tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31951025607846786722024-03-07T06:02:28.915+10:00Cattle Country TalesJustin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-58916322957809634352015-05-26T16:34:00.003+10:002015-05-26T16:49:51.160+10:00This Week In Agriculture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsD-ez6VjVm0qBYd-8r6t3cpmEGa_tgD1Xv52x1D6drEuuUrrKRuVpgV7xPc0dIEV3di_MEraAqE9-YxQO5rfJ5MyUiBgRrr3j-CkfrNZYRwSdnvYFHquivyEyWyntaESU_cjSB9MShK_/s1600/Week+In+Agriculture+Banner_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsD-ez6VjVm0qBYd-8r6t3cpmEGa_tgD1Xv52x1D6drEuuUrrKRuVpgV7xPc0dIEV3di_MEraAqE9-YxQO5rfJ5MyUiBgRrr3j-CkfrNZYRwSdnvYFHquivyEyWyntaESU_cjSB9MShK_/s640/Week+In+Agriculture+Banner_edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It has been so long since I have posted on the blog that it was starting to feel a bit unloved. So I've applied a fresh coat of paint and am steadily revamping everything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Once of the new challenges I have set myself is to do a weekly discussion on the Week that was in Agriculture. I'll be updating with my take on the weeks events of the week on all matters agricultural - I am also aiming to do some guest spots and commentary from the U.S.A. when I head over there later this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll post the main discussion on this page and update the page tab up the top each week so you can see the back catalogue of entries..... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Stay Tuned & Watch this Space!</i></span></span></div>
Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-29026633799111655502013-06-16T13:30:00.003+10:002013-06-16T13:34:18.565+10:00Dairy: It's Legendairy Stuff!Being at a University that is essentially a working farm is one of the best experiences I can possibly have. I wake in the morning and am greeted by the smell of the silage pits and to me that is as good (some may beg to differ) as saying Welcome Home!<br />
One of the best aspects is having a dairy facility on campus. Campus life is wonderful, but when you want to escape it all there is nothing better than going down and watching and learning at the dairy! Whether it be going for a walk to look at the calves in the paddocks by the Ring Road or volunteering to do a session milking the cows, there is nothing better than it. And when you need it the dairy proves to be a welcome distraction from study!<br />
The Australian dairy Industry doesn't just support me in my endeavor to learn and graduate, it supports everyone, every day! From that glass of Milk you have in the morning, to the cheese and crackers you have for morning tea it: is there every day supporting us! I think it's time we give back. Popular CBS TV Show How I Met Your Mother Character Barney Stinson has many catch phrases of varying notoriety. One of the most popular is his phrase "<i>this is going to be legen - wait for it - dary!</i>".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxNCT6Dnsc_oSxNzC_QqS83TGWwlYn5MV2Lpf25iC3XQQ5DueV-VW-L79khgox1pRYLnl2zc6ibGHoItCTuS0OamNabaliqnv0qm4Yv50TajXx7QffOSg8bDbICaFvaabdVwVY6TB3NEi/s1600/Legendary___Barney_Stinson_by_SouthernDesigner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxNCT6Dnsc_oSxNzC_QqS83TGWwlYn5MV2Lpf25iC3XQQ5DueV-VW-L79khgox1pRYLnl2zc6ibGHoItCTuS0OamNabaliqnv0qm4Yv50TajXx7QffOSg8bDbICaFvaabdVwVY6TB3NEi/s320/Legendary___Barney_Stinson_by_SouthernDesigner.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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Source: Devinatart ("Southern Designer") - click <a href="http://southerndesigner.deviantart.com/art/Legendary-Barney-Stinson-102733576">HERE</a> for page</div>
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How this ties in is just recently Dairy Australia started a campaign to take the dairy industry from being just Legendary to LegenDAIRY. The Legendairy program aims at showing what an awesome (yet another Barney Stinson quote) part that Dairy plays in our lives, and in particular The Australian Dairy Industry.</div>
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Heres a few tips on how to show your appreciation:</div>
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<li>Do Your Homework - Whatever brand is suited to you have a look at it, and support your local farmers that supply it.</li>
<li>Support Legendairy - If you find a legendairy dairy don't be afraid to tell people about it, jump on Facebook (yes it has hashtags now), twitter, instagram, whatever and make sure you tell people about it don't forget to put a #legendairy at the end.</li>
<li>BUY AUSTRALIAN! - Australia has some amazing dairy products available, many of which are made right here in Australia! Make sure you support YOUR Aussie brands by buying them at the checkout!</li>
<li>Thank A Farmer - If you know a farmer - don't be afraid to go up to them and thank them! They work from sunrise to often past sunset, there wouldn't be a person or a farmer that I know that it wouldn't make their day if someone came up and said thank you!</li>
<li>Check out the Dairy Australia Page on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.</li>
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Here's the new video which has started it all:<br />
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Sources:<br />
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<li>"Southern Designer" (Deviant Art) - click <a href="http://southerndesigner.deviantart.com/art/Legendary-Barney-Stinson-102733576">HERE</a> for page</li>
<li>Dairy Australia YouTube - click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCBp26UIQkyRHKcctfHYCQ">HERE</a> for videos </li>
<li>CBS's How I Met Your Mother Airs Nationally on the 7 Network.</li>
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Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-50577090818918870292013-06-06T13:12:00.001+10:002013-06-06T13:31:15.975+10:00The lengths some will go to...I was reading through some news bulletins this evening at half time whist watching the State of Origin game (one of the few luxuries I allow myself during Swot-Vac) and came across this story whilst reading through the news-feed on Twitter:<br />
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Source: The Land (Fairfax Agricultural Media)</div>
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Full Story can be read <a href="http://www.theland.com.au/news/agriculture/livestock/other/cameras-found-at-nsw-piggery/2659416.aspx?storypage=0">HERE</a></div>
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It got me thinking about the lengths some people go to, and what they will do to get what they view to be "a good story". The purpose of this post is not to critique the article that has been printed in the land as on the majority it is a fairly balanced piece taking into account both sides of the story.</div>
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Now being a University Student I don't pretend for a second to think that I know all about Pig Farming operations, but one of the biggest things I have learned with regards to farming operations of any nature is the need for a quarantine (or biosecurity as it is commonly referred to as) system to be in place. Some industry like the pig and chicken industries use much more stringent protocols than other industries.The primary method of application for these systems is to minimize the chances of exposure to foreign material that could otherwise cause detrimental effects to the well being of animals.</div>
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In the case of the pig industry this is often a system that begins at the front gate whereby operations access is only available to that farms staff or those visitors that have not had exposure to pigs from other herds or been to other quarantinable areas (such as overseas trips or other farms). This time frame is usually set by the managing body and can range from 2 days to 2 weeks quarantine before access to the farm is granted.</div>
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Other protocols include wash down facilities for vehicles or designated parking areas and internal transport options.</div>
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Once on site general biosecurity protocol dictates that ALL clothing is removed and stored in the "non-clean" area and that you shower for a designated period of time to access the "clean" area. In this area employees are provided with a full change of clothes including undergarments (usually consists of socks, underwear and overalls + undershirts/jackets for colder months). Once changed into the piggery attire the employee is not permitted access to the "unclean" area unless they remove all of their garments and shower out to access the other area. </div>
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This is a very basic overview of bio-security systems. Some farms possess very complicated systems, but all are based on this standard system.</div>
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I find it interesting that Animal Welfare activists could risk jeopardising the health and well being of the very animals that they are trying to so called "protect". By what would seem blatantly ignoring the signs that clearly indicated they should not be in these areas without the proper permission and authorities. Never mind the fact that alone their actions are considered trespass and breaking and entering and there are people who consider this action to be commendable. A suggestion to compare this to: How would you feel if someone snuck in. during the dead of night, ignored all the warning signs that said your house was private and installed cameras to "monitor" you or your family? Feel like your privacy has been invaded? Now consider if you were in hospital, in a quarantine area and someone did the same - ignored all the signs and potentially brought in something that although they thought it was a simple sniffle, turned out be something much worse and threatened your well being? A bit scary isn't it? Well that's a simple analogy of what has happened here.</div>
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Another problem with entering these facilities without undertaking the proper protocols (IE- actually seeking permission in the first place from the owners/management staff.) is the fact that many piggeries (and other industries) require a biosecurity protocol that has to be followed for the purposes of their export market. Many farms (this may or may not apply to the farm in this case) require this chain of controls to maintain their contracts with buyers as this presents assurances that the product is fit for market. Illegally entering a facility of this nature is not only potentially compromising the wellbeing of the animals it is also compromising the ability of the enterprise to sell their product - again this ONLY applies in certain cases and differs depending on the market, and without further information is hard to determine in this case.</div>
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Instead of breaking into facilities to illegally install video recording equipment, here's a simple suggestion - Why not give the farm a call? If you are up front about it from the beginning some farms will be more than willing to talk to you. Or by doing a little research on company websites you can gain an understanding of how they work.</div>
