Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Business & Farming

Weather

Damage bills mounting: Cape York NRM

Just 16 km north of Wujal Wujal, the historic Mount Louis Station is one of the most fertile and picturesque cattle stations in Far North Queensland,  fattening some of the country's finest Brahman and Brangus steers. But the severe pounding it received from the flooding that followed Cyclone Jasper, has caused a damage bill, estimated by an agronomist recently, of more than $300,000...

Innovation

The future is nearly here with biohub expected to be built by 2025

In years to come Casino could be known not only for its beef industry but for its innovation and sustainability. Visitors may still come to tour the Casino Food Co-op abattoir and packaging centre but there is likely to be great interest in seeing the workings of the biohub next door that creates energy from the nutrient-rich waste at the Co-op site.

Innovation

Respiratory viruses fall victim to tea tree oil’s virucidal vigour: AgriFutures Australia

Deeper understanding of the anti-viral activity of tea tree oil opens doors to animal and human health applications. While tea tree oil is relatively well-known for its ability to treat a range of bacterial and fungal infections, new research has confirmed the homegrown essential oil could also be a valuable tool in the fight against respiratory viruses in livestock and humans.

Tourism

Having a “Winne” good time in Iluka’s

Winnebago owners from four states converged on the Anchorage Holiday Park at Iluka last week, united by social media the group collectively travelled tens of thousands of kilometres to enjoy their motorhomes in the town the models were named after – Iluka ... last year’s inaugural Winnebago Iluka pilgrimage saw 21 motorhome owners from around Australia visit Iluka for an annual event that continues to grow.

Fabulous festival

Quill and Alyssa. Esoteric Festival shook the ground at Gil Gil to Donald’s north over the Labour Day weekend, attracting an incredible number of like-minded patrons to the popular dance corroboree. The ground trembled under those assembled; thousands of feet dancing to the heavy beat of music, provided by globally renowned DJs, with arms collectively raised to the open sky, intent on ascension into the Esoverse. 

Gold - Vic

Maldon’s golden secret

Mark Blythe. Everybody has probably driven past that imposing front entrance along the Maldon- Bendigo Road at some stage, and wondered what goes on in there. Last week, the [Tarrangower] Times got to poke around inside and have a long chat with Dylan Morgan, the Processing Manager at the Kaiser Reef gold treatment plant on the edge of town.

Gold - WA

Reborn mine reinforces WA’s golden heritage: Michael

The Cook Government has congratulated Bellevue Gold for officially opening its $252 million Bellevue Gold Project, which sees the mine reopen after sitting dormant for more than 20 years ... The company expects to produce more than 1.8 million ounces of gold over an initial 10-year mine life.

Retail

Mayor recognises local award win

Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald dropped into the IGA Local Grocer at Westbrook last week to congratulate the store on wins at a recent IGA conference ... The achievement is significant given that there are 65 stores judged in the various categories and the Westbrook shop has been operating for only two-and-a-half years.

Education

Regional agribusiness partnering with schools on new program

In a first for the Riverina and most probably in New South Wales, a close association has developed between agribusiness in the Riverina and secondary schools teaching agriculture ... The Riverina Compendium provided a vehicle to build on the past experiences, to attract a suitably qualified workforce, to provide a greater number and diversity of jobs within the Region...

Cotton

Picking underway for Australian cotton with above average crops expected: Cotton Australia

Australia’s 1500 cotton growers, 90 per cent of them family farmers, are either starting to pick their 2024 crop or are planning to start in the coming weeks as they contemplate another above average season. This season, close to 480,000 green hectares of cotton has been planted predominantly in New South Wales and Queensland, with the Northern Territory and Western Australia also growing cotton crops.

Meat

Guess who entered “butcher wars” at Meatstock?

Yes, our very own Aaron and Claire from Allora Butchery took on other Butchers and their Apprentice from around the region at the Meatstock Festival held over the weekend at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. The competition was based on speed and accuracy. They each had to bone a chicken, tie 5 kilos of sausages and roll five rissoles.

