Growing Demand for Organics: Farm to Table Christmas Recipes

Australians are hungry for organically grown produce. In fact, two-thirds of Australian households reported they had purchased organic products in 2018. This grew the domestic consumer market of organic produce domestic to a value of $2 billion AUD by 2018. 

These findings are unsurprising. Australian consumers are becoming more and more health-conscious. Many consumers of organic products are concerned about the potential effects of pesticides, insecticides, growth hormones or antibiotics on their body. Considering humans have been on the planets for about 150,000 years, and have only started using chemicals to grow food about 70 years ago, the growing shift towards organic produce is not surprising. 

Hence, consumers are increasingly supporting local farmers that are committed to growing organic produce. This has seen an increase in popularity for recipes that incorporate whole foods. In celebration of organic farm to table food, read on for our favourite farm to table Christmas recipes.

Nibbles and Snacks: Go For Grazing Boards

For Christmas food that both looks and tastes delicious, look no further than a classic grazing board. Grazing board experts know that putting together a good grazing board requires exceptional produce. From your local markets or organic shop, choose a wide range of produce for your grazing board. For vegetables, try carrot, celery or pickled cucumbers. For fruit, include watermelon, kiwi fruit, figs, grapes, berries or anything you fancy. Add in a variety of nuts, bread and wholegrain biscuits for a Christmas graze you won’t forget. 

Salads 

Packing a diverse range of colourful vegetables into your salads promotes maximum flavour and maximum nutritional value. Here are a few vegetable and flavour packed summer salad recipes perfect for Christmas. 

Bakes

Despite our warm climate, many Aussies tend to cook up bakes on Christmas day. They’re delicious – of course – but including various farm to table ingredients is the key to a tasty bake. Check out these delicious recipes for your Christmas lunch. 

Meat Dishes: Homemade Christmas Sauces & Marinades 

For some households, meat is the centrepiece for the Christmas table. Consumers that enjoy organic farm to table produce may also pair their antibiotic and hormone free meat with flavourful sauces or marinades. Check out these recipes for popular Christmas sauces: 

Desserts 

Australian Christmas desserts naturally have plenty of different fruits, and can even include vegetables. Here are some delicious Christmas dessert recipes. 

Supporting local farmers has always been a big part of Global Rotomoulding. There are so many organic recipes you can try this Christmas that pack in plenty of farm-fresh produce. Not only does including a wide range of fruits and vegetables across all your Christmas dishes pack flavour and nutrients, it makes for a gorgeous looking Christmas table! 

If you’re a farmer, Global Rotomoulding has a wide range of agricultural products that can support your livestock. To find out more, be sure to contact us. In the meantime, check out our round up of 5 Creative Christmas Gifts for Farmers.

5 Creative Christmas Gifts for Farmers

Farmers are dedicated workers and loyal people. You probably want to buy the farmer in your life a gift that wows them, but you have to admit, they can be hard to buy for. What do you get for the person who already has everything they need?

Farmers can happily live off the land, and more often than not, they would prefer a practical gift instead of fancy trinkets. If a farmer needs something, chances are they already have it or have made it themselves. 

If you’re stumped on what to get your farmer, read this list for 5 creative gifts for farmers. 

1. Personalised Signage

Give the property some personality with a custom farm sign to hang from the entry gate or from the farmhouse. A classic engraved wood sign adds a rustic and traditional aesthetic to a farm property. You could spruce things up with a colourful, modern metal sign. There is plenty of customisable sign making services to suit your needs. Here are a couple of options. 

2. New boots

If the farmer in your life is anything like the ones we know, then they’ve been relying on one trusty pair of boots for years. If they’re starting to look a little too warn in, maybe it’s time to gift them an upgrade. Even if the farmer’s old reliable boots have a few more years in them, they’ll be grateful for having a new set lined up. 

3. Custom Rotomoulded Accessories

The best gift you can give to a farmer is something practical. At Global Rotomoulding, we can create custom plastic products (exclusively for manufacturing purposes) for a range of jobs. We also have a range of pre-designed agricultural products which we can produce out of lightweight yet durable polyethylene and deliver directly to your property. Make a farmer’s manufacturing process easier by upgrading an old agricultural product with a new and improved version. 

