hectares of farmland. The 3800 square-metre facility now packs all citrus fruits from their orchards in Kenley, Narrung, Goodnight and Tooleybuc. With the growing supply and demand, Mr Chislett said productivity was key and has installed new machinery inside the shed to prioritise quality and speed. After being washed and treated, the crop is sorted by new classifying and grading technology called TOMRA LUCAi. General manager of packing and marketing Jaco Van Coller said the upgraded technology has helped with accuracy and pace. “We use LUCAi to get ahead, it improves our efficiency and gets us the best quality results,” he said. The new system is an advanced deep learning artificial intelligence platform. As each fruit is loaded onto a conveyor belt and passed through a scanner, the AI takes a series of photos and processes 40,000 images per second to detect blemishes, rotting, dehydration and other damage to the fruit. For citrus fruits, it spots key defects such as thrip, clear rot, and clipper cut. According to Mr Van Coller, the AI is more precise than traditional machine grading which analyses different parts of a fruit a few pixels at a time and fills in the gaps to make an assumption. The updated scanning and analysis program “sees” the entire piece of fruit and has been trained on data from more than 20 harvest seasons.

From these scans, each piece of fruit is assigned a class, certainty percentage, and severity rating. Throughout this process, the operator maintains the final say over sort parameters and ultimately controls how the fruits are categorised and where they go. Mr Van Coller said the technological advancements have been shed-wide. In partnership with EDP Australia, the shed includes up-to-date Australian automation, including Sunkist Pattern Packers and PIMS volume fillers. He said the packaging machines have saved the company both time and costs, delivering significant time and cost savings for the company. “We are always upgrading,” he said. “The machines do a lot by themselves, so it saves us the extra labour costs and is a lot quicker this way.” The machinery is operated by a relatively small number of workers, with a staff count of 52, including management. Mr Van Coller said the shed sorts and packs an average of 13,000 cartons of citrus daily and oversees production seven days a week during the peak citrus season in July and August. “It’s a big task, and everyone knows what they have to do,” he said. At the end of the production line, the fruits are packed away into cartons, differentiated by both weight and count, and shipped off to vendors. Meanwhile, Mr Chislett said the company sold their produce at local markets, larger supermarket corporations, and internationally. “We ship all over. A lot goes to Canada, Korea, Japan, and China, so it’s good to see it doing well in overseas markets,” Mr Chislett said. He said the enterprise was initially a challenging financial decision, adding he worked with Mr Van Coller on the idea and problem-solved for six to 12 months before it was fully realised. “We took what you might call a leap of faith,” Mr Chisslet said. “It’s still early days, but production is looking good.”

3790 acres / 1533 hectares

We use LUCAi to get ahead, it improves our efficiency and gets us the best quality results. - Jaco Van Coller LEFT: Chislett Farms has seen technological advancements shed-wide.

395 Hectares (976 acres)

FOR SALE BY EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Ultima/Culgoa

PRIME MALLEE Swan Hill District

3790 acres / 1533 hectares - Productive Cropping/Grazing A/C GD &JM McLean

395 hectares (976 acres) A/c Estate KR Moar

Lot 1. Known as “Two Mile” C/A 22/24 Parish of Chinangin 1655 acres (670 hectares) Sown to Peas and Lentils, Cattleyards/shed, 40 Tonne Silo Lot 2. Known as “Powells” C/A 77 Parish of Chinangin 440 acres (177.83hectares) 220 acres sown to Barley, bal. chemical fallow Lot 3. Known as “Camp” C/A 68 Parish of Chinangin 1280acres (518 hectares) Sown to Barley Lot 4. Known as “Mousers” C/A 69 Parish of Chinangin 415 acres (168 hectares) Sown to Barley, Bitumen Road Frontage, Pipeline water connected Expression of Interest to selling agent by Friday 18th September 2026, by 10 am Terms: 10% deposit on signing, balance 60/90 days with immediate working possession after harvest.

Joe O’Reilly M 0427 329 911 joreilly@brcagents.com.au

Lot 1. C/A 66/65/pt64 Parish of Castle Donnington 646 acres (261.47Ha) Sown to Barley, GWM Water connected Lot 2. C/A 81/21C/21B Parish of Castle Donnington 331 acres (133.99 Hectares) Chemical Fallow, GWM Water Connected Bitumen road frontage. Agents’ Comments. Not too often a parcel of land comes up for sale so close to town. 99 years in the one family, prime mallee. Expression of Interest to selling agent by Tuesday 22nd September 2026, by 10am Terms: 10% deposit on signing, balance 60/90 days with immediate working possession after harvest.