Hospitality & tourism

Best experiences for mature-age travellers unveiled

Forty-one tourism experiences have been named as the best in Australia for mature-age visitors, with Queensland dominating ... The Grey Nomad Awards is a niche national tourism program that shines a light on the best places for older travellers to stay and play around the country. The Award announcements reflect achievements throughout 2023.

Meat

Meat dynasty Alice born and bred

Morgan Richards. The swarm of sales people in the Gillen shop of Milner Meats on Saturday mornings couldn’t make it clearer: The Alice is still a great place for a family business.

Hospitality & tourism

All aboard for Victoria’s live music event like no other: Brooks

More music lovers from across Victoria are on track to experience local music gigs like no other, with the epic live music and tourism extravaganza SOUND TRACKS set to transform Shepparton, Rochester and Echuca next month ... The event, presented by OK Motels, brings together live music and regional hospitality – boosting local jobs, businesses and attracting more visitors to regional Victoria.

Milk

Australian milk production firing on all cylinders: Rabobank report

More than halfway into the current dairy season, Australian milk production is firing on all cylinders, Rabobank says, with widespread growth in milk supply across all dairying regions due to favourable seasonal conditions and good farmgate margins. In its recently-released Q1 Global Dairy Quarterly report … Australian milk production reached 5.35 billion litres from the period July 2023 to January 2024…

Solar

Grong Grong solar farm developers delighted with progress – almost ready for commissioning

Construction of the Grong Grong Solar Farm near Narrandera is almost completed with new poles installed by HV contractors in preparation for grid connection this month. This will be an intense period of work for the consultants and contractors, who will ensure everything is in place to complete the solar farm and be ready for connection and commissioning.

Pumped hydro

Snowy project reaches new landmark

The Snowy 2.0 Cooma precast manufacturing facility has hit another significant milestone and completed production of 100,000 of the 130,000 concrete segments needed to line 27 kilometres of tunnels for the pumped-hydro megaproject.

Home care

Local home care service launched

Serena Kirby. Denmark's senior residents now have access to a new locally-based home care service ... Long-time local and founder of ACare WA Maria Redman said she had started the initiative after seeing how difficult and convoluted the existing system was when her father-in-law needed in-home support.

Rural Aid

Laura partnering with Rural Aid

Former Allora local and Australian champion netballer, Laura Geitz, is partnering with Rural Aid in the lead up to Mates Day on March 20 to urge Aussies to think about the farmers behind the food we eat under this year’s campaign theme ‘Every plate tells a story’.

Renewable energy

Plans for Delburn

The Delburn Wind Farm developer, Osmi Australia, has allayed speculation that the project would be affected by the federal government's rejection on environmental grounds of the Port of Hastings as a construction site ... Delburn involves the construction of 33 wind turbines each about 250 metres in height on plantation forest land owned by HVP Plantations ... recently deployed new fire detection technology that it said was a first for Australia and the wind farm industry.

Food & beverage

Showcasing local talent and produce

The Harcourt Applefest, set for Saturday 9 March and organised by the local community, is a day-long festival in the Harcourt Valley that highlights the region's cultural heritage and produce. The event, renowned for its engaging activities and showcasing of local talent, will feature a diverse range of attractions suitable for all ages.

Tourism

Town wide garage sales

Mark Blythe. Everybody the [Tarrangower] Times spoke to was very complimentary about last weekend’s town wide garage sale, and were quick to label it a great success. The final wash up was 203 maps sold at two dollars each and 71 houses on the map including the 10 at the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre at $10 each...

Field day

Major Cotton Field Day set to explore carbon baseline setting: Cotton Australia

One of the most topical but arguably most misunderstood developments in sustainable agriculture, carbon baseline setting will be a focus in two weeks at the largest cotton field-day to be staged in Southeast Queensland this year. The 2023 Bayer Cotton Growers of the year, Johannes and Scarlett Roellgen from Tyunga Farms … are hosting the Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year Field Day...