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Now many farms have a no camera policy and the reason behind this is images can tell many different stories. Without explanation the image something as simple as a farmer assisting a cow (or any animal for that matter) to give birth could be misconstrued or even warped and tailored to appear to be something completely different. No producer likes the public to have the wrong story that is why they don't want footage released without the proper explanation of what is occurring so that the viewer is aware of what is occurring. It's easy to use tactics of shock value to influence a viewer into seeing what you want them to see if you don't explain it properly.</div>
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In summary I find the contempt displayed by these activists to be unsettling as it has not only jeopardised the health and well being of the herd, it has also potentially affected the trading of the company in question and the actions employed by the activists are quite simply AGAINST THE LAW. Trespass and Break & Enter are offences which can result in arrest and potential prosecutions against both the individual and the organization that they are representing. The instalation of recording equipment in Private Property by an unauthoaurised or non government group is also against the law and again can result in potential prosecution.</div>
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Generally speaking if you want to know about a husbandry practice that is being undertaken contact a farmer or an industry professional such as an industry group or lecturer/trainer/teacher etc. If you are UP FRONT and clear about why you want to know the information than generally most will be happy to respond.</div>
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If you are interested in learning more about farming feel free to check out the Ask An Aussie Farmer Page on Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/askanaussiefarmer">HERE</a>) and the admin team are generally all too happy to help or point you in the direction of someone who can help.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrHH0r4OZdcx5gS-ufSVYBbZ_NQRtuaaV2GIZ3veLDd_FEXz2Y0zrthDtC06hOcnIcJFbj4_GKVqhC9rlrdU0BevTXnUbXmEYcy7MdzQDGNejTkvIabtOhbCTRY8MP-NOdLNP8D9DiHH6/s1600/AAF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrHH0r4OZdcx5gS-ufSVYBbZ_NQRtuaaV2GIZ3veLDd_FEXz2Y0zrthDtC06hOcnIcJFbj4_GKVqhC9rlrdU0BevTXnUbXmEYcy7MdzQDGNejTkvIabtOhbCTRY8MP-NOdLNP8D9DiHH6/s320/AAF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;">Source: Ask </span>An Aussie Farmer (Facebook Page)</div>
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Full Page Can Be Viewed <a href="http://www.facebook.com/askanaussiefarmer">Here</a></div>
Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-19061122228768721952012-09-01T00:14:00.004+10:002012-09-01T00:14:51.562+10:00You know that you're an Ag Kid when.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think the title says it all really. Lately I've been having a lot of those moments that can only be explained by the statement that I'm an Ag Kid.<br />
Here's some of my You Know You're moments....<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>You know that you're an Ag Kid when......</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. When someone is talking about a Jersey or Guernsey you think breeds of cattle not sports team uniform.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. When you can't remember your sleeve length for ordering a new shirt on the internet, so you just use the size listed on the side of the Preg Testing Gloves (OB Sleeves) Box.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. A normal morning getting up at college isn't complete without the smell of fresh sillage from the dairy on the other side of campus.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Your college barracking song mentions the word Tractor.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Undoubtedly there will be more of these to come as my time at Uni progresses, keep an eye out and I will update the page regularly.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">For some fun in the comments section below tell me one of your best "You know that you're an Ag Kid" moments.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b> </b></span>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-24174154283949631932012-08-31T23:29:00.001+10:002012-08-31T23:29:07.889+10:00It's Show Time!A few weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Brisbane Exhibition or Ekka for short.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH9Y9bVcT-YPTN_SNWAA-TsBUpvWstjIeO1w4e_07DRcGQOzJ693ksONyHy9LVOBgW3tuvHf_VbOMLDJa0GnlvPYn3E2zBeZFlNa4cZ030CE90uDC8QKbK4pV3Bbrb52CE7Ix-WQqbaD0/s1600/IMG_1122.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH9Y9bVcT-YPTN_SNWAA-TsBUpvWstjIeO1w4e_07DRcGQOzJ693ksONyHy9LVOBgW3tuvHf_VbOMLDJa0GnlvPYn3E2zBeZFlNa4cZ030CE90uDC8QKbK4pV3Bbrb52CE7Ix-WQqbaD0/s200/IMG_1122.JPG" width="150" /></a>The Ekka is a true "Country Comes to Town" experience as competitors from all around Queensland and New South Wales battle it out for the coveted Blue Ribbon.<br />
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I was lucky enough to spend two nights and three days at this years show and got to see a lot of the Ekka, I brought along the trusty Nikon and snapped over 3000 images over the three days (this led to a lot of processing time, and I don't think my laptop has forgiven me yet!). Here is just a snapshot of the event:<br />
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<i>Every morning arriving nice and early to Roma Street Station:</i></div>
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<i><b> </b>An Ekka Tradition for Breakfast:</i></div>
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<i><b> </b></i>Scones with Cream and Jam made by the lovely QCWA Ladies with the Courier Mails in the John MacDonald Stand</div>
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<i>Off Visiting the Beef & Dairy Pavillions:</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7VbuOZBACyZRcB6PM7Dfxj-UgsaM7tAO_cAKFbbuaA6SKCYQhei9qw5RRH6xWxyq2ayoKxwEjXtS3hFnOYG_WOhcsElP5kxHeo_TG4g8L0-l-xpSF2yU5CEh5HibdhqJ4VxvQiraO4mx/s1600/DSC_0290.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7VbuOZBACyZRcB6PM7Dfxj-UgsaM7tAO_cAKFbbuaA6SKCYQhei9qw5RRH6xWxyq2ayoKxwEjXtS3hFnOYG_WOhcsElP5kxHeo_TG4g8L0-l-xpSF2yU5CEh5HibdhqJ4VxvQiraO4mx/s200/DSC_0290.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoytTB_74VMGp73qjVU-N646lsmxt5911inEJ_U-ykdqTCqxqGUhK5_gFXoQrmCXLBXmu-Ltfh1fRDjOlgTc51BMuIXz3serB_VU8z74iDjzUMCueES2kriehvNhG205QguwB4eOlpZ6U/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoytTB_74VMGp73qjVU-N646lsmxt5911inEJ_U-ykdqTCqxqGUhK5_gFXoQrmCXLBXmu-Ltfh1fRDjOlgTc51BMuIXz3serB_VU8z74iDjzUMCueES2kriehvNhG205QguwB4eOlpZ6U/s200/DSC_0027.JPG" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBNDMKGGY0mKd04beoAQGZQtjsdeMdMpw2x9k9EEoMGFF5A3lqUyfdZS9te5FFeVJ-DZ9XQBZ-BDu4T5wdn8fcwk80EDqmPSBDJgknegZWcckpUKlykUhWsZO__G6Mj-XEFzp6aR5IVCL/s1600/DSC_0294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBNDMKGGY0mKd04beoAQGZQtjsdeMdMpw2x9k9EEoMGFF5A3lqUyfdZS9te5FFeVJ-DZ9XQBZ-BDu4T5wdn8fcwk80EDqmPSBDJgknegZWcckpUKlykUhWsZO__G6Mj-XEFzp6aR5IVCL/s200/DSC_0294.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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Corporate sponsorship played a great role this year in the beef pavillion with McDonalds providing keynote messages throughout the pavillions allowing consumers to be educated on just where their produce comes from. So too did the Dairy industry with their encouragement of consumers to buy branded milk as oposed to home brand due to the impacts that it is having on our Dairy producers.</div>
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It was wonderful to see so many taking the time to walk through both these areas gaining an education on where their produce comes from.</div>
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<i>A little bit of Horsepower.....</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBKBtVkeMgyy5u7iFZ8k8edPzWnwzmy8j70UrWzXmGEjjfGAbs2uqfOHvIeNL_tHu2Cjw2gM2MfHhAQyR-1Nbwu_DYh46G_oLPdIHu5J6GUU-OQ8IohDunsIN1_YbgAgvjFgKfTt3lIVi/s1600/DSC_0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBKBtVkeMgyy5u7iFZ8k8edPzWnwzmy8j70UrWzXmGEjjfGAbs2uqfOHvIeNL_tHu2Cjw2gM2MfHhAQyR-1Nbwu_DYh46G_oLPdIHu5J6GUU-OQ8IohDunsIN1_YbgAgvjFgKfTt3lIVi/s200/DSC_0045.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbscxWfIxsI_Pf0iTrfBEFpDa51pk-dS7YlUrE-KUei4iqfQOlBL0XD3P1-vxWIu5tGlRR09EblPpytHeYzxhOMpg9ekp_3WSZwaRXHfDSeipRhT8Lam8Vg9tnvPfO2vGg6T-4NAVrLv8C/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbscxWfIxsI_Pf0iTrfBEFpDa51pk-dS7YlUrE-KUei4iqfQOlBL0XD3P1-vxWIu5tGlRR09EblPpytHeYzxhOMpg9ekp_3WSZwaRXHfDSeipRhT8Lam8Vg9tnvPfO2vGg6T-4NAVrLv8C/s200/DSC_0043.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_HLfnn698Yh8nQI_5HOU7pvPgHOG_odRtdflQTqKiAiM7PsM6hX-SdUn6hNV-elfgn-aHXppbvG3EJdlm4MmOZ0YlrRqiEuLDNznA9aGNeDaxCZ7kYBa5V9643qR2yp9Tt0rpIJyVTDU/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTISzyT_FLZOSL-ZWYmd53t_A0NoCLa-FOlBzaEeATgQ4QHrKBUHNT7hVuvXsoFJPvSS2rfzaRJwxEpP4U2Vbb1_9a9KqfHPalWQJx4fr_0I0-t_-E670S2mE1HMbRUAZvh-Jz8PaZtqv/s1600/DSC_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTISzyT_FLZOSL-ZWYmd53t_A0NoCLa-FOlBzaEeATgQ4QHrKBUHNT7hVuvXsoFJPvSS2rfzaRJwxEpP4U2Vbb1_9a9KqfHPalWQJx4fr_0I0-t_-E670S2mE1HMbRUAZvh-Jz8PaZtqv/s200/DSC_0013.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
This year at the Ekka the Hilux Heroes Precision Driving team presented their fantastic "Unbreakable Hilux" demonstrations, putting these machines through their paces as well as supporting a terrific cause in the process.<br />
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<i>Horsepower in the more traditional sense....</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxW1GmX4gNq-ThP68m7kgJq-FCMr4pdIvrrIuNeJlcLHDx3xzXCur7JErV6k1ArYPBC4I3z9nHLESToeMKdsU6QXggvpVisjH7Uah1OhTgaZk466PFvxslJBZPeTcMIUv1RfxEfpBEtIz/s1600/DSC_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxW1GmX4gNq-ThP68m7kgJq-FCMr4pdIvrrIuNeJlcLHDx3xzXCur7JErV6k1ArYPBC4I3z9nHLESToeMKdsU6QXggvpVisjH7Uah1OhTgaZk466PFvxslJBZPeTcMIUv1RfxEfpBEtIz/s200/DSC_0265.JPG" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g4kVd3jUfv4GU3XNiNCcHb6hSjP0RJY5jo5ceU7id2xl4WL64fQlF2qpbSNArMKiUroV8eUf23hgX474S0WEquKBZkzjTTdwAYIbhTlXLmmkYr2lfrsgK_YDH8-tZdz-ksgPfxRkHbBW/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g4kVd3jUfv4GU3XNiNCcHb6hSjP0RJY5jo5ceU7id2xl4WL64fQlF2qpbSNArMKiUroV8eUf23hgX474S0WEquKBZkzjTTdwAYIbhTlXLmmkYr2lfrsgK_YDH8-tZdz-ksgPfxRkHbBW/s200/DSC_0357.JPG" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFSWa_hyphenhyphenVHu-Eg50d6Qpj8T0FjD9xpl1JqoLerFVYJtcFJuWKQwSwrCKddVWT4qXGKraTCuLajdO_ti9Itl3pNK_Q99i3n3YB0mGT0G0ofuzBcza2wia2vh_MEPgvpwdvAWwND1BFEyYF/s1600/DSC_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFSWa_hyphenhyphenVHu-Eg50d6Qpj8T0FjD9xpl1JqoLerFVYJtcFJuWKQwSwrCKddVWT4qXGKraTCuLajdO_ti9Itl3pNK_Q99i3n3YB0mGT0G0ofuzBcza2wia2vh_MEPgvpwdvAWwND1BFEyYF/s200/DSC_0351.JPG" width="132" /></a></div>
Represented at the Ekka are many different types of breeds of horses. Two that took my particular interest this year were the Queensland Mounted who put on a terrific display and of course the heavy horses: which were also very well represented.<br />