4. Drone

As ag technology evolves, more and more practical toys for farmers to play with have entered the market. Drones are new and accessible technology for farmers. They can offer practical services like surveillance and monitoring of produce, but more importantly, they’re good fun to fly. Farmers love inspecting their crop or livestock from above and taking some scenic shots of their property. Some modern farming drones can spread grain, spray chemicals, and use thermal imaging to monitor land. There are several price points to try, we’ve attached a few options but recommend you do your research first. 

5. A New Pup

There’s something special about the bond between a farmer and his dog. Four more legs on a property can create plenty of new memories and stories. A pup is a perfect companion for a farmer and can help with the work. 

It’s important to gauge the waters here. Sometimes a farmer will find it hard to replace his last canine companion, but when the time is right, a new dog will set your farmer up with a mate for life. 

We wrote an article on the best farm dog breeds to have on a property. Give it a read for inspiration.

We hope you’ve been inspired by these creative gifts for farmers! At Global Rotomoulding we love giving to ag workers. You don’t need to wait for the right occasion to get one of our durable poly products (although it may be too big for a bow). If you would like to learn more about our custom rotomoulded tanks and our range of products, get in touch with us today!

Farm Marketing – Ways To Make Money That Aren’t By Farming

Love farm work, but want to earn extra income as a safety net to get you through the tough times and bad harvests? Enter, Farm Marketing. 

Farming is rewarding work, but not having a set salary is a concern for many farmers across Australia. 

Agriculture has changed a lot over the last few decades. Consumer demands have shifted; changes in government policies have affected the trade; technological advances and innovation continuously alter the agricultural landscape, and emerging environmental concerns mean big changes to the farming industry in the near future. 

This article offers a way to explore options beyond conventional methods of income. Think beyond the traditional ways of farming.

Tourism

This will be the most significant point we explore in this article because the possibilities are broad and can be tailored to your land and interests. 

Agricultural tourism is booming. City dwellers and rural people alike love exploring a country property and getting a first-hand experience of what life is like on your farm, so take advantage of that and give them the opportunity they want. 

Caravan Park Or Camping Grounds

You wake up each morning and see acres of stunning, natural scenery. If you love your land, chances are, so will other people. 

If you’ve got a field or area which is not in use, consider transforming it into a camping ground or caravan park. Running a campground is a great way to get a few extra bucks and also share the beauty of rural Australia with others. 

The scenery and access to nature at your campground is paramount. If your field runs along a clean river or overlooks a beautiful view, then you’re more likely to attract people compared to if you opened up a flat area of land in a hard to reach location. Running a campsite takes regular maintenance, and you’ll need to build a few amenities to get the legal go-ahead from your state’s government. 

If you want to earn a bit more money, consider tapping into the glamping market. 

The legalities and licencing around running a campground vary between states and regions. It’s best to check with your local council to see what you need to consider before starting. You may also need to acquire a licence from the ABLIS and a bushfire hazard assessment before opening your ground to the public. 

Accommodation or Bed and Breakfast

The rise of Airbnb has made earning a reasonable income much easier for rural landowners. Make the most of the space you have available. An unused farmhouse or guesthouse would be perfect, but a spare room can work as well. 

The amount of space you can offer guests will affect the income you bring in. Starting a B&B is not simple and may require a lot of planning, construction and work to entertain guests. But, if done well, you will be bringing in much more income than a campground or farm tours.

You get to decide how you market your accommodation service. Going through an accommodation business like Airbnb will recommend your farm stay to thousands of users – for a fee. You could also self-manage your B&B and handle the marketing, advertising and customer service yourself. While you save money on not paying the required fee, you are afforded much greater responsibility. 

Hosted Accommodation Australia is a great resource to find guides on everything you need to know about setting up an accommodation business. 

Farm Experiences

Your farm can be more than a place of work – it can become a destination hundreds of people want to visit. With enough work and a bit of investment, you can offer a family-friendly day trip. 

Tourists want to get a taste of the farm life. If you’re happy to spend your spare days sharing your tricks of the trade with classes, then workshops or hands-on experiences is a great option. Tourists will pay for a variety of experiences from cheese making, to milking cows, picking crops and petting animals. You have the chance to share your hobbies here and impart wisdom to the next generation, perhaps inspiring a few kids to become farmers themselves. 