Workshop

Trade roadshow opening passage to India

Local businesses interested in exporting to India will be able to learn more at a free two-hour workshop being held in Toowoomba next Thursday, 14 March. India is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and Queensland businesses have a golden opportunity to learn from some of Queensland’s most experienced exporters who have successfully entered the market.

Birchip Cropping Group

Addressing El Niño misconceptions: BCG Trials Review Day

Understanding climate indicators was a key message from BCG’s Climate Expert Kate Finger, who presented BCG’s Trials Review Day ... The senior researcher explained to the 170 plus farmers and advisers in attendance that a declaration of an El Niño, as happened last year, “did not always equal drought.”

Wine

Vineyard of the Year Awards: Announcing Australia’s top vineyards – These growers are providing a shining light

The 4th Annual Vineyard of the Year Awards list of Australia’s top winegrowers has just landed. The Vineyard of the Year Awards were created in 2020 to advance the regional identity of Australian wine and promote leading edge sustainability and innovation in winegrowing.

Renewable energy

Microgrid research will benefit renewable energy needs of country Australia: Charles Sturt University

A Charles Sturt University team is researching the deployment of microgrid projects that aim to meet the energy needs of regional communities in Australia ... The team’s research explores a range of topics relating to microgrid business models, ownership structure and project financing.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture’s contribution to Australian seafood supply continues to grow: ABARES

The gross value of Australian fisheries and aquaculture production is forecast to grow by 0.5 per cent in 2023−24 to $3.56 billion according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES). ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said that growth in 2023−24 is predominantly driven by higher prices of wild-caught rock lobster...

Sheep

Record lamb slaughter reduces flock size

After three years of consecutive growth, the Australian sheep flock is set to decrease by 2.9 per cent to 76,500,000 in 2024, according to the latest Sheep Industry Projections from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). During the 2020-2022 rebuild phase, producer focus on productivity and genetics has led to impressive marking rates across the sheep flock.

Beef

No growth expected in global beef consumption in year ahead: Rabobank

With limited or negative real wages growth expected in 2024, coupled with the higher cost environment, Rabobank expects global beef consumption will at best remain steady and possibly decline through 2024, with some notable regional variations ... sales are often expected to suffer when economic conditions put pressures on consumer spending.

Forecast

Rebound predicted for Australian agriculture: ABARES

Australia’s farm, fisheries and forestry sectors are set to rebound in 2024-25. The most recent Agricultural Commodities and Australian Crop reports are predicting that the gross value of production in 2024–25 will again increase after poor seasonal conditions affected outcomes in 2023-24.

Mossman

Mystery investor backs the future of Mossman industry: Canegrowers

The future is looking a little brighter for the Mossman cane-growing community after a mystery investor swooped in to save the local mill just hours before the company was due to be liquidated. Earlier this week the administrator advised grower and mill representatives that a potential investor had come forward to provide funding alongside energy company, Clever Power.

Dairy

Camels on the Darling Downs?

The success of the Scenic Rim’s Summer Land Camels at the Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Show might be encouragement for some farmers on the Downs to start thinking about adding a few camels to their livestock herd. The Champions of the 2024 Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Show have been just announced with Queensland’s Summer Land Camels taking home Gold for the Camel Milk, Silver for the Camel Milk Persian Feta, and Bronze for Camel Milk Powder.

Co-operative

Food enterprise provides youth pathway

Christine McKee. Sustainable food and sustainable employment were at the top of the list four years ago when planning began for a local food co-operative. Today, a network of local food producers and a greengrocery form the hub of Acres and Acres Co-op.

Cropping

Life membership for BCG quartet

After 128 years of service to Australia’s leading farming systems group, Ian and Anne McClelland and John and Robyn Ferrier have been awarded life memberships of Birchip Cropping Group (BCG). The life memberships, which were presented at the group’s Trials Review Day, recognised the leadership, vision, passion and hard work each has provided BCG over four decades.