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<i>Lunchtime....</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEQ1doJ9o5QGZA8W9H0cvURXxDJ6-nHt8iFKcPgtYP1AQVg-umny0oGbbJeWfHqddRUNY6Z-UgomgWA7CJkS1NpOjTjB6C1PWdsCPHBnhfYosrT8xNZcWWGpx-K6tvkiUBvkDXcu3UGGH/s1600/IMG_1126.1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEQ1doJ9o5QGZA8W9H0cvURXxDJ6-nHt8iFKcPgtYP1AQVg-umny0oGbbJeWfHqddRUNY6Z-UgomgWA7CJkS1NpOjTjB6C1PWdsCPHBnhfYosrT8xNZcWWGpx-K6tvkiUBvkDXcu3UGGH/s200/IMG_1126.1.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVcADPBunFzGg69PpXCrrYyNXn021QMTwk8kblJtEdxsmj_XPX8xJL8Cu09fh1LValc9RsBAlxpy0yWTbQ6HKHHJ51N82SGY-ytiJF8V3bTmM8QxlkEuJDu1iwCRnO5BLUJvpUzAuIvwE/s1600/312076_4346619232377_1764124819_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVcADPBunFzGg69PpXCrrYyNXn021QMTwk8kblJtEdxsmj_XPX8xJL8Cu09fh1LValc9RsBAlxpy0yWTbQ6HKHHJ51N82SGY-ytiJF8V3bTmM8QxlkEuJDu1iwCRnO5BLUJvpUzAuIvwE/s200/312076_4346619232377_1764124819_n.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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Lunch at Ekka presents itself with many different choices from the classic to the award winning. Left is the classic Strawberry Icecream (it wouldn't be a trip to the Ekka without one) and on the right is the <strong>Highland Park Grass fed Eye Fillet</strong> 280g MSA
graded, Minchinbury NSW, Champion MSA Graded (non Wagyu)
Branded Beef of Show and Gold Medal Winner, from the Royal Queensland Steak House Restaurant (<a href="http://www.ekka.com.au/food/royal-queensland-steakhouse-restaurant-.aspx">here</a>).</div>
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<i>Main Arena Puissance Jumping Action </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cWfzGHRQ-0Jv05LxbWs9yhAiOUU7eDm_4yPL1dcIkPKWpfL5hAozQmlm8NHtnNtJTha2liNozDW7Dwa1o2dkOZ0AVehHa38jS5uWPa3h3le7JwqxamBsD1_xexx36SPNqK__APKVBRvb/s1600/DSC_0487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cWfzGHRQ-0Jv05LxbWs9yhAiOUU7eDm_4yPL1dcIkPKWpfL5hAozQmlm8NHtnNtJTha2liNozDW7Dwa1o2dkOZ0AVehHa38jS5uWPa3h3le7JwqxamBsD1_xexx36SPNqK__APKVBRvb/s200/DSC_0487.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChS4LpHEOmIiJ5nJGbb7aZcl1LJHXgxo6jxfbM0Mu2J6ads2wt0t-xnjFJhwE0Oin1UuFJZ8f8GS5lTqDrRF9KEfiJF6RObhYkPpCwU4-QuPWbSNrLvLsyS446mR-UlClGcY9GxC4ce_a/s1600/DSC_0481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChS4LpHEOmIiJ5nJGbb7aZcl1LJHXgxo6jxfbM0Mu2J6ads2wt0t-xnjFJhwE0Oin1UuFJZ8f8GS5lTqDrRF9KEfiJF6RObhYkPpCwU4-QuPWbSNrLvLsyS446mR-UlClGcY9GxC4ce_a/s200/DSC_0481.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The word "Puissance" I'm told losely translates to: "Really high Jump" (please don't quote me on that one). It involves horse and rider completeing a jumping course with optional fences and a final compulsary fence. The initial optional fences are aimed at warming up the horse before the final compulsary fence is attempted. These are raised in height as the rounds progress with the rider that achieves a fault free round overall taking home the prize.</div>
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<i> Ekka IgNites</i></div>
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Horseman Guy McLean presenting the "Mates from the Bush" (left) and "Fire Dance" (right). McLean is an impressive horseman who demonstrates some incredible skills with his team of horses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjynis2aBY3jESriumny5Ot8e5ANVKTKkh9j7h1zu5tGOVF1NGUn8i3LSiCWIpj1XkeP28R-BAQXrZov2JkmaiHP6oSBR78n0GcyyD86Fz1E42rCQE60P7UhpwzO5aF58cfWUCCCG4_Ig/s1600/DSC_0664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjynis2aBY3jESriumny5Ot8e5ANVKTKkh9j7h1zu5tGOVF1NGUn8i3LSiCWIpj1XkeP28R-BAQXrZov2JkmaiHP6oSBR78n0GcyyD86Fz1E42rCQE60P7UhpwzO5aF58cfWUCCCG4_Ig/s200/DSC_0664.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz5hsddi8E8sFbQF2h93U-i48n30wApi1z1ucSIa5P7l6NHTAXpxlZ85ueirkhSQj1VFOuuVV1YLypgE8sceooKPAVQf-E2InmEKKjZp_xZmr6fRgaFfAZsVV1laSGNG1HDSS1BSRZJb5/s1600/DSC_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz5hsddi8E8sFbQF2h93U-i48n30wApi1z1ucSIa5P7l6NHTAXpxlZ85ueirkhSQj1VFOuuVV1YLypgE8sceooKPAVQf-E2InmEKKjZp_xZmr6fRgaFfAZsVV1laSGNG1HDSS1BSRZJb5/s200/DSC_0566.JPG" width="200" /></a>Back for their nighttime round were the Hilux Heroes, again putting
their now clean Hiluxes through their paces. This time Faster, Higher
and Harder than their day show.<br />
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Rounding out the day was a terrific Pyrotechnics display from Australian company Howard and Sons Pyrotechnics, presenting an amazing array of fireworks timed to a great selection of songs. This year featuring their amazing Fire Jet system just to warm you up a little demonstrating split second fire bursts that literally danced in time with the music.<br />
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<i>It's not over yet...</i></div>
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For those that wanted to add a little more action to their day Side Show Alley certainly had a lot on offer this year. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglniBryYU8oooPegYXgi1q_g7u-77S07NnJ0d7Bxrb54XqesQXwcfIL3vyLqFAVH_NAkh8088t3Y0da8Cvu4hBWBrcRiZpGakMg6wafKBfUi0V6L4m-LQOegbpizs3e4AHUPVdAoMDXZyN/s1600/Ekka_%232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglniBryYU8oooPegYXgi1q_g7u-77S07NnJ0d7Bxrb54XqesQXwcfIL3vyLqFAVH_NAkh8088t3Y0da8Cvu4hBWBrcRiZpGakMg6wafKBfUi0V6L4m-LQOegbpizs3e4AHUPVdAoMDXZyN/s640/Ekka_%232.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Acknowledgements:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">These photos are marked as Copywrite to Justin Matthews, however the content contained within them is the intellectual property of their respective owners.</span></div>
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Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-27564025183142066102012-07-19T14:11:00.000+10:002012-07-19T14:16:11.110+10:00Some Humour with a Message...These last few months have seen YouTube give rise to some absolutely terrific Farming Related Parody Songs, so I thought today that I would share them in my blog post.<br />
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But before I do so I thought it would be important to comment on the great work these guys (and many others out there) are doing. By creating and producing the clever videos they are promoting in such a great way agricultural industries and the vital role they have in society. In both these videos they have worked really well on breaking any preconceived misconceptions that consumers have about agriculture and educated them in a fun and humorous way at the same time.<br />
By producing these song parodies these young producers are being great 'agvocates' for their industry helping consumers understand what goes into their product in a fun way at the same time. By engaging with consumers in this way producers are breaking down these preconcieved misconceptions about the industry and promoting it at the same time. As you will see in the videos these groups love their industry, they love working in their industry and are very passionate about educating the public.<br />
Hat's off to these guys for their efforts and I hope to see more videos like this to come!<br />
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So enough from me, and on with the show! Here are just two of the many videos out there that have caught my eye:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Peterson Farm Bros. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I'm Farming & I Grow It</i></span></div>
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With well over 1 000 000 views this video has certainly taken YouTube by storm. Gaining success not just in America but across the world these gentleman have certainly got a hit on their hands! Going viral in a matter of days and leading to numerous appearances on US television, here is I'm Farming & I Grow It:</div>
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You can keep up to date with these guys on their Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/PetersonFarmBros">here</a>) & YouTube Channels (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePetersonFarmBros">here</a>) for more news and insights into the production process.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lil Fred</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Farm It Maybe?</span></i></div>
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This one just popped up in my newsfeed this morning courtesy of some mates from college, the FFA and a few other Ag Industries that I follow on Facebook.</div>
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Lil Fred who is only 9yrs old, puts together and stars in these video's together with the help of his brother Justin (18yrs old). Well written and an absolute crack up, sure to be one of the next viral sensations, here is Farm It Maybe?:</div>
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Again you can follow Lil Fred on his own YouTube Channel (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LittleFred2008?feature=watch">here</a>) for new and upcoming projects!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9WTN5tmZHC0jxivkxuENsGXq1f9CNKOUDSfTt2Sk7SghVzxQNtVOE_YknC3jooZ-e7eLIx1k_gX_Nec0je9J0XBOY_Omtc_-yxr8DSe5lEGfeoNrY8F7IbD4nROoimecg1Ai2dM2jI1-/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+19072012+14603+PM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9WTN5tmZHC0jxivkxuENsGXq1f9CNKOUDSfTt2Sk7SghVzxQNtVOE_YknC3jooZ-e7eLIx1k_gX_Nec0je9J0XBOY_Omtc_-yxr8DSe5lEGfeoNrY8F7IbD4nROoimecg1Ai2dM2jI1-/s320/Fullscreen+capture+19072012+14603+PM.bmp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhZw8v4JjcDfCxtKmEX5MNAHunMVIExVP6M_y-cNy_XHuBaXMt17rsbZRtWKnUPMhXd2MlzNELzViR3HwIOgxL6XWK78QbiI44Hu4ARRCtWWSncNFtGTl-Ek_O2BimTdnX3vLeZZcxcyC/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+19072012+14837+PM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-11637578450651021022012-07-18T18:34:00.001+10:002012-07-19T14:17:22.067+10:00Wet Winter....This season has seen a large amount of rain fall for the Winter months this year. This has meant that the gumboots and the drizabone have come in handy a lot this season.<br />
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Just today I tipped over 24mm out of the rain gauge, this rain that has fallen in the past 24hrs.<br />
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This weather whilst it is great coming into the Spring & Summer seasons is great for buffering our pasture supplies is wreaking havoc with our work schedules and plans and also the temperatures. <br />
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So for now I am keeping a close eye on the weather to see when we have some clear days planned....<br />
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If it's any consolation for us this week revised climate prediction have indicated the strong liklihood of an el Nino event occuring.<br />
This events results in a drying summer for the Southern Hemisphere and indicates at possible strong rainfall conditions for the Northern Hemisphere.<br />
