Melbourne School of Land and Environment Dookie Campus

Dookie 2005 & Beyond

ANNUAL REPORT 2005

CONTENTS

Head of Campus Report
Melbourne School of Land and Environment Overview
Dookie Campus Overview
History of Dookie Campus
Dookie Campus Teaching and Research Staff
   - Publications
   - External Research Collaborations
   - Conference and Seminar Attendance
Collaborative Research, Community and Campus Projects
Dookie Campus 2005 Graduations
   - Student Prizes
   - Student Projects
   - Graduate and Student Achievements
2005 Enrolments
Visitors to Dookie Campus
Knowledge Extension Activities
Community Engagement Activities
Dookie Campus Support Services
Dookie Farm Reports
Alumni 2005

HEAD OF CAMPUS REPORT

Associate Professor Dennis O'BrienASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DENNIS O'BRIEN

2005 resulted in many changes to both the Melbourne School of Land and Environment and to Dookie Campus.

The Faculty made the decision in 2005 to disengage from the delivery of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and focus on higher education teaching and research. The Faculty also undertook a major staff restructure which resulted in some staff departing from the Campus. These staff contributed significantly to the development of the Campus and to agricultural education, research and extension over many years.

The Campus in 2006 will seek to further develop the precinct concept. Significant current precinct partners are Rural Industries Skills Training (RIST), Landcare, Currawa Primary School and the Indigenous Seedbank. In 2006 this will expand to Goulburn Ovens Institute
of TAFE , the National Centre of Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and Dookie High School. In time it is envisaged the Campus will become the premier campus for teaching, research and knowledge transfer in the land and food industries in Victoria and Australia. This will result in the Campus having education providers able to deliver the complete range of education and training in the land and food industries from Certificate I to Post Graduate (PhD) courses.

Research at Dookie Campus was strengthened with the successful acquisition of funding for new research programs. These included the $4.5 million Science Technology and Innovation (STI) irrigation research project investigating irrigation efficiency in the dairy, orchard and viticulture industries. Located in the Goulburn Valley, the project will be implemented by a team based at Dookie Campus. An ‘Innovation Network’ of irrigators will be established to define and oversee the user requirements. Associate Professor Greg Dunn (Project Implementation Manager) and Dr Nicola Cooley were appointed to this project in late 2005.
The Gardiner Foundation provided further funding for improving water efficiency in dairy grazing pastures. This project will investigate production systems and environmental benefits of subsurface tape irrigation technology. The project will be conducted at the Dookie Campus Dairy.

These projects will continue to ensure that students at Dookie receive a rich educational experience that combines sciencebased academic programs with practical experience, research projects and the commercial activities of the Dookie Farm.

Dookie students and graduates continued to excel in both their academic and extra curricular activities. Second year Bachelor of Agriculture student, Matthew Bollen
won the 2005 RSPCA Australia Human Animal Production Scholarship. Matthew will utilise the scholarship to evaluate an integrated management system for controlling flystrike in the absence of mulesing. Third year student, Freya Ziller achieved fourth place in the 2005 Young Scientist Communication Awards at the 2005 National Dairy Alliance Conference.
Freya’s project focussed on the effect of raspberry flavouring on acceptance of lead feed in dairy heifers.

A $19 000 scholarship was awarded to second year Bachelor of Agriculture
student, Clare Potter, by the Australian Wool Innovation Limited Scholarship and Studentship Program in Wool Production. Clare will attend workshops at the University of New England in Armidale as part of her scholarship.

The Campus Farm enterprises once again had a productive year. Whilst supporting the research activities of students and staff members, the enterprises demonstrated their commercial viability and representation of industry. The Campus Dairy increased production and subsequent income during its 21st year. Members of the dairying community continue to demonstrate an active interest in the dairy, reading the weekly dairy report printed in the Country News and attending the annual field day in April.

While the viability of the commercial farm ventures proved again successful and profitable in 2005 the extension for teaching and research improved over the year. The broadacre enterprise entered into a number of commercial trials while the sheep enterprise participated in the Merino to Match and Central Sire Evaluation Programs while students participated in various shearing schools. The STI grant will expand research activities as the first stages of the project are implemented in 2006. Utilisation of the Dookie Farms as a teaching and research facility will only become more prominent in coming years.

The Campus Winery activities strengthened with the development and launch of the new label “Dookie 360 degrees” and establishment of the winery as a regional cellar door. The winery also hosted several functions and product launches including a Stephanie Alexander Gourmet Dinner.

The Tallis Trust Research Initiative continued to demonstrate its commitment to agricultural education through a grant it provided to refurbish the Campus animal research facility. The newly refurbished facility was officially opened by the Hon. Jeanette Powell, State Member for Shepparton in April 2005.

Next year promises to be an exciting year as the Campus continues to develop its strong research profile, embarks on development of new curriculum and development of articulation pathways as well as further community involvement.

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Melbourne School of Land and Environment OVERVIEW

The Melbourne School of Land and Environment provides specialist education, research and training in the vital fields of:

Across a diversity of disciplines and campuses, the Faculty equips students with the skills necessary to pursue a successful career in a wide variety of disciplines within the land and food industries and offers the potential to realise dreams of contributing to an environmentally sustainable future.

Close association with industry and government ensures that courses provide training and skills valued by both graduates and employers. Practical and relevant work experience components develop students' skills and provide an insight into career options, and are an essential element of all courses. Graduates of the Faculty are well-equipped to work in the main employing industries, and career opportunities continue to grow.

Resources available to students include onsite accommodation, test farm, ornamental gardens, a demonstration forest, and state-of-the-art laboratories. All students have full access to the myriad of services and facilities offered by the University of Melbourne.

Students today are part of a dynamic educational environment inspired by academics of international reputation, leading-edge technology, an energetic and creative social and cultural network, and campuses equipped with educational, sporting and recreational facilities.

The Melbourne School of Land and Environment comprises four academic schools - Agriculture and Food Systems, Forest and Ecosystem Science and Resource Management and the School of Vocational Education and Training

The goals of the Faculty are to:

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS

The School of Agricultural and Food Systems, led by Professor Snow Barlow, is primarily responsible for the delivery of the:

The research directions of the School include plant biotechnology, crop improvement, animal production and food science to develop the following broad areas of excellence:

SCHOOL OF FOREST AND ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE

The School of Forest and Ecosystem Science (SFES) was founded in July 2004 and is the culmination of a longstanding research partnership between the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The new school comprises more than 50 scientists working in basic and applied fields that cover many aspects of forest and ecosystem science, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Staff are based in high quality facilities at the rural centre of Creswick, the main University campus in Parkville and at the Arthur Rylah Institute in Heidelberg. There are also field stations in Myrtleford and Orbost. Academic staff have extensive research collaboration with scientists across the Melbourne School of Land and Environment, with other academics in the University of Melbourne , with state and national research and land management agencies and with many international institutions. The School is a formal partner in three Cooperative Research Centres (Bushfire, Wood Innovations and Forestry).

Our unique higher education programs include courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Undergraduate courses aim to provide a complete understanding of forest biology and ecology from cell to ecosystem levels and a broad knowledge of forest and land management concepts, policies and practices. They include the acquisition of “cutting edge” techniques from the molecular scale at the laboratory bench to the landscape scale in field studies and remote sensing and geographic information systems. Our courses offer the integration of scientific studies and industry applications. Student life proceeds between library, lecture hall, laboratory, bush, and industry.

Our degrees and diplomas open up a wide range of sought-after career alternatives in forest and land management agencies and in forest industry. Students can undertake exchanges for part of the course with academic partner institutions in Europe and North America.

Post-graduate students work closely with supervising academics who are actively engaged in basic and applied research projects. Students have access to high quality laboratory facilities and field experimental situations. They are well supported by technical and administrative staff and with field equipment and resources. We place the highest emphasis on providing safe, harmonious and productive working environments and we welcome students and staff from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

SCHOOL OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The School of Resource Management, led by Dr Greg Moore, is primarily responsible for the delivery of the following programs:

The research activities of the School of Resource Management include;

Projects include include Affordable Aerial Photography, Blue Gum Plantation Management System, Galapagos Islands Eco-Trail, and Lihir Island Group, Papua New Guinea

A long-established feature of our horticultural teaching is the use of the historic gardens at Burnley campus.

SCHOOL OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The School of Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivered programs across all campuses during 2005. Those programmes based at Dookie Campus predominantly focussed on Viticulture, Wine, Agriculture and Irrigation. The courses delivered utilised a combination of workplace based assessment, flexible delivery and residential schools.

Short courses delivered at Dookie Campus in 2005:

These courses were facilitated as residential schools, with participants attending 3 day seminar/workshops based at Dookie Campus. The winery, vineyard and local industry and producers were utilised to deliver these programs, with some participants coming from overseas and interstate.

Other viticulture and wine programs offered at Dookie included:

Agriculture courses ranging from Certificate II to Diploma were delivered at Dookie Campus in 2005. These courses involved participants from a broad range of agricultural enterprises, predominantly beef, sheep and dairy and were delivered to allow participants to undertake training whilst working within their chosen industry and/or farming enterprise. Participants specialised in one of three areas – beef, dairy or lamb production.

Following 10 years of delivering Vet programs across Victoria , the University of Melbourne elected to disengage from TAFE education and focus on agriculture and related areas in the University's core areas of strength in higher education, research and research training. Alternative providers were sought by the Department of Education. In 2006, programs traditionally delivered by the University of Melbourne at Dookie Campus will be delivered by Goulburn Ovens TAFE and the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia, both of whom will be based at Dookie Campus within the educational precinct.

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DOOKIE CAMPUS OVERVIEW

Overlooking Dookie Campus from Mount MajorDookie is the major rural higher education campus of the Melbourne School of Land and Environment (LFR), The University of Melbourne. The University is recognised worldwide for the quality of its research, courses and graduates. Given the international status of agriculture and resource management, Dookie graduates are prepared for the world market.

The education program offered at Dookie Campus is incorporated with the commercial activities of the Dookie Farms to ensure that students receive a unique educational experience that include “hands on” practical experience including project work with farming enterprise activities and associated resource management issues. The Dookie Farm Estate comprises of 2400 hectares of broadacre cropping, lamb and beef enterprises, a dairy, an intensive piggery, and an orchard and vineyard. The Campus also operates a commercial winery that produces wine from grapes grown on campus and from external producers, with students using the winery for elective subjects. The Dookie farm enterprises and winery are managed as commercial ventures, integrated with educational programs, and incorporating research and development programs. Complimenting the farms is the largest natural bushland reserve of any Australian University. The Dookie Bushland Reserve underlines the University's commitment to natural resource management teaching and research.

Dookie Campus in all its phases has served the agricultural community of Victoria for over 120 years and will continue to do so by educating graduates to maintain the competitive status and sustainability of Australian rural industries and our unique landscapes.

Dookie Campus is one of four campuses of the faculty. Four schools were represented at the Campus in 2005:

The goal of the campus is to provide high quality courses, research training and research relevant to the needs of the land and food industries of north east Victoria in particular, as well as south-eastern Australia and beyond.

Priorities for the Campus are growth in:

Dookie Campus offers extensive support services to students, visitors and staff. These services includes the residential and catering department which offers various accommodation and catering to students and staff and also commercially to external groups. The extensive maintenance of the campus is managed by the University's Property and Buildings department including building, landscaping and general maintenance. Student services include the Dookie Student Association who offer various co-curricular activities, club membership and counselling services. Fully equipped laboratories are available for student and research facilities as too is the Library operated by the Information Division of the University.

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HISTORY OF DOOKIE CAMPUS

Dookie Campus is Victoria's oldest agricultural college and Australia 's second oldest. Dookie's association with the University of Melbourne began in 1910 when Bachelor of Agricultural Science students spent a year at Dookie as part of their degree studies.

The campus appears to have been part of the lands of the Noorilim people. In 1836 Major Sir Thomas Mitchell was the first recorded non-Aboriginal to travel through the Dookie district and the huge Benalla Pastoral Run was registered in 1842 as a result. The squatters' runs were broken up after the Land Acts of the 1860s, and the Dookie district was surveyed in the early 1870s. Dookie Campus was one of four sites reserved in the Benalla district in 1875 for the purpose of an agricultural college and experimental farm. Dookie was chosen as the optimal site because it was ‘sufficiently extensive for a full-blown college', contained the greatest variety of soil types and aspect with both hill and plain acreages, and climatically was representative of the whole of the northern farming districts of Victoria.

Dookie Agricultural College In 1886Clearing and fencing began in 1877 for what was known as the Cashel Experimental Farm. The first Farm Manager was British agricultural college graduate John Low Thompson, an imposing Scotsman with a distinguished agricultural career both at Home and in the Colony. He brought his new wife to a bark hut in the remote scrub where, with the assistance of contractors and the first two students, he carved out the Experimental Farm. Within a year he had established the nucleus of the farm's flocks and herds, as well as personally setting out experimental plots to a wide variety of cereals, grasses, vegetables, tares, pulses, flax and hemp. The following year these were joined by wheat varieties from the great Paris International Exhibition, and plantings of olives and fruit trees (plums, peaches, apples, pears, almonds, oranges, figs, pomegranates) as well as table grapes and wine grapes (Hermitage, Tokay, Madeira , Riesling, Verdelho, Pedro Ximinez and Cabernet varieties). Student learning was by ‘ocular demonstration' (i.e. by seeing) gained whilst working on the farm five days a week. The original size of the farm was 1938 hectares and it has since been altered by various purchases and extensions to the present 2446 hectares.

Dookie Agricultural College commenced operation on 4th October 188 6, and was managed by the Council of Agricultural Education following the implementation of the Agricultural Education Act 1884. The first course offered was of two years duration, and students need to be male, at least 14 years old, and have satisfactorily completed State School education. In 1911 the three-year Diploma of Agriculture was introduced, and in 1923 the entry requirements where lifted to a minimum age of 15 and passes required in specified Intermediate Certificate subjects. During this period Hugh Pye was a particularly distinguished Principal. Pye was initially science master and then Principal at Dookie Agricultural College for 22 years from 1895. While Principal, Hugh Pye gained world wide recognition for his pioneering work in wheat-breeding and established Dookie as a research centre of national importance. Pye was also a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society of England, having been nominated by his friend and colleague, Baron von Mueller.

The Thornycroft Motor Truck - 1926In 1945 control of the Victorian Agricultural Colleges moved to the newly created Division of Agricultural Education within the Department of Agriculture. From 1910 to 1922 and 1943 to 1963 the University of Melbourne sent its Bachelor of Agricultural Science students to Dookie for the second year of their degree. During this year the students gained practical farm experience and were involved in teaching the Dookie students academic and applied subjects.

Dookie was a centre of rural training for returned servicemen following both world wars. From 1918 to 1921 full-time courses were run to equip participants with farming skills for the Soldier Settlement Scheme, as well as short-courses to extend existing knowledge. In 1946 the Commonwealth Government established the Rural Training Centre for ex-servicemen at Dookie. The centre offered both the two year Diploma and eight week short courses until 1950 when its resources were taken over by the Victorian Government.

Carting Wheat - 1943In 1966 the three year Diploma of Agricultural Science replaced the Diploma of Agriculture and the entry requirements were lifted again, this time to 16 years of age and passes in five Leaving Certificate subjects and for the first time women were allowed in the course. In 1973 five female students commenced the Diploma, however the first female student at Dookie enrolled in 1947 and graduated in 1949. Now the gender balance in all courses at Dookie is approximately 50/50 male/female. In 1976 the Diploma of Applied Science (Agriculture) was introduced, and was joined in 1980 by the Diploma of Applied Science (Food Production Horticulture) and the Certificate in Farming.

The township of Dookie was established when the railway line was extended from Shepparton in 1879 and soon vineyards were developed on the rich red soils of Mount Major. The vineyards had disappeared by 1910 due to the vine pest Phylloxera and depression, and since then cereal crops have dominated the Dookie landscape. Viticulture is now making a come back and the Dookie Hills wine region is gaining an international reputation. Dookie Campus played an important role during each period: pioneering wine grape varieties in the district since the 1870s, and contributing to vineyard and wine making techniques and research. The Winery, built in 1896, is used in teaching and research as well as a contract wine making facility for boutique winemakers. Dookie is now the location of the University of Melbourne Wine Industry Centre with a strong education program at TAFE, undergraduate and post-graduate levels, and close links with the viticulture industry.