There are no shortages of farm experiences, so be creative and see what services you can provide. You can run an educational workshop on how sugar cane is turned to sugar and run regular school excursions – or you could start a small petting zoo – if you have a passion for horses you could start a trail ride around your property. 

Look at some of the best stays and take inspiration from that. 

Parking or Storage 

As a large-property owner, you have a commodity which many city people desire – space! Storage is a highly sought after service, especially for people in built-up areas. If your property is located on the outskirts of a populated city, you may be in the perfect market for storage or parking. 

Building a new garage or clearing out an old shed will pay itself off if you can get a few people to pay to store vehicles or caravans until they need it. Cover isn’t necessary; a free hardstand may be enough for people to want to leave their motor home at your property. 

Depending on how much time, money and research you want to put into your side-business, consider building some self-storage sheds. Australian self-storage businesses are booming and more and more people are looking for affordable places to keep their possessions for long periods. Accessibility and location are critical for this venture. You should be located roughly 20-30 minutes from a populated area and have clear signage or access from a main road to the storage site for maximum efficiency. 

Providing both services come with legal requirements and insurances, so talk to your local council before going through with any plans.

Understanding Technology

Saving money is just as important as earning money. Agricultural technology has rapidly evolved over the past decade. Just 50 years ago people would still hire teams during the harvest season to harvest by hand. Now, what used to take 40 people, takes one machine, and it’s likely that in a few years, fewer and fewer workers will be needed to cultivate and harvest crops or look after livestock. 

Autonomous robots which pick fruit and monitored digital barns have already started to be wheeled out across the world. Keeping on top of the latest technology may save you plenty of money at the end of the year. As much as we love the physical work we do, less labour means less expense. 

The more innovative technology becomes, the higher the demand for knowledge will be. Take time to become an expert in specific fields of technology; it may pay off when other farmers look to you for help on current farming trends.

Don’t Just Sell Wholesale 

There are several ways to sell products, and each has advantages and disadvantages. It may sound obvious, but selling at a farmers’ market is an opportunity for higher profit and reduces the shipping and handling time on your products. 

We’re not saying skip the wholesaler entirely, but save a portion of the product for the weekend markets or roadside stalls. Here you will receive the entire retail price and also forge a connection with your local community. 

In order to sell at farmer’s markets, you will usually need your own public liability insurance.

Look Into Remote, Part-Time Agricultural Work 

The digital age means people can connect from anywhere in the world. As a farmer, you have unparalleled expertise in your field of work. Browse the job market or reach out to your connections to see if you can find any work as a rural column writer or content creator, or industry advisor. 

There’s a unique market for Ag blog writers and copywriters. So if you have a way with words, maybe you could pick up work as a rural columnist or freelancer and share your insight with an audience.  

If you have a knack for teaching and cultivating results from people as well as crops, then an advisor position suits your skills. These types of roles let you work from the comfort of your home, as long as you have a decent internet connection and a computer or laptop.

At Global Rotomoulding we are dedicated to helping Australian farmers and rural workers. We value education and strive to give farmers the best information available. Our tanks, products and custom rotomoulding services can help boost your agricultural business. Find out how by browsing our website, or by contacting us!

Get The Longest Life Out Of Your Farm Machinery

Farm machinery plays a crucial role in taking care of crops, maintaining high productivity, and ensuring that your next harvest is done on time. 

Agriculture Technology has come a long way in recent years, with a range of new machinery on the market to make life easier for rural farmers. Tractors, planters, and combines are becoming larger and more efficient each year, which reduces the labour for farmers.

Just a few generations ago, a farmer could happily make a living with a tractor and a few workers, but now the machinery is an integral part of the industry. 

No matter if you’re looking at new-age technologies or still trusting the old-reliables, machinery maintenance is a must.

Here are some must-know tips to keep your equipment working year after year:

Clean Regularly

Proper care and maintenance is the best way to prolong the lifespan of your farm machinery. Cleaning your machinery should become standard practice. If you see built-up dirt in the undercarriage or around the body, it’s important to wash that away before it sets. If you farm crops you understand that dirt can get anywhere, so it’s crucial to have a close inspection of your vehicles and equipment regularly. 

Dirt in the engine can become a catastrophic problem. If too much gets in, it can clog your engine up or cause severe damage. Dirt can also congest things like axels, suspension, wheels and any moving parts. 

