There was truly a groundswell of appreciation shown for farmers and the entire agricultural industry, and on the flipside, there were countless farmers and agricultural organisations who let the public beyond the farmgate so everyone could learn more about where their food and fibre comes from. 

Here are some of our highlights from the day that stopped us in our scroll. 

• Triple J Hack interview with WA farmhand Nell Eastough talking about the “supermarket society”. 

• George the Farmer doing what he does best. 

• The energy in Sydney Markets’ video is something else!

• This sibling duo made us realise the future of ag is in good hands. 

• The farmer video that had it all. 

• And the one that made us appreciate the tough times farmers’ deal with. 

• The earworm we didn’t know we needed. 

• Agriculture Minister Julie Collins penned this opinion editorial. 

• Assistant Agriculture Minister Anthony Chisholm’s video message. 

• The NFF team will stick to policy over videos but had fun creating this for Ag Day. 

National Agriculture Day falls on the third Thursday in November each year. Stay in the loop by signing up to this newsletter for updates and check out the dedicated website agday.org.au.

The post What stopped our scroll on Ag Day   appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

But if you’re not feeling confident behind the camera, we’ve got some tips to make sure you can still snap a ripper rural pic! There’s some great cash up for grabs (the prize pool is $5000, thanks to Syngenta), so it’s well worth your time to get out and get snapping!

The comp closes on National Agriculture Day, 15 November 2024.

Good composition, good competition

An easy way to turn a good photo into a great photo is by re-arranging the subject matter to reflect the ‘rule of thirds’.

The rule of thirds is a fail-safe way to make sure your pic looks a million bucks.

When taking a photo, see if you can shuffle things around so that the subject lines up with a ‘third’ of the frame.

Here’s an example from the 2023 AgDay photo comp where the artist, Tarnya Fraser, has used the rule of thirds to space out her photo:

Tarnya’s image Fraser features a field bin during harvest under a beautiful Wheatbelt sky. It’s a fantastic photo.

One of the elements that makes it so striking is its framing. Check out how the subject, a tractor and field bin, lines up perfectly with the ‘rule of thirds’ grid below.

We’ve drawn grids over Tarnya’s photo below to better demonstrate the rule of thirds concept.

If you’re unsure how to frame a scene when you’re sizing up a paddock, give the rule of thirds a go.

The image subject can line up with a horizontal or vertical third, or both.

Here are some more examples of well framed photos submitted to the 2023 AgDay competition.

Country road, let me roam

You don’t have to be a farmer or own a patch of land to snap a roaring rural photo.

There are so many amazing country towns waiting to be captured; even driving 30 minutes from a city can put you in sight of cute cows, photogenic fences and charming shopfronts.

Take a trip to the edge of town, pack your camera or phone and make sure to check out a famous country bakery while you’re on the road! (You’ll need some sugar-sourced energy to fuel your photographic adventure, of course.)

There’s also hundreds of farms open to the public that are well-worth checking out.

You never know the pots of gold you’ll find!

Just remember to stay out of private property, even if there are no fences. For more tips on farm photography etiquette, check out this guide.

Golden Hour

Getting the light right can sometimes be tricky. The Australian sun is so strong that taking photos in the middle of the day can result in little more than squinted faces, sunburn and harsh contrast.

You’re better off trying for an award-winning photo at dusk or dawn. Sunset is an especially beautiful time to take a photo. Colloquially known as golden hour, the orange hues turn any photo into a warm, glowy artwork. Silhouettes are a fantastic idea against a huge country sky.

Taking photos on an overcast day can also help combat harsh light and dark shadows.

Snap to it!

We hope you now feel more confident to head bush and start snapping.

There is no age limit in the AgDay photo comp, and it’s designed to attract all skill levels too; so don’t miss your chance to be in the running!

Submit your entry below and get involved in the celebration of everything that makes Aussie agriculture great.

Enter here!

Thanks to all our past participants for their fantastic 2023 entries seen above.

The post Picture this! How to take an award-winning farm photo appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

This year’s day celebrating all things Aussie grown is on Friday 15 November 2024. The theme “Grow You Good Thing” is back for another year.