Since its inception, the campus has been the site of research and experimental trials by students, academics, and industry. Today trials are in progress in collaboration with the CSI RO, Department of Primary Industries Victoria, Collaborative Research Centres and industry. The campus also has a long field day tradition and has offered short courses to cover a broad range of rural interests since 1919, the same year that the first field day was run. The first short courses were in domestic economy for country women and then as now, short courses provide the general community with access to the latest advances in agriculture and technology.

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DOOKIE CAMPUS TEACHING AND RESEARCH STAFF

Teaching and Research Staff at Dookie Campus 2005 Graduation

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS

Head of Campus

Bachelor of Rural Business Coordinator

O'BRIEN, DENNIS:
BScAg (Sydney), MSc (Manitoba) PhD (Oregon SU)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-117 Macroeconomics, 208-231 Management of Rural Enterprises, 208-415 Research Philosophies and Statistics, 208-417 Emerging Issues in Land Resources, 208-414 Direct Reading in Land Resources

Research Interests: Regional development, economics and statistics

Deputy Head of Campus

LAIRD, CHRIS:
B.AgrSc, M Biotech (Monash), Dip Ed (Melb), Grad Dip Computing (Deakin)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-005 Industry Placement, 202-309 Industry Project, 202-052 Industry Placements, 208-263 Animal Science and Nutrition, 208-338 Special Studies, 208-413 Biological Systems Analysis,

Research Interests: Animal Science, ruminant nutrition, meat production

Campus Honours Coordinator

YOUNG, KEN:
BAppSc (Qld), MAgrSc (LaTrobe), Phd (Melb) Grad Cert University Teaching (Melbourne)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-109 Biology for Land and Food Resources, 202-154 Introductory Biology for Land and Food, 208-255 Crop Management, 208-340 Plant Pathology, 208-341 Fertiliser Management, 208-413 Biological Systems Analysis

Research Interests: Agronomy, weed management, seed ecology and pest predictions.

Bachelor of Agriculture Coordinator

WELLMAN, JOHN:
BScAgr (WA), GDipEd (Gipps)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-211 Plant Communities in Action, 208-252 Production Horticulture (Fruit and Vines)

Research Interests: Alternative tree fruit production systems and post harvest technology

Advanced Diploma in Agriculture Coordinator

GALL, ROS:
BComm (Melb), GDipAgrib (Monash), MBus (Monash)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-308 Human Resource Management, 207-112 Rural Economics, 207-114 Land, Food and Resource Economics, 207-172 Rural Economics, 208-118 Principles of Marketing, 208-162 Agribusiness Marketing, 208-219 Principles of Management, 208-233 Introduction to Business Law, 208-234 Accounting for Rural Enterprises, 208-236 Introduction to Agribusiness, 208-273 Managing Staff, 208-33 2 Entrepreneurship

Research Interests: Marketing, economics, organisation theory and agribusiness.

BATH, GEOFF:
BBusAdm, MAgrSc (Latrobe), Dip Agr Sc, ADip Viticult RCAE , TTTC (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-107 Vineyard and Winery Operations I, 208-244 Australia in the Wine World, 208-206 Vineyard and Winery Operations II

Research Interests: Viticulture, grape growing and wine production

CHAPLIN, SARAH:
BSc (Leeds), MSc (Edin), PhD (Glasgow)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-263 Animal Science and Nutrition, 208-271 Animal Management

Research Interests: Animal science - dairy, behaviour and welfare and pastures.

BOTTA, CATHY:
BScAgr (Syd), MScAgr (Syd), GCertSoilsCons (Adel)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 207-328 Working with Community Groups, 208-230 Soils, Water and Catchment Management, 208-251 Rural Community Development

Research Interests: Sustainable catchment management, soils, reclaimed water

Post Doctoral Research Fellow

COOLEY, NICOLA:
BSc Honours (Plymouth University), PhD (University of East London)

Research Interests: Plant physiology, viticulture, water relations

C.R. Roper Fellow in Agricultural Science

DUNN, GREGORY:
BSc (Melb), PhD (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Science, Technology and Innovation Project Manager

Research Interests: Plant water relations and irrigation, reproductive biology, viticulture and horticulture

HAYWARD, DAVID:
BAppSc(Wine Science) (CSU)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Coordinator Diploma of Wine Technology, 208-316 Oenology

Research Interests: Oenology

MCCARTHY, PATRICK:
DipTechTeaching, AssocDipAppSc, AssocDipWool Production

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-113 Production Systems I, 208-115 Production Systems II

Research Interests: Sheep and wool production and wool classing

MCDONALD, JOHN:
BVSc (Syd), MAgrSc (Latrobe)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Animal Health Specialist

PILKINGTON, JOHN:
BSc Hons (Flinders), DipEd (Flinders)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-250 Quantitative Skills for Land and Food, 202-101 Chemistry for Land and Food Resources, 202-102 Chemistry for Land and Food Resources, 202-205 Experimental Design/Statistical Methods, 208-232 Business Data Analysis

Areas of Expertise: Chemistry, mathematics and education.

PREWETT, DURHAM:
BAgrSc (Melb), DipEd SC (Vic)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-253 Pasture Management

Area of Expertise: Dairy extension, nutrition

WAITE, HELEN:
DipHortSc (TTC), DipTT (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-265 Integrated Pest and Weed Management, Diploma of Horticulture courses

Research Interests: Horticulture, vines, vegetables and floriculture, olive growing

WHEATON, ASHLEY:
BAgrSc (Hon), MAgSc (LaTrobe)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Coordinator Diploma of Viticulture, 207-278 Resource Management (Soil and Water),

Research Interests: Soil management, nutrition and irrigation in viticulture

WRIGLEY, ROGER:
BEng (RMIT), MEngSc (Melb), CP Eng, MIE Aust, MASAE

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 207-171 Sustainable Catchment Management, 208-308 Irrigation and Water Management,

Research Interests: Soil conservation, waste management, feedlot design, agricultural engineering and irrigation

SCHOOL OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

BRODIE, GRAHAM:
BEng(Townsville), GDip Comp (Deakin), PhD (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-108 Information Technology and Communications, 202-156 Information Technology and Communication, 202-250 Quantitative Skills for Land and Food, 208-116 Environmental Engineering, 208-152 Agricultural Technology

Research Interests: Computer technology, modelling of agricultural systems, process monitoring and control, engineering, surveying, microwave heating, microwave treatment of timber and wood drying.

HAMILTON, STEVE:
A. DipApp Biol, B App Sc (App Biol), M App Sc (RMIT), PhD (Melbourne)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 207-171 Sustainable Catchment Management

Research Interests: Impact of agricultural land practices on the floristics and habitat quality of Box Ironbark woodlands and forests, restoration ecology and revegetation in rural landscapes

O'DWYER, CHERYL:
BSc (Melb), MSc (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-110 Land Resources, 202-170 Applied Ecology in the Rural Environment, 207-171 Sustainable Catchment Management, 207-416 Management of Australia's Fauna, 208-328 Biodiversity and Genetics

Research Interests: Conservation biology, wildlife management and ecological impacts of fragmentation, particularly oninvertebrates

SCHOOL OF VET

DICKINS, CHAS:

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Diploma of Agriculture (Dairy) Coordinator

Area of Expertise: Dairy industry, nitrogen fertilisers, pastures, irrigation.

HODGSON, DAVID:

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Campus Winemaker, Wine short courses, Diploma of Wine and Viticulture lecturer

Area of Expertise: Wine production

STRINGER, WILBY:

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Certificate 3 in Food Processing (Wine) Coordinator

Area of Expertise: Wine & viticulture

WHITE, KEVIN:

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Diploma of Agriculture & Certificate 3 of Agriculture Coordinator

Area of Expertise: crop production

PUBLICATIONS

Brodie G., 2005; Microwave preconditioning to accelerate solar drying of timber. In Microwave and Radio Frequency Applications. (Ed.) DC Schulz R. L. and Folz, pp. 41-48.

Brodie G., 2005; Microwave Treatment Accelerates Solar Wood Drying, Presented at the International Union of Forestry Research Organisations' Conference, Brisbane, Queensland, August 2005

Brodie G. and Hazell, L., 2005; Investigation of Megalithic Transport by Pre-Classical Olmec Society in Mesoamerica using GIS Analysis of Environmental and Geographic Elements of Central Mexico to Determine Possible Land Route Corridors, Presented at the Chacmool Conference, Calgary, Canada, November 2005

Cain, M. and Young, K. The effect of controlled traffic farming on soil parameters. Riverine Plains Inc. Research at Work, pp 84 – 85.

Faulkner, S. and Young. K. The effect of root fragment size and burial depth on the survival of prairie ground cherry. Research for the Riverine Plains 2005, pp 62 – 63.

Gall, R. Agricultural Producer Cooperatives as Strategic Alliances. International Food and Agribusiness Conference, Chicago , USA. June 2005.

Hamilton, S.D. and O'Dwyer, C. (submitted). Response of grassy woodlands in northern Victoria to disturbance: a state and transition model.

Hamilton, S.D. and O'Dwyer, C. (submitted). Floristic response of temperate grassy woodland to the removal of sheep grazing.

Hamilton, S.D., Brodie, G. and O'Dwyer, C. (2005) Allometric relationships for estimating biomass in Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa. Australian Forestry 68 (4) 267- 273

Hamilton S.D., O'Dwyer C., Dettmann P.D. and Curtis A.L. (2004) The habitat quality of private land Box Ironbark remnant vegetation in southern Australia. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 25 (1) 19-42.

Hamilton, S.D., Hunter, D., Costello, K., O'Dwyer, C., and Jones, S. (2002). Vascular flora and vertebrate fauna of the Dookie Bushland Reserve, Victoria. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 114(1): 1-20.

Hamilton, G. and O'Dwyer, C. Short term floristic response of a temperate grassy woodland to the removal of sheep grazing. Pacific Conservation Biology.

Hamilton, S., O'Dwyer, C., Stockdale, M. and Wright, T. The effects of fire and grazing on the structure and composition of Northern Plains grasslands. Fourth National Native Grasses Conference.

Hamilton, S. & O'Dwyer, C. Ed. Grassland Conservation and Production: Both Sides of the Fence. Proceedings for the Fourth Stipa National Conference on Management of Native Grasses and Pastures, Burra , South Australia.

Hamilton S. D., Brodie, G. and O'Dwyer, C., (2005); Allometric relationships for estimating biomass in Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa). AustralianForestry Journal 68, No 4, pp. 267-273.

O'Dwyer, C., Hamilton, S. and Clarke, G. (2002). The value of remnants on farms for invertebrate biodiversity: a preliminary study. In: Rural Land-Use Change. Yes! But will biodiversity be okay (Ed Crosthwaite, J., Farmar-Bowers, Q., and Hollier, C.). Proceedings of a conference at Attwood, Victoria. August 2002. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne (CD ROM).

O'Dwyer, C. and Attiwill, P.M. (2000). Restoration of a native grassland as habitat for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera; Castniidae;) at Mount Piper, Australia. Restoration Ecology 8 (2), 170-174.

Clarke, G.M. and O'Dwyer, C. (2000) Genetic variability and population structure of the endangered Golden Sun Moth, Synemon plana (Walker). Biological Conservation 92. 371-381.

O'Dwyer, C. and Attiwill, P.M. (1999). A comparative study of the habitats of Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera; Castniidae): Implications for restoration. Biological Conservation 89, 131-141.

O'Dwyer, C. (1999). Germination and sowing depth of Austrodanthonia eriantha: techniques to maximise restoration efforts. Victorian Naturalist, 116 (6) 202-209.

Sargeant, L. & Young, K. The effects of different phosphorus seedbed utilisation n crop and weed performance. Research for the Riverine Plains 2005, pp 58 - 59.

Sutton, K. and Young, K. The Effect of Triazine Herbicides on Sclerotinia Spore Formation. Riverine Plains Inc. Research at Work, pp 104 - 105.

Henry, F. and Young, K. Investigations into the incidence and cause of crop diseases on the Riverine Plains. Riverine Plains Inc. Research at Work, pp 86 – 87.

Waite, H. Fermenting grapevine cuttings. Grapegrowers

Waite, H. & May, P. The effects of hot water treatment, hydration and order of nursery operations on cuttings of Vitis vinifera cultivars. Phytopathogia Mediterranea, Vol 44, No 2. August 2005

Wellman, J. Trial reveals benefits of orchard water efficiency. Irrigation and Water Resources, Winter 2005.

Wrigley, R. Sustainability and Associated Reuse of Wastewater. Proceedings of Wine Engineering Association Conference, Bendigo 2005.

Wrigley, R. Melbourne Water Treatment Plant Draft Land Use Strategy.

Wrigley, R. Smart Water Urban Submission

Wrigley, R. Melbourne Water Eastern Treatment Plant Submission

Wrigley, R. Eastern Treatment Plant Biosolids Utilisation Strategy.

Laity M, and Young K.R. (2005). Olives: a new industry or weed threat. Proceedings of the 2nd Victorian Biennial WeedsConference, Bendigo.

Young K.R., Schilg, K., Bennett, B. and Sutton, K. Integrating IWM into Crop management Plans. P roceedings of the2nd Victorian Biennial Weeds Conference Bendigo – invited speaker

EXTERNAL RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS

Brodie, Graham:

Control of tropical woody weeds using microwave energy- partnership with Tropical Weed Research Institute - Work ongoing

Microwave wood drying - part of CRC Wood Innovations - Work ongoing

Applications of GIS Technology to Archaeological Investigations in Central America - partnership with La Trobe University's Archaeological Department - Work ongoing

Wheaton, Ashley:

Melbourne Early Career Researcher Grant. ‘Improving quality of stone fruits through canopy and fruit manipulation' is in collaboration with researchers from DPI Tatura.

Centre for Water and Landscape Management. ‘Matching water application to water use to maximize production and quality of Pink Lady apple in the Goulburn Valley ' is in collaboration with DPI Tatura.

Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation. ‘Using integrated approaches to improve irrigation scheduling in vineyards' is a 4 year project contributing to a larger initiative “Managing soil and water to target quality and reduce environmental impact” in collaboration with DPI.

This is in trial design and data collection phase (year 0-1).

Wrigley, Roger:

Barnawatha Biodeisel Community Reference Committee Chair

Bass Valley Landcare Erosion Control Field Day Eastern Treatment Plant Biosolids Utilisation Project

Gardiner Foundation Subsurface Tape Irrigation Project

Gardiner Foundation Adoption of Technology on Farm Project Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Working Group

Goulburn Broken Demonstrator Project

Goulburn Broken Channel Harmonisation Project (Draft)

Murray Irrigation Limited Irrigation Field Day

Western Treatment Plant Landuse Project

Wimmera Valley Pipeline Project

Young, Ken:

CSIRO Alternate Potassium Sources Research

Variable Rate Lime and Gypsum Research

Tomato processing industry – Good Soil Health, Biology and Yield.

CONFERENCE AND SEMINAR ATTENDANCE:

Austrade Export Conference for the Wine Industry (Geoff Bath)

BASS Valley Landcare Erosion Control Field Day (Roger Wrigley)

Dairy Australia , National Advance in Dairy Leadership Program (Sarah Parker)

Department of Primary Industries Tatura Field Day (Roger Wrigley)

International Food and Agribusiness Conference, Chicago , USA. June 2005. (Ros Gall)

International Union of Forestry Research Organisations' Conference 2005, Brisbane, Queensland , August 2005 (Graham Brodie)

Lake Makoan Land Use Management Group (Roger Wrigley)

Murray Irrigation Limited Irrigation Field Day (Roger Wrigley)

Second Biennial Victoria Weeds Conference (Ken Young)

Stipa Native Grass Conference – Burra October 2005 (250 delegates) (Cheryl O'Dwyer & Steve Hamilton)

United Dairyfarmers Victoria , Off the Farm into the Future Project (Sarah Parker)

United Dairyfarmers Victoria , Annual Conference (Sarah Parker)

Wimmera Valley Pipeline Project, January 2005 (Roger Wrigley)

Winery Engineering Conference “The Challenge of Economies”, Bendigo (Roger Wrigley)

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COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH, COMMUNITY AND CAMPUS PROJECTS

CENTRE FOR WATER AND LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

The University of Melbourne established the Centre for Water and Landscape Management to provide research, leadership, education, training and practical applications for water and landscape management that will foster sustainable rural communities. More than just a centre for environmental sustainability, this Centre aims to find solutions for sustainable water and landscape use that supports economic growth in regional Australia through worldbest research and collaboration with rural communities.