Regular cleans mean dirt and grime are less likely to find a way into the more exposed machinery, keeping your vehicles working better for longer. 

Our rainwater tanks are a perfect and cheap resource for cleaning vehicles. Little to no filtration is needed for cleaning and agricultural purposes. Plus it is much more cost-effective than sourcing water. 

Store Properly When The Job Is Done

Just like you, your machinery needs shelter too. Sometimes you may feel lazy and leave a tractor or other vehicle out in the paddock instead of returning it to the shed. While doing this once or twice won’t cause too much harm, making it a regular habit is an easy way to promote corrosion and breakdown.  

Oil and Lubricate 

Lubrication keeps machinery operating smoothly and prevents wear and tear caused by friction. Applying the right oils and lubrication to a machine’s moving parts improves the longevity of its life expectancy. Failure to lubricate can lead to regular and potentially costly repairs. 

Oils also help clean the machine. It seeps into the gears and hard to reach places and dislodges and dirt or grime which may be caught. 

Smart Operating 

A few lifestyle changes will help increase the lifespan of your vehicles and farm machinery. Operating in haste is a sure way to push your machinery too hard. If you’re hard on the breaks, make sharp turns, overload your vehicles and often push your machinery to its limit, it may be time to consider some changes. 

These things cause damage to regular cars, so when you’re making the same mistakes with a 7 tonne tractor, needless to say, the weight will put more strain on the inner workings and tyres.

Take caution and make sure you’re taking small preventative steps like applying the handbrake when stopped, adjusting the speed you’re travelling depending on terrain and load, and driving cautiously. 

There’s also value in educating your workers and creating machinery guidelines for anyone using your equipment. 

Vehicles are only getting more versatile, but with that, they become harder to maintain yourself. Regular checkups will save you money down the line by preventing the breakdown of an important machine. 

Preventative measures are the best way to keep your machines running for longer without needing to tinker. Be sure to do regular maintenance jobs even if everything looks like it’s working well. If something goes wrong, we may be able to replace a piece with a durable polyethylene substitute. 

At Global Rotomoulding we offer a range of agricultural supplies. From water tanks to vehicle-mounted containers to troughs and feeders plus much more, we can help your property fill a range of needs. Get in contact today to find the perfect item for your property. 

Preventative measures are the best way to keep your machines running for longer without needing to tinker. Be sure to do regular maintenance jobs even if everything looks like it’s working well. 

Looking For Rainwater Tanks In Mildura? Here’s What You Need To Know

When looking for rainwater tanks in Mildura, the market can seem oversaturated with different options and sizes to meet demand. For new buyers, it can be daunting to figure out what choice is right for you.  Victoria is in the average rainiest month of the year, and it is the perfect time to consider installing a rainwater tank to cut down on water consumption. At Global Rotomoulding we are a Mildura based provider of polyethylene products direct to customers and have a massive range of above and underground water storage tanks.  This article will help you determine which rainwater tank near Mildura is right for you. 

Proximity and Delivery

When hauling a several thousand-litre water tank, finding the closest option can save you time and money. There are plenty of rainwater tanks in Mildura, so we recommend looking locally first. Not only does it support a business in your area, but it will cut the costs of inter-city transport.  Just remember, the closest option doesn’t always mean it’s the best option for you. Spending a bit more on delivery could save you a lot of money if the nearest provider isn’t as reputable as a more expensive version. It’s important to weigh up your options before deciding on a long-term investment.  Our Global Rotomoulding Mildura team offers delivery services to make sure your tank is looked after from the time it’s purchased to the time it arrives at your property. As a reputable and affordable option, we have helped thousands of happy customers with our services. We delivery our tanks generally within a 400km radius of both our Australia factories of Mildura and Helidon Spa.

Tank Site, Size and Shape 

Before purchasing, consider the amount of water storage you need. Look over your water bills and estimate how much you are using each month.  The average Victorian pays $259 quarterly for water and uses 162 litres, per person, per day. The largest water-consuming appliances are showers which use 34% of all water use in the average Australian home. Toilets follow on 26% and laundry on 23%.  If you live in a residential area, you may be limited for space, so it’s beneficial to find a provider with a range that accommodates your needs.  Globol Rotmoulding offers a wide selection of tanks to suit all requirements, from 1,000 litres to 45,000 with above and under-ground options to optimise space. 