Check out the QLD Government Long Paddock Website (<a href="http://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/">http://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/</a>) for up to date information.Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-55482748865045336552012-07-18T18:02:00.000+10:002012-07-19T14:16:11.125+10:00Why I Like Cows (II) ....Once again the news has degenerated to the point that I am over all of the celebrity gossip, horrible TV Shows and latest released novels and songs, that I have again decided that it all would be better if it were about cows.....<br />
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Here's a few examples from the week that was and why it would be so much better if it were about cows......<br />
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1. The Shire (cue groan....)<br />
Channel 10's hit (?) TV series the shire premiered this week and has to put it lightly left some viewers with a gripe or two about the show.<br />
Personally I'm not the hugest fan of the show (personally I won't watch it when there is better content on TV). But this lead me to thinking, how much better would this show be if it was about cows:<br />
1. Cow's don't get botox or breast enhancements.<br />
2. Last time I checked cow's didn't go through massive break ups.<br />
3. The only pushy cows I know are jersey cows.<br />
<br />
So looking at it half the storyline would be cut, and then all you'd have to do is replace the "Snooki" character with a Jersey cow named Mabel?<br />
I could just imagine the opening titles:<br />
"Welcome to the Shire - This week we see a power play between Mavis and Mabel for the head of the herd, who will win? Who will lose, lets look and see...."<br />
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* Sorry to anybody out there who owns Jersey Cattle, they are for the most part lovely, but there are some pretty pushy ones out there. <br />
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2. 50 Shades of Grey (sorry I just don't get what the big deal is...)<br />
Lately all I seem to be hearing about is the book "50 Shades of Grey" and that it has gained itself somewhat of a large following and is being touted to be the next box office blockbuster.....<br />
The only 50 Shades of Grey I've seen or ever had to worry about are Brahmans & Murray Greys:<br />
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If this book was about cows (or bulls) than the most riveting read would be their EBV values and other trait characteristics.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cow_female_black_white.jpg">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cow_female_black_white.jpg </a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">2. <a href="http://www.puregrassbeef.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/2008_bulls.226135456_std.jpg">http://www.puregrassbeef.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/2008_bulls.226135456_std.jpg </a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">3. <a href="http://www.brahman.com.au/brahmanMedia.html">http://www.brahman.com.au/brahmanMedia.html</a></span></div>
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Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-21366746951129575442012-06-21T15:36:00.001+10:002012-07-19T14:17:53.322+10:00Headed Home!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Headed Home (nearly!) just gotta pack the Rav 4 and I'm all set.....</span></div>
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GPS is Programmed and I am just about ready to head once all the packing is all done.</div>
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UniHolidays are finally here and I am gearing up for a busy week at home, then heading back to Uni For a Week to look after High School Students and the next generation of Ag & Vet Students at UQ FEAST.</div>
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Check out UQ Gatton's Facebook & Twitter Feeds (links above) to keep up to date with the programs they are offering for Current Students, Future Students & Producers.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Should be lots of fun but still a bit busy, but hey that's farm life for you!</b></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-35837080676173099392012-06-07T21:53:00.000+10:002012-07-19T14:18:33.715+10:00This Month's Banner Explained: June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9P_gzx_Sco7jsXVmpURkTQecJGA9AgJHgvlOzPbn5_f7BoB66j0w-br3C3m_OXPA3Awq4Hv5hUwO63bbjoRVtQoo3QnEd4NOVC379EzpXA4vfEJ1JvKVy14olc-iIefbxp9tWcZOES-C/s1600/Desktop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9P_gzx_Sco7jsXVmpURkTQecJGA9AgJHgvlOzPbn5_f7BoB66j0w-br3C3m_OXPA3Awq4Hv5hUwO63bbjoRVtQoo3QnEd4NOVC379EzpXA4vfEJ1JvKVy14olc-iIefbxp9tWcZOES-C/s640/Desktop2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This months banner was a bit of a challenge to put together as I haven't been out photographing much lately.<br />
June for me is pretty much dedicated to all things study for what we call SwatVac (Check out SwatVac related tweets <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/realtime/%23SwatVac">here #SwatVac</a>).<br />
Image #1: I have developed a bit of a penchant for heights lately after being invited on a rock climbing trip.<br />
Image #2: FarmFest 2012 (you can read about it <a href="http://cattlecountrytales.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/farmfest-2012.html">here</a>) - these are the goodies I picked up.<br />
Image #3: Study Time - My e-notes<br />
Image #4: Masquerade Ball - End of semester dinner was masquerade themed.<br />
Image #5: Motivation - This little book keeps me going, it's always full of helpful sayings, occasionally I will tweet them (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/realtime/%23SwatVacMotivation">here</a>)<br />
Images #6 & #7: Study, Study, Study, Study......<br />
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Hope this sheds some light, well getter get back to it and stop this procrastination, c'ya on the flipside!Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-12756169752308554012012-06-07T21:04:00.005+10:002012-07-19T14:18:49.908+10:00FarmFest 2012<b>Something <span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">BLUE</span>,</b><br />
<b> Something <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">GREEN</span>,</b><br />
<b> Something <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">RED</span>;</b><br />
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A colour for everyone! FarmFest 2012 certainly proved that.<br />
For those that don't know FarmFest is an Agricultural Field day held on the Darling Downs in QLD, it is said to be one of the biggest in Queensland and Australia.<br />
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It showcases the latest and greatest agricultural products across a wide range of sectors including farming, spraying, animal health & handling systems, and much much more. They come in a wide range of sizes from the smallest trade tool right up to a 50m+ Spray Coupe.<br />
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FarmFest is a mecca for the Rural Sector: It gives us the chance to come together and look at some of the newest and often cutting edge technology to enable producers to better and more efficiently produce their end product.<br />
The FarmFest field day runs over three days enabling farmers to come from near and wide to see some of the latest and greatest products.<br />
It also gives us the opportunities to score so good freebies from the reps and make that Christmas wish list a bit longer!<br />
Products are often demonstrated in a "test-drive" area. Equipment in operation included the mamoth spray coupes (see the one on the right), tractors, ploughs, mulchers, ATV's, bikes, the list goes on!<br />
As well as product demonstrations there is a wide range of animal exhibits from stud beef cattle, dairy goats, and even the more traditional horsepower option of clydesdales. these animals all compete in specific classes and are judged taking home some serious prizes.<br />
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All the major manufacturers are represented with what seems to be a rainbow of colors to chose from. But from my observations you were either a Blue, Green or Red person (check out the images below). <br />
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Both Case IH (Red) and New Holland (Blue) had some kit that I have classified in the realm of "big boys toys"<br />
One of the more interesting "toys" that I saw this year was a new one Claas (Gleaner I think). This looks to me like the new hybrid of the farming world. This critter is somewhat similar to a Prius: in that it is a hybrid.<br />
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It features front track articulated steering technology, with wide tread tires on the rear. And it makes the transformers look like, well; kids toys.<br />
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In a sign of the times and the fact that more and more farmers these days are embracing technology this year featured an iPhone app which made life and navigation of the site a complete breeze. <br />
Over 70, 000 people will have passed through the gates to visit of 2,500 individual rural companies. The site itself is massive which is where the i-gadget came in handy. You have access to the map and exhibitors list so you can plan your day.<br />
I spent two days at the site this year and got to see some cool tech and speak to some very knowledgeable people. For me field days like this provide great insight into the industry enabling me to see a lot of the new and upcoming tech as well as get the low-down on products currently available in the market place.<br />
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Just some of the swag of goodies (below) and literature that I picked up, that I now get to go through:<br />
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For more information check out the FarmFest Website (<a href="http://www.farmonline.com.au/events/farmfest/home">here</a>), and who knows maybe I'll see you at FarmFest 2013!<br />
<br />Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-71815910098772012722012-05-21T18:53:00.001+10:002012-07-19T14:21:06.060+10:00My Gumboots...A few weeks ago I was encouraged to enter a competition through my University to enter a photo of a pair of shoes and a story about how they are reflective of your life experiences.<br />
I decided to enter a nice photograph (is that an oxymoron?) of my gumboots and entered it in the competition. I think that my gumboots are a really good representation of farming life. Every boot/gumboot or hat out there could probably tell a story. Every stain, rip, scuff or mark has a story.<br />
Why don't you grab a photo of your today and do a few short lines on their story and how their story represents your story/journey.....<br />
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Here is my entry that I have sent off:<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"</span></b></i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My Gumboots have been everywhere! They always ride in the back of my Rav and have been through flood, torrential downpours and more mud and manure than I can recount.
They are tough & hard wearing, and never receive special attention, except for a gurnying when I have finished with them for the day. Says a lot for their resilience in many respects…..
They put up with a lot of crap (literally in many cases) and are always on hand (or should I say foot) when I need them.