The presence of internationally eminent scholars utilising cutting-edge research techniques attracts high caliber postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows to the Centre leading to a new generation of ‘thinkers and doers' in the field of sustainable agricultural landscape systems. The research capacity and momentum generated will establish the Centre as a focus for independent research, analysis, policy advice and community change.

The Centre will, through driving change within the farming community, deliver strong outcomes consistent with the National Heritage Trust's third objective of ‘ Community Capacity Building and Institutional Change'.

The Centre for Water and Landscape Management is located at the Dookie Campus of the Melbourne School of Land and Environment, the University of Melbourne. Dookie Campus is situated in the Goulburn Catchment of the Murray Darling Basin. The Centre will utilise the 2,500 hectare Dookie Estate operating as a series of commercial enterprises as a focus for ‘research to practice' implementation projects incorporating ongoing monitoring of productivity and environmental performance.

Throughout 2005, the Centre for Water and Landscape Management executive committee met to further progress the goals and objectives of the centre. Activities for the centre during the year included sponsorship of the 2005 Victorian Flood Management Conference, commencement of Professor Janet

McCalman's “Oral histories research” and acquisition of funding for irrigation efficiency research from Victorian Government‘s Science Technology and Innovation Grant and the Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation.

CWLM was a bronze sponsor for the 2005 Victorian Flood Management Conference held at the Shepparton Eastbank Centre. Over 300 delegates from both private and public sectors including researchers, engineers, urban planners, catchment and natural resource managers attended the conference. Bronze sponsorship provided the opportunity for branding on conference materials, a trade display in the conference venue and distribution of the newly CWLM brochure to conference delegates.

During 2004, The Centre for Water and Landscape Management provided funding for 5 seeding grants:

The presence of internationally eminent scholars utilising cutting-edge research techniques will attract high caliber postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows to the Centre leading to a new generation of ‘thinkers and doers' in the field of sustainable agricultural landscape systems. The research capacity and momentum generated will establish the Centre as a focus for independent research, analysis, policy advice and community change.

TALLIS TRUST RESEARCH INITIATIVE

The Tallis Trust Research Initiative was established in 1996 when Mr Peter Tallis of ‘Boorinda', Dookie donated the sum of $50 000 to establish a fund for the purposes referred to below. A further sum was received in June 1997 increasing the total amount donated to $200 000. It is hoped to increase the capital of the fund to $1 million dollars through donations and support from industry and stakeholders of the Dookie Campus community including the Alumni and Friends Association.

The Tallis Trust Research Initiative was established to ensure that Dookie Campus became a premier agricultural learning, demonstration and research facility by:

The vision of the trust is to ensure that Dookie Campus becomes the premier agricultural learning and research institution within Australia and acknowledgedthroughout the world as an essential part of an important global University.

The Tallis Trust Research Initiative is the culmination of Mr Peter Tallis's life long commitment to agriculture. Mr Tallis strongly supports the development of agricultural research with a focus on Dookie Campus. Mr Tallis encourages other like minded community persons to contribute to the Trust, believing the Trust will play a significant role in the prosperity and future of Australia 's agricultural landscape.

“My family has enjoyed a wonderful life running a farming business. One way of showing our gratitude is to put something tangible back into agriculture. Contributing to research and education are two ways of achieving this.”
(Mr Peter Tallis, 2005)

TALLIS TRUST RESEARCH INITIATIVE LAUNCH

Dookie Campus hosted the launch of the Tallis Trust Research Initiative on the 28 April, 2005 with the opening of new animal pens constructed utilising funds from the Tallis Trust Research Initiative. The facilities were officially opened by the Hon. Jeanette Powell, State Member for Shepparton with Head of Campus, Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien, local farming families, former Head of Dookie College Barry Croke and Dookie staff members and students in attendance.

Initial funds have been utilised to purchase animal pens for use by students and private industry to undertake research at the animal facility. These pens were also fitted with feeders donated by QAF Feeds Pty Ltd, with the first research trials beginningin May.

Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien at the animal facility

Formerly known as the Dookie Farm Research and Development Trust, The Tallis Trust Research Initiative aims to encourage further industry and personal sponsorship to nurture the growth of new ideas and better farming practices in our future agriculturalists. Benefiting education programs and utilizing information and practices gathered from new farming systems research, Dookie Campus along with the Tallis Trust Research Initiative hopes to educate a new generation, knowledgeable in the latest farming practices and sustainable management systems.

UNITED DAIRYFARMERS VICTORIA DISTRICT COUNCIL 2 LUNCH

Following media coverage from the Tallis Trust Research Initiative Launch, Mr Peter Tallis, Chair of the Dookie Farm Executive hosted a lunch for members of the local dairy community.

(L - R) Head of Campus, Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien, Farm Executive Chair, Peter Tallis and UDV District Council 2 President, Jamie Snell.After an extensive tour of the campus dairy facilities, members of United Dairyfarmers District Council 2 and 3 joined Mr Peter Tallis and Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien for lunch in the Bar Lounge. David Ince (Divisional Manager – Primary Industries Division) from Goulburn Ovens TAFE and academic and research staff members were also in attendance. Discussion focussed on the benefits of The Tallis Trust Research Initiative and future developments for research at Dookie Campus.

Local dairy farmer and UDV DC 2 President, Mr Jamie Snell, was also presented a Certificate of Appreciation by Mr Tallis and Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien. The certificate was awarded in recognition of Mr Snell's support of Dookie Campus and service to the Dookie Campus Dairy Liaison Committee.

CENTRAL TEST SIRE EVALUATION (CSTE)

The Central Test Sire Evaluation project compares the breeding performance of selected sires by evaluating their progeny for traits important to breeders at sites across Australia. Dookie Campus participates in the national sire evaluation project, providing data for analysis determining the effectiveness of specific traits for selected sires.

Data from assessment of sheep and fleece are transferred into a national database. Assessment of genetic traits includes fleece rot resistance, internal parasite resistance, meat quality measurements, individual conformation and wool quality traits. This information allows industry to compare a large number of superior sires from different studs to achieve specific breeding objectives and provides a benchmark for ram breeders to ensure that their breeding program us achieving their objectives.

The project is facilitated at Dookie Campus by merino breeder, Phil Tolland, Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor and Production Skills lecturer, Paddy McCarthy, with the assistance of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association.

The Merino Superior Sires is the combination of the results from each CTSE site. Each CSTE site utilizes sires common with other sites participating in the project. Analysis of data generated from test sites allows researchers to separate differences between sheep caused by either environmental or genetic factors.

Each sire is mated by artificial insemination to equal numbers of ewes, ensuring the difference between progeny is attributed to sires, not ewes. Fifty ewes are mated to each sire, to provide at least 15 to 20 progeny for assessment of sire breeding value.

Centre Test Sire Evaluation progeny are assessed at hogget (at 10 to 16 months) and adult (17 to 24 months) stage. Specific data and samples including fleece are collected and evaluated by an accredited testing service provider. Dookie Campus also provides a site report which contains additional information not presented in the combined report performance summary.

Sires utilised at Dookie test site included two link sires – Rocky Point R6 and Gringegalgona 1184. A link sire is a sire mated in other accredited programs with at least 25 progeny evaluated. Rams used for the 2003 joining, providing progeny for 2005 evaluation were:

First classing and mid side sampling of progeny was conducted by Ken Heal the first week of June with first assessment shearing (10 months wool) conducted in the second week. Results for objectively measured traits are presented as Raw Averages and Estimated Progeny Values (EPV's). EPV 's take into account whether progeny are twin or single, male or female and the number of progeny per sire group.

Table one (below) demonstrates raw averages for Greasy Fleece Weight (GFW), Clean Fleece Weight (CFW), Yield (YLD), Staple Strength, Staple Length and Body Weight.

Table two shows raw averages for wool including Clean Fleece Weight Versus Fibre Diameter (CVFD).

Ram ID No of
Progeny 		GFW
(kg) 		CFW
(kg) 		YLD
(%) 		Staple
Length
(mm) 		Staple
Strength
(N/Ktex) 		BW
(kg)
Bolinda Poll 0695 30 3.92 2.79 71.3 86 20 34.9
Eilan Donan 1475 38 3.76 2.59 68.9 80 21 33.3
Gringegalgona 1184 37 4.19 2.80 66.9 86 21 32.2
Gringegalgona 1184 34 3.73 2.47 66.2 83 20 33.6
Karori 001396 60 3.63 2.52 69.4 86 21 29.3
Kerrsville SY 21108 36 3.88 2.72 70.1 84 19 32
Kilfeera Park 1.444 51 3.99 2.74 70.7 87 19 33.9
Kilfeera Park 2.728 34 3.77 2.58 68.4 81 19 32.9
Rocky Point R6 51 3.81 2.61 68.6 85 21 32.9
Toland Poll 2.1253 42 4.01 2.76 68.9 86 23 33.9
Toland Poll 3.32 48 3.94 2.76 70.3 88 20 33.4
Averages 42 3.86 2.67 69.1 85 20 32.9

Table 1 - Raw Averages for Greasy Fleece Weight (GFW), Clean Fleece Weight (CFW), Yield (YLD) Staple Strength, Staple Length and Body Weight

Ram ID No of
Progeny 		Fibre Diameter (μm) CVFD % CF (%>30) Curve
Bolinda Poll 0695 30 3.92 2.79 71.3 86
Eilan Donan 1475 38 3.76 2.59 68.9 80
Gringegalgona 1184 37 4.19 2.80 66.9 86
Gringegalgona 1184 34 3.73 2.47 66.2 83
Karori 001396 60 3.63 2.52 69.4 86
Kerrsville SY 21108 36 3.88 2.72 70.1 84
Kilfeera Park 1.444 51 3.99 2.74 70.7 87
Kilfeera Park 2.728 34 3.77 2.58 68.4 81
Rocky Point R6 51 3.81 2.61 68.6 85
Toland Poll 2.1253 42 4.01 2.76 68.9 86
Toland Poll 3.32 48 3.94 2.76 70.3 88
Averages 42 3.86 2.67 69.1 85

Table 2 - Raw Averages for Wool including Clean Fleece Weight Versus Fibre Diameter (CVFD)

BEECHWORTH VIGNERONS NATIONAL LANDCARE PROJECT

Developed by Beechworth vignerons, this three year landcare project will systematically improve soil, vine and wine health and productivity for producers in the Beechworth region. This project was developed in conjunction with GOTAFE, Grapecheque (DPI), Ovens Landcare Network and Northeast Catchment Management Authority. Dookie Campus Viticulture Lecturer, Ashley Wheaton is the project officer for the Beechworth Vignerons National Landcare Project. As project officer, Ashley facilitated a number of knowledge transfer activities in 2005. He also undertook a soil health literature review and collected and analysed current viticulture practices utilised in the Beechworth Vignerons region.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture- Research to Practice Water Management for Grapevine Production manual was distributed to 12 participants at seminar in September 2005. Key topics presented by Ashley Wheaton included, soil requirements to grow grapes, soil and water toxics and soil life. Michael Reid (DPI, Rutherglen) facilitated the afternoon session.

Ashley also facilitated a “Soil Acidification, its impact, management and monitoring” workshop at Beechworth Neighbourhood House in December. The in-depth program covered sessions including:

A follow up workshop “Soil compaction, and mid-row management impact on soil and wine” was conducted at two vineyards – Pennyweight Winery & Amulet Vineyard. Topics presented at the workshop included a soil pit exercise. Ten participants received instruction in:

Under Ashley's direction, future activities include: trialling alternate soil management practices at six Beechworth Vignerons Association member vineyards and monitoring trials and establishing recommendations for best practice soil management. These two activities will enable the project to progress towards EMS.

Participants in the BVANLP will be able to understand and measure critical soil characteristics. They will also be able to determine the effects of current and emerging viticulture practices on local soil health. Workshops empower vignerons to identify local soil health issues and develop targeted trials and monitoring.

DAIRY PHOSPHORUS TRIAL

Principal Researcher: Dr Tony Weatherly

Funded by National Institute of Water and Atmosphere, Australia

The University of Melbourne 's Dookie Campus dairy is being utilised in a trial investigating different forms of fertilizer and the subsequent run off from irrigated pastures on farm. The aim of the trial is to reduce nutrient run off in to off farm waterways by, maximising pasture production from phosphatic fertilizers whilst minimising environmental impact.

Dr Tony Weatherly, from the School of Resource Management is facilitating the trial which is a joint project between Parkville and Dookie Campuses. Nutrient measuring devices have been installed in selected irrigation paddocks on the dairy. Different coated fertilisers – DAP (diammonium phosphate), partially acidulated rock phosphate and single super are applied to trial bays. Nutrient run off is then measured for all applications along with a control plot.

Paddocks containing trial plots are not irrigated until four days after fertilizer application. The trial is seeking to establish whether it is possible to maintain pasture production whilst reducing offsite phosphorus impacts in waterways. Environmental losses will be compared with agronomic benefits.

Expected research outcomes for this trial include:

The study will assist in developing guidelines for nutrient management strategies for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, aiming to reduce phosphorus loads in waterways by 65% by 2016.

IMPROVING WATER EFFICIENCY IN DAIRY GRAZING PASTURES

“Production system and environmental benefits of best practices irrigation utilising subsurface tape technology.”

The Dookie Campus Dairy will be the focus site for this project funded by the Gardiner Foundation. A multi-disciplinary team including Roger Wrigley will attempt to increase water use efficiency through the application of subsurface tape technology. Tape irrigation is a relatively new form of drip irrigation. Irrigating tape is buried underground delivering water and liquid fertiliser precisely to the root zone area where it is needed most.

The project will result in the comparative analysis of two forms of irrigation – conventional flood irrigation and sub-surface tape irrigation. Potential production, environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of adopting and incorporating new irrigation technology into dairy farm production systems will also be explored.

Utilising an iterative approach, various assessments, workshops and discussions with experts and end users (dairy farmers) will be facilitated to ensure best practice for subsurface irrigation is developed and areas of concern are investigated.

Project Leader is Professor John Langford, Melbourne Water Research Centre.

Partner organisations are:

ORCHARD OF THE 21ST CENTURY

The Orchard of the 21st Century evolved from 27 years of groundwork research commenced in 1973 at the Tatura Institute for Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture. Supported by the Northern Victorian Fruitgrowers Association, the project was funded by the Agriculture Advancing Australia Farm Innovation Program, Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), the Dookie College Farms Research and Development Fund (now known as the Tallis Trust Research Initiative) and the University of Melbourne.

In the Goulburn Valley , research involving scientists from the fields of horticulture and soil science developed the internationally recognised Tatura Trellis system for growing fruit. This system developed into a start of the art version known as the Open Tatura Trellis.

The Open Tatura Trellis system is demonstrated in the Orchard of the 21 st Century along with innovative technologies designed to maximise production. Increased sunlight interception, improved labour efficiency, reduced application of herbicides and pesticides, effective management techniques and more efficient use and application of water and fertilisers are some of the issues investigated in the orchard.

The orchard operates as a commercially driven demonstration site, stimulating economic, social and environmental goals for stone and pome fruit growers in the Goulburn Valley. Ongoing monitoring documents productivity, product quality, financial and environmental performance.

Several irrigation methods are utilised in the Orchard. Double dripline on the ground surface and buried 15 centimetres below the surface are being evaluated along with microjets. The project aims to determine the most efficient method of watering the crop. Microjets have a distinct advantage in their ability to reduce frost, by increasing the thermal capacity of the soil and helping prevent plant temperature falling below freezing point. Subsurface drip line assists efficiency by allowing water to enter the soil below the root zone and reducing evaporation.