Materials

Rainwater tanks mainly come in plastic, steel, concrete and fibreglass options. Each offers different strengths and weaknesses and comes at a different price range. It is in your best interest to understand how each of the options varies.  Our durable polyethylene tanks are non-reactive to things like salt and minerals which may affect other materials. They are flexible and made to be resistant to Australian heat. Poly is one of the most popular materials for water storage tanks because of its versatility and low-cost. 

Service 

Look at reviews of the company you’re buying from. The best way to find out what experience you’ll have with a company is to look at what past customers had to say. Service and culture are an important part of a business. Buying a rainwater tank is a long-term investment, so it’s important you are treated with as much care as your tank.  At Global Rotomoulding, we take just as much pride in our customer service as we do in our quality poly products. Our water storage tanks come in over 30 different colours and a huge range of sizes with our largest and best value tanks holding up to 23,500 litres of water(45,000 litres in Victoria). If you have any questions about our water storage tanks or want to learn more about our services and the installation process, get in touch with one of our friendly team members today!

5 Unconventional Crops You’ll Find Growing In Australia

Did you know that Australian farmers manage to produce enough food to feed 80 million people? The major commodities farmed in Australia include dairy, grains, meat, sugar, oilseeds, horticulture, cotton and wool. 

Although, due to the diverse and varied climate, farmers have been able to grow a range of unconventional crops across Australia. Read on for our round-up of 5 unconventional crops you’ll find growing in Australia. 

Lavender

Interest in growing lavender in Australia has substantially increased in recent years. While this crop is farmed in all states, major interest has occurred in Victoria and southern New South Wales. Lavender plantings are often used for aromatherapy purposes, teas, baking, and open gardens or nurseries. These lavender farms often serve as a tourist attraction, where visitors may indulge in a lavender scone or lavender tea. 

Saffron

Traditionally, there are three main uses of Saffron: a cooking spice, a powerful medicinal tool or as a dye. Saffron, being an incredibly labour-intensive crop, is the most expensive crop across the globe. To extract one kilogram of Saffron, the stigmas of nearly a quarter of a million flowers need to be handpicked, then dried and bottled. Currently, Iran is the world’s biggest producer of Saffron. Sensing an opportunity to replace imported produce, Tas-Saff has managed to become Australia’s most successful saffron producer.

Jojoba

This plant is grown for its oil, which is used widely within the cosmetic industry. It is native to the inhospitable parts of North America, such as the Sonoran desert. However, this hardy shrub has been growing throughout south-west and central NSW. Also, due to the plant’s salt tolerance, it has been farmed in parts of WA that are impacted by salinity.

Quinoa

Quinoa has become well known for its superfood qualities, especially in recent years where consumers have become more health-conscious. This wellness trend has seen more, and more Australians choose to pay premiums for health foods, like the grain quinoa. Australia’s quinoa industry has continued to develop in recent years, with crops based in northern Tasmania and the WA Wheatbelt. This salt-tolerant crop does not tolerate waterlogging well, but it can thrive on limited moisture.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a well known medicinal herb. It has many Chinese medicinal uses. It is used to boost immunity, reduce stress and relax muscles, while also working as a nourishing stimulant. With the increasing levels of health consciousness in consumers, some Australian farmers are capitalising on growing Ginseng. While the industry is still in it’s early stages, Australia is well-positioned to capture a share of the world market, with cropping now conducted across various regions in the eastern and southern states. 

The varied climatic conditions across Australia allow farmers to grow a range of unconventional crops. When it comes to managing an agricultural lifestyle and business, Global Rotomoulding has extensive experience. Our huge range of products; from water storage tanks to fertiliser tanks, help you get the job done, even if you’re investing your time in more obscure crops. Be sure to have a chat with our friendly team for more information.

Buying a New Tank – What Water Tank is Best?

If you need to replace an existing tank or purchase an initial tank, you might be wondering what type of water tank is best? Buying a new tank should be done after careful consideration of which type of water tank is best suited for your home or your business. This includes size, placement, and importantly which type of material is best for the environment it will be placed in.

Below is a comparison of concrete, steel, fibreglass and polyethylene water tanks to help you decide what type of water tank is best for you. 