Plans are falling into place quickly, but there’s still time to register an event, order some merchandise, and plan your movements on the big day.

Host an event

No event is too big or small! We love seeing people celebrate AgDay in their communities, workplaces and schools. Whether it’s a paddock party, a long lunch, or a special smoko, every event and every conversation is welcomed.  

We’ll even send you a complimentary event kit to get you on your way. All you need to do is register the event ahead of time. Visit our website to find out more.  

Attend an event near you

There’s plenty of events you can attend on Friday 15 November, it’ll be hard to choose which one to go to!

Finding time to head along to a AgDay event is one of the best ways to support the cause. Keep an eye on the public events near you here.  

Rock some merch

There are heaps of goodies up for grabs in the National Ag Day shop. Trucker caps, mugs and tote bags are just some of the swag on offer. Make sure you check out what’s new this year.

The ever-popular I <3 farmer shirts are already flying out the door. Get in quick to grab your tee! 

Share on socials

There’s nothing quite like word of mouth. If you can’t make it to an event this year, you can still tell your family and friends why you  farmers.  

Take a farm selfie, share a pic of your dinner plate, or send a gorgeous sunset snap. Make sure you use #AgDayAU and tag Australian Farmers on social media – you’ll find us on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok. 

You can also download the stakeholder kit so you can access social media tiles, suggested posts and more.

We can’t wait to see you out in force on National Agriculture Day!

Stay tuned for the photo and video competition – launching very soon. Follow us on socials to stay in touch!

The post Four ways to support National AgDay this year appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

Australian Merino wool is renowned for its exceptional qualities – it’s incredibly soft, breathable and temperature-regulating, making it the perfect choice for winter clothing.  

One of the standout features of Merino wool is its sustainability. Merino sheep are shorn annually, providing a renewable source of wool. Additionally, Merino wool is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally in the environment, reducing its impact on the planet. 

By choosing Merino wool garments, you are supporting ethical farming practices and sustainable fashion. This is especially important for rural communities, where the connection to the land and its resources is deeply felt.  

Did you know, wool garments are among the oldest kept in wardrobes? Investing in high-quality Merino wool pieces means you are choosing garments that will last for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising waste.  

A global wardrobe study shows 9% of wool clothes were purchased more than 10 years ago, compared with just 4% for polyester clothes. 

Embrace the winter season with these brands which showcase the enduring appeal of Australian Merino wool. 

Iris & Wool

Iris & Wool is an Australian fashion brand that has built a reputation on producing luxury designs of the highest quality from 100% Australian Merino wool. Driven by an unwavering pursuit to promote Australian Merino wool worldwide, Iris & Wool seeks to support and nurture the local community and industry of wool producers with clothing traced directly back to our farms.

George The Farmer x Iris & Wool

Known for their dedication to promoting Australian agriculture and quality materials, South Australian brands George The Farmer and Iris & Wool have collaborated together to create an exquisite children’s knit. Crafted from premium Woolmark certified Australian Merino wool, the children’s knit embodies the spirit and look of George the Farmer.

M.J. Bale

M.J. Bale is an Australian-owned menswear brand founded in 2009. In 2021, they created the world’s first methane-reduced wool at their Kingston partner farm in Tasmania, feeding Merino sheep a seaweed supplement daily for 300 consecutive days to reduce their methane emissions to undetectable levels. M.J. Bale’s Ashby single-source knits are created entirely from Merino wool grown on the fifth-generation family-run Ashby farm in Tasmania.

Woollykins

Woollykins was founded by mum to three Brenna who established Woollykins in 2011 after moving back to Australia from the UK. Read more about the inspiration and background of Woollykins, a micro business operating on Djaara Country, Castlemaine in regional Victoria that aims to help parents find the most ethical, healthy, low impact clothing for their little ones. 

Merino Country 

Merino Country has been producing 100% Australian Merino underwear and clothing grown and sewn locally for 30 years. Merino Country support local jobs and communities making sustainable, ethical, healthy and really, really comfy leisurewear, activewear, thermals and underwear for work, travel and play in hot and cold climates.