Water Use Efficiency in the Orchard of the 21st Century

Variety Irrigation Yield
(T/HA)		 Water Use
(ML/HA)		 Water Use
Efficiency (T/ML) 		Water Use
Efficiency ($RETURN/ML)
2002-2003 season (2nd leaf)
T204 peaches Subsurface drip 17 3.3 5.2 2392
T204 peaches Surface drip 19 3.7 5.1 2362
T204 peaches Microjet 18 4.7 3.8 1762
Rival apricots Microjet 9 3.9 2.2 2200
Patterson apricots Microjet 8 3.9 2.1 1261
2003-2004 season (3rd leaf)
T204 peaches Subsurface drip 28 2.6 10.8 4738
T204 peaches Surface drip 35 2.9 12.1 5310
T204 peaches Microjet 34 4.1 8.3 3650
Rival apricots Microjet 11 2.4 4.6 4385
Patterson apricots Microjet 19 2.4 8.3 5504

 

“REGIONAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS THROUGH SMARTER IRRIGATION” SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT

Dr Nicola Cooley and Associate Professor Gregory Dunn. STI Project appointments to Dookie Campus, 2005The “Regional and Economic Benefits through Smarter Irrigation” project combines the intellectual skills of the University of Melbourne and the National Information and Community Technology Australia Limited (NI CTA), a national centre of excellence in wireless sensor technology with the operational expertise of the Goulburn Murray Water (GMW), and the innovative skills in the irrigation community to develop and demonstrate smart water irrigation systems.

The $4.5 million dollar project is funded through a $1.5 million Victorian Government STI grant and $1.5 million each from NI CTA and the University of Melbourne.

Smart water management systems, supported by cutting-edge wireless sensor technology will increase economic water efficiency (profit per megalitre) of the dairy, horticulture and viticulture industries generating economic, social and environmental benefits in the Goulburn Valley and make a substantial contribution to the Victorian Export Economy.

This smart irrigation system allows irrigators to have a greater control of water usage, allowing them to meet the water requirements for optimum production of the crop and also has the potential to increase economic water efficiency.

Director of Melbourne Water Research Centre, Professor John Langford: “The project illustrates how the diverse resources of the University of Melbourne can be brought together to support the Centre for Water and Landscape Management implementing a complex research project, which has substantial potential to benefit the Goulburn Valley”.

Located in the Goulburn Valley , the project will be implemented by a team based at the Dookie Campus. An ‘Innovation Network' of irrigators will be established to define and oversee the user requirements of both the wireless sensor technology and the user interface of the smart irrigation systems.

Trials of the wireless sensor networks for use in Australian agriculture will proceed in 2005/06, with pilot trials of the technology commencing in 2006/07. Six ‘Demonstrators' will be established on selected vineyards, orchards and dairy farms in the Goulburn Valley in 2007/08. One of the ‘Demonstrators' will be installed at the Dookie Campus, connecting it to a collaborative learning center, where students will be able to follow the progress of the water efficiency.

Dookie Campus farm enterprises will be utilised for trialing technology in the initial stages of research as well as during the formal trials. The Dookie Campus dairy, orchard and vineyard will be utilised for both research and as demonstration sites for visiting agriculturalists and researchers. During 2005, Dookie Campus welcomed Associate Professor Gregory Dunn (C.R. Roper Fellow in Agricultural Science) and Dr Nicola Cooley (Post Doctoral Research Fellow). Associate Professor Dunn and Dr Cooley are at Dookie Campus to work on the horticultural/viticultural component of the Victorian government's Science, Technology and Innovation Initiative Infrastructure Grants Program (STI) project, ‘Regional and Economic Benefits Through Smarter Irrigation'.

Gregory completed his PhD (Plant Physiology) at the University of Melbourne , after which he worked in forest research in Queensland , and more recently in applied research in Viticulture and Horticulture with DPI Tatura. He has been appointed to Dookie Campus on a five year research and teaching appointment and specialises in applied horticulture, viticulture and science.

Nicola Cooley undertook her PhD at the University of East London in collaboration with Cambridge University. She has been in Australia 3 ½ years, working with the CSIRO Plant Industry studying the effects of seasonal variation along with deficient irrigation on grapevines. Nicola has a three year appointment at Dookie Campus as a researcher on the STI “Regional and Economic Benefits through Smarter Irrigation” project.

MERINO TO MATCH PROJECT

Merino to Match is a research project developed by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and the Victorian Stud Merino Breeders Association (VSMBA). Twenty-nine Merino studs are evaluated in four sites around Victoria – Hamilton, Stawell, Elmore and Dookie. As one of the trial sites, strong links with Merino Industry are facilitated.

Staff members facilitating the Dookie site participation are Dookie Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor and Production and Farm Skills lecturer, Paddy McCarthy. Members of the Wool Industry and Department of Primary Industries staff members form part of the committee for each trial site. Local merino producer, Phil Tolland has been integral in the facilitation of the program at Dookie.

Dookie Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor, Phil Tolland and Dookie student inspecting sheep at the Merino to Match Field Day. Each trial site facilitates an annual field day where wool industry members are given the opportunity to inspect Merino to Match sheep. Sheep are shorn after the field day and a range of measurements taken. Over 50 farmers as well as students from Dookie Campus attended the 2005 field day, utilising the opportunity to visually inspect wool quality traits in the randomly selected ewes and their progeny.

Sheep at each site are scientifically assessed as part of a comprehensive measurement and evaluation system. Traits assessed include greasy fleece weight, clean fleece weight, greasy colour, fibre curvature, fleece rot, fleece rot incidence, fleece rot severity, carcase measurements and wool production/dse (dry sheep equivalent).

Differences recorded between studs at the various sites are evaluated to see if they are biologically meaningful or simply due to chance. Minimal Significant Difference (MSD) is given for each trait. This project evaluates stud sheep sires for traits that are to vital to current producers and the future of the Australian Merino Wool Industry.

Farm Skill Lecturer, Paddy McCarthy and students with Merino to Match sheep prior to shearing.The Merino to Match project commenced at Dookie Campus in October 2003 with the intake of 2002-drop wether lambs. Studs selected to participate in the trial were both popular in Dookie and from a variety of regions. Sheep were sourced from Victoria , New South Wales and South Australia. Stud sires represented at the Dookie Campus site include: The Mountain Dam, Kilfeera Park , Eilan Donan, Kurra Wirra, East Loddon, Snowy Plains, Hazeldean, Cottage Park , Pooginook, Tolland and a Link group.

Eight sheep were randomly drafted and selected from three properties nominated by selected stud sire owners to result in 24 sheep representing each stud team. Wethers are bred from a syndicate mating or selected equally from two or more single sire groups. Trial sites are linked by wethers from a common flock distributed at all sites. Each site also has one stud team in common with another site. These randomly selected sheep, known as the Link Group are used as an unidentified control group.

The Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) Ltd performed all fibre measurements for the Merino to Match project. All carcase analysis was undertaken by Advanced Breeding Services, Hamilton and sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia.

2005 results from the Dookie Campus site are as follows:

Greasy and clean fleece weights include fleece, pieces and bellies. Greasy fleece weights, calculated form unskirted fleece including bellies at the Dookie site ranged from 5.50 kg to 7.30 kg with MSD of 0.73 kg. There was significant difference for Greasy Fleece Weights between the heaviest cutting teams and lighter cutting teams. Average clean fleece weight at the Dookie trial site was 4.68 kilograms.

Significant differences were found between finer and stronger testing teams with regard to fibre diameter. Average test value was 19.3 micron. Differences existed for staple length and but not for staple strength. There was over 14mm between longest and shortest staple length measurements recorded. Staple lend and strength are two traits significantly impacting on wool quality.

No significant differences were recording in a number of traits. Greasy colour, fleet rot incidence and severity, standard deviation of fibre diameter and coefficient of variation of fibre diameter reported significance between studs trialled at Dookie.

Live weight and carcase measurements were conducted throughout the trial. Scanned results for eye muscle depth and fat depth only showed significant differences between the highest and lowest measuring teams. Utilising the October 2005 live weights, there was no significant difference between the teams.

At the Dookie site, highest performing stud for each trait analysed is as follows:

Clean Fleece Weight: Pooginook

Fibre Diameter: Pooginook

Clean Fleece Weight versus Fibre Diameter: Pooginook

Live weight at November 2005: Tolland

Staple Length: Hazeldean, followed closely by Tolland

Tolland stud has performed consistently across all traits analysed as part of the trial at the Dookie site.

Whilst 2005 marked the end of the Merino to Match trial, Dookie Campus will be running the trail independently for 2006. The thirteen groups of sheep, showcasing genetics of 13 studs will be analysed for a third year.

NATIONAL BIOSOLIDS RESEARCH PROGRAM (NBRP)

The NBRP resulted from the CSIRO and other biosolid research projects uniting to determine the potential benefits and risks associated with land application of biosolids. The Dookie Campus broadacre site is one of five field trials in Victoria and eighteen field trials around Australia. The project will provide the necessary data to underpin the production of scientifically defensible guidelines for biosolids and other waste materials reuse at State and National levels.

Biosolids produced at the Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) Waste Management facility have been applied to broadacre cropping land at the trial site. Focussing on the benefits of using biosolids for crop production the key objectives of the trial are:

Established in 2003 with a canola crop, the Dookie field site provides third year Bachelor of Agriculture students with the opportunity to work on the trial for their final project. Beneficial for students and Goulburn Valley Water, students are linked into the NB RP, meeting and working with scientists whilst contributing valuable data from their individual projects.

Student Projects facilitated as a result of the NBRP in 2005 were:

External partners involved in the NBRP in Victoria include Goulburn Valley Water, CSIRO, Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victorian EPA. University of Melbourne staff members facilitating this project at Dookie Campus are Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor, Dr Ken Young, Roger Wrigley and Cathy Botta.

THE GOULBURN BROKEN INDIGENOUS SEEDBANK

Goulburn Broken Indigenous SeedbankThe Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank is a joint project between Kraft Foods Ltd, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Sustainability and Environment, The University of Melbourne and other stakeholders. The Seedbank is located on Dookie Campus within the Goulburn River and Broken River catchment area.

Native vegetation has been widely recognised as playing a major role in the rehabilitation of our landscape. The establishment of native vegetation can improve the condition of soils (eg. Reduce salinity), crop and pastures, livestock, remnant vegetation, and native fauna. The use of local (indigenous) seed as opposed to seed collected from anywhere in Australia is now recognised as best practice. Indigenous seed is used for revegetation because it ensures the genetic integrity of the local vegetation, and the plants are adapted to the local conditions which results in higher growth and survival rates.

2005 was a successful year at the Seedbank, with a good harvest from the Seed Production Areas producing the most seed to date with a better yield predicted for 2006. The amount of seed collected in 2005 was 103.176kg.

The yields from the SPA 's (Seed Production Areas) are as follows:

Direct seeding saw 156.484kg of seed sewn on revegetation projects throughout the Goulburn Broken Catchment area. Approximately 12kg of seed was purchased from the Seedbank for nursery purposes which was also used for revegetation.

In December the Seedbank held a course for the collection, cleaning, storage of seed and plant identification called Seeds to Success. Attendance was high including two students from The University of Melbourne who proved to be valued employees of the Seedbank for the summer's collection.

Work on the Dookie seed production area began with the removal of Patterson's curse. Two new rows of stock plants were added consisting of Eutaxia. Plantings also took place in the Numurkah Seed Production Area. An overall inspection and evaluation of all Seed Production Areas also took place.

Aims for 2006 are the analysis of the status of seed production areas (SPA), projected needs of the SPA 'S and strategic locations. A proposal for the development of a best practice plan for the even distribution of seed and enhancement plantings to make better use of available seed and improved diversity of species across the catchment will be submitted.

DOOKIE BUSHLAND RESERVE

The Dookie Bushland Reserve is an area of 270 ha of Grey and White Box grassy woodland located at the centre of the campus farm. It is the single largest and most diverse area of Grey and White Box grassy woodland in Victoria , and the largest of its kind on an Australian university campus. The Dookie Bushland Reserve was declared in 1992 and since then has been protected and carefully managed according to conservation objectives.

The Dookie Bushland Reserve is also an important resource for natural resource management subjects and courses offered on campus, as well as the central seed collection point for the Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank, also located on campus.

2005 has been largely uneventful for the Dookie Bushland Reserve. The somewhat more “normal” winter/spring rainfall in 2005 saw regeneration of many plants for the first time in 7 to 8 years. Whilst the drought conditions continue to persist, vegetation has shown its resilience and responded to an even slightly improved situation, which has been pleasing to see. It will be interesting to observe the effect of the return to extremely dry conditions since that period.

Ranger duties have been undertaken capably by Chris McManus. Chris has facilitated a significant number of guided visits throughout 2005, including secondary schools and visiting groups to Dookie Campus. A constant maintenance and monitoring regime has been implemented for the access tracks, electric fence, and weed control. In particular, Chris managed to get the electric fence to full operation for the first time in a number of years. Chris and broadacre farm staff have been involved in the management of weeds, especially Patterson's Curse near the northern entrance and along the southern boundary, as well as a variety of problem species inside the western entrance.

The Dookie Bushland Reserve has been utilised by a variety of Dookie and Parkville-based undergraduate and postgraduate students. This utilisation has occurred within both separate subjects and individual projects. Current utilization of the Bushland Reserve as a research resource is improving and we look forward to increased utilisation rates in the future. Indiscriminate wood collection and shooting has drastically reduced as a result of the practice of restricting vehicle entry by the locking of all gates implemented in 2003.

Negotiations continue between the Trust for Nature - Victoria and the University for the establishment of a Conservation Covenant on the Bushland Reserve area. Given the national conservation significance of the Reserve, this step is seen as a logical progression in the protection of the site. Establishment of this covenant is an exciting development, opening up considerable opportunities for industry involvement and funding for management by prescribing on-going conservation management of the site for perpetuity.

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DOOKIE CAMPUS 2005 GRADUATION

2005 Graduates - Bachelor of Agriculture
2005 Graduates - Bachelor of Agriculture

2005 Graduates - Advanced Diploma in Agriculture
2005 Graduates - Advanced Diploma in Agriculture

  2005 Graduates - Bachelor of Resource Management and Bachelor of Applied Science - Resource Management
2005 Graduates - Bachelor of Resource Management and Bachelor of Applied Science - Resource Management

2005 Graduates - Diploma of Agriculture
2005 Graduates - Diploma of Agriculture

2005 Graduates - Diploma of Horticulture Production Specialising in Viticulture
2005 Graduates - Diploma of Horticulture Production Specialising in Viticulture

2005 Graduates - Diploma of Agriculture (Dairy)
2005 Graduates - Diploma of Agriculture (Dairy)

Dookie Campus welcomed past student and former International Cricket Council President, Mr Malcolm Gray, as guest speaker for this year's graduation ceremony.

Current graduands were entertained by Mr Gray's speech containing words of wisdom for students as they leave the campus to pursue their dreams. Speaking from his life experiences, Mr Gray spoke of the challenges that lie ahead and encouraged students to never give up on their goals.

Proving to be one of the most entertaining graduation speakers, Mr Gray drew upon examples from his own life in the roles he fulfilled in business, real estate and cricket worlds. He emphasised the importance of believing in oneself. “Honesty and integrity are the fundamentals to success as well as having the ability to communicate to others.”

Following a tour of the campus prior to the Graduation ceremony, Mr Gray reminisced over the changes to the college over time. “The stables have been burnt down, the poultry farm is no longer and the horticultural garden has gone. The students are not being taught butchery any more, but they are now being taught viticulture from beautiful vineyards on the lower slopes of Mt Major.”

(L-R) Farm Executive Chair, Mr Peter Tallis, Head of the School of Agriculture andFood Systems, Professor Snow Barlow ,Graduation Guest Speaker, Mr Malcom Gray and Head of Campus, Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien.Mr Gray also touched on the fact that College life gave him friendships and contacts which endure to the present time and have proven to be an invaluable tool in life.

The Graduation ceremony provided the opportunity for a number of past students to visit the campus. Many of the awards for academic achievement were sponsored by employers of past Dookie students including IK Caldwell, Elders Shepparton, Tatura Milk Industries and James and Son Stockfeeds.

