Blog
June 2018;
The history of ye olde humble pig...
With Darren Wolski
The pig we know and love today actually originated from the wild pigs of old Europe/Asia…and we are talking B.C!
They were introduced to Australia with the First Fleet in 1788, where 49 pigs were brought over as a food source. Once they arrived, they were farmed and bred, increasing in numbers primarily around Sydney. Over the years many escaped from their holdings, travelling far and breeding profusely...
May 2018;
What is 'Big Head' in horses?
With Jessica Weeks
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, more commonly known as 'Big Head' in horses, is a disease that is caused by calcium deficiency.
The deficiency can be due to a lack of calcium intake, an excess of phosphorous intake or an imbalance in the calcium to phosphorous ratio, which is usually caused by an unbalanced diet or from the horse grazing oxalate pastures.
April 2018;
What is Exclusion Fencing?
With Mark O'Neill
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There are many factors which will influence how you construct a fence on your property, with the primary focus being to contain stock.
A growing number of farmers frustrated by stock losses or reduced grazing capacity, are however turning to exclusion or feral fencing. One reason in favour of exclusion fencing is to reduce kangaroo grazing...
March 2018;
Cotton season 2017/18 update...
With Belinda Chase
Well it has been another interesting cotton season for 2017/18!
We started off quite nicely but once again mother nature turned the tap off on us for the majority of January and some of February, which is a critical period of growth and development of the crop. This caused a significant amount of fruit shedding and yield loss, and when the rain did finally eventuate, unfortunately it was mostly too late.
Winter cereal seed treatments...
With Steve Muller
In today's grain industry, the margin between making a dollar and not being able to cover expenses is getting tighter and tighter. We are forever trying to procure that little bit extra yield which is essentially pure profit once all expenses have been covered. This is where a good seed treatment can make a significant difference.
Join us for our Seed Treatment Plant Launch on Friday 13th April at 3pm in the back shed at Dalby Rural Supplies to see our new USC seed treatment machine in action!
February 2018;
Caring for ducklings & ducks...
With John Collins
When feeding baby ducklings, it is critical that the correct amount of nutrients, mineral and vitamins are part of their diet to assist in their healthy growth and development.
Recommended food for ducklings according to their age;
Up to 10weeks - Riverina Chick Starter (20% Crude Protein) or Complete Duck Mash (18% Crude Protein)
Tips for cattle yard design...
With Mark O'Neill
Regardless of the number of cattle you run - whether it be 15 or 150 - a well-designed, functional set of yards is essential for good management.
The yards should allow safe and efficient handling of cattle for drafting and loading-out, as well as restraining the animals for husbandry procedures such as drenching, vaccination, ear tagging and pregnancy testing.
January 2018;
Maintaining your household water supply and garden irrigation systems...
With Candy Lomman
With the heat of summer upon us, we are using our water supplies more and more, running our sprinklers for longer and even using more water inside (for cold showers!). It is important during these times to check our filters and clean or replace them when necessary. You may even notice a drop in pressure, which indicates they are due for maintenance. Did you know that pop up sprinklers also have small filter screens in them? If they are not throwing water as far as they once did, you may need to check these as well.
Electric fencing and the importance of earthing...
With Ben Cullen
Why is proper earthing important? How do you make a good earth rod/stake?
When setting up your new electric fence system, a good earth rod can often be overlooked. Earthing is a key component of your electric fence system, as a well-established earth ensures the electric shock will reach the animal when it touches the fence. Without a good earth rod, the ground connection simply doesn't work and the electric shock will either not reach the animal, or the joules stored to hit the animal will be significantly reduced.