Woolerina

Woolerina was established in 2005 as a result of our founder Warwick Rolfe’s long-held desire to take raw Australian Merino wool directly off-farm and follow it through to a completed garment. From humble beginnings, Woolerina has grown into a well-known and much-loved Merino clothing label, crafting clothing for women, men, kids and babies.

INTACT

Inspired by a mission to make Australian Merino wool an everyday wardrobe essential, INTACT is a thoughtful combination of founder and creative director Gabby Neal’s formal training and industry experience within the fashion and design space which supports Australian woolgrowers and a better fashion future. 

Woolly Brand

Inspired by her upbringing on a wool-growing property and her career in neonatal intensive care, Anna Brand launched Woolly Brand, a range of Woolmark-certified kids’ knitwear made from 100% Australian Merino wool. The range is designed to be smart, sustainable and durable enough to be handed down through the generations.

The post Embrace winter with Australian Merino wool fashion  appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

A great source of protein and an important tool for bone growth and development, yoghurt contains 10 essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and riboflavin.

The probiotics added to yoghurt also mean it can restore the balance between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the stomach.

Produced by a mixture and combination of multiple dairy products, yoghurt is made by mixing milk power in with milk which means the milk is now homogenised and pasteurised.

Bacterial starter cultures are then used to convert lactose (the sugar in milk) into lactic acid, which helps set the yoghurt. The yoghurt is then stored in controlled temperatures (42°C to 43°C) between four and six hours with fruit or flavourings occasionally added to enhance the taste.

In Australia, consumers eat around around 7.5 kilograms of yoghurt per year with most using it as a healthy snack to fuel their day.

Keep reading to find out more about the different types of yoghurt:

Natural yoghurt

Natural yoghurt has no added flavours or sweeteners, and a clean, slightly acidic, tart flavour.

Flavoured yoghurt

Fruit, vanilla and honey are among popular choices. Most have added sugar or artificial sweeteners to enhance the flavours.

Greek and Greek-style yoghurt

Traditional Greek yoghurt is made through a straining process where natural yoghurt is strained of its whey, leaving a thick product, somewhere between the texture of yoghurt and labne (yoghurt cheese).

Traditional strained Greek yoghurt is naturally higher in protein than other yoghurts. Greek-style yoghurt is not strained, but thickened through the addition of milk solids (like cream) and stabilisers, which produce a rich, creamy and silky texture.

Set yoghurts

Set yoghurts are fermented in tubs. They are fairly thick and have a flat surface with any fruit or flavourings at the base. Stirred yoghurt is fermented in bulk with the fruit or flavouring stirred in and then placed in individual containers.

Stirred yoghurts

Stirred yoghurt is made when fermentation is carried out in bulk and not in individual containers. Once the fermentation reaches the desired level, the yoghurt is pumped through a cooler to stop fermentation. Fruit or flavouring is then stirred in.

Drinking yoghurts

Drinking yoghurt is produced in a similar way to stirred yoghurt. The body is then diluted and mixed with a blend of flavours, fruit or berry juices.

Frozen yoghurt

Frozen yoghurt is made when a blend of sugars, stabilisers, emulsifiers and flavours are added to natural stirred yoghurt.

For more nutritional information about Australian dairy products, and a range of fun facts and recipes visit Dairy Australia.

The post What you need to know about yoghurt appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

Good for the environment and your back pocket

When choosing a product that is in season for your area, you significantly cut down on the food miles. This reduces transportation and not only lessens the environmental impacts but also keeps the overall cost of the product low.

When you see at the supermarket, a product of Mexico or Egypt it is likely they have had to import that product from overseas due to it being out of season in Australia. We have gotten use to having all fruits and vegetables available to us all year round but when we see them from other countries and at a higher price point it’s often because it’s not in season.

Full of nutrition

When you are consuming produce in season not only will it be at its freshest and the tastiest, but it will also contain the highest nutritional value. Good nutrition is the foundation for good health and that starts with the food we eat every day.