Dookie Campus also welcomed a new award this year – the Rural Finance Corporation Award for Best Continuing Agribusiness Student. This award recognises the achievement of students in the Bachelor of Rural Business degree program and will be a continuing award sponsored by Rural Finance Corporation. In 2007 the Award will become the Rural Finance Award for Best Graduating Rural Business Student with the first graduates in 2007.

STUDENT PRIZE WINNERS 2005

STUDENT PROJECTS

The Effect of Biosolid Application on Soil Biological Fertility

Madaline Healey

Biosolids are the solid material left behind after sewage has passed through a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and can be referred to as “sewage sludge.” A decline in soil chemical properties, due to depleted organic matter levels and reduced soil fertility in Australian agricultural soils, suggests that biosolids can be a valuable source of organic matter. Studies indicate that biosolids increase organic matter levels, microbial biomass, and soil fertility, shown in field trials by Sastre et al (1999) and Banjeree et al (2005).

The objective of this trial was to measure the effect biosolids has on soil pH, organic carbon % and bacterial population on a cropping soil. Biosolid application included five treatments at 0, 20, 30, 40 and 50t/ha, applied to a trial area of twenty plots, four blocks, with six plots per block. One month after application, it was found that biosolids had no significant effect on pHH20 and organic carbon %, as indicated by statistical analysis using ANOVA (P> .05) and LSD at a 5% significance level. pHca was significantly affected by biosolid application (P<O), indicating a liming affect had occurred. Soil bacterial population was measured using BIOLOG eco-plates, with results indicating that there was a significant effect (P< .05) upon bacteria volume. Treatment 2 showed the greatest volume at .1987 per 10-4 (w/v) solution, treatment 3 (.1812 per 10-4 (w/v) solution) with the control (.1531 per 10-4 (w/v) solution) showing higher values than treatment 4 (.1241 per 10-4 (w/v) solution). Community Metabolic Diversity, a measure of positive responses (> .25), mirrored the results gained via MANOVA test, with treatment 2, at 96 hours, having a total of 47 positive responses, with treatments 3, 5, 0 and 4 following respectively.

As there is no significant association between pHH20 and organic carbon, this trial lends no support to using biosolids in regards to these soil properties, however, it suggests that C levels may have increased at the time of application, and having been utilized between application and sampling, affecting the outcome of these results. In regards to bacterial population, this trial does indicate that biosolid application to a cropping soil does significantly affect microbial biomass, and bacterial population.

Grain Based Feeding of Lambs

Steve Wainewright

The production of lambs out of the traditional season requires an extensive supplementation program. Variable grain prices and fluctuating market conditions increases the risk of entering such a venture. This study analyses the performance and economic viability of lambs finished out of season on two concentrate diets. Sixty - six Merino X Poll Dorset lambs were randomly allocated to two treatment groups, a pellet diet and a whole grain barley diet. The lambs were fed ad libitum for a forty two day period.

The fat depth of the lambs fed the pellet diet was higher (P<O.05) than that of the lambs fed the barley diet, which indicated that the pellet fed lambs reached a more advanced stage of growth. The lambs fed the polluted ration had higher growth rates (P<O.05), however there was no significant differences (P<O.05) between treatment groups for estimated feed conversion efficiency. This was due to the higher (P<O.05) concentrate DMI of the pellet group. Under the conditions of the study a higher economic return could be made from finishing lambs on a barley diet based on current grain prices.

Comparison of Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Weaner Lambs fed a Whole Grain Barley Ration and a Formulated Pellet Ration

Geraldine Torpy

Demand for good quality, Australian lamb in both the domestic and export markets has driven prices to record highs, and encouraged primary producers to engage in forward contracts to finish lambs outside of the traditional seasons.

This has led to the development of grain based, feedlot systems for out of season lamb production. Grain is a common supplementary feed source as it is easily accessible and relatively inexpensive, however the nutrient quality can be quite variable and may cause deficiencies and metabolic disorders if not managed appropriately. Formulated pellets have become popular as they provide rations that have consistent nutrient values which can be supplemented with vitamins, minerals and rumen modifiers to maximize palatability and digestibility.

Twenty-eight weaned Merino x Dorset whether lambs, weighing 40kg +/-8kg were randomly divided into two groups and fed either a commercial lamb finisher pellet or a barley/lupin ration for six weeks after a three week introductory period. All lambs had continuous access to wheaten straw and water. Measurements used to compare the two treatments were live weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, carcass composition and rumen health.

The lambs in the pellet treatment achieved a significantly higher mean live weight gain over the introductory period (P<O.O1) but there was no significant difference in live weight gain throughout the main trial period (P>O.05). The barley group had a significantly higher feed conversion efficiency (P<O.05), which could be

attributed to a lower mean dry matter intake. The difference in fat and muscle measurements was marginal, with pellet lambs achieving slightly higher results for fat depth and muscle dimensions without any significant difference (P>O.05). The urine pH and blood mineral test results indicated a healthier and therefore more

efficient rumen energy output in the pellet lambs. However results showed that there was no difference in live weight gain between the two treatment groups once the lambs had adjusted to their rations, and lambs fed the barley ration were more efficient feed converters over the course of the trial.

The Effect of Flavour on Acceptance of Lead Feed in Dairy Heifers

Freya Ziller

Sample heifer used in Freyar Ziller trialPre calving nutrition and intake is important in dry dairy cows. How cows are fed in this transition period determines their health and production throughout lactation. Calving can bring on the onset of metabolic diseases such as hypocalcaemia (calcium deficiency) ketosis, retained placenta and displaced abomasum. These metabolic diseases can be controlled through the feeding of lead feeds. Lead feeds not only prepare the rumen for grain rations fed after calving but also allow the management of mineral imbalance thought the use of anionic salts. Anionic salts are very unpalatable to animals and through the use of flavours it is expected that intake will improve allowing for improved blood mineral levels.

The trial was conducted at the Dookie Campus dairy, using 39 Holstein-Friesian heifers. There will be three treatments of a control, 100g/tonne of raspberry flavouring and 300g/tonne of raspberry flavouring. Acceptance of the feed was measured in weeks one, two, three and four. Each animal was offered the feed individually in a test pen, and approach time, time spend feeding, number of feeding bouts and head shaking whilst feeding were analysed from video records. Behaviour as a group was also video recorded to determine time taken to consume feed as a group and eating characteristics of the group in week one, two and three. Urine samples were taken and the pH of urine recorded using multi-sticks in weeks one, two and three.

The main findings from this trial were that the 300g/t of flavouring in the ration improved the acceptance of the feed over all test days. The numbers of feeding bouts recorded were also higher in this group compared to the 100g/t and control treatments. Approach behaviour didn't differ between treatments but did differ between days as the heifers became more experienced with a novel environment. The group feeding behaviour also established that the higher amount of flavouring increased the rate of consumption. For the 100g/t group and the control group it was found that there was always a percentage of feed refusal unlike the 300g/t group which recorded no feed refusals. Urine sample results showed that the negative DCAD diet was working as the urine was acidic by week 3. Calcium and magnesium levels in the urine were high suggesting that the animals were metabolizing calcium from their bones.

The Effect of Different Seeding Systems on Yield in Low Winter Rainfall Areas of Australia

Peter Aikman

Wind erosion has had a debilitating affect on agricultural systems, through soil degradation in low winter rainfall areas of Australia for generations. The concept of retaining stubble with direct drill (DO) systems has been widely endorsed as their increased surface cover reduces the soils susceptibility to wind erosion. However their wide spread adoption in low rainfall area like the Victorian Mallee has been limited due to a section of the farming community believing yield penalties are associated with stubble retention, direct drill systems.

An experiment was established on a property at Carwarp , Victoria to investigate the yield impact associated with different sowing techniques increasing the surface cover to give the soil protection against wind erosion, in a low winter rainfall area of Australia. Eight treatments where implemented in order to compare conventional cultivation (traditionally prominent with in the region), against chemically fallowed directed drill systems and the newly developed broadcast seeding.

The cultivation of treatments affected the amount of surface cover present prior to sowing, with treatments using a blade plough having greater cover than tyned treatments. Increased surface cover however caused a decrease in yield. This decrease in yield was not due to lower plant establishment, but probably due to a combination of allelopathic phytotoxins restricting growth and a lack of N mineralization in the first year of DO , with stubble retention.

This experiment has clearly demonstrated that stubble retention has a detrimental affect on yield. Further research is required to determine how best to alternate this yield reduction so stubble retention systems to decrease wind erosion can gain wider acceptance in low rainfall areas of Australia.

The Effect of Feed Texture Pellet or Loose on Growth of Lot Fed Cattle

Adam Murphy

Forty Angus cattle were used in a 56 day trial comparing feedlot performance of cattle on two feeds of similar composition but of different physical texture. The 40 animals were divided into two groups of equal numbers of steers and heifers, of which one group was fed a pellet concentrate and the other a loose mix concentrate. Both treatments had similar energy and protein values.

Data on weight gain and pen feed Conversion Efficiency were compared. There were no significant differences «0.05) between the two treatments. There were no significant differences in the time spent ruminating during the day, cattle on the loose mix ruminated 6.8%longer at night and spent less time at the feed trough. No significant difference was found between the pens in regard to time spent eating straw.

GRADUATE & STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Dookie students and graduates achieve many goals and awards in their pursuit of excellence in the field of agriculture and life in general. The achievements highlighted below are merely a sample of the achievements and drive demonstrated by current and past students and graduates educated at one Australia 's premier agricultural institutions, The University of Melbourne's Dookie Campus.

Matthew Bollen

Matthew Bollen – RSPCA 2005 Australian Human Animal Production Scholarship recipientDookie Campus student, Matthew Bollen won the 2005 RSPCA Australia Human Animal Production Scholarship. Valued at $7000, the Scholarship is awarded by the RSPCA for research into humane alternative animal production systems. The second year Bachelor of Agriculture student was awarded the scholarship for his project titled “Evaluation of an integrated management system for controlling flystrike in the absence of mulesing”, which will be supervised by Dairy Scientist and Lecturer, Dr Sarah Chaplin.

The project aim is to evaluate a management system using current techniques and knowledge that will mitigate the effects of flystrike on unmulesed Merinos. Although mulesing is aimed at preventing breech strike, it is anticipated that improved management required by un-mulesed lambs will reduce the incidence of flystrike in other areas.

Matthew's project will compare a mob of un-mulesed lambs managed utilizing fully integrated practices, with a mulesed mob managed using standard flystrike management practices and a mulesed mob with fully integrated management practices. Fully integrated management practices include Lucitraps and insecticides to control flies, control of parasitic and nutritional scours and increased monitoring.

Freya Ziller

Strawberry Feeds

Third year Bachelor of Agriculture student Freya Ziller under the guidance of project supervisor and lecturer Dr Sarah Chaplin placed fourth in the 2005 Young Scientist Communication Awards at the National Dairy Alliance. Freya's project focused on the effect of Raspberry Flavouring on Acceptance of Lead Feed in Dairy Heifers.

Freya Ziller collecting urine samples during the trial Lead feeding dairy heifers three weeks prior to calving can impact on health and production during lactation. Lead feeds prepare the rumen for grain rations fed after calving and allow the management of mineral imbalances through utilising anionic salts.

Three groups of 13 heifers from the Dookie Dairy were fed a ration containing anionic salts, which are generally unpalatable for cattle. The control group received no flavouring with the feed, the second and third groups received 100g and 300g of flavouring per tonne respectively.

Little difference was noticed with the groups receiving no or 100 grams of flavoring with a marked difference for the group fed 300 grams per tonne of flavoring. Animal behaviour and acceptance of feed was observed for all groups. By adding 300 grams of flavoring per tonne, farmers can improve acceptance of feed during a time when balanced nutrition is essential for livestock.

Clare Potter

Second year Bachelor of Agriculture student Clare Potter received a $19000 scholarship to assist with research and study into the Australian sheep industry. The scholarship was awarded under Australian Wool Innovation Limited Scholarship and Studentship Program in Wool Production.

The program is designed to support students to develop skills relevant to the future of the wool industry. Subject to satisfactory progress at university, the scholarships are paid to candidates to support and encourage them to pursue a professional career within the wool industry in the field of agribusiness.

Award recipients take a minimum of two Australian Sheep Industry CRC sheep and wool degree units as part of their degree program. Clare will be undertaking selected CRC subjects through UNE as an external student, as well as completing six weeks of work experience with a wool industry employer.

Michelle Omyla

Dookie Graduate Michelle Omyla receiving her Award from Governor of Queensland, Quentin BryceFormer Dookie Campus graduate, Michelle Omyla, won the 2005 Royal Flying Doctors Service Spirit of Queensland Award. Focussing on ‘bringing rural, remote and regional Queenslanders together in celebration of individual excellence and achievement', the award is the core fundraising initiative for the Flying Doctors Service in Queensland.

Winning the overall award for spirit, excellence and altruism, Michelle raised over $80 000 which will go towards replacing vital medical equipment and resources. Michelle organised charity functions, raffles and her own B&S Ball as part of her fund raising activities.

Graduating from Dookie Campus in 2002, Michelle was DSA Vice-President and a Dustraisers Executive Committee Member. Michelle is looking forward to taking advantage of the London holiday she won as part of her prize.

Dominic Bayard

Dominic Bayard checking quality of embryos for export Dookie Campus Graduate Dominic Bayard's Global Reproduction Services was one of only three services selected to export bovine embryos to China. Dominic will be exporting Holstein Friesian and Beef embryos to China , assisting the country to improve their dairy and beef herds in both numbers and quality.

Following an extensive career in artificial breeding, ET and IVF services, Dominic established Global Reproduction Services after starting to provide consultancy advice in China. The company includes state-of-the-art laboratory and quarantine facilities at Goorambat.

Amanda Holt

Amanda Holt, Australian Shooting team memberFirst year Bachelor of Agriculture student Amanda Holt was selected for the Australian Shooting team, after qualifying second at the National Championships held in Perth. Amanda also achieved a second and third placing in the State Trap Titles, hosted by the Victorian Clay Target Association in Echuca.

Amanda is the captain of the Victorian Women's Shooting team and a member of the Australian Women's Team. Specialising in shotgun, Amanda started training in “Olympic Trench” under Olympic Coach Greg Chan. Olympic trench, which is twice the speed of Amanda's current competition format, is required for selection into the Australian Commonwealth and Olympic teams.

Elizabeth Tonkin

Elizabeth (Fluff) Tonkin , winner of the 2005 Beef Improvement Award for studies in Grazing Animal Management.Bachelor of Agriculture Honours student Elizabeth (Fluff) Tonkin featured in the first edition of Cattle Country Magazine. The article discussed Fluff's passion for the Australian Beef Industry and the importance of combining education and practical experience.

Winner of the 2005 Beef Improvement Association Award for Studies in Grazing Animal Management, Elizabeth also travelled to America for the National Hereford Show. Elizabeth previously travelled to BioFAC Japan Expo 2004 where she spoke with people from all over the world about strategies for improving global beef trade.

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DOOKIE CAMPUS ENROLMENTS 2005


FIRST YEAR ENROLMENTS:

Course 2004 2005 % Change
Bachelor of Agriculture 22 25 13.60%
Bachelor of Rural Business 2 7 350%
Advanced Diploma of Agriculture 25 29 32.00%
Bachelor of Agriculture articulators from Advanced Diploma 17 20  
External Advanced Diploma 6 6  
TOTAL 87 72 20.80%

 

TOTAL COURSE ENROLEMENTS:

Course 2004 2005
Honours (Bachelor of Agriculture) 3 1
Bachelor of Agriculture 70 106
Advanced Diploma of Agriculture 104 102
Bachelor of Rural Business 6 13
Graduate Certificate & Diploma in Wine Technology & Viticulture 11 24
Diploma of Horticulture - Production Viticulture 45 33
Diploma of Wine Technology 49 48
Diploma of Agriculture (Flexible Delivery) - Dairy, Beef or Sheep 32 25
Certificate 2 4 0
TOTAL STUDENTS 324 352

 

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION NUMBERS:

2004 2005
125 149

 

VET COURSE ENROLMENTS:

Course Unit Enrolements Contact Hours
Diploma of Wine Technology (21341VIC) 167 7742
Diploma of Agriculture (RTE50103) 73 8265
Diploma of Production Horticulture (RTE50303) 96 7850
Diploma of Agriculture (RUA50198) 22 1294
Diploma of Horticulture (Production) (RUH50898) 50 4850
TOTAL 408 30101

 

GRADUATE STUDENTS

PhD Theses – Passed

Brodie, Graham. Microwave timber heating and its application to solar drying.