CONCRETE TANKS

Concrete tanks have been used for both residential and commercial uses since the 1930s. Made from a mix of cement, water, sand or gravel, concrete can be a durable material in the right circumstances. 

Pros 

  • Concrete is a very strong material 
  • Occasionally, concrete tanks can leak lime into the water, which actually makes the water less acidic. This can be beneficial as rain can have a more acidic pH than mains tap water. 

Cons

  • Underground concrete tanks require extensive excavation for proper installation, or for site works for tank footings. Therefore, there is much more excavation required than for fibreglass or poly tanks. 
  • As a result of this, concrete tanks can be more expensive to install. 
  • Over time, concrete can become prone to cracking, especially if the tank is installed near creeping tree roots or ground susceptible to movement.
  • These water tanks can also become prone to leaking, once cracks start to appear. This leakage can result in the land around the tank becoming affected and, obviously, loss of water from the tank. 

STEEL TANKS

Depending on what exact material your steel tank is made of, it can be extremely durable and relatively inexpensive. There are a few differences between galvanized steel and zincalume, which is made up of steel, aluminum and silicon. 

Pros

  • Steel tanks made of zincalume are extremely durable, even compared to galvanized steel water tanks. This material makes them very resistant to corrosion. 
  • These tanks can last several years even in harsh climates. 
  • Steel water tanks are made of very strong material and can have a long lifespan.

Cons

  • Steel tanks can sometimes lead to corrosion and rusting, and this leaks the zinc coating into the water, which can give it a metallic taste or smell. 
  • They can be more expensive than the other water tank material options 
  • Once the tank is in place, it can be difficult to relocate as they are heavier than poly tanks or fibreglass tanks. 

FIBREGLASS TANKS

Fibreglass is a composite material that is used to make a wide range of items. As a flexible material, this type of water tank is easier to install than concrete water tanks. 

Pros 

  • These tanks are relatively light-weight and thin 
  • They are non-porous and resistant to chemicals; just as poly tanks are. 
  • Not likely to corrode, but some parts can become susceptible to corrosion. 

Cons

  • Fibreglass tanks are made of extremely rigid materials, a disadvantage of this is it can tend to be brittle in nature, being prone to cracking and leaking.
  • These tanks can be more expensive than poly tanks.
  • Fibreglass tanks are constructed using more than one part or component, which means there is a chance that these parts could leak at the seams. 
  • These seams can become prone to severe leaks over time, which can lead to cracking.
  • (Longer lead time due to slower construction process )

POLY TANKS

Poly tanks or polyethylene tanks are an extremely durable tank. Polyethylene is a type of plastic that is one of the most commonly used types of plastic in the world. 

Pros

  • Poly tanks and poly water tanks are created in a single seamless mould, which means there are no seams that could potentially leak. 
  • Can easily be installed above or below ground level 
  • Non-porous and chemical resistant 
  • Does not rust or succumb to corrosion due to the material compounds in polyethylene 
  • The material these tanks are made of minimise the chance of algae growing inside the tank
  • The plastic make-up of polyethylene is food-grade, meaning that it is completely safe to drink from
  • Polyethylene is a flexible plastic, which means this type of water tank can be made to suit different shapes and sizes. 

Cons 

  • At the end of a poly tank’s lifespan, it’s crucial to ensure that proper recycling is done so that the tank does not end up in a landfill. These are the only types of water tanks that can be fully recycled. This can really be seen as a pro, as although proper recycling management is required, you’re doing good by our planet. 

It’s safe to say poly tanks are the best option when deciding what type of water tank is best for your situation. When buying a new water tank, it’s important to think about the position of the tank, the environment it will be in, and what lifespan you expect to get from your new water tank. For more detailed information on what type of water tank is best for you, reach out to us today.

Top 5 Dog Breeds for Aussie Farmers

When you think of an Australian farmer, it’s safe to bet that a rugged bloke wearing a worn-in button-up and a wide-brimmed hat with his trusted canine companion at his side, comes to mind. Work dogs are a staple of the rural way of life. They do their job each day and work without complaint. They give companionship and are fiercely loyal to their families. Moreso, they’re invaluable because the work they do is better than what several men could achieve.

Farm dogs have different purposes from herding, to guarding and even removing pests from the property. Here are our picks for the most iconic and beloved dog breeds to have on your property:

1. Border Collie

The world’s smartest dog is an easy pick for the number one position. Herding comes as an instinct for these dogs and they will patrol livestock from as young as pups.