From checking a flooded crossing, to working in the dairy or to preg testing a cow these boots are always my go to boot. When you are pushing through the hard and often unpleasant times in life there is nothing better than a pair of gumboots!</span> <i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"</span></b></i></blockquote>
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<img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohkhpclu2Qbqcy5_NafQYDZMngyFt8_GDXdV2TpBkCLBczD6H4Kuq2pOLe4nHTqVhxsxSrsWm22hGnUSZ8qhSHoDsmKX8mge0_vVNecb7vj6DycyARGGVyc5RAMLqEc3POT2Eb3VtdCWo/s400/DSC_0037.JPG" width="400" /> </div>
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I have been lucky enough to be selected as a finalist in the competition and now have to deliver a short speech. Any hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.</div>
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To check out more of the entries click on the image below to go to the UQ Gatton Facebook Page:</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/uqgatton"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6QGO3AQvNfpnPZFAtkDqw1j9KUuJN1rbjqJa620p6Fn4CDmlGpipd739-1BWKvgvuFuG8F8ZlVsY8lSX7CintKotmjH_os9clW9uIXLnaJeUIOwAkHHa3tia1S1kFstKzWzHhpjLEA66/s200/Fullscreen+capture+21052012+63405+PM.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*More entries are located under the Photos Tab, then Diversity Week Competition Tab</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtP5khfkT1fB-qrh805YRyVMdEx-IuS-uTT5ujtxgtiWM0CrmXhkPcLfyTTTYNRGIHvTbPtKEwTKRcsBzTrm_-OVt0ugl16W5RFRNCADmxy3_IqI7b4aM2DTtMSW28Sp0MGgNaA-jsMCg/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-63180350092422823722012-04-25T14:42:00.001+10:002012-07-19T14:19:56.613+10:00Anzac Day 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDMmUuIUzZrGWG5TQlr3fW-nQ2Ht0QDimb33j5mx3KwtTr4P6qC-yauVr_49DEwzF9-c4hWDgCDCWK1KHvYhrdCE9fOUK-oh9vP15J1-KRmZWPQwwoebnEFlclkJRdLUUq6Ut3fLnwqiv/s1600/DSC_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDMmUuIUzZrGWG5TQlr3fW-nQ2Ht0QDimb33j5mx3KwtTr4P6qC-yauVr_49DEwzF9-c4hWDgCDCWK1KHvYhrdCE9fOUK-oh9vP15J1-KRmZWPQwwoebnEFlclkJRdLUUq6Ut3fLnwqiv/s200/DSC_0784.JPG" width="83" /></a>2012 sees the 97th Anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealland forces at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli. This bloody battle has been ingrained in all our memories, and will be further remembered on this date.</div>
Anzac day stands as a memorial for not just those who passed at Gallipoli, but it recognizes the ultimate sacrifice laid down by those brave men and women in protection of the values that we hold dear and cherish.<br />
I have attended this year the local dawn service with colleagues from University. I find that the dawn service is definitely the most moving of all the services. Being able to stand in the stillness of the dawns waking light remembering and thanking those for their sacrifices that they have given .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-mQqGGRPPvc5c4QNJA2eUklCGwYGMOySWx1lUjElrhvkTwZLEPrTQhkj1hJ9Hvv7EsTs-4EVxXgQeItn39UVfP5hZwjU72FhZQPROOI7NYakX7EvaT47GaF6vT9S-oz2Bv93tCJnGvp2/s1600/DSC_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-mQqGGRPPvc5c4QNJA2eUklCGwYGMOySWx1lUjElrhvkTwZLEPrTQhkj1hJ9Hvv7EsTs-4EVxXgQeItn39UVfP5hZwjU72FhZQPROOI7NYakX7EvaT47GaF6vT9S-oz2Bv93tCJnGvp2/s320/DSC_0777.JPG" width="320" /></a>Part of the tradition of Anzac Day sees attendees traditionally pinning a sprig of Rosemary to their lapel in honour of the memories of the fallen. The tradition of Rosemary dates back to Ancient times where it is belived to have properties of improving the memory. Further more to this bushes of Rosemary have been found growing in the wild on the Gallipoli Peninsular. This has been adopted as an icon and symbolises keeping the memory alive and strong in recognition of the fallen.<br />
Anzac day is often best symbolised by the remembrance that it holds key. The Ode is read, followed by the last post to honour the fallen, this is then followed by two-minutes silence which is then broken by Reveille. This part of the ceremony is often the most poignant leaving many a tear in the eye of attendees.<br />
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The video below by Adam Brand ("The Anzac") show's some very powerful images of the Anzac's and an understanding of the ceremony.<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3Q5sYsN7Mas" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-21975677601835013652012-04-24T11:31:00.000+10:002012-07-19T14:19:56.608+10:00Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYJtBD1GDcebXDXQGvmze1A7vcnVGc1PtHvA7ToSuRKtv1BQ5IjkkFgvwLG5gJwvi1SwzRrTS4tyW-Du73BVjWGjJsyvev4M03C5die6s6FtbK9xM-zwcKqM0IXB2Ul_D0rhCWCamXaPT/s1600/rosemary_white_bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYJtBD1GDcebXDXQGvmze1A7vcnVGc1PtHvA7ToSuRKtv1BQ5IjkkFgvwLG5gJwvi1SwzRrTS4tyW-Du73BVjWGjJsyvev4M03C5die6s6FtbK9xM-zwcKqM0IXB2Ul_D0rhCWCamXaPT/s200/rosemary_white_bg.jpg" width="111" /></a>These immortal words from the Ode of Remembrance (<i>Binyon</i>, excerpt from the poem "<i>The Fallen</i>") cast a lasting and poignant message to those that remember those that have fallen.<br />
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2012 See's the 97th Anniversary of the battle for Gallipoli, it is on this day that we stop and pause in remembrance of not just these brave men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice, but also those those that have laid down their lives since in the Theater of War.<br />
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ANZAC day recognized as the 25th of April each year provides an opportunity for us all to take stock and reflect on the ultimate sacrifices that those that have come before us have done.<br />
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Whether it be on the shores of ANZAC Cove in Gallipoli, in major city or in a small country town Cenotaph we will all stop to remember those that have fallen, and pay tribute and thanks to those that remain with us today. There is no moment more stirring than when the Last Post is played, followed by two minutes silence. The stillness of this moment is quite stirring and moving.<br />
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Below provides a visual indication and tribute to the fallen in the coverage taken at ANZAC Cove 2011 at the dawn service.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-zyhlHdM0iI" width="640"></iframe>
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I shall be attending the Dawn service tomorrow, with numerous numbers of my colleagues from University.<br />
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This week in the lead up to and including and passing ANZAC Day 2012, I will be endeavouring to post a story or excerpt of article that I have found particularly profound.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sources: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">http://hccweb3.org/3s2010/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/rosemary_white_bg.jpg</span><br />
<br />Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-73831260909699268592012-02-19T17:40:00.005+10:002012-07-19T14:20:33.383+10:00Back to Uni.....<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaving......</div>
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Don't know when I'll be Back Again........</div>
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Well perhaps just a little melodramatic, but it's that time of the year and I am back of to Uni to hit the books, study up and try to balance, sleep, study and a social life all at the same time. </div>
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This time I am headed to UQ Gatton for a change of pace and degree. </div>
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<i>So that will mean more of this:</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNlWiEgZGZxbuTyD8UG1oYczDu6iI0NNVX3CYwJ85NAfCFLfL3gccWDeZ9nUfU2P-TyfMaZzZlw9_cqGbDcUhGFEdKYBhciFNFduSCXoz1jD2IDYx5OYXEj8GVGVuo3TmcSH8hyocvea9/s1600/292873_2322552191966_1494436723_2579084_159136967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNlWiEgZGZxbuTyD8UG1oYczDu6iI0NNVX3CYwJ85NAfCFLfL3gccWDeZ9nUfU2P-TyfMaZzZlw9_cqGbDcUhGFEdKYBhciFNFduSCXoz1jD2IDYx5OYXEj8GVGVuo3TmcSH8hyocvea9/s200/292873_2322552191966_1494436723_2579084_159136967_n.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
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<i>And (Unfortunately) Less of This:</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXEWxx9SSqqtU_H3RXRbFuY1wByNqWQ4Br0vBKMhIcEnae5IF3GIdXEycdg5JYVSoT3eWv3XptgrlnoLsp-MPWJfHWXHEGKWTJCViCuKSGD07yf1Ke0P8E23rY0sywI9fG1AvKFNd2U_V/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXEWxx9SSqqtU_H3RXRbFuY1wByNqWQ4Br0vBKMhIcEnae5IF3GIdXEycdg5JYVSoT3eWv3XptgrlnoLsp-MPWJfHWXHEGKWTJCViCuKSGD07yf1Ke0P8E23rY0sywI9fG1AvKFNd2U_V/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image <a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQg6HZ_Ey4KS-pRlzvE2TgMSPuIfgq8LV7teS-qbDPRN22EEY3YPK8ar8PIOQ">Source</a></span></div>
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I will be endeavoring to get back in and write more regular blogs and get started again with the Photo Friday (I know I have been a bit slack with this of late....). But until then I thought I would leave you with these few little gems, Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Common Scientific Report Phrases and Their Meanings:</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0dsSq1rez-Q89EVhx4TSrpDQY_E3ZWRITihCTLlk6yVwVaP9RL_JXsoVZ56wvsKvj8CFBKxViTfRiAw3qVV_vjJD9bWfc51ZN5T6Wzv0MR-qOhTs-ZVjrlbJgvvZi8-X8kkaMuo2KsoP/s1600/428318_363905890304143_183457778348956_1362409_1249050976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0dsSq1rez-Q89EVhx4TSrpDQY_E3ZWRITihCTLlk6yVwVaP9RL_JXsoVZ56wvsKvj8CFBKxViTfRiAw3qVV_vjJD9bWfc51ZN5T6Wzv0MR-qOhTs-ZVjrlbJgvvZi8-X8kkaMuo2KsoP/s640/428318_363905890304143_183457778348956_1362409_1249050976_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Thanks to Ryan Goodman over at Agriculture Proud (Check it out <a href="http://agricultureproud.com/">here</a>) for this absolute gem (above). Check out his blog for some terrific insights into the Agricultural Industry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2zV9HKPfvANcJL1enYOSvMigxTs6EMA-nEyfH8gtEQBLPVjW04xxjVeL3RF3YfUyBKaH8rU3asWZA4Bzu4Ddvj4mrHO8aPkidgMLeS_pCPNDkmYHEDDinPHnx0r8kZGm8I-bYSh8dqqU/s1600/401228_2427405768409_1349494691_1952125_918464060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2zV9HKPfvANcJL1enYOSvMigxTs6EMA-nEyfH8gtEQBLPVjW04xxjVeL3RF3YfUyBKaH8rU3asWZA4Bzu4Ddvj4mrHO8aPkidgMLeS_pCPNDkmYHEDDinPHnx0r8kZGm8I-bYSh8dqqU/s400/401228_2427405768409_1349494691_1952125_918464060_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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This image (above) was one I stumbled upon through my News Feed on Facebook. Not Sure how true it is but it gave me a bit of a chuckle. </div>
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<br /></div>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-27337546206421962292012-02-19T14:43:00.001+10:002012-07-19T14:21:06.042+10:00So that's what the big long glove is used for....<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
It has long been the scourge of any child that told their parent they want to get into Animal Science, Veterinary Science that:<br />
