CountryGal, around here we just use silos and store oats and
lupins. I've just been using some that have been stored for
6 years, not a problem. You'll find that really finely ground
limestone (like talcum powder) will stop weevils for years,
but nobody promotes it, as its too cheap, so nobody makes
any money out of it. Its really good for the sheep too!

I see the militants have again taken over yet another thread on the abominable practice of exporting our live animals to the Middle East.

I see no relevance to live animal exports with Country Gal and Yabby's blatherings over the storage of grain and tips on reducing the number of weevils.

We all know Yabby's intention is to deflect people's attention away from the savagery of live sheep exports and the cruel farming practices in Australia. And we've heard all his arguments (motivated by profits) previously in his zeal to support the status quo.

Any chance of sticking to the subject at hand?

Are you going to add constructively Dickie? If not, bugger off and let Yabby and I have our discussion. At the end of the day its a discussion on animal welfare, which is on topic (some of these sheep might end up on export ships too, which makes it even more on topic). If you have something else related to the topic you want to debate, then by all means bring it up - I'm sure you'll have a taker.

Yabby, I find the talc point interesting - my background in from a stock area that isnt good enough to support cropping (value $130/ac puts it in perspective!), so havent had much experience trying to store grain fodder. I can only go off what I've been told in this regard, which is mostly from storing for potential human consumption. Phostoxin being the preferred poison of choice.

Deary me Dickie, there you go, getting your knickers in a twist, about those
“evil farmers”, yet once again. I remind you that few small to medium farmers
make a profit, but rely on off farm income to subsidise their way of life, which
is why they do it. There are much easier ways to make a quid then farming.

The discussion is very much on topic. The problem is more your lack of knowledge
of farming, to understand how they are all interlinked. That’s your problem, not mine.

The evidence from the live trade shows that animals on boats like the Becrux,
in fact gain weight during their journey. Food, water, shelter are all provided.
The extra income generated from the live trade, helps farmers buy extra fodder
for livestock facing droughts in Australia.

Drought is cruel to wildlife and livestock, but then nature has never been known for
compassion. You should be thrilled that farmers are discussing ways to limit
suffering of livestock during drought. Wildlife don’t get that benefit, they just
die miserably. Clearly your agenda is more about character assassination, then
concern for the animals. Shame on you.

CountryGal, ok so its more like station country that you are talking about.
Some stations here grow opportunity crops, when rain has fallen, ie the good
years. With new technology, deep/no till, we can now produce a crop, if not
a huge one, on 4-5 inches. People are also switching out of merinos and into
Dorpers/Damaras, as they do so much better and meat has a better future then
wool

Some processors don’t like lime dust on grain, as it slows down their grading
machinery. But its perfect for on farm livestock grain storage. Its also a lot
healthier then phostoxin :)

If you weren't so full of yourself Country Girl, you would observe that I have more than used my share of debate on cruelty to our animals, the subject of this thread.

Err......looks like phostoxin wasn't used on the vermin infested flours I'm forced to purchase where the critters invade all other products in my pantry? Perhaps this toxin is saved for export grain only.

Yikes.....isn't phostoxin a rat poison, a fumigant - a Category 4 hazardous compound?

I'll take the weevils thanks!

Dickie

I too share your frustration regarding live exports. Also feeds lots and many other acts of cruelty.
I have noted all your comments on OLO and your loyalty to animals.
You speak for yourself and from your heart and there is nothing wrong with that. At least you have one.

I am happy on the other hand to see farmers exchanging information.

Live exports starts from the Farms Dickie. I know in your frustration you feel Yabby and Country Girl are trying to divert from the subject.
I dont believe they are to be fair. They have debated live exports on many threads. Although you may not agree with them it does make it possibly to keep these posts going.

Many Australian Farmers are `business wise` on a world scale naive.

I am not talkng about this new age lot that call! themselves farmers rather the real deal.

Unless the few real farmers we have left start to think for themselves not only animals but the Australian public will suffer like never before.

They have 'blind faith' in the farmers Federations and agents who if you dig a bit show a clear conflict of interest.

I will tell you the truth Dickie regarding live exports - It will only stop if we help open new abattoirs.

Now I know thats not what you want to hear most probably but I wont tell you any lies. So dont send donations help us to re open abattoirs.
To do that we need the levies dropped and the Governments to ammend a few things.

As for feeding stock I mentioned before we are exporting water from Australia. We export tons of mineral to ME that is broken down and used for golf courses trees and farming in the dessert.
Theres your grass and feed for our stock. Not to mention drinking water for stock.
How clever are we?
So when they come to Australia in a share farm arrangment and reopen or build new plants at least the animals will have feed and water.

That more Free Range Dickie.

Good night All.