The Editor
2618 POSTS
New map to help safeguard nation’s protected cropping industries
Australian horticulture growers are being urged to contribute to the creation of a high-tech mapping tool
to improve biosecurity preparedness and natural disaster response efforts. The National Protected Cropping Map, an initiative being delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the University of New England’s Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre, will capture the location of commercial, polytunnels, shadehouses, glasshouses and permanent nets in every State and Territory of Australia. Â
New barley powdery mildew resistance genes key to future resistance
Australian researchers have discovered a set of unique and potentially durable resistance genes from exotic barley lines and landraces that breeders can use to develop crops with more stable resistance to powdery mildew.
Worker reforms welcomed by NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers welcomes efforts by the Australian Government to streamline the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) under the new Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, providing a simplified process for farm businesses to access the schemes.  The Government’s commitment to bring an additional 12,500 workers from the Pacific region by March 2022 to work in Australian sectors including agriculture will help alleviate the workforce shortage crisis continuing to threaten the productivity of farm enterprises.
Energy companies the only beneficiaries of the Integrated Systems Plan
The National Farmers Federation is concerned about the significant cost blow-outs associated with the proposed Hume-Link Transmission Line, with costs blowing out by 250% to $3.317 billion.  Proposed transmission lines across Australia within the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Integrated Systems Plan (ISP) have caused significant issues with land-use conflict amongst farmers, and now are leaving households out of pocket.
From tanks to tractors – operation grain harvest assist launched
A nationwide operation has been launched aiming to bolster the supply of local workers to help deliver this year’s bumper grains harvest and relieve pressure on farming communities. Retired and former ADF servicemen and women are being motivated and mobilised under Operation Grain Harvest Assist, to answer the call-up and work on grain farms stationed throughout Australia.
“Excellent” season and booming commodity prices see nation’s buoyant farmers defying broader COVID economic uncertainty
A second consecutive year of good seasonal conditions and high commodity prices is helping shield Australia’s farm sector from the broader economic uncertainty of COVID-19, with farmer sentiment surging in recent months, according to the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey. The survey reveals Australian farm sector confidence is at one of its highest levels in the survey’s history due to ongoing positive seasonal conditions and exceptionally-high commodity prices, with more than 90 per cent of Australian farmers expecting the current conditions to continue or improve further over the coming 12 months.
Fishing restrictions at Port Pirie extended
Precautionary fishing restrictions in waters immediately adjacent to Port Pirie have been extended for a further 12 months ... Put in place in September 2020 after the release of a scientific study into heavy metals in sediment in the area, the restrictions have been extended for another year while SA Health complete an in-depth analysis of sample results and consider the public health implications.
Regional youth taskforce tackles connectivity, staying safe online
The 2021 Regional Youth Taskforce have held their third meeting of the year, coming together over the weekend discuss how young people in regional and rural communities could better connect to outside services. Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor said the meeting focused on providing better access to training, services, work and recreational opportunities for young people across regional NSW.
Agriculture looks to record-busting year
The agricultural sector is looking at another record-breaking year, with the gross value of production (GVP) forecast to reach $73 billion in 2021-22. ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said if the forecast in the  Agricultural Commodities: September Quarter  report proves to be accurate, then it will be the first time the agriculture sector has been valued at over $70 billion."
Expressions of interest open for inaugural animal welfare committee
Expressions of interest are now being called for the McGowan Government's inaugural Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.