It’s time to stop overcomplicating what diet we should be following and just go back to basics of eating REAL food. Seasonal eating provides an opportunity to appreciate food in its purest and most delicious form so if you have ever tried a fruit or vegetable before and didn’t like it, it might be time to question did you have it in season and if you didn’t it might be time to try it again.

Time to get creative

We all get in a rut when it comes to cooking dinner every night, but when you choose seasonal produce it allows you to get creative and try new produce you mightn’t usually put in your cart. There are great seasonal fruit and vegetable boxes you can purchase each week where you will get a range of fruit and vegetable that are in season. These boxes are usually cost effective and can take the guess work out of trying to know what’s in season.

What’s in season for March

We’ve pulled together lists of what’s in season this month. Still looking for inspiration? Check out our recipe for super easy and super nutritious for zucchini and corn fritters.

*Main image: Picking fresh veggies straight from the garden. Photo Georgina Morrison.

The post Seasonal eating: Good for your health and your wallet appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

But causing more discussion around the barbecue than Border Collie vs kelpie debate, is whether or not the kelpie has dingo in its heritage, leaving a true blue Aussie pawprint on the breed.

To find out whether this is true or just a campfire lore, we spoke to Professor Claire Wade from Sydney University who is an expert in dog genetics.

Professor Wade was involved in research that looked into about 300 kelpies to see whether there was in fact a kelpie-dingo connection.

“Like everyone, I had heard the rumours that kelpies included dingo in their heritage to increase their resilience in our harsh landscapes, but as a scientist I didn’t want to just believe what I was told,” she explained.

The kelpie is in fact from Scotland, so it was no surprise people thought mixing the breed with the dingo helped it adapt to the Australian conditions, but what else made people draw the connection?

“The yellow or cream kelpie to the average person looks quite similar to the dingo and the ears also look quite similar,” Professor Wade said.

The study looked at the gene coding for ears and coat colour and found no shared history. “In fact, the yellow coat in kelpies is essentially the same as the yellow coat in a labrador.

“Sure people have tried it (cross breeding them), but if think about it logically when kelpies were brought to Australia they were brought as livestock herding dogs, so would you take these dogs, imported with great difficulty, and cross them with sheep killers and expect their progeny to be good?”

Where did the kelpie get its name?

The kelpie is in fact a collie, a short or smooth collie. So how did Australia end up naming the breed kelpie?

According to the Working Kelpie Council of Australia, three pairs of working collies were brought to Australia from Scotland by three early landholders. One of Australia’s foundation females – born from black and tan collies – ended up being owned by Jack Gleeson who swapped a horse for the pup he trained on a station in Victoria.

“The rumour was they got the dogs cheap because they had weird ears but they had good herding bloodlines,” Professor Wade explains.

“In Scotland pricked ears are not an advantage because they can get frostbite, but in Australia the ears help to dissipate the heat.”

Mr Gleeson named his female “Kelpie”. In Scottish mythology a kelpie is a dangerous sea creature that can appear in the shape of a horse. 

“So a kelpie is Celtic sea monster but I think at the time, kelpie was a well-known race horse in Australia.”

City vs country kelpies

The divide between city and country kelpies is a thing! It dates back to the early days of the breed coming to Australia and is loosely defined by a difference in coat colour. The working dogs commonly (but not always) have the black and tan markings, whereas show dogs are single coloured.

Professor Wade said the study also revealed a big difference between the two bloodlines was their toughness in their paws – the working kelpies need to handle running across paddocks and the prickles that come with that.

We learnt earlier about a man called Jack Gleeson. Later, after he moved to New South Wales, this female had a litter and one of them, named Kelpie after her mother, put on an exceptional performance at the first sheep dog trial at the Forbes Show – so good it’s how the breed got its name.

According to the Working Kelpie Council, at first, dogs of this bloodline were proudly known as “Kelpie’s pups”, but by the turn of the century, dogs with ‘Kelpie-like’ appearance were described as kelpies regardless of origin.