Phd Theses – In Progress

Ansari, Mohammad Shamim. Sensing plant phosphate levels.

Burnett, Vivianne. Ecology of polygonum avicularie.

Cammarano, Davide. Remote sensing nitrogen.

Gall, Ros. Cooperative Member Relationships within the Australian Dairy Industry

O'Dwyer, Cheryl. Invertebrate ecology in fragmented landscapes

Graduate Certificate in University Teaching

Chaplin, Sarah.

Young, Ken.

Honours Students

Elizabeth Tonkin – Honours Project “Naturally Pure Beef”

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VISITORS TO DOOKIE CAMPUS

1958 - 60 Reunion

Agriculture Exchange

Agribusiness Marketing Residential School

Australia in the Wine World course participants

Beef Conference – Meat & Livestock Association

Beef Improvement Association

Beef Cheque Conference Attendees (150)

Bellarine Peninsula Basketball Association

Benalla Hospital

Careers Day Out – 1,500 year 10 students

Chemcert Course

Chinese Delegations – Train the trainer & irrigation management course

Communita Dei Figli di Dio Group retreat

Crop Forecasting Short Course

Crop Forecasting Short Course

Decade of Dookie Graduates

Delta Dogs Society

Delta Society

Department of Primary Industries

Diploma of Viticulture Residential Class

Diploma of Viticulture 1 course students

Diploma of Viticulture 1 Residential Class

Diploma of Wine Technology 2 students

Dookie Centre Quilters Weekend

DPI Benalla

DPI Swanhill

Dr Normand St Pierre (Ohio State University)

Dr Phan Chong, Principal, Royal University of Bhutan

Dr Tony Weatherley

Entrepreneurship Residential School

Environmental Engineering Residential School

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences' Physiotherapy Students

FCJ College

Fertiliser Management Residential School

Fire Controllers Course

French Club Bastille Day Celebrations

Galen College

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority

Goulburn Valley School Principals

Grape Handling and Fermentation Residential Class

Greening Australia

IAEA

IK Caldwell

Incident Controllers Course

Israeli Government Trade Mission on Irrigation (hosted by Roger Wrigley)

Katandra West Primary School

Koo Wee Rup Fire Brigade

Kyabram Hospital

Kyabram Music Camp

Lamb Cheque conference attendees

Mandurah Volunteer Fire Brigade

Mansfield Primary School

McGuire College

Melbourne and District Branch of the Royal Scottish Dance Society - 30 th Australian Winter School

Monash University

Nathalia Primary School

Oenology Residential Class

Ohio State University agriculture students

Ovens College

Parkville OHS Health Mentoring

Post Fermentation Residential School

Professor Ian Bishop & Chinese Delegation, The University of Melbourne , Geomatics Department

Red R Humanitarian Logistics

Revegetation Seminar

Rimfire Resources

Riverine Plains – Cyngenta

RMIT Property, Construction and Project Management

Rotary

Rotary Friendship Exchange (Portland , Oregan , USA) and Shepparton Rotarians

Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society (240 persons)

Rural Health Medical Students

Sandhurst Diocese Church

Schools

Shearing Instruction Course

Shepparton and District Careers Teachers Association Members

Skills Week Residential

State Military Rifle Championships

Suffolk Sheep

Techniques of Resources Assessment Residential School

The University of Melbourne Faculty of Education Principals conference

The University of Melbourne , Faculty of Education POLT conference

Trust for Nature staff conference

Uruguayan Dairyfarmers Mission (hosted by Roger Wrigley)

Uzbekistan teachers

Valley Sport

VCAA – VW HE Sports Day

Victorian CMA Biodiversity Network

Vineyard & Winery Operations 2 residential school

Vineyard and Winery Operations 2 residential school

Wine Appreciation course group

Wine Technology 2 Residential School

Wine Technology 3 Residential Class

Wine Technology Residential School

Wine Technology Students

Winegrowing 1

Winegrowing Operations 2 Residential School

Wool Handling Shearing School

Working with Community Groups Residential School

Worktrainers

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KNOWLEDGE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

ACIL AUSTRALIA TRAIN THE TRAINER AND IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT COURSE

ACIL Australia Train the Trainer and Irrigation Management Course 2005 participants visiting Mulwala Water Ski Club to attend a lunch with leading agriculturalists from the region.Dookie Campus hosted fifteen delegates from Hebei Province and Inner Mongolia, in China to undertake a training course focussing on irrigation methods and technologies. Managed by Dookie Campus, the “Train the Trainer and Irrigation Management Program” is run in conjunction with two ACIL Australia Ausaid funded projects – the Water and Agricultural Management in Hebei Project and Inner Mongolia Grasslands Project. Delegates were middle management agriculture and irrigation technologists employed by the Water Resources Board and Water Resources Department at a provincial level.

Course participants visited the Dookie, Burnley, Parkville and Werribee campuses of the University of Melbourne , as they studied various irrigation systems and associated technologies. The course combined a variety of teaching delivery methods including interactive workshops and practical training sessions with field visits to industry leaders and commercial enterprises.

Delegates acquired a range of skills, theory and knowledge of irrigation management that could then be transferred and utilized within the context of their employment in China and Inner Mongolia. Delegates were also trained to enable them to transfer skills, knowledge and theory acquired in Australia to peers in Chinese and Inner Mongolian contexts as a capacity building activity. The Train the Trainer program was delivered as a precursor to the Irrigation Management program.

Ashley Wheaton and Wilby Stringer, Irrigation and Soil Management specialists based at Dookie Campus, delivered a broad range of irrigation theory sessions. Topics included irrigation management, soil formation and geology, soil theory; water budgeting, water efficiency, salinity management and whole farm planning.

These sessions were combined with practical field trips to industry enterprises including Vodusek Olives and Kelly Brothers Vegetables. Peter May from Burnley Campus and Ruth Pollard at Werribee also hosted the delegation and delivered components of irrigation training.

CAREERS DAY OUT AT DOOKIE CAMPUS

Over 1500 students from across the Goulburn Valley gathered at Dookie Campus to explore possible career options presented at the 2005 Careers Day Out. Organisers were pleased with the turnout, with year ten students from across the Goulburn Valley participating in this important event.

“It is extremely important that we give the students every opportunity to find out what career options are out there, and Careers Day Out gives them another opportunity to investigate these options in a fun and informal atmosphere,” said Damian Smith, member of the Careers Day out Committee.

Careers Day Out 2005 facilitated by members of the Careers Day Out Committee, gave students the opportunity to move around the campus and engage with exhibitors ranging from prospective employers, emergency and defence industries to tertiary institutions, training providers and apprenticeships.

Students utilise this event to make informative decisions about their future career and study options. Careers Day Out gives students the opportunity to develop an understanding of what their future could entail. For example studying an agriculture degree may not lead students to work as a farmer, but provide the opportunity for a career in a financial institution working as an agribusiness advisor, at Tatura Milk as a field officer or perhaps at SPC Ardmona as a food quality expert.

Panel sessions featuring persons employed in positions from a wide variety of fields ran throughout the day. Sessions featured personal career journeys of the panellists, followed by question and answer sessions with students.

The program was structured to provide students with access to a range of displays, presentations and activities about diverse careers, courses and pathways available within the region and beyond. Active participation by students and interaction between students and presenters was encouraged through competitions, giveaways and worksheets.

CSIRO EDUCATION VICTORIA STUDENT RESEARCH SCHEME

Dookie Campus participation in the CSIRO Education Victoria Student Research Scheme was represented by Senior lecturers Graham Brodie and Chris Laird. This scheme provides opportunities for senior secondary students to develop and complete a research project utilizing university resources and facilities under the guidance of ‘real world' scientists.

Two thirds of students participating in the CSIRO Student Research Scheme continue their education on to university, selecting science or engineer related courses. Over fifty percent of these students indicated that participating in the scheme, directly influenced future career and education outcomes. Students develop skills in facilitating and presenting research projects undertaken in a university context and develop links to sponsoring education institutions such as the University of Melbourne.

Participants in the scheme completed a project utilising university resources such as a laboratory, under the supervision of Graham Brodie and Chris Laird. Projects required a minimum of 20 hours of work completed during school holidays. Students prepared and presented a 5 to 10 minute synopsis of their project to peers at school and also presented a similar seminar at the Victorian Student Research Scheme awards presentation evening. A written report and scientific poster of the project for display was prepared for teachers and supervising scientists.

Two students participated in the CSIRO Student Research Scheme under the guidance of Chris Laird and Graham Brodie in 2005. Future participants for 2006 include students from Yarra Valley Grammar School , Sacred Heart Girls College , Woodlea High School and Camberwell Grammar School.

DOOKIE DAIRY FIELD DAY

Dookie Dairy Field DayThe Dookie Campus Dairy Annual Field Day was held on Tuesday 12 April 2005. More than 50 members of the dairying community including several Dookie students attended the open farm and lunch. Discussion focussed on different aspects of the Campus Dairy farm operation, production and management strategies.

Liaison committee member Durham Prewett facilitated the day which featured practical assessment of the farm resources and discussion advisory committee members. An overview of the season and performance of the dairy by UDV District Council 2 President, Jamie Snell and dairy manager, Nick Boyd was followed by a presentation from University of Melbourne researcher Dr Tony Weatherly. Dr Weatherly, from the School of Natural Resource Management is conducting a trial aimed at reducing nutrient run off from pastures into waterways.

Dookie Dairy Field DayThe farm walk into the paddock where the cows were grazing was accompanied by a grazing management session from Kaye Hildebrand (DPI). Taking stock analysis was distributed to field day attendees and discussed in detail by Lisa Heard from Bonlac. Bert Dodd from Genetics Australia facilitated a discussion focussing on sires utilised in the Campus Dairy breeding program and recommendations for selection of sires for the upcoming mating season.

Future directions for the dairy farm and production plans were discussed by Jamie and Nick. The day concluded with a barbecue lunch provided by Dookie Campus catering.

EXPERIENCE DOOKIE CAMPUS

Dookie's annual overnight stay for prospective undergraduate students took place on 22-23 September and received very positive feedback from students and parents. More than 40 people participated, some from as far away as Swan Hill and Gippsland. In past years as many as 80% of the event's participants have subsequently enrolled at Dookie.

“Experience Dookie Campus” allows prospective students and their families a unique opportunity to experience life on campus prior to attending university. Staying overnight in the student dormitories, students and parents participate in a program designed to introduce them to life at Dookie.

“Experience Dookie Campus” participants are provided with full details of academic programs delivered at Dookie, as well as general information sessions on life at university and the extensive range of scholarships available at the University of Melbourne. Opportunities to meet academic staff members and current students were also available.

Activities include facility and farm tours, wildlife spotting in the Bushland Reserve and a social program put together by current senior residential students. The event seeks to showcase student life at Dookie as well as the academic program and campus and farm facilities. The Dookie Student Association (DSA) made a significant contribution to the program, and participants said that Dookie student involvement was a highlight.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY OVERSEAS PROGRAM

Ohio State University utilises Dookie Campus to study agricultural production systems. Dookie Campus lecturers participate in the program, delivering seminars and sessions along with field visits on a broad range of topics including sustainable agriculture, irrigation and water management, Australian production systems and agricultural technology. The students also visit a number of enterprises in the Goulburn Valley to support their studies at Dookie.

The visit provides students from Ohio State University with the opportunity to increase their understanding of Australian agricultural production systems along with increased opportunities with students and staff members to develop relationships with an international education provider. Students and academic staff members from Ohio State University visit Dookie Campus on an annual basis.

OZTASTE PROJECT

Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien facilitated a consultation on behalf of peak industry organization OzTaste Pty Ltd to determine future markets and identify new markets for producers and consumers of fruit. The market study of consumers and growers was undertaken to determine preferences for growing and/or purchasing new varieties of nectarines at a premium price.

Workshops were conducted with growers in Mildura and Shepparton along with consultation with peak industry representatives. Varieties of nectarines were identified along with the willingness of consumers to pay a premium price for these varieties. This identified specific targets for production and marketing.

PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS VISIT DOOKIE

Third Year University of Melbourne physiotherapy students Sithara Wijewardena and Krystel Mansourian visited Dookie Campus in December as part of their Rural Global Elective. Sithara and Krystel worked with Dookie Farm staff members analysing a variety of ergonomic issues associated with tasks performed on a regular basis. Issues included workplace health and safety, safe handling and lifting techniques and analysis of tasks to reduce risk.

Orchard and Vineyard Manager, Mark Elliot described the physiotherapy students as analysing, “What we do, how we do it and how we can do it better. This can also include delegation of tasks to staff members, duration of time spent on tasks and rotation of tasks to suit factors such as weather to reduce impacts and risks”.

Sithara and Krystal spent several days with Mark in the orchard and vineyard, followed by a day with Frank O'Connor looking at broadacre, dairy, piggery, sheep and beef cattle enterprises.

INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EXCHANGE ASSOCIATION

Every year Dookie Campus attracts a contingent of international visitors and 2005 was no different. Dookie Campus hosted 40 students from Asia, Europe and the Americas visiting Australia to participate in an International Agricultural Exchange Association (IAEA) program.

2005 Agriventure visiting groupWhile at Dookie Campus, the IAEA students spent their time learning about the horticultural and dairy farming practices implemented at Dookie and how these are incorporated into the teaching program.The program also focused on investigating how Australia and Victoria operates its agricultural education and training and how this differs to the students' home countries.

The IAEA students participated in an orientation program at Dookie Campus, before going on to stay for varying periods of time with host families who operate horticultural or agricultural enterprises. Head of Dookie Campus, Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien said the International Agricultural Exchange Association program with Dookie Campus was a wonderful opportunity for the campus to establish growing international relationship.

“Programs such as these put Dookie Campus in the international spotlight as a leading institution for agricultural education. The range of nationalities of the students involved also means there are ties developed with many different countries,” Associate Professor O'Brien said.

Caroline Semey and Tim Hoper were two of the 40 students staying at Dookie Campus.

“The people, the experience and the education are some of the main reasons I wanted to be part of this program,” said Caroline Semey, who is 23 and from Denmark. “I want to be a Veterinarian and I am also able to gain credit points towards my study by being involved in the International Agricultural Exchange program.”

Tim Hoper, 22, from Germany has completed a 3 year apprenticeship, 2 years at university studying agriculture and is hoping to eventually take over his family farm. “The processes here for producing milk are very different to Germany. Farmers in Germany don't think the same as Australian farmers. It is interesting to see how there are much easier ways of doing things here that German farmers don't even consider. This is a good way for me to get more of an education about the different ways of farming.”

The International Agricultural Exchange Association has been working with Dookie Campus for many years with students visiting the campus on an annual basis.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

CAREER ADVISORS DINNER

On 8 September Careers Advisors from Echuca, Shepparton, Benalla and Bendigo District Careers Teacher's Associations attended a dinner hosted by Dookie Campus. Presentations by Jeff Topp and Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien were given to dinner attendees. This dinner provided the opportunity for in-depth information on courses provided by Dookie Campus and the Melbourne School of Land and Environment to be supplied to Careers Teachers who directly advise students on decisions of study opportunities for the future.

RIVERINE PLAINS

Dookie Campus is a member of Riverine Plains Inc, a farming organization dedicated to improving productivity of farming systems in Northeast Victoria and Southern NSW. Broadacre mixed farming enterprises within the Region bordered by Lockhart, Henty, Euroa and Shepparton are members of the association, which strives to solve common issues through trials, communication and sharing of knowledge from research. Dookie Campus Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor is a member of the committee and Dr Ken Young regularly published research papers within the Riverine Plains network.

Events facilitated by the group include Grain Research Development Corporation (GRDC) updates and grain research expos, Planning for Profit seminars, Nitrogen and Tiller Management seminars and successful bus tours and field days held in response to local seasonal issues. The group also publishes an annual publication “Research for the Riverine Plains”, a local compendium of trial and demonstration results across the Riverine Plains region.