If you want to train a dog quickly, then none will beat the Border Collie. This breed is capable of learning a new command with as few as 5 repetitions. Once a command is learned, they can obey it on the first try with a 95% success rate. The only dogs to compete with this command retention are German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. 

Collies can run from sunrise to sunset with no fatigue as they were originally bred to herd sheep, but they have proven to be proficient at handling larger herd animals like cattle. 

The only thing that matches a collie’s intelligence is it’s sheer loyalty to its owner. They form a strong dependence on their carer and make for brilliant life partners.

2. Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler)

They may not be as bright as Border Collies, but the loyal Heeler’s stockier build and taller average height give the iconic blue-coloured work dogs an advantage when it comes to dealing with larger livestock. 

Just like Collies, these dogs were bred for farm work, and they have an intuitive talent at herding. 

Heelers were bred by mixing collies with native dingoes. It’s hard to think of working dogs without the blue-furred cattle dogs coming to mind. 

A true Australian-made work breed.

3. Kelpie

Another of Australia’s own working dogs! The Kelpie is a favourite across the country for its work ethic and determination. A good Kelpie is said to be worth several men, especially when herding in mountainous areas or open plateaus. 

The medium-sized dog can endure the blistering heat of the Australian outback and freezing temperatures found at high altitudes. A well trained Kelpie won’t rely on instructions from its owner, it knows when to go ahead of a stockman and funnel a herd in the right direction. 

They are loyal and easy to maintain, making them one of the top picks for Aussie farmers.

4. Jack Russell Terrier/ Rat Terrier

Life on a large property means you’ll likely have your fair share of pests. For people on a property who don’t farm or for farmers who want an inexpensive pet, a terrier is a perfect way to protect crops and structures from rodents. 

A smaller dog means it needs less food. If you’re a farmer who wants to protect your crops from pests but doesn’t see the need for a herding dog one of these two terrier breeds could be the solution, and one that doesn’t hurt your wallet as much as a bigger breed. Not to mention both are incredibly affectionate and intelligent breeds. 

The Jack Russell Terrier is considered one of the best ratters and its original purpose was to hunt foxes, so chasing small animals like rabbits and mice is instinct. Standing at less than 30cm the Russel can squeeze into small nooks where larger dogs would have no chance. 

As the name suggests, Rat Terriers are perfect at chasing down rodents. The small breed is incredibly easy to train and learns commands quickly. They are less yappy than Jack Russells and more comfortable living in smaller spaces. 

5. Anatolian Shepherd

These massive and protective dogs are a fantastic way to guard your herd or property when you’re not there. The Anatolian Shepherd forges a protective bond with their herds and their families, but are cautious of outsiders. 

Compared to other popular livestock guardians, like the Great Pyrenees, the Anatolian Shepherd manages the Australian heat well. This breed’s coat is weather-resistant and keeps them comfortable no matter the temperature. Some prefer the short coat versions because they handle heat better and require less maintenance.

Drought Suffering Landowners – Support Offered

Drought is one of the toughest hardships rural workers face year-after-year. Greater south-east Queensland communities are suffering from some of the lowest rainfall amounts ever recorded. But the Drought Support Expo is looking to educate drought-affected people on how to find support.

The Lockyer Valley Council is putting the spotlight on the drought and the devastating impact it has on rural landholders. The Lockyer Valley Drought Expo invites drought-affected rural landowners, farmers, stockmen, farmworkers, farm suppliers and anyone else in the agriculture industry who are in a similar situation, to go through how to make it through the current and future droughts safely. 

Feel like you’re in a slump during the drought? Well, this could be the perfect place to find what support is available for you and forge close mateships with others in the same position. The expo will cover drought support options, presentations on climate outlook and discuss the importance of looking after your mates and neighbours during hardship. The agriculture industry is the backbone of Queensland, so it’s important to make sure everyone gets through the current drought safely. 

The Lockyer Valley and surrounding regions have endured severe rainfall deficiencies for the past six months. Some areas in the West Moreton area have received the lowest recorded amount of rainfall ever, and rural workers are suffering. 

The Lockyer Valley Mayor, Councillor Tanya Milligan said the expo would equip suffering agricultural workers with critical information on how to find relief during the drought. 