Fun facts

• In the 1860s and 70s, Queen Victoria had smooth collies (kelpies) and owned 88 in her lifetime. This made them a popular breed.
• Another history-making kelpie in Australia, a black dog called “Coil” won the Sydney sheepdog trials in 1898 with a perfect score on the first day, but overnight broke his leg. Despite the injury he competed the next day and achieved another perfect score.
• A newspaper in 1903 published a story how one of Coil’s daughters inherited his herding abilities and could herd a chick into a tin!
• Gleeson’s Kelpie and Coil made the black and tan, and pure black, coat colours popular, but cream (a recessive gene), blue, fawn and red colours have always been there. These other colours are favoured much more now.
• The record price paid for an Australian working kelpie is $49,000.
• The Border Collie got its name from its homeland on the Welsh-Scottish-England borders. However, it’s believed the breed arrived in England from Viking and Roman invasions more than one thousand years ago!

The post The fascinating story behind how the kelpie got its name appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

Based on actual experiences on the road last year, you can line dance atop a shipping container at dawn, with security guards in Parliament House, with policemen on the side of the road in Kununurra, or in outback South Australia to the tune of live opera.

And on November 24 this year, something extra was added to this list, being the gala dinner of the 2023 Australian Women in Agriculture (AWIA) National Conference in Bendigo.

The stereotype would have us believe that line dancing is reserved for those of us who are over 75, with knitting as your number one hobby and Patsy Cline your expert topic on Hard Quiz.

Of course, if you fit this stereotype and enjoy a good boogie on the dance floor, that’s fantastic. But if you don’t fit into it, line dancing can still be for you.

When I invited conference attendees onto the dance floor to learn some line dancing, about 60 people wanted to give it a go.

I’m a journalist, and an avid bootscooter, but certainly not a smooth-talking sales(wo)man, so when that many people took to the floor without too much persuasion, I was chuffed.

For 20 minutes, these wonderful ladies learnt to line dance. Job done? Tick.

But more importantly than which way the feet were moving at any particular time, were the facial expressions. The laughs, the smiles, bonding with others in an attempt to collectively determine left from right.

And this is where the real power of line dancing arises, in the form of its ability to bring people together. Mastering steps is one thing, but being able to briefly forget about the stress of life – particularly life on the land when circumstances are often challenging to say the least – is in my eyes, far more important.

Thank you to everyone who joined in the bootscooting fun. I hope you are all inspired to join line dancing clubs in your local areas, and if one doesn’t exist? Start one. YouTube is a godsend for “teaching the teacher”.

Line dancing was reserved for the Friday night of the conference, with the following day involving an exceptional line-up of speakers. Australian Women in Agriculture president Natalie Sommerville said she was “elated” by the conference, and the outcomes achieved.

The 2024 AWIA conference will be held in New South Wales.

Claire Harris and Kate Strong are the co-founders of Hoedowns For Country Towns, a 46,000km road trip around Australia in 2022 which aimed to share the love of line dancing, bring rural communities together after a tough few years, and raise money for rural charities. Claire is now based in SA and Kate in WA, with the pair aiming to establish line dancing businesses in 2024. Follow their journey @hoedownscountrytowns on Facebook and Instagram.

The post The unexpected adventures on a bootscooting road trip appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

National Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive Tony Mahar said this year’s theme #GrowYouGoodThing celebrating the incredible food and fibre farmers grow could not come at a better time.

“We have an El Nino on our hands and some farmers are facing a very poor outlook for the season ahead,” Mr Mahar said.

“That being said, Aussie farmers work hard to make sure the impact of dry times is barely felt at dinner tables.

“Our farmers are the best in the business. A huge amount of planning and careful management goes into make sure food and fibre still gets grown despite difficult times.”

How to celebrate AgDay

Register AgDay events now

People are encouraged to hold an event in their community or workplace to receive a complimentary event kit – no event is too big or too small. All you need to do is register your event, choosing whether you want to make it public or private, at agday.org.au – and make sure you tag us on social media on the day by using #AgDayAU.