Joe O’Reilly M 0427 329 911 joreilly@brcagents.com.au

brcswanhill.nutrienharcourts.com.au

August 2026 | 15

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

Budburst isn’t far away, and the welcome rains are negating the need to irrigate.

Timely rains for budburst WINE GRAPES with COLIN FREE PRUNING is still the main task being conducted in the vineyard and the machine pruning will be completed shortly. A hand cleanup is continuing with varieties that I feel will be saleable. Budburst isn’t far away, and the welcome rains are negating the need to irrigate which is pleasing. The industry remains in oversupply, and this may not be rectiﬁed until a lot more of us pull the pin. The government could reduce some of the tax they receive on wine to encourage an increase in domestic sales, but they are busy mismanaging everything they touch. Anyway, let’s get positive, the rains have been

great for our local golf course, the cereal farmers are happy, and our two grandkids are growing like mushrooms. Percy and Pete, the penguins wandered in last week looking for a safer place to live away from the bird flu. They reckon they could survive in the local salt lakes and chew on the little fish that are there. The soil isn’t as easy to dig as the sand on the coast for their burrows, but Pete said they would be safe from foxes in the many local potholes that had served them well on their trip so far. Meanwhile, Sam and Steve the snails needed a break from Mrs Snail and their many kids, so they slipped away to the lake for a little waterskiing adventure. Many wouldn’t believe it, but the pair carry a length of string and quietly sneak up on a few blowies gathered around a dead carp. With a quick flick, they lasso the unsuspecting fish and, once hitched to two or three of them each, go barefoot waterskiing across the lake’s surface. Talk to your mates.

2-4 October, 2026 Mapping the Shire with creative energy, the Loddon Valley Arts Trail is

Out there - in every way

www.loddonvalleyartstrail.com.au Scan the QR code for more information and to book any of this year’s events

For updates: @loddonvalleyartstrail u www.loddonvalleyartstrail.com.au

Over 30 events and exhibitions

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

16 | {issue_no}

UP TO

50% OFF

G A S, WOOD & ELEC TRIC FIRE S

Lots of display units for a quick sale! www.nationalhcsale.com *Display units on sale will vary instore

nationalhc.com.au Bendigo - Geelong - Wodonga 6 Schoder Street, Strathdale, VIC, 3550 T: (03) 5443 6333

August 2026 | 17

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

WEATHER Mallee Forecast Mostly sunny

Sunny

Partly cloudy

Cloudy

Chance Shower Showers, Drizzle, Showers Rain shower or two storms chance rain

MILDURA Sat Sun Mon Tue

Fri

Windy

Warnings Information at www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings or Ph: 1300 659 210 (local call cost)

6° 6° 5° 8° 9° 17° 18° 19° 19° 16°

Fri

OUYEN Sat Sun Mon Tue

Fri

Rain, storms

SWAN HILL

7° 6° 5° 9° 10° 16° 17° 18° 16° 15°

Fog

Dust

Mallee Cloudy. The chance of morning fog. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the afternoon. Saturday. Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then light during the afternoon.

Snow

Swan Hill Sun protection recommended 10:30am-2:20pm

Victoria Areas of morning fog about and north of the ranges. Isolated shower, more widespread about the southwest coast and northeast ranges. Showers falling as snow above 1500m. A cool to mild and partly cloudy day with light to moderate west to northwesterly winds. Saturday. Areas of morning fog in the north. Isolated showers, tending scattered about the southwest coast and northeast ranges. Showers falling as snow above 1500m. A cool to mild and cloudy day with light to moderate west to southwesterly winds.