"<i>You know you'll have to put your hand up a cows backside</i>".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFTn7cdNfJUxcVKJ1CQddqh0tdQ1tyuNXa9lHAmV52dSFhVoZj2FThpr6eU8xT0LyziOQnJUJhmbkYgir96b6UopuFHkPSJw7h80aeTj4E7IuNMiU4iPRj5HrtM2ZpxznCuKV4JXoh6rf/s1600/DSC_2438+%283%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFTn7cdNfJUxcVKJ1CQddqh0tdQ1tyuNXa9lHAmV52dSFhVoZj2FThpr6eU8xT0LyziOQnJUJhmbkYgir96b6UopuFHkPSJw7h80aeTj4E7IuNMiU4iPRj5HrtM2ZpxznCuKV4JXoh6rf/s320/DSC_2438+%283%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pause for thought.....</div>
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Some will baulk, others will embrace that their chosen professional isn't always the cleanest.</div>
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Recently I had to preg test some cows at home and brought my camera along and thought I might do a bit of a post on some the stuff we do for the husbandry and well being of our cows.</div>
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<i><b>So why do we do it?</b></i><br />
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Well the easiest and one of the most accurate ways to diagnose the pregnancy of a cow is through a process called rectal palpation.</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To do this the gloved hand is inserted in to the rectum of the cow and to feel through the wall of the rectum for the various signs (of which there are many) that indicate the stage of pregnancy that the cow is at. </span><br />
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<i><b>Safety & Welfare Aspects</b></i><br />
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Some may question this as to whether it places strain on the cow. The stress that the cow experiences is minimal and we take many precautions to avoid any stress or injury to the cow.</div>
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For instance:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrjHUygb0FILRFQR8IXvYW-eweXcIzy5uVPAeV9HUlo4gyuyRvcYvWVVnrQ6cR2HKQrY4BdGSkwSkNxV-di78x23Nialriqi9OBQgz5ZSOKVg4EpqHoJReV4_xsDSdomTKAVTS6Lmznhm/s1600/DSC_2436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrjHUygb0FILRFQR8IXvYW-eweXcIzy5uVPAeV9HUlo4gyuyRvcYvWVVnrQ6cR2HKQrY4BdGSkwSkNxV-di78x23Nialriqi9OBQgz5ZSOKVg4EpqHoJReV4_xsDSdomTKAVTS6Lmznhm/s320/DSC_2436.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrOMxKlhOjjrKn6xGT-VjVvhZko4YMSYjyDwQwU1svJY4b0V_GLZRUg-Vn6hbiY3E_VmvcOkAb3xUU6-Cdi_8dtv3JC6XZCOO7Fh_shYT33CquVz913nBew8u68oLzi7To3vrkUkFN-fB/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrOMxKlhOjjrKn6xGT-VjVvhZko4YMSYjyDwQwU1svJY4b0V_GLZRUg-Vn6hbiY3E_VmvcOkAb3xUU6-Cdi_8dtv3JC6XZCOO7Fh_shYT33CquVz913nBew8u68oLzi7To3vrkUkFN-fB/s320/IMG_0156.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The long gloves we wear aren't just there to keep our arms clean, they do serve a purpose. They are worn as they are able to have a lubricant applied to them which enables a smoother and easier entry into the cow. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The picture on the right shows the gear I use when I preg test, there are often some variations on this, but essentially they are all very similar.: </li>
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<li>The Clear Bottle: Obstetric Lubricant- This aids in entry and contains a stericide for keeping the process as clean as possible.</li>
<li>Shoulder Protector: Keeps my glove up and maintains another barrier.</li>
<li>Latex Gloves: Always keep one on my non palpating hand and use one over my obstetric glove - ensures that I can easily feel and can change gloves regularly and easily.</li>
<li>Obstetric Gloves: Available in a whole range of colours, basically I have a box that fit my hand the best and are easy to palpate with. These are regularly changed.</li>
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<li style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> When I only have a few cows to preg test I will change gloves after each cow.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I am checking cows, I make sure to do it at a time during the day that good temperature wise for the cattle, ie- In the morning or afternoon when the temperatures are cooler. </span></li>
</ul>
<i><b>Management</b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Further to the why we do it section: Preg Testing cows has a lot of management implications. For instance it enable producers to better plan ahead for the purposes of having adequate feed reserves and it also enables producers to manage their herds efficiently ensuring all their cattle are productive animals. </span><br />
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<br />Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-83509229647340193272012-01-26T15:08:00.002+10:002012-01-26T15:08:32.598+10:00Australia Day 2012Every year on the 26th of January all around Australia we celebrate Australia Day.<br />
This year being no different saw me head into town for the anual Australia Day Awards Ceremony, recognising those in our community who have made an outstanding contribution through their service and dedication. This year was also a first for me too, I got to be present to see the swearing in of two groups of brand new Australian Citizens.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RFZMErKeGmwo9oVRgi2ggskt7QpXL_AXOE7kVzQ7Mb12o6oKfq4wRlOzPWIaTdz2fwhNI71cE-p8xCJfULB4nhQZZkGv37F_UzWca4Kj9iIZFocQVTVWCg2niLlvPIj6B1n1KYdcdFMA/s1600/Australian_Flag_SoftEdge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RFZMErKeGmwo9oVRgi2ggskt7QpXL_AXOE7kVzQ7Mb12o6oKfq4wRlOzPWIaTdz2fwhNI71cE-p8xCJfULB4nhQZZkGv37F_UzWca4Kj9iIZFocQVTVWCg2niLlvPIj6B1n1KYdcdFMA/s320/Australian_Flag_SoftEdge.jpg" width="246" /></a>Following the formalities of the day we got down to the serious business of Lammington and Meat Pie Eating Contests, Whip Cracking Competitions, Pavlova Making Competitions and of course it wouldn't be Australia day without our (least) favourite import: The Cane Toad Races.<br />
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I will hopefully have some photos to come but for now, why don't you test yourselves on Aussie Pop Culture and Trivia with the "Official" Australian Citizenship test:<br />
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Leave your answers in the comments below and we'll see ho you've gone, Enjoy!<br />
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1. What is a "bloody little beauty"?<br />
<br />2. Are these terms related: chuck a sickie; chuck a spaz; chuck a U-ey?<br />
<br />3. Explain the following passage: 'In the arvo last Chrissy the relos
rocked up for a barbie, some bevvies and a few snags. After a bit of a
Bex and a lie down we opened the pressies, scoffed all the chockies,
bickies and lollies. Then we drained a few tinnies and Mum did her block
after Dad and Steve had a barney and a bit of biffo.'
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4.Complete the following sentences:<br />
a) 'If the van's rockin' don't bother ?<br />
b) You're going <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD3">home in</span> the back of a ?<br />
c) Fair crack of the ?<br />
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5. Is there someone you are only mates with because they own a <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD5">trailer</span> or have a pool?<br />
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6. What are the ingredients in a rissole?<br />
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7. Demonstrate (or Describe) the correct procedure for eating a Tim Tam.<br />
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8. In any two-hour period have you ever eaten three-bean salad, a
chop and two serves of pav washed down with someone else's beer that has
been flogged from a bath full of ice?<br />
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9. When you go to a bring- your-own-meat barbie can you eat other people's meat or are you only allowed to eat your own?<br />
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10. What purple root <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD2">vegetable</span> beginning with the letter 'b' is required by law to be included in a hamburger with the lot?<br />
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11. Define the following: Victa, thongs, Esky & Ugg boots?<br />
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12. Who is the most Australian: John 'The Voice' Farnham, John 'True Blue' Williamson, Kylie Minogue or Warnie?<br />
<br />Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-52691802270979044152012-01-14T16:45:00.000+10:002012-07-19T14:21:06.054+10:00What is a Poddy Calf?I've had a few bemused looks and queries lately when I've used the phrase "Poddy Calf", so I think today is as good a day to set the record straight as we have just got a new baby poddy.<br />
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A Poddy Calf is an orphan calf (though this phrase can be used to describe a generic calf). In instances where a calf loses its mother it is commonly reared by hand or with another foster cow. Calf's reared by hand are often fed a formulated milk replacer, that contains all the essential minerals and nutrients required by growing calves.<br />
In the case below and any other cases it is vitally important to the health and development of a calf that it receives the colostrum (first lactation from a cow that has just calved) as this contains a lot of natural antibiotic compounds required by the calf for immunity defenses. Colostrum can be frozen and kept for a period of time so you it can be used for other calves if they haven't been able to get fresh colostrum.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meet Marcus:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRyoxWbY1ADB9Ze9wvi7Phtf2dG13quaaABanHtt5y1_5Wi8X5bNN9M0bJ13QNJNuk4c_0x6XhAK49VtHBchFbUv8OZ9FwRgA7gWr9hJJ6t8Xu279kVzkHi_b34tO7IADWfKz9UWOITuA/s1600/DSC_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRyoxWbY1ADB9Ze9wvi7Phtf2dG13quaaABanHtt5y1_5Wi8X5bNN9M0bJ13QNJNuk4c_0x6XhAK49VtHBchFbUv8OZ9FwRgA7gWr9hJJ6t8Xu279kVzkHi_b34tO7IADWfKz9UWOITuA/s320/DSC_1930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzXW3sFhpRW8HyjwhzWNJWGrw9dK3-9tyLbC2Smb91odZ4tdyFeLKSdub00vXcQRf5xW43wu80dg-Wqidc7hK65qC1bF3ajNIikDScxMIAjXl4J1U92MBKMLWCZZQ3kxdtVpQjmvxEaoT/s1600/374906_2983835443634_1494436723_2928124_1334523941_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzXW3sFhpRW8HyjwhzWNJWGrw9dK3-9tyLbC2Smb91odZ4tdyFeLKSdub00vXcQRf5xW43wu80dg-Wqidc7hK65qC1bF3ajNIikDScxMIAjXl4J1U92MBKMLWCZZQ3kxdtVpQjmvxEaoT/s200/374906_2983835443634_1494436723_2928124_1334523941_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>Marcus is a one week old Braford. Sadly we lost Marcus's mother, but we were able to save him. He weighed an incredible 50kg at birth and is certainly a very big bull calf. <br />
This photo here was taken about three days after he was born. He is currently being bottle fed up to four times a day depending on how much he drinks and how hungry he is.<br />
We are planning to introduce Marcus to one of our foster cows as he is getting a bit too big to stay in the backyard of the homestead.<br />
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Here you can see him sleeping in Mum's garden (another reason why he is getting too big for the Homestead yard.).<br />
He is a real character of a calf full of personality and energy, he will happily chase you across the yard to get to his milk<br />
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<br />Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-78868973987367372692012-01-12T09:42:00.000+10:002012-01-12T09:42:22.072+10:00This Australia Day.....<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Why don't you eat (dare I say it, as a beef producer I'm liable to shot for this) Lamb?</i></div>