“It’s always wonderful to see communities coming together on AgDay to celebrate Aussie farming. It doesn’t matter where you live, that connection to farming is such an important part of our identity as Australians,” Mr Mahar said.

Download the stakeholder kit so you can access social media tiles, suggested posts and more.

New look ‘I Love Farmers’ merchandise released

The NFF has given the iconic “I Love Farmers” merchandise a fresh new look. There’s also plenty of merch in the store featuring this year’s theme “Grow you good thing!”

For the first time, cattle tags and bucket hats have been introduced to the range, which also includes t-shirts, trucker caps, stickers and tote bags. Shop the range at agday.org.au and make sure you tag your selfies with #AgDayAU – we can’t wait to see everyone in their gear!

Photo and video competition

Entries are now open for the coveted photo and video competition with a prize pool of $5,000 up for grabs thanks to sponsors Syngenta.

There is no age or skill limit on entries, the judges are just looking for imagery that celebrates Australian agriculture.

Entries close at 5pm AEDT on AgDay, Friday, 17 November. For more information visit agday.org.au.

Check out the agfluencers taking over social media

This year the National Farmers’ Federation has recruited five farming #agfluencers to take over the Australian Farmers’ social media accounts. Mel McGorman, Big Farmer Andy, Mark Merrett, Rural Riley and Bridie Carter are showing us what is happening on their farms (and it’s going to be loads of fun!)

Find out how to follow along here.

Stay in touch

Keep updated on all things Australian Farmers by following Australian Farmers on social media Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok).

The post How to celebrate #AgDayAU appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

How to grow sunflowers

• Choose the right location: Sunflowers love full sun, so select a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Choose the right varieties: There are various sunflower varieties to choose from, including giant varieties that can reach higher than 3 metres with flowers up to 50cm wide or smaller, more manageable ones. Pick a variety that suits your space and preferences.
• Prepare the soil: Sunflowers prefer well-draining soil. Give your sunflowers the best chance by adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting.
• Planting: Sow sunflower seeds directly into the ground once there’s no chance of frosts, typically in late spring. Plant seeds about 2cm deep and 60cm apart, but we recommend checking the packet as depends which variety you go with.
• Watering: Keep the soil, especially during the early growth stages. Once established, sunflowers are relatively drought-tolerant but appreciate regular deep watering.
• Support tall varieties: For giant sunflowers, provide support with stakes or a trellis to prevent them from toppling over.
• Fertilise sparingly: Sunflowers are pretty tough and don’t require much fertilisation. A slow-release fertiliser during planting should be enough.
• Enjoy the show: Be prepared for a burst of colour when they bloom, which should last up to 10 weeks.
• Harvest seeds: When the flower heads droop and the back of the head turns yellow, it’s time to harvest seeds. Remove the heads and let them dry for a few weeks before extracting the seeds.

Visit a farm to pick your own sunflowers

We know not everyone has a green thumb and that doesn’t mean you should miss out. More and more farms are opening to the public for a pick-your-own sunflower experience. A great way to not only walk among thousands of sunflowers, but also meet the farmers who grow them.

Location and the weather does have a hand in when they bloom, but keep an eye out from December to March for farms that open their gates to offer pick-your-own (noting some farms have blooms beyond these months). Many of these are ticketed, so make sure you check first.

Most of these farms are just an hour or two from capital cities, making it a great day out. Remember to only enter farms that allow it. If you come across a sunflower crop not connected to a pick-your-own, please take your photos from a distance and don’t enter the paddock.

Here’s a list of some pick-your-own farms, but please comment with any others you know about!

Pick Your Own Dunnstown – Vic

The Farmgate Shop – Vic

Glenbernie Family Farms – NSW

Majura Valley Farmgate – ACT

Shimmering Pines Farm – SA

The Barns Freeling – SA

Kalbar Sunflower Festival – Qld

The Sunflower Route – Qld

Mount Gnomon Farm – Tas

The post Growing sunshine: A guide to growing sunflowers (and what to do if you don’t have time!) appeared first on AustralianFarmers.