Sat Sun Mon Tue

6° 6° 4° 8° 9° 16° 16° 17° 17° 15° Fri

Sun and Moon

Sat Sun Mon Tue

KERANG Fri

6° 6° 4° 8° 9° 15° 16° 17° 18° 15°

Sat Sun Mon Tue BIRCHIP

6° 5° 3° 8° 8° 15° 16° 17° 16° 15°

Edward River Edward River Murray River Murray River Murray River Murray River Murray River Murray River Murray River

AROUND AUSTRALIA

10am Saturday

DARWIN 33

1016 1016 1016

27 CAIRNS

1016

BROOME 31

Sunset Moonrise Moonset 5:58pm 11:28am 1:53am 5:59pm 12:14pm 2:50am 6:00pm 1:06pm 3:42am 6:00pm 2:03pm 4:29am 6:01pm 3:04pm 5:10am 6:02pm 4:06pm 5:46am

River Heights

w w w. b o m . g o v. a u Issued August 19, 2026

10am Friday

Sunrise 7:00am 6:59am 6:57am 6:56am 6:55am 6:54am

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Moulamein 1.74 Liewah 2.21 Swan Hill 3.39 Wakool Junction 5.22 Boundary Bend 3.89 Euston Weir DS 3.15 Colignan 3.48 Mildura DS (AHD) 31.65 Wentworth 3.73

steady steady steady steady steady rising steady steady steady

River height in metres from 11am Wed Aug 19 ALICE SPRINGS 22

1024

Weekly Change

Last Year

Dartmouth 3,856,232 73.0 2,815,651 36,924 Hume 3,005,157 68.3 2,052,475 154,182 Eildon 3,334,158 56.1 1,870,356 75,289 Others 1,421,545 86.9 1,235,247 6,420 Total 11,617,092 68.6 7,973,729 272,815

2,615,791 1,557,238 1,866,471 930,014 6,969,513

Capacity % Full

1031

1030

1024 1024 1024

1008 1000

1016 1008 1000 991

Chances of exceeding median maximum temperature.

PERTH 23 ADELAIDE 16

1024

1016

995

Water Storages

BRISBANE 24

1024

1016

22 SYDNEY 17 CANBERRA

MELBOURNE 16

1008 1000

15 HOBART

Chances of exceeding median rainfall.

Current

Storage data via Goulburn-Murry Water & MDBA from Wed Aug 19

Indian Ocean Dipole +2.0 +1.0 0.0 -1.0 -2.0 I

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

Southern Oscillation Index +20 +10 0 -10 -20 -30 I 2022

Wimmera Mallee rainfall figures Rainfall mm Annuello................................................. 34.2 Birchip (Marbled)................................... 24.2 Birchip (Marbled Comparison) ............. 28.8 Boundary Bend...................................... 31.6 Bronzewing ............................................ 24.8 Canary Island .............................................na Charlton ................................................. 55.2 Charlton (Donald St) ............................. 39.2 Coonooer Bridge ................................... 34.7 Dimboola ............................................... 22.2

Donald ........................................................na Dunolly ................................................... 49.4 Hopetoun Airport................................... 22.6 Inglewood ...................................................na Jeparit .................................................... 31.9 Kaniva .................................................... 39.0 Kerang.................................................... 40.1 Kerang (Meran Downs)......................... 28.4 Lake Boga............................................... 47.8 Lindsay Point ......................................... 14.8

2023

2024

2025

2026

July 2026 Manangatang ........................................ 29.8 Mildura................................................... 29.6 Mincha ................................................... 36.8 Murrayville ............................................. 22.4 Nhill ........................................................ 28.0 Ninyeunock.................................................na Ouyen...................................................... 27.6 Paringi.........................................................na Pira......................................................... 34.3 Quambatook South............................... 35.6

Sea Lake.....................................................na Swan Hill ................................................ 36.2 Tutye....................................................... 30.2 Ultima ..................................................... 31.1 Walpeup ................................................. 27.6 Werrimull ............................................... 23.2 Woomelang............................................ 20.6 Wycheproof............................................ 28.4 Yaapeet .................................................. 30.0 Warracknabeal Airport.......................... 33.6