“This drought is continuing to tighten its hold, and this is an opportunity for local rural landholders of all sizes, especially those with drought-affected stock or farms, to come together and connect with drought support options available to them,” she said. 

“The importance of mental health and wellbeing during an ongoing drought can’t be overlooked and checking in with your mental health, and that of your neighbours, really is so important.”

Mary O’Brien from “Are you bogged mate?” is the event’s keynote speaker. Mary understands and lives with the pressure of drought and is making a positive difference across the country with her support program. 

Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2020 

Time: 8.45am – 2.30pm 

Where: Gatton Shire Hall, 52 North Street, Gatton 

Cost: Free 

Other: Gift vouchers available for local produce stores and other prizes will be up for grabs on the day. 

Find Out More: https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/our-region/drought-support/Pages/Drought%20Support%20Expo.aspx

5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Water Tank

When it comes to buying and installing a water tank there are a lot of variables to consider. Make sure you purchase your water tank from a manufacturer who can give you options and provide the product that best suits your needs, home or business. Below are 5 crucial questions to consider when choosing a water tank. 

What Size of Tank do You Need?

Consider what exactly you’ll be using your water tank for. Will it simply be for domestic use or will you be using the water to hydrate livestock, water crops, vegie gardens,flowers and trees? Perhaps you live in an area prone to bushfires during the summer and so you’ll need a healthy reserve in case of emergency. These are all factors to consider when deciding which size of tank is right for you. It’s best to go with a tank provider who manufactures and stocks a large range of tanks since they’ll be able to advise you, based on experience, about what sizes would work best for you based on personal circumstances and location.  

What Colour of Tank Would you Like?

You may prefer a specific colour of water tank for various different reasons. Often people would like a colour that compliments the exterior of their home or matches a bit of a theme on their farm. Climate should also be considered when selecting a colour for your tank. For example, if your farm, home or agribusiness is out towards the outback then there’s likely to be a lot of dust so you’ll want to avoid white or light colours where dirt and dust will easily be highlighted. Instead, opt for dark oranges and reds that will blend in with the landscape of the outback.

Which Material do you Want your Tank to be Made of?

Water tanks can be made out of different materials like polyethylene, steel and concrete. There are various pros and cons to all materials so it’s important that you consider your options. At Global Tanks, we believe that poly water tanks are the way of the future since they’re extremely durable, can’t rust or crack, they’re lightweight and the most cost-effective option. If those benefits tick your boxes then a water tank made from polyethylene is likely your best option.

Is it Recyclable?

Find out from the tank supplier if their products are made from materials that can be recycled. Today, we are more aware than ever of how important it is to make more sustainable choices that will help to benefit the environment and many agribusinesses are even obligated by law to opt for materials that are recyclable rather than ones that aren’t. What’s more, if you opt for a water tank that’s made from non-recyclable materials, down the line when you need to have the tank removed or replaced, you’ll have to pay a very hefty fee to have it extracted and taken to landfill. Polyethylene tanks can be recycled and made into a number of other products.  These are all vital factors to consider when selecting a water tank for your property.

How Many Tanks Do You Need? 

Another important question to consider when choosing a water tank is whether you should use one large tank or multiple smaller tanks to transport or store water. 

Do you have a pitched roof over your shed or workplace? If that’s the case you could put one large tank at one end of the building to capture all water, or you could place smaller, half-sized tanks at each end of the building.

One large tanks may save you space but may also leave your water supply exposed to accidents/mishaps. Two or more smaller tanks will collect the same amount of water while always having one in operation if the other happens to fail.

Do you Need an Underground or Above Ground Tank?

When installing a tank on your property you need to consider the pros of above ground water tanks against the pros of underground water tanks. Underground tanks are great for saving space while aboveground tanks are easier to install and access. If you would like advice on what’s best for your property and needs, get in touch with one of our poly tank experts at Global Tanks.

Choosing a water tank is made easy with Global Tanks. Our water storage tanks come in 32 different colours which means you’re guaranteed to find a colour that matches your landscape and climate. We have a vast range of sizes and all of our tanks are made from recyclable plastic which is great for the environment and your pocket. We also have above ground and underground options so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find the perfect tank. If you have any questions, get in touch with our friendly team today!