DOOKIE DAIRY 21ST BIRTHDAY

On the 16 December the Dookie Campus Dairy celebrated 21 years of milking seasons at its current location.

(L-R) Dairy Lecturer, former Farm Manager, and Dookie Graduate Chas Dickins, Steering Committee member Durham Prewett, founding Liaison Committee member Bob Kennedy, and Ken Whan who sold Dookie its first Friesan cattle.The first tangible steps to establish a new dairy commenced in 1980 when a group including Barry Croke, the late Tom Reid, Max Gribben and Ken Whan discussed pathways for the project.

Founding Liaison Committee members, former employees, industry representatives, academic staff members, current committee members and local dairy farmers attended the celebratory event held in a marquee on the dry pasture paddock overlooking the dairy.

Speakers at the event included former Farm Manager Chas Dickins who reminisced how he milked 50 – 60 cows in the old dairy then walked them down the road to the present site on July 1, 21 years ago. Chas commented that the irrigated pasture on the new site was “so good you wanted to eat it yourself”.

(L-R) Country News Editor, Geoff Adams, Head of Campus Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien, and Dookie Graduate Amanda Lang attending the Dookie Dairy 21st BirthdayHead of Campus, Dennis O'Brien, outlined the goals of the Dookie College Dairy to be the provision of education and training, research and development, to be a commercially viable enterprise, and be a relevant demonstration farm for the region.

Dookie Campus Dairy currently milks 180 cows each season, producing over 1.1 million litres of milk. The herd average is over 6100 litres per cow. In 2004 -2005 season 47 000 kg of butterfat and 39 000 kg of protein was produced.

DOOKIE AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT FORUM INC

The Dookie and District Development Forum (DDDF) provides leadership to initiate and facilitate cooperative action and developing the Dookie township and surrounding district. Dookie Campus is actively involved in this group through representation by Head of Campus, Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien. Dookie Campus benefits through provision of facilities and events in the local community surrounding the campus. Many students and staff members access these facilities and events, thus ensuring the Campus and DDDF remains a strong and viable partnership, strengthening the assets of Dookie community. By working collaboratively DDDF and Dookie Campus is able to access funding at Local, State and Federal level, thus ensuring a whole community approach to projects.

DOOKIE AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY PLAN

Working collaboratively with the Greater Shepparton City Council, DII RD (Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development), DDDF promoted a whole of community approach to ensure community efforts and benefits were maximised, community priorities identified and change managed appropriately. This collaboration resulted in the Dookie and District Community Plan of which the following priorities were identified:

Key features of the plan include integrating Dookie Campus and township communities, utilising the Dookie Campus Precinct, providing public access to Mt Major (which Dookie Campus currently manages) and developing a local historic trail including the Campus Precinct where many heritage listed buildings are located.

Eight Key Goals are identified for moving forward, of which many involve Dookie Campus participation and benefits. These include: promotion of local produce and industry and supporting the ongoing growth of the University of Melbourne , Dookie Campus, investigating possibilities of strategic partnerships between the campus and community whereby local projects provide a best practice model of new initiatives.

Dookie Campus and the Dookie District Development Forum continue to progress their relation working collaboratively to improve sporting, cultural and promotional opportunities.

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CAMPUS SUPPORT SERVICES

LABORATORY SERVICES

The laboratory facilities are a valuable asset to the campus. Resources consist of laboratories for biology, chemistry and research as well as a greenhouse and wine tasting room. They are equipped with scientific and field testing equipment and are used for teaching, research and extension.

Teaching

Degree, Associate Degree, Diploma and Flexibly delivered education programs all utilised the laboratory facilities. Practical laboratory classes were delivered for subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Soil and Water, Plants in Communities, Animal science, Integrated Pest Management, Ecology and grazing, Parasites, Land Resources and Viticulture. Students studying external subjects attend block classes, residing on campus for a week and working through many practical classes in that time.

There are many TAFE courses servicing the viticulture and wine industry that use the laboratories. Subjects delivered utilizing the laboratories included Food Chemistry, Basic Physics, Wine Chemistry, Wine Analysis, Post Fermentation, Microbiology, Disease and Pests, Leaf Sap Analysis, Soil and Water, Grape Handling and Testing, Fining Trials and Colour and Phenolic Content. In the Hugh Pye tasting rooms students studied Wine Appreciation, Palate Calibration and Wine Taints and Contaminants.

Research

Dookie Campus viticulture student utilising the Campus laboratoriesLaboratory facilities and staff members support researchers by providing equipment, chemicals, technical assistance and space to work in the laboratory and glass house. Technical staff members have been involved in Hot Water Treatment on Vine cuttings, Bacterial Diseases of Vines and Microwaving for the Timber Industry. Third year Bachelor of Agriculture students undertake a research project, with some choosing laboratory activities to compliment field research. Soil Phosphorous tests under various management conditions are very popular. This year, technical staff members have also been involved in microbiology, looking at bacteria and fungi in the soil.

Extension

Dookie Campus viticulture students, Tim Burton, Bonnie Bruton and Miriam Crane, utilising the Campus laboratoriesWhen lecturers network with farmer groups, such as a Dairyfarmers' pasture improvement group, technical staff provide pasture meters, grass shears, quadrants, representative soil samples and soil testing equipment for group participants to use. Dookie Campus pasture equipment also goes to the Parkville campus for their pasture practical classes, as well as animal and fungal specimens for Natural Resource Management students.

In 2006, Dookie Campus laboratory resources and technical staff members will be providing services, resources and support to a broad range of programs, both within the University and for alternative providers delivering education programs at Dookie Campus. Clients for 2006 include Science, Technology and Innovation Research, Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs delivered by the University of Melbourne , Goulbourn Ovens TAFE and the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia.

DOOKIE CAMPUS LIBRARY, INFORMATION SERVICES

The year 2005 contained many changes for the Dookie Campus Library. The range of services offered by the Library was enhanced with the addition of CISTI Source. CISTI Source is an international document delivery system utilised by the University of Melbourne within the Inter-Library Loans service. The Dookie Library was fortunate to be chosen as the sole non-Parkville location to operate the CISTI Source software and delivery. The service was given a trial in the early months of the year and was fully implemented in the later months. We hope to build on this service in 2006.

The Library has long subscribed to six highly important journals published by the CSIRO and in 2005 these journal titles were converted to electronic access which has enabled better access for staff and students and for Distance Education students also.

Library staff participated in training sessions for the Learning Management System which will replace WebRaft in 2006/2007, with the view to offering assistance and support to Academic Staff when the new system is fully implemented.

The Dookie Campus Library also services the Goulburn Valley Initiative in Shepparton along with the School of Rural Health. 2005 saw a 63 per cent increase in loans activity to these locations with further projected growth in 2006.

Finally, throughout 2005 the Dookie Library continued to be impacted by changes to the Melbourne School of Land and Environment and by changes to the Information Division to which we belong. From 1998 till 2005, the Dookie Library formed part of Regional Services within the Information Division which included all the libraries from Land and Food Resources campuses, the Creswick campus and Veterinary Sciences libraries at Werribee and Parkville. The departure of the Longerenong, Glenormiston and McMillan LF R Libraries from the University marked the end of a long and significant association of key Agricultural libraries. The Information Division has also been working through a significant re-alignment. As a part of this process Regional Services has been disbanded and a new structure is still in formation. As from 2006 the Information Division will be known as Information Services.

RESIDENTIAL AND CATERING SERVICES

The residential department at Dookie Campus has the capacity to accommodate 300 in dormitory style accommodation, student housing, staff housing, motel and unit complexes. The catering area includes a dining room and industrial kitchen that can comfortably seat 280 for catering and 400 in theatre style and a fully licensed bar that is functional for student use and visiting groups. 2005 was both a busy and financially important year for the residential and catering departments within the campus. The residential and catering department implemented many changes this year, which has seen improvements in overall service and within budget constraints improvements to maintenance of facilities and new equipment offered to students, visitors and staff.

Over the year residential accommodated the service needs of over 150 students within the campus (approximately 100 in dormitories) along with hosting over 90 different visitor groups to the campus.

Apart from the many groups and student functions, residential and catering were also instrumental in the organisation of the Dookie Campus 2005 Graduation ceremony and 2005 Commencement Ball.

Key Service Numbers – 2005

Visitor group visits – 100 (90 accomm – 10 day visits)

Rooms fully serviced – 3000

Visitor Group meals –

Breakfasts 9,150

Morning & afternoon teas, suppers 16,800

Lunches 7,500

Dinners 9,050

Student meals –

Breakfasts 9,600

Dinners 7,600

Takeaway Lunches (students & staff) 7,200

Visitor Groups 2005.

Groups utilising Dookie Campus Accommodation, Conference and Catering Services in 2005 included:

Beef Cheque (150)

Rotary

Scottish Country Dancers (240)

Red R (207) -over five stays

Ohio State University (19)

CFA Mandurah - WA

CFA Koo Wee Rup

Delta Dog Training (169) over two stays.

North East Quilters (90)

Chinese (16) Train the Trainer Wine Appreciation Groups (Over 22 separate courses fully catered)

School Groups (8 groups)

The residential and catering departments have channelled revenue into the refurbishment/redecorating of several key areas of our operation. The kitchen and dining room have undergone painting, routine maintenance and equipment upgrades. The student dormitories have had new carpet laid in hallways, new couches and entertainment units installed in all common rooms. The visitor dormitories have also had their furniture upgraded in lounge areas and foyers and lounges painted. The smaller rooms in the Conference Centre had their desks and chairs replaced to complete the overall upgrade. There was also extensive painting of various areas in 2005.

Highlights 2005

Beef Cheque display 2005The July conference held for Beef Cheque was attended by many with international guest speakers present. Meals were provided for 240 guests, with approximately 50 requiring overnight accommodation. The Hall, Bar and dining room were utilised for this function.

The September visit by 240 Scottish Country Dancers (Melbourne division) took many months of planning and preparation. All areas of accommodation were utilised including student dormitories during their semester break with all staff members working to cater for the increased numbers. The visit was a huge success culminating in a grand ball on their final night. Once again, catering and accommodation staff members excelled in their service and professionalism during this busy time.

We had several international visitors throughout the year including:

A Chinese Delegation (Train the Trainer)

A Japanese Delegation of students

An Uzbekistan group of teachers for lunch

Ohio State University students

We also catered for several visits of high ranking University of Melbourne dignitaries as well as visits from other universities.

PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS

Property and Buildings (P&B) completed many projects across the year as well as fulfilling general maintenance duties on campus.

The Administration building underwent significant changes in 2005. P&B completed the Reception Administration renovations, renovated the mail room and constructed and installed new student mail boxes.

Extensive upgrades of University of Melbourne signage was upgraded facilitated through out the Campus. The University of Melbourne Wine Industry Centre internal painting was completed and general painting was undertaken in walk ways and the front of the dining room.

A complete underground survey was carried out. This involved the identification and location of all water pipes, electrical cables, sewage infrastructure and storm water piping. This process was an integral step future works projects including extensive water mains replacement through central Campus area and upgrading water supply to the winery.

P& B conducted electrical upgrading on campus including switchboard replacement. The boundary fencing was renewed and boiler room hot water upgraded extensively. Infrared imaging of switchboards was also conducted.

New blinds were installed in Computer Labs utilised by students and landings were replaced on store sheds. At the dairy a Gantry was installed at the river pump for lifting pumps and motors during floods and servicing. Gas meters were upgraded as required and the kitchen area was paved.

Major upgrades were undertaken to improve Occupational Health and Safety on Campus. Access to Patrick Ryan Hall was installed, ensuring the facility was compliant to Working from Heights standards and night lighting to grounds walkways and car parks was improved.

P & B fulfil many duties essential for the operation of the campus. These include providing and maintain utility services - electricity, gas, water, fire detection, sewage, waste water and roads; maintaining air conditioning and heating; maintaining car fleet; conducting maintenance on vehicles and farm machinery; operate and maintaining the swimming pool and operate and maintaining the water treatment plant.

P& B also provide the removal of hard rubbish from teaching, learning and farm facilities. Security is provided at the end of each working day when a staff member is required to turn off lights, air conditioners and heating prior to locking all campus buildings.

An out of hours on call service for emergency maintenance is provided and staffed by property and buildings. This included maintenance to Residential Services. Property and Buildings also support academic programs at Dookie Campus, providing assistance with teaching practicums and for special events such as Careers Day Out. A maintenance service to general Campus is also facilitated by P&B. This includes carpentry, construction, grounds, mechanical, cleaning, electrical, gas, paint and vermin control.

In 2006 further work will be conducted by P&B to ensure a safe work environment for all staff members at Dookie Campus. Safety ladders and railings will be installed to ensure that all buildings requiring regular access to roofs conform to Worksafe standards.

Further water main upgrades will be undertaken, completing replacement of the worst water mains. Triple interceptors for waste water, wash bay and mechanic work shop will be installed. The alternative water supply to Campus will be completed. Other projects include additional painting, repair of bitumen roads and outsource of the mowing contract.

DOOKIE CAMPUS WINERY

The many highlights in 2005 at the Dookie College Winery included a record harvest for our contract winemaking services, a new cellar door tasting area in the barrel room and the implementation of a winery management committee to improve services, accountability, efficiency, productivity and quality control systems in the winery.

In August 2005 the management committee restructured the winery into four separate business units:

Education and Teaching

Contract Winemaking Services

Dookie College Winery Products

Cellar Door Sales, Function Room & Regional Produce Centre

Education & Teaching

VET and Higher Education programs including the Graduate Diploma in Wine Technology and Viticulture and Graduate Certificate in Wine Technology and Viticulture utilised the winery for teaching and demonstration purposes. First year Bachelor of Agriculture and Advanced Diploma of Agriculture students also utilised the winery in practical production and skills assessment days.

Winemaking and Oenology, lecturers David Hodgson and David Hayward delivered the programs in the winery with winery staff members Tony Lacy, Sam Scarpari and Wendy Cotter demonstrating various winemaking operations during vintage and at other times throughout the year.

Contract Winemaking Services

Vintage 2005 was a record year for our contract winemaking service. The winery processed 155 tonnes for clients including 3 tonnes for the college label. In addition to this as we reached full capacity, outsourcing 95 tonnes for grape and fermentation processing. The outsourced product returned to the college winery for barrel filling, management and bottling. The winery barrel room reached capacity of 560 barrels. Requests from clients to not only produce their wines but to set up a regional cellar door outlet to sell their wine direct to the public also became a priority.

New winemaking clients in 2005 purchased and delivered grapes not only from the local Dookie region but also from other non phylloxera areas including Coonawarra and McLaren Vale in South Australia , Heathcote and the Yarra Valley in Victoria.

Wines of outstanding quality were produced and bottled for our clients from this vintage and the winery is now in a unique position to become one of Australia 's premium small scale contract winemaking facilities. As many other wineries have increased storage facilities we have maintained a quality boutique processing operation without major capital works and investment in stainless steel.

The Dookie College Winery can not only process 10 to 20 tonne batches, but now has clients who request specific rows to be harvested from specific vineyards across the country, producing batches as low as 500kgs to make one barrel (20 cases) of premium, quality assured and guaranteed wine. Capacity to process small batches of grapes will place us in a leading position for the future as well as providing an excellent tasting experience for existing and future winemaking students.

The Dookie College Vineyard has a unique grape variety called Tarrango, once in high demand for the Brown Brothers export and domestic label it now has a new market. A new client Raj Patel (ex Dookie Student Diploma of Wine Technology) has booked in 6 tonnes as a trial for the 2006 Vintage destined for India for the international tourism market, if successful this will secure 70% of grape sales from our own Mount Major Vineyard in 2007+.

Dookie College Winery Products

New wine labels released in October 2005The Winery marketing plan was initiated and actioned in October 2005. Strategies included development of a new brand for all Dookie College Wines and its products. Following consultation with Dookie College winemakers, winery staff, the University of Melbourne marketing unit and an independent marketing consultant, the new brand Dookie 360 degrees was created.

The new label design (pictured below) features 360 degree views from the winery and the vineyard with mount major views also featured. The successful launch of this new brand coincided with the opening of the Cellar Door Sales outlet in the barrel room of the Historic Dookie College Winery on the weekend of 27th November 2005.