18 | August 2026

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

August 2026 | 19

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

Ruralco Water welcomes Grant Stoeckel as water broker in Sunraysia Ruralco Water is pleased to announce the appointment of Grant Stoeckel as Water Broker, supporting clients across Sunraysia and Lower Murray. Grant brings more than 20 year’s experience working with rural and regional communities, with a strong track record of building long-term relationships across key agricultural industries, including table and wine grapes, almonds, and citrus. Prior to joining Ruralco Water, Grant spent many years in the insurance and broader business sector, supporting farming enterprises and regional businesses throughout Sunraysia. His extensive client service and commercial experience, combined with a practical, on-the-ground understanding of agriculture, enables him to provide considered advice and a genuinely relationship-driven approach. More recently, Grant has also gained experience within the water industry through his work with Ruralco Water’s sister company the Waterexchange, further strengthening his understanding of water markets and the critical, time sensitive role water plays in supporting Australian agriculture. Originally from a farming background on Kangaroo Island, Grant brings a deep appreciation for the role agriculture plays in regional communities. He holds a degree in International Business and Marketing from Edith Cowan University. Ruralco Water General Manager Phil Grahame said Grant’s appointment reflects the business’s continued investment in supporting irrigators and regional clients. “Grant’s depth of experience, local knowledge, and strong client relationships make him a valuable addition to the team. His understanding of both agriculture and water markets will ensure our clients continue to receive practical, informed support,” Mr Grahame said. Grant Stoeckel said he is looking forward to working

Back row: Jon Armstrong, Grant Stoeckel, Phil Grahame, Jeff Milne. Front Row: Gokul Parambalath, Wendy Saunders, Allan Anderson. closely with clients across the region.

water security, market complexity, and policy reform. The appointment of Grant Stoeckel reinforces our commitment to deepening client relationships, strengthening market expertise, and delivering informed, forward-thinking solutions across the Southern Basin. As industry dynamics continue to shift, Ruralco Water remains focused on equipping clients with the insight and capability needed to make confident, strategic water decisions.

“I’m excited to be joining Ruralco Water at a time when water management is front of mind for so many growers. Having worked closely with farming businesses throughout my career, I understand the challenges they’re facing and the importance of having the right support and advice in place. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships and helping clients navigate an increasingly complex water market,” Mr Stoeckel said.

- Wendy Saunders Operations Manager Ruralco Water

Ruralco Water continues to play a leading role in supporting irrigators through the evolving challenges of

Water Market Alert!

Temporary Allocation Market

Allan Anderson

Shaannie Webb

Heather Henderson

0408 596 678

0419 937 982

0447 058 873

0419 369 944

0429 554 480

0418 365 683

Online Trading / Subscribe ruralcowater.com.au

Indicator

Goulburn

63%

27%

NSW

95% GS

urrinjuc

57%

M’bidgee

WEEK

+52GL

Hume 66%

lowerin

60% WEEK

GOULBURN RIVER

WEEK

+57GL

+235GL

Eildon 55% WEEK

+118GL

mo art ut

73%

63%

Last Year

WEEK

+60GL

Local Service, National Strength

Grant Stoeckel

ALL STORAGES 18/08/2026

Jon Armstrong

Current as at 18 August 2026

Phil Grahame

Price Range

42%

VIC

340 340 300 310 330

$8,100/ML - $8,200/ML $7,700/ML - $7,900/ML $4,000/ML - $4,200/ML $9,150/ML - $9,250/ML

Tota Total Entitlement Entitlem Volume Volum on iss issue

320 320 280 300 310

VIC Murray

Recent Trend

trading needs.