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Each year there is a push by the peak marketing lobby group for Australian Lamb to encourage not just Australians but all the world to come celebrate Australia Day and throw a lamb chop on the Barbie.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGe4be3hRPxKi5jf54AftcspMaPAjzYXH4ENioHnllro_m2sJdnsRUMvAI4GnE1nM0fw4O5_cnFjAUm4HI5YFSfZyB9RoKxYCYV0BIcrs17tE6E9_CAzEFoDjq9GG1_nwLSh47SMDqG6H/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+12012012+93329+AM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGe4be3hRPxKi5jf54AftcspMaPAjzYXH4ENioHnllro_m2sJdnsRUMvAI4GnE1nM0fw4O5_cnFjAUm4HI5YFSfZyB9RoKxYCYV0BIcrs17tE6E9_CAzEFoDjq9GG1_nwLSh47SMDqG6H/s320/Fullscreen+capture+12012012+93329+AM.bmp.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><br /></i><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/SamKekovich"></a>To accomplish this each year they feature a marketing campaign with the larger than life Sam Kekovich fronting their advertising blitz and this year is no different.<i><br /></i><br />
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Australian Lamb have renewed their advertising campaigns once again with the hilariously wonderful and outrageous Sam Kekovich (Check him out at his Facebook Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SamKekovich">HERE</a>). Following on from the success of last years address tot the United Nations here is this years "offering":<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Barbie Girl</b></span></i></div>
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<i>Featuring the wonderful talents of Melissa Tkautz and Justice Crew</i></div>
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Enjoy this years hilarious parody of the famous song here:</div>
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(To my international readers you may have to wait as it does currently have region blocking, but soon it should be unlocked)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k81_KP56oL0" width="640">&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;lt&lt;/span&gt;;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;br&lt;/span&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;lt&lt;/span&gt;;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;br&lt;/span&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;lt&lt;/span&gt;;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;br&lt;/span&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;lt&lt;/span&gt;;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;br&lt;/span&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;lt&lt;/span&gt;;&lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&gt;br&lt;/span&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Enjoy&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</iframe>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-20547571068748638192011-12-31T07:28:00.001+10:002011-12-31T07:38:54.761+10:00Australian Year of the Farmer<div style="text-align: center;">
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2012 Marks the Beginning to Australian Year of the farmer, so what not get on board and show your support either as a Rural producers or as someone who doesn't necesarily know that much about how their food and fibre are produced.<br />
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Check out there website here: <a href="http://www.yearofthefarmer.com.au/">http://www.yearofthefarmer.com.au/ </a><br />
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Just so nobody misses the big moment, here is a subtle remeinder:<br />
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<iframe src="http://free.timeanddate.com/countdown/i2wyb8kl/n47/cf110/cm0/cu5/ct0/cs1/ca0/cr0/ss0/cac000/cpc000/pca0bfd5/tcfff/fs100/szw320/szh135/tatCountdown%20to/tac000/tptTime%20since%20Event%20started%20in/tpc000/matAustralian%20Year%20of%20the%20Farmer%202012/mac000/mpc000/iso2012-01-01T00:00:01" frameborder="0" width="320" height="135"></iframe>
</div>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-32697642170548612472011-12-30T10:21:00.000+10:002011-12-30T21:50:25.471+10:00Christmas Lights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG2uLmGdMpa1HiWW99PeRG3cTXfaQJGaIsKPQx-4ju0e5LASSGfv5C5btLxOxDvDuWab1GK7Ks13L32XValCo20e0e3ZhCd1S-Ad9FGPfe867-0Cr9JPX85iw5z82CqpAaQp1X5fgD19d/s1600/DSC_2200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRG2uLmGdMpa1HiWW99PeRG3cTXfaQJGaIsKPQx-4ju0e5LASSGfv5C5btLxOxDvDuWab1GK7Ks13L32XValCo20e0e3ZhCd1S-Ad9FGPfe867-0Cr9JPX85iw5z82CqpAaQp1X5fgD19d/s200/DSC_2200.jpg" width="153" /></a>As I mentioned in an earlier post every Christmas finds itself enabling me to do more and more things to light up the night (and do untold damage to my parents power bill).<br />
This year we upped the ante with our Christmas lights. So we decided to do words with rope lights. So after a couple of hours, three bags of zip ties and a large amount of fencing wire (much to my fathers delight) this is what we came up with:<br />
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Peace: 20m long</div>
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Joy: 10m long</div>
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To go with our words display this year we also had our traditional house display and also one of our pencil pines in the front paddock.</div>
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<span id="goog_1981300087"></span><span id="goog_1981300088"></span></div>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-13434564555719758112011-12-29T20:08:00.000+10:002011-12-30T09:40:26.445+10:00It's Christmas Time!Okay so I am slightly late in posting this, but hey better late than never.<br />
Christmas the time when family gather, food is abundant (unfortunately the relationship between food consumption and waist line size is proportional) and I find new and more imaginative ways of doing creative things to may parents power bill (more on this later)!<br />
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For my overseas colleagues who read this blog I thought I'd let you in on a bit of an insight into an Aussie Christmas, as I have been dutifully told that we do things "weirdly" (in a nice sense) - Quote from a Texan friend.....<br />
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We have our similarities in that we still exchange gifts and spend time with our family but we do other unique things:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ixedo801LWNcRLgqMkf2NW5nE18WBEENJw_nPkxttlg-9j3svREBwLsxNlRN-znYXABh2s7n1mT08lBGp_7M7TI2llY25Lc2TfIac2aKPl5lDWMh5WHeXV-HkXwdldOpjNUbO1_Noaqj/s1600/Camils-prawns2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ixedo801LWNcRLgqMkf2NW5nE18WBEENJw_nPkxttlg-9j3svREBwLsxNlRN-znYXABh2s7n1mT08lBGp_7M7TI2llY25Lc2TfIac2aKPl5lDWMh5WHeXV-HkXwdldOpjNUbO1_Noaqj/s200/Camils-prawns2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
1. Christmas in Australia is usually a warm affair so we eat and drink cold things to substitute. <br />
<ul>
<li>Popular choices are prawns and beer (or the occasional cocktail) - No Christmas is complete in Oz without copious amounts of prawns (or shrimp as they are sometimes called, but shrimp in Oz are something different)</li>
<li>Other choices include cold leg hams, chicken and turkey. We are very lucky in our areas to have several butchers who do their own smoking and source only local hams to provide us with an excellent selection.</li>
</ul>
2. Deserts are often varied considerably.<br />
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<ul>
<li>We have the traditional selection of Christmas Puddings & Christmas Cakes - I have friends who often make there's 12 months in advance and leave them to mature.</li>
<li>We also eat another Aussie delicacy called Pavlova (this is a very contentious issue with our nabours accross the Tasman who claim that they came up with it first) or Pav is a baked meringue topped with freshly whipped cream, fruit and chocolate. </li>
</ul>
3. Sporting matches are abundant<br />
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<ul>
<li>An Aussie Christmas is not complete without either The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race or the Boxing Day Test</li>
<li>Most Aussies will watch either the Boxing Day Test (Cricket) or the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, or both on Boxing Day</li>
<ul>
<li>I personally go for the Sydney to Hobart as I can track it online.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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4. Trips to the beach are a must.<br />
<ul>
<li> Or if you are like me and live four hours from the coast, any excuse to go for a swim in the creek is fine.</li>
<ul>
<li>Relevant excuses include having to fix the flood fence. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhSuOXinHDKGOqd1rScig8vq_xTWUsBqXe0Zk3UEjOhrl9RNfxTCMZt-1LOXljIVwWdj_kMKbPk4Pb5wVx2cFxX2QeWdTHbbwz9PGao0zBzAwkjgvU0A4wmsEs1YTARrlhntaSEit42jM/s1600/Photo0247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhSuOXinHDKGOqd1rScig8vq_xTWUsBqXe0Zk3UEjOhrl9RNfxTCMZt-1LOXljIVwWdj_kMKbPk4Pb5wVx2cFxX2QeWdTHbbwz9PGao0zBzAwkjgvU0A4wmsEs1YTARrlhntaSEit42jM/s200/Photo0247.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
5. If you live on a farm, there's always something to do.<br />
<ul>
<li>Cows and horses have no sense of timing, so <span id="goog_1275615527"></span><span id="goog_1275615528"></span>there is always something be mended, a flood crossing to fix or a cow (or 20) to preg test.</li>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Sources:</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.spill.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Camils-prawns2.jpg</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/MCG99.jpg </span>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-49903808423447064802011-12-08T08:39:00.001+10:002011-12-08T08:39:33.159+10:00My Views on Courier Mail Live Export ColumnI had the (dis)pleasure of reading through an editorial from the
states biggest newspaper this morning (The Courier Mail). Now don't get
me wrong usually I like reading the Courier as there is often some very
quality journalism that occurs....... Today: Not so.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oRBST-Fn65yTM9GSG4Bf8Dsw50wnBvr6auWKM2-kBRzIVWERM93ATHsCRSFpQ95q54gYjY7LTrffy4J8_vGBcloqJD6NqDrOmcKHP6maS2NRRpNqIhusn36VHoo2B-47wrV1nC1yyLAc/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+8122011+82138+AM.bmp.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oRBST-Fn65yTM9GSG4Bf8Dsw50wnBvr6auWKM2-kBRzIVWERM93ATHsCRSFpQ95q54gYjY7LTrffy4J8_vGBcloqJD6NqDrOmcKHP6maS2NRRpNqIhusn36VHoo2B-47wrV1nC1yyLAc/s400/Fullscreen+capture+8122011+82138+AM.bmp.jpg" width="400" /></a>After reading through columnist Paul Williams views on live export I was left considering where he got his facts from?<br />
Comments such as this really got me a bit annoyed:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"</b></span><i>Indeed, Europe is an interesting case. From exporting millions of live
head a decade ago, the continental trade has slowed to a trickle, and
will soon phase out altogether - all on the strength of changing public
opinion</i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"</span></b></blockquote>
</blockquote>
I
query Mr Williams, on this statement. Firstly yes Public Opinion does
have a terrific impact (as we have learned this year) but it would not
be the only underpinning factor. Considering where Europe is located
geographically in the world in comparison to the markets it supplies,
when you compare that to Australia and our geographic locale you will
