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PPS NEWS
PPS 16th Annual Conference; Ararat Town Hall; Ararat, Tuesday September 9th, 2025
15th Annual Conference & Dinner: The September conference was highly regarded by the 200+ people who
attended all or part of the program. All presenters were outstanding and links to their presentations and the conference book
are on page three. A report on the conference and dinner are on pages 2 & 3. Note the 2025 date and put it in your diary.
Project Manager Position: The PPS Project Manager recruitment has commenced and more details can be found by
contacting PPS President, Craig on 0448 863169. PPS is planning for current Project Manager to stay on for a transition period
and also to carry out some funding & reporting activities.
Spring Farm Tour: The tour was held on October 13th at member farm “Rosevale Ridge” which was also the location
for the filming of the “Just A Farmer” movie. A report is on page 7; since the tour the film has received more awards at the Inter-
national Film Festival at Crown in Melbourne. It was awarded “Best Film”, “Best Cinematography” and “Best Supporting Ac-
tress” (Susan Prior). Well done to Leila, Sean and the film team.
Projects: The dry spring has affected the current Arrowleaf PPS/AgVic MLA EPDS project with much lower yields than
normal. Feed Quality measurements have been continuing for the MLA PDS project and some pasture mix qualities are shown
below. While quantity is the big issue this year; beware of decreasing pasture quality and take note of increasing fibre %
(NDF%) which can reduce the pasture intake of stock—especially weaners; see red text.
Hay Corer: PPS has purchased a hay corer for collecting hay & silage samples for feed quality testing. The unit attaches
to a portable drill for easy usage. The corer is available for loan to members; contact the Project Manager.
Fire/Phalaris projects: PPS has commenced two member initiated small projects at Joel South and Dadswells Bridge.
At Joel South, Holdfast GT and Mate’ Phalaris cultivars were planted side by side in 2023 on Mt Glen by Mat Hall, both have
had pasture cages installed and dry matter cuts and feed tests will be done during the year as a demonstration project.
A report will be in the March 2025 newsletter. PPS are also measuring a fire affected pasture with multiple species at “Marlu”
Dadswells Bridge to assess species recovery after the February 13th fire. More details and photos on page 5.
Webinar: an update on the RLEM joint project will be live/recorded on December 10th; see diary dates.
Federation University (FU) Farmers Reference Group: PPS has recently facilitated the formation of the group to meet
with the Ararat Hub of FU to discuss current and potential research that the Uni is involved in. The group will meet periodically
and currently consists of PPS Project Manager Rob Shea, Sponsor Member Cam Conboy (Gorst Rural), members Bianca
Kilpatrick, Charlie de Fegely and Wayne Burton plus Clem Sturmfels (Ag Vic). If any members are interested in being involved
at some stage, contact the Project Manager.
Conference Evaluation & Pasture Survey Prizes
Two prize draws were conducted at the Spring Farm Tour for the conference participants who completed the evaluation.
Thanks to Stawell and Ararat Ag, Horse & Pet for providing prize vouchers..
Winners are one of the conference sponsor reps, Parmjit Rhawnanda from Bio Ag; Melbourne and new member
Lynton Smith from Glenfyne.
The prize draw for members who completed the Annual Pasture Survey was conducted at the End of Year Event.
The winner of the truck & dog load of road making material was Ian Murray “Yuppeckiar” Glenthompson.
Thanks to Western Quarries for their continued support in providing the survey prize & delivery.
PPS 15th Annual Dinner
The Ararat Town Hall had been transformed from a theatre set up to a dinner setting when Gavin Svanosio from Rabobank
welcomed the dinner crowd of 107 people before the conversation recommenced. The impressive venue was matched with an
excellent dinner provided by Jody & Co Catering, a local business from Great Western.
The day was brought to an end with the Annual Conference Dinner guest speaker, Ellie Cole; Australia’s most successful
female Paralympian. With a record-breaking 17 Paralympic medals and an OAM to her name, Ellie is an extraordinary athlete.
Overcoming injuries and adversity, Ellie has risen to prolific heights and, in recognition was honoured as the flag bearer at the
Tokyo 2020 Closing Ceremony.
Ellie immediately endeared herself to PPS with her natural, friendly personality but also someone with fierce determination.
Ellie’s talk followed her journey from her childhood, through her sporting career to her current roles in the media; an inspira-
tional story. Ellie’s parent’s, Jenny and Don are PPS members and were in the front row for her presentation.
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