To $/ML

kes

SA Murray Recent rainfall across Southern Basin catchments has provided a welcome boost to water storages, with VIC Murray – Zone 7 overall storage levels gradually increasing to 63%, matching levels recorded at the same time last year. VIC Murray – Zone 6 :KLOH WKH LPSURYHPHQW KDV VWUHQJWKHQHG FRQILGHQFH DKHDG RI VSULQJ DWWHQWLRQ UHPDLQV IRFXVHG RQ VIC Goulburn 0HQLQGHH /DNHV ZKHUH VWRUDJH OHYHOV KDYH IDOOHQ VKDUSO\ RYHU WKH SDVW PRQWKV 0HQLQGHH LV FXUUHQWO\ NSW Murray – Zone 11 VLWWLQJ DW FDSDFLW\ FRPSDUHG WR DW WKH VDPH WLPH ODVW \HDU ,Q D SRVLWLYH GHYHORSPHQW IRU LUULJDWRUV 9LFWRULDQ DQG 1HZ 6RXWK :DOHV DOORFDWLRQ DQQRXQFHPHQWV ZHUH Permanent Entitlement Market XSGDWHG RQ 0RQGD\ $OWKRXJK VRPH PDUNHW SDUWLFLSDQWV YLHZHG WKH LQFUHDVHV DV FRQVHUYDWLYH JLYHQ UHFHQW UDLQIDOO DQG LQIORZ HYHQWV WKH DQQRXQFHPHQWV DUH EHLQJ VHHQ DV DQ HQFRXUDJLQJ VLJQ IRU DOORFDWLRQ SA Murray Zone 12 Class 3 SURVSHFWV KHDGLQJ LQWR VSULQJ SDUWLFXODUO\ LQ 9LFWRULD ZKHUH UHVHUYHV KDYH QRZ EHHQ HVWDEOLVKHG VIC Murray Zone 7 High Reliability 0DUNHW DWWHQWLRQ LV DOVR WXUQLQJ WR WKH ULVN RI VSLOO LQ WKH 0XUUD\ V\VWHP ZKLFK KDV LQFUHDVHG WR 7KH VIC Goulburn Zone 1A High Reliability QH[W ULVN RI VSLOO DVVHVVPHQW LV VFKHGXOHG IRU 6HSWHPEHU NSW Murray Zone 11 - High Security 7KH WKUHVKROG LV SDUWLFXODUO\ VLJQLILFDQW DV LW QRW RQO\ KLJKOLJKWV WKH SRWHQWLDO IRU FDUU\RYHU VSLOO ULVN DIIHFWLQJ +LJK 5HOLDELOLW\ +5 ZDWHU HQWLWOHPHQWV EXW DOVR KDV LPSOLFDWLRQV IRU LQWHUVWDWH WUDGLQJ dee La nin DUUDQJHPHQWV 6KRXOG VSLOO ULVN H[FHHG UHVWULFWLRQV LPSDFWLQJ WKH 16: WR 9LFWRULD WUDGH UHODWLRQVKLS 32% 15% PD\ FRPH LQWR HIIHFW DGGLQJ DQRWKHU OD\HU RI FRPSOH[LW\ WR PDUNHW FRQGLWLRQV WEEK -5GL 0HDQZKLOH PRVW PDMRU LUULJDWLRQ QHWZRUNV KDYH QRZ UHRSHQHG +RZHYHU UHFHQW UDLQIDOO DQG VXSSOHPHQWDU\ 100% IORZ HYHQWV DFURVV 1HZ 6RXWK :DOHV KDYH VRIWHQHG WKH XUJHQF\ WKDW PDQ\ EX\HUV ZHUH H[SHFWHG WR EULQJ 97% Class 3 Cl G WR WKH PDUNHW DW WKLV WLPH RI \HDU HS GS LIN R R SA DA RIVE $V D UHVXOW ZDWHU XVHUV KDYH UHDVVHVVHG WKHLU VKRUW WHUP UHTXLUHPHQWV OHDGLQJ WR DGMXVWPHQWV LQ NSW Murray SULFLQJ H[SHFWDWLRQV 'HPDQG KDV EHFRPH PRUH LQWHUPLWWHQW RFFXUULQJ LQ SHDNV DQG WURXJKV UDWKHU Call us RIVER MURRAY to discu WKDQ VXVWDLQHG EX\LQJ DFWLYLW\ ZLWK WKH WHPSRUDU\ ZDWHU PDUNHW HDVLQJ FRPSDUHG WR ODVW ZHHN M’BIDG ss 46% EE RIVER the wat 'HVSLWH WKH FXUUHQW VRIWQHVV PDUNHW SDUWLFLSDQWV UHPDLQ FDXWLRXV )XUWKHU UDLQIDOO HYHQWV WKURXJKRXW er 0% R m I arkets ODWH ZLQWHU DQG HDUO\ VSULQJ KDYH WKH SRWHQWLDO WR LQIOXHQFH DOORFDWLRQ DQQRXQFHPHQWV VSLOO ULVN VE R M and you UR HR LR DVVHVVPHQWV DQG WUDGLQJ DFWLYLW\ DFURVV WKH %DVLQ R r

From $/ML

Southern Basin Market Update

20 | August 2026

NorthWestFarmer.com.au

HARVEST READY? Get your hay and harvest season off to the right start!

Make sure all your tyre needs are sorted before you hit the paddock with Goodyear ✓ Quality tyres ✓ Trusted performance ✓ Ready for harvest Call in today and get your tyres harvest-ready!

32 Curlewis Street, Swan Hill Ph: 5032 5922 / 0457 322 716