discover the distance are a lot shorter for Australian exporters.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"</b></span>Given the grief this trade has caused both sides of politics - remember
the 2003 debacle under John Howard when 57,000 live sheep were stranded
in the Middle East on the Cormo Express? - one would think that, even
for base political purposes, the major parties would seize every
opportunity to extricate themselves from a practice that causes acute
international embarrassment.<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"</b></span></i></blockquote>
</blockquote>
Mr
Williams then goes onto mention The Cormo Express debacle and the
impact that it had on Australian politics and the impact that it hard in
tarnishing Australia's reputation in the eyes of the world. Whilst this
situation was regrettable and upsetting and highly disappointing to
see. I would also mention that the Governments snap decision to ban live
exports this year left livestock producers in somewhat of a similar
situation. Producers running out of feed and unable to move livestock to
other markets, were moving to considering shooting them to prevent
suffering. If the Government were concerned about welfare in Indonesia,
they should have been equally concerned about the ramifications that
would have occurred as a result of this snap decision. Did they realise
what this would do when they were making an election campaign out of it?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"</b></span><i>Opponents cited the usual arguments of the loss of a $1 billion
industry and local jobs as their defence to keep a cruel status quo.</i><br />
<i>But
neither has to be. First, when Australia exports live animals, we also
surrender Australian slaughterhouse jobs (not to mention valuable DNA
hard-won after years of controlled breeding).</i><br />
<i>Animals humanely stunned and slaughtered in Australia can be a jobs boon for the Northern Territory.</i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"</b></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
This
leads into Mr Williams closing remarks where he maintains that it would
be fine to see the cessation of an industry that contributes large
amounts to the economy, though in his defence he has stated that there
would be more jobs retained and profits by moving the processing
operations on-shore. Had Mr Williams listened fully to the opposing
parties rebuttal (from the ALP conference telecast which he has based
this article on), he would have found that the feasibility for setting
up a chilled meat processing division in Northern Australia is not
viable due to the wet season that occurs every year. There is a reason
why properties shut down or move to skeleton crews during this time as
the rain inundation that occurs makes most means of travel (bar air
services) unpassable.<br />
The other point Mr Williams makes in this
article is that we are destroying sought after DNA bloodlines that have
been hard fought for. The cattle Live Export trade in itself would not
be sending genetically productive animals to sale and then onto meat
markets. The animals that are commonly sourced for these markets are
steers (castrated males = no genetic input to the herd) and animals that
are deemed non-productive (eg: Spayed Heifers/Non-Pregnant
Cows/Infertile Animals). Animals that are being exported overseas such
as Dairy Cattle are not being sent for the meat industry they are sent
for the purposes of genetic improvement in other herds overseas.<br />
<br />
I
understand everyone's right an opinion, but what I don't agree with is
writing an opinion piece in a major Australian news paper without
researching the points being made in it. <br />
<br />
You Can read the full article by Paul Williams <a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/time-to-kill-off-live-trade/story-e6frerdf-1226214577043">HERE </a>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-55671230118961743102011-12-06T07:52:00.001+10:002011-12-08T08:45:06.267+10:00Some Humour For The Day.....A friend of mine posted this on Facebook and I thought it was hillarious so I thought I would share-<br />
First there were City Rockers, now step aside and meet: Council Workers:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Enjoy.......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/og2lX1UJ6rc" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195102560784678672.post-74797705150889792822011-12-05T18:16:00.001+10:002011-12-05T20:49:26.752+10:00How Transparent is Transparent?<div class="tr_bq" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
*<i>Now please don't get me wrong I don't advocate animal cruelty or the actions of a minority.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2qIcUM7FPVLcJ4S8A17Zy7VIOaK0yfADgP4ClU7nZ6V8Y5cCsLhteRwtJLxQWLJVv3PsNYp2WHvXwCY1m20y4AAxiT99hu22I0Jroz7IDwhraQynf7xAASgmpbOSOfW_eEEIzJOJY4Jg/s1600/surveillance-cameras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2qIcUM7FPVLcJ4S8A17Zy7VIOaK0yfADgP4ClU7nZ6V8Y5cCsLhteRwtJLxQWLJVv3PsNYp2WHvXwCY1m20y4AAxiT99hu22I0Jroz7IDwhraQynf7xAASgmpbOSOfW_eEEIzJOJY4Jg/s200/surveillance-cameras.jpg" width="200" /></a>This last week has seen a spate of recordings being made public from the wrong doings of some individuals. These instances have been appropriately investigated and those responsible punished accordingly. The statement that has come out that really perplexes me came last week from Animal Liberation Group: Animals Australia, which called for closed circuit CCTV cameras to be installed in all Sale Yard and Meat Processing Facilities in Australia.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
This point I find curious, if these installations were to install CCTV cameras then who would be the independent advisor that would analyse the content of these films and report any actions that warrant reporting? This person would have to be objective and non-biased. So you would assume that the operators of these facilities would not be able to, and an organisation like animals Australia would not be appropriate either (taking into consideration this group has its own agenda's and actively promotes veganism amongst its members). This task would have to fall to a department within the Government and the likelihood of this happening is low, owing to the amount of restructuring occurring.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__nTd4_JepsWkVDmblQ_kpeUs4ZFMN1_tlKUBXZYrjLxlxJNr3TX1e2nDH5EqbByP5KhDyKhSKQ5a-7CX7oDOJ8xZhBVyAF391AsrzheVlWInqolcwS044GFOpLp8HXDU3SdF-MzQ9Q_U/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+5122011+71512+PM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxZEuAvIBHkyQxzQ2UNvzA3G9HFwQS2ZR_Ms-HgkIfX284hunRwnwYehHOt_0U_Y40I32HzkSYwgJHGAtSQYdlrNQw7Mu3bqBsXU2zTUrEdHajNojwxya9PJwP_sTkpIicwNQonMX8Ph3/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+5122011+74553+PM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxZEuAvIBHkyQxzQ2UNvzA3G9HFwQS2ZR_Ms-HgkIfX284hunRwnwYehHOt_0U_Y40I32HzkSYwgJHGAtSQYdlrNQw7Mu3bqBsXU2zTUrEdHajNojwxya9PJwP_sTkpIicwNQonMX8Ph3/s320/Fullscreen+capture+5122011+74553+PM.bmp.jpg" width="320" /></a>The other point I find increasingly interesting is the point brought up during the Country Hour segment (<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201112/s3383429.htm">ABC Qld</a>) most livestock saleyard facilities operate around once a week (some more, but not a large number), these facilities also occupy a large area (many hectares in some cases) to install CCTV cameras and monitor them across large areas and instances where they are used one is just not viable.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Other processing facilities work as a private entity and therefore have procedures in place to monitor the movements of employees and visitors through Sign In & Out, visitor identification and secure access areas.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
More and more recently these actions are being reported by the general public through the use of mobile phone technology.<b><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> </span></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">"</span></b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">public are using phones and cameras to film the treatment of animals at cattle sales</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201112/s3383429.htm">ABC Country Hour</a></span></span></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFw3FXZN_u5Od1vaZlypLPhmGMEQA-69UDCgtAMvBstJaqZg-pQMqfJOZxUEQtnNgeHYnwzhvYbkX4P5oj4x0pdYGPBaoNl1ILl3sU8uaGOLTpGHUVnFx8TwefcXKMcxGkOFeqVPcTwEI/s1600/feature-smart-phone.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFw3FXZN_u5Od1vaZlypLPhmGMEQA-69UDCgtAMvBstJaqZg-pQMqfJOZxUEQtnNgeHYnwzhvYbkX4P5oj4x0pdYGPBaoNl1ILl3sU8uaGOLTpGHUVnFx8TwefcXKMcxGkOFeqVPcTwEI/s320/feature-smart-phone.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Phones these days are equipped with a multitude of options allowing them to capture video and images and allows this footage to be sent to other third party users or uploaded to other servers rapidly. Clearly it is hard to ban these devices from facilities (though some environments prohibit their usage)<span style="color: black;"> and it is not illegal to film in a public area (again private environments are subject to differing</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> rules). Restricting the usage of cameras and other recording devices whilst difficult to do would also be viewed as if producers had something to hide and this does not bode well with the presentation of our image within the market as this makes us look secretive and have something to hide.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Again its only a small minority that are giving cause for defamatory action against the industry, so its important to ensure that the standards of welfare are maintained across the board. It only takes one person doing the wrong things and for a member of the public to record these actions, leading to the industry being damaged again. This is all too easy in this day and age where you have people who may not be animal rights activists but are just looking for their five minutes of fame on TV.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My question to you is: </span></span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just how transparent is transparent? </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Are we being transparent enough?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are ways we can improve or changes we need to make? </span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now understandingly transparency is hard to do particularly in industries where biosecurity standards have to be maintained. I'd like to know, please comment below and tell me what you think.</span></span></span></span><br />
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Image Sources-<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Smart Phones: http://public.cenriqueortiz.com/images/feature-smart-phone.png</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Security Cameras: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF71BzTxc1LpgM3wb0kFqvkc_buXXRCmEXzNnn6vFx3CuwcQag5ORBliEtO_MPixWwFZpBWy7ln0uOjk4PbtTQe5XqYuf3_d68uoNsIdF_qGg-8LvfJI32rEhq3EeGULyHJWs47xQ9KaIQ/s1600/surveillance-cameras.jpg</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">ABC Screen Capture: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201112/s3383429.htm</span><br />
<span id="goog_879058764"></span><span id="goog_879058765"></span>Justin Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656466938234038215noreply@blogger.com1