Following release of the 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, 2002 Shiraz and 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon in November, all varieties sold extremely well. We now have several retail outlets in Shepparton and Benalla requesting regular monthly orders.

New wine labels released in October 2005Future products to be released under 360 degrees label include a range of gourmet Shiraz and Tarrango grape jams, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Table Olives and Dookie 360 glassware. Muscat, Tokay and Port varieties will also be trialled in 2007.

Cellar Door Sales, Function Room & Regional Produce Centre

The Cellar Door tasting area in the barrel room was designed to blend in with the historical features of the winery building. Alan Jenkins put his skills to the test, creating an attractive and quality tasting counter out from rose wood, oregon and wine barrels. Wine bottle racks, glass racks and shelving appeared in time for the official opening in November.

To support the new release wines and winemaking clients, the winery implemented a strategy raising awareness of the quality of the region's wines. The Dookie 360 degree label and cellar door clients were presented to University of Melbourne visitors, local communities and regional tourism customers. Complimenting the cellar door operation, the regional produce centre displayed gourmet produce from our own range of products and other small regional producers.

The Cellar Door is now open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. It currently represents wineries that have their wine made or bottled at the winery through our contract winemaking services including Dookie 360 Degrees, Emu Plains Station, Nooramunga, Tallis Wine and Goorambath Wine.

In addition to the Cellar Door opening in October, a Stephanie Alexander Master class Dinner was hosted in the winery - over 180 people attended a 2 course meal in the barrel room. This event facilitated the barrel room becoming a function and event venue, In 2006 the function room is reserved for several community groups and private events such as The Dookie Wine Club, The picnic in the Winery Festival, The Dookie Football Club, SunFM Corporate Dinner, Bastille Day Luncheon, a 60 th Birthday and a wedding in September.

DOOKIE STUDENT ASSOCIATION (DSA) AND CLUBS

The Dookie Student Association (DSA) is an umbrella organisation run by elected student representatives who make up the Committee of Management and a Chief Executive Officer. The DSA is funded by the Services and Amenities Fee (SAF), paid by all University of Melbourne students. The DSA provides a wide range of student interest, sport and recreation clubs which all students at Dookie can participate in. The DSA ensures that every opportunity is made to make student life at Dookie as enjoyable as possible. The DSA encourages students to get involved in student development and leadership activities through election to committee positions within clubs and the DSA itself and through participation in social and sporting events. The DSA also provides a range of support services (academic, financial and personal). The DSA clubs and support services include:

Students, Amanda Lang, Horse Club and Monica Kelly, Working Dog Club enjoying two of the many clubs activities facilitated by the DSAAngling Club, Dookie United Football and Netball Club, Golf Club, Gun Club, Gym and Gym membership, Horse Club and agistment, Lawn Bowls, Outdoor Adventure Club, Resource Management Club, Squash Club, transport services, Tennis Club, Working Dog Club and kennel facilities and support of the Young Farmers Association.

Students, Amanda Lang, Horse Club and Monica Kelly, Working Dog Club enjoying two of the many clubs activities facilitated by the DSAThe DSA organises a whole range of social activities each semester. Some of these are regular events, such as film nights, and others are major events such as Orientation Week for first year students, the annual Commencement Ball, and ‘Dustraisers' the famous B&S Ball charity event. 2005 was yet another successful year for the DSA with the hosting of some very successful events such as the intercollege sports day, Commencement and End of Year Balls and other student social functions. The DSA also supported the campus in many University functions with enthusiasm and hands on knowledge of campus life such as Careers Day Out, Experience Dookie Campus and Open Day.

The Federal Government introduced Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) as of 2006. This will be a challenging issue for the DSA to overcome in 2006 but we are confident that our services will still be well supported by current and new students.

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CAMPUS FARM REPORTS

FARM REPORT

The Dookie Campus farm enterprises have a multifaceted and integral role. Managed as viable financial operations, each farm enterprise provides students and researchers with access to farming production systems representative of the various industries and commodities from today's agricultural world.

A large number of students, school groups, short courses and international visitors are provided with the opportunity to experience agricultural enterprises and farming research. These activities play an important role in the promotion of programs, research and agriculture at Dookie Campus.

BROADACRE

With a reasonable rainfall in 2005, the broadacre farm yields once again provided an important income stream for Dookie Campus. These yields are as follows:

Crop: Production: Yield: Income:
Wheat 950 tonne 4.3 t/ha $148/t
Barley 38 tonne 3.2 t/ha $135/t
Canola 370 tonne 1.6 t/ha $356/t
Peas 120 tonne 2.1 t/ha $200/t
Lupin 42 tonne 1.8 t/ha $220/t


The piggery operates as a grower/finisher unit with pigs reared under contract for a local enterprise. 2250 pigs were housed in 2005 with 1600 tonne of feed consumed. The lease/contract from the piggery provided $120 000 in income.

Beef cattle herd numbers at Dookie remains static with approximately 50 to 60 head of breeding cows kept each year. Beef cattle sales resulted in $7785 kilograms sold at an average price of $4.05 per kilogram.

In 2005, Dookie Campus once again participated in two sire evaluation programs – Merino to Match and the Central Test Sire Evaluation program. Sheep stock numbers carried were 1870 merino ewes, 1460 merino wethers, 1790 lambs and 520 hoggets. Surplus stock sales consisted of 1260 head, yielding an average price of $39.00 per head.

Whilst providing practical experience for Dookie students participating in shearing schools and undertaking wool classing certificates, sheep also provide income with wool sales. 22 780 kilograms of greasy wool ranging from 16 to 20 micron was produced by Dookie Campus. This wool fetched an average price of $5.60 per kilogram.

The Broadacre enterprise participated in several commercial trials in 2005. These trials allow students access to commercial product trials, whilst also providing the broadacre farm with the option of value adding. Nufarm cropping chemicals utilised the broad acre resources to test the effectiveness, rates of application and mode of action for a variety of chemicals utilised on broadacre crops. Syngenta demonstrated and tested agricultural chemicals for registration purposes.

DOOKIE CAMPUS DAIRY REPORT

University dairies can be operated as a commercial enterprise that is utilised for teaching and research, whilst still returning a profit. Income streams and financial figures within the commodity of dairy are reflected as a financial year ie.2004/2005.

The University of Melbourne 's Dookie Campus Dairy returned a cash surplus of over $90000 for the 2004/2005 season after all costs including labour. These returns can be attributed in part to the management by Nick Boyd, with a focus on increasing pasture utilisation and reducing feed costs and improved production. Milk yields increased to over 1 111 984 million litres returning 46 911 kg of fat and 38 148 kg of protein from 1 066 927 litres and 44 563 kg of fat and 35 313 kg of protein.

Situated between the Midland Highway and Broken River, the Dookie Dairy milks 180 to 200 head of predominantly Holstein cows off 44.5 hectares of irrigated rye grass and clover pasture and 80 hectares of dryland pasture. Pasture consumption for the 2004/ 2005 season was 10.3 tonnes per hectare (from 9.8 tonne previous season), which can be interpreted as 37.1 percent of income, giving a 12.8 percent return on investment. The milking herd is fed between 4 and 8 kg of economy mix (12% protein) in the dairy shed depending on stage of lactation and season. Pasture provided 55 % of the total diet for cows.

Trials to commence in 2006 for the Dookie Campus Dairy include:

The Dookie Dairy Report is published weekly in The Country News, an agricultural newspaper publication which has a circulation of 41 000 people. Dairyfarmers in North East Victoria and Southern New South Wales regularly read the Dookie Dairy Report collaborated by the dairy manager and current students, as part of their informal learning practices. Informal feedback at Dairy field days indicated that many farmers utilise the Dookie Dairy Report to benchmark their own management practices.

VINEYARD/ORCHARD

Vineyard Production:

Variety Quantity (t)
Shiraz 41
Cabernet Sauvignon 47
Tarrango 36
Sauvignon Blanc 38
Semillon 26


Orchard Production

Variety Quantity Bins or t
Rival Apricots 69.5 half bins
Patterson Apricots 8t
T204 Peaches 86t
Satsuma Plums 5t
Gala Apples 22 bins
Granny Smith Apples 30 bins
Pink Lady Apples 382 bins


Improvements undertaken/Machinery & equipment purchased

The Vineyard and Orchard enterprises share resources including built facilities and machinery. During 2005 a meeting/staff room was purchased in April along with a new motor bike in June.

Management strategies of future

Future management strategies for the vineyard are to utilise the strengths of The University of Melbourne i.e. education and research to establish stronger relationships with existing clients and stakeholders. We will also develop new relationships and networks within the horticultural and agricultural industries. Improvements in the presentation of the enterprises will continue.

Research conducted by stakeholders from both within the University and external organisations will be further developed. The Science, Technology and Innovation grant activities will expand as the research moves past the implementation stage. It is expected that the Dookie Campus Vineyard and Orchard will be the focus sites for this research and be involved in field days and community education sessions.

Fertiliser usage

During 2005 use of fertilisers in the orchard and vineyard was nil.

Trials in the orchard and vineyard were undertaken in a commercial and research capacity. Dr Nicola Cooley and Ashley Wheaton implemented a trial utilizing sprays to control canopy temperatures in the vineyard. Nu-farm continued to utilise the Dookie Campus Orchard to development and test new products for commercial markets.

Days/Workshops/Student use of farm

Dookie Campus Vineyard and Orchard were used as a teaching resource for students from a variety of tertiary education levels through out the year. TAFE workshops included pruning, soil and soil moisture, canopy work, crop estimates and maturity sampling. Three groups of students from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences' School of Physiotherapy visited the orchard and vineyard to develop their understanding of working in rural environments and enterprises. The students analysed work practices and tasks performed by staff members associated with the orchard and vineyard, providing feedback on EH&S issues such as lifting and movement in the workplace.

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ALUMNI NEWS

DECADE OF DOOKIE GRADUATES

Approximately 300 graduates who attended the then Dookie Agricultural College between 1987 and 1996 returned to their old stomping ground for a weekend of fun and frivolity.

Many of the students who attended the reunion continue to work in the field of agriculture and agribusiness. Farming, farm management, horticultural consultancy, viticulture and natural resource management are some of the many career destinations for this decade of Dookie Graduates.

Facilitated by past students including Paul Alexander (aka Lupus) who graduated in 1993, the reunion provided the opportunity to see changes at the campus since graduation. Highlight of the weekend included a night dinner event that raised six hundred dollars for local charities.

REUNION OF CLASS 1958 - 60
(18TH APRIL 2005)

Time seemed to stand still when members of the Class of 58 – 60 renewed acquaintances at Dookie Campus on the 16th April 2005. Written below is the report from Bruce Probst, Reunion Convenor.

Once conversation started, memories flashed back to days spent studying, working and socialising. Faces might have changed slightly, bodies might have changed shape significantly but again on Campus grounds, we all remembered why DAC (Dookie Agricultural College) was an important time for us.

Twenty eight delegates travelled from all over Australia from as far away as Perth, Yeppoon, Caloundra and as close as Caniambo, Benalla, Rutherglen, Toolamba and Nagambie.

During the Reunion Dinner, those attending had an opportunity to speak briefly about their experiences since leaving the College some forty three years ago and their memories whilst studying and living-in at DAC. Such was the education we received from the College that there was a huge range of career paths undertaken.

Much has changed about the Grande Old Dame. One of the best changes was the catering. Food as we remembered it then was replaced with culinary delights but quite clearly Dookie College has not aged as well as some of the delegates.

The Reunion reminded us all of what an important part DAC played in our lives academically and socially. Let us hope that we never lose sight of Dookie College's importance in academic circles and ensure that this Grande Old Dame is maintained in a manner in which is a fitting a University. Dookie College is as important today as it was 100 years ago.

DOOKIE 56 REUNION
(18TH - 20TH MARCH 2005)

After nearly 50 years you have to expect some changes. But not to recognize a best friend - that's unbelievable. But it happened. There they were, the two of them, now grey old men, having to be introduced to each other. Then astonishment, joy and embarrassment set in – all at the same time.

It happened at a recent reunion of the 1956 Class of University students who had spent their second year of the degree course at Dookie College.

Most of the Class of 1956 came back. Attendees came from around the world - UK, USA, Thailand and Laos, as well as interstate just to spend a weekend at Dookie College with their old student mates.

The Organising Committee was formed 12 months ago with a firm brief to have activities that would encourage people to come from some far away places; not to just sit around eating and drinking the whole weekend – and oh yes, not to have a lengthy brag session. And as it turned out they had a ball, in spite of the brag session going on forever, and the weekend spent eating and drinking.

A walking tour of the College brought back a lot of memories of a very wet winter, generated lots of questions like “What happened to the RTC?” “Where are the chooks?” and “When did they bring Mount Major closer?” A wave of nostalgia hit during the visit to the library – the old dining room. They could almost smell the roast mutton; rice custard and speed seeds (prunes).

There was a gourmet tour to Milawa district in the afternoon followed by the formal traditional dinner with Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien as guest speaker.

The last morning was spent helping everyone understand the workings of the Dookie56 Yahoo Groups web site that will keep everyone in touch no matter where they are. Gongs were given in 10 categories:

  1. Who came the furthest – Herm Incoll from Leeds UK - a prime mover of the reunion, host of the gourmet tour and moderator of the web site.
  2. The most effort to get there – Peter Hoare from Chiang Mai Thailand & Joe Rumble from Vientiane Laos (shared) – both last minute decisions.
  3. The least changed – Bruce Pike from Tasmania - it must be the air!
  4. The best contribution to the reunion – Doug Parry for the hats with the Dookie56 Reunion badge - even though they caused the group photo to be known as “grumpy old guys in hats”.
  5. The defining moment – Shiny Blacklow's understanding of 3 minutes. As chairman of the brag session they were glad he was not timing their eggs!
  6. The greatest surprise – The cheese tasting at Milawa Cheese - but did someone pay?
  7. The best set piece – Marie Ormandy for Grace at the formal dinner – who clapped?
  8. The greatest divergence in career – Bill Parer – now a senior gynecologist at a teaching hospital in San Francisco USA.
  9. The best get-out-from-under – Peter Milward for turning “what I've done” into “I remember what you did”.
  10. The biggest laugh – Richard Morgan for explaining why Mike Cornwall did not get a first for chooks.

Changes to the Campus were expected, but the effortless way the reunion was hosted was not. The staff of the Campus made this reunion a significant event in the lives of this group. They have now retreated back to where they came from, pleased that they made the effort to renew acquaintances, pledging to keep in touch and just a little heavier.

Dookie 56 Reunion

Back row: Martin Sharkey, Joe Rumble, Linton Incol, Bruce Pike, David Bateman, Barry Claris.
Third row: Len Ashburner, Ivan Light, Doug Parry, Marcus Blacklow, John Passioura.
Second row: Hayden Downing, Graham Stephenson, Richard Morgan, Peter Stewart, Doug Cocks.
Front row: Peter Hoare, Bill Parer, Judy Bateman, Helen Stephenson, Don Ormandy, Peter Milward.

5TH REUNION GROUP
(Information courtesy of Lawrie Shears)

The reunion of what is known as ‘the nineties cycle' created by Ken Faw was held for the fifth time in 2005. Eighteen past Dookie students attended the event, 8 accompanied by their wives. Sixteen apologies were tabled due to ill health and travelling distance, but letters from non attendees were read with great interest.

5th Reunion Group at the “Rock and Plaque”Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien accompanied by his wife Gail, extended a warm welcome and delivered a comprehensive information session on the current activities and future directions of the campus. Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien also attended the ceremony at the Lone Pine Tree facilatated by Mick Kent who helps organise the reunion. Student representatives Elizabeth Tonkin and Scott Watkins joined the reunion group for dinner, where Peter Gemmel proposed the loyal toast.

Sunday morning involved a comprehensive tour of the Campus including a visit to the “Rock and Plaque” prior to the Lone Pine ceremony. Roger McKenzie, Dookie RSL President was present for the ceremony. Reunion attendees were thrilled to see the Lone Pine Tree “Rock and Plaque” in excellent condition, thanks to the continuing interest and efforts of the Dookie Campus Property and Buildings staff members.

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