Media

YPCT earns Country Press SA nods

Yorke Peninsula Country Times was again recognised as one of the best papers in the state at the 2023 Country Press South Australia awards ... Third-year cadet journalist Patrick Goldsmith scooped the Best Sports Story Award for his piece about Coobowie’s Jamie Tape and editor Rhiannon Koch won the Best Editorial Writing category.

Sorghum

Growers on alert for fall armyworm

Fall armyworm (FAW) are being detected at unprecedented levels in sorghum crops across Central Queensland, the Western and Darling Downs and northern New South Wales causing what experts predict could be the most significant impact on sorghum since the pest’s arrival in Australia in 2020.

Land management

Don’t panic, it’s everywhere

Troublesome tumble weeds known by many as “hairy panic” are once again piling up on houses and piling up on roads and properties near Narrandera. Hairy panic is generally used to refer to about seven species of weed, all of which are in the Panicum genus, which produce spherical seed heads that roll with the wind.

Land management

Weeds a ‘slow-moving bushfire’: NSW Farmers Association

Farmers are fighting a “slow-moving bushfire” as invasive weeds such as African lovegrass and serrated tussock explode following a wet summer. NSW Farmers Cooma branch chair Craig Mitchell said the state’s struggle with weeds had reached a tipping point, with some public and private land managers failing to meet their responsibilities.

Cattle

Australian cattle herd to ease slightly to 28.6 million head: MLA

Following three years of herd growth leading to the largest cattle herd in 10 years in 2023, the Australian cattle herd is expected to ease by less than 1 per cent to 28.6 million head by 30 June 2024, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest Cattle Industry Projections.

Hay

Australian hay quality hits new high

Australian farmers have made their best quality hay for a decade with feed and visual tests easily outstripping the previous season. Tests by Feed Central have shown overall sugars are up 10 per cent, hay bale weights are up 16 per cent, and 58 per cent of hay has been graded FCAA or FCA compared to just 16 per cent the previous year.

Crops

CSIRO breakthrough to boost disease resistance in crops 

Scientists at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have achieved a breakthrough in molecular plant pathology, marking a technological leap forward for breeding durable disease-resistant crops. Plant pathogens – organisms which cause plant diseases - greatly reduce agricultural productivity and are a persistent threat to global food security.  

Innovation

Invasive weed could be turned into a viable economic crop: UniSA

One of the most invasive Australian weeds is being touted as a potential economic crop, with benefits for the construction, mining and forestry industries, and potentially many First Nations communities. The prickly paddy melon weed, which costs the agricultural industry around $100 million a year in lost grain yields, cattle deaths, and control measures, could turn into an unlikely money spinner...

Wine

Coonawarra’s wine community gathers to herald in the new vintage

The Coonawarra Grape and Wine industry are set to herald in the 2024 Vintage (aka. V24), with the clinking of glasses and sound of bagpipes, as community members and dignitaries gather at the iconic Coonawarra Railway Siding for the official Vintage Launch Ceremony ... wine industry stakeholders and supporters will ‘raise a glass’ to the upcoming Coonawarra grape harvest and bid farewell to the season past.

Liquidation

Creditors owed $350,000

Creditors of Naracoorte’s closed Morris Bakery are owed more than $350,000, and investigations confirm the company was not insured for employee dishonesty. New information ascertained by this newspaper [Naracoorte Community News] on the business’s liquidation process confirms that the company’s director has completed his report on “company activities and property,” which has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Tourism

Cascade re-opens

Fine art lovers rejoice - the Cascade Art Gallery re-opens next week ... The fine art gallery’s opening will be a boost for the town of Maldon, which has been feeling the pinch with the temporary closure of the Kangaroo hotel, the loss of a restaurant and the impending closure of Le Sel.

Hospitality

Friends of the Chef series: Kangaroo Island’s living restaurant (The Enchanted Fig Tree) to host guest chefs

Kate Holland. Being a chef means juggling a multitude of demands. So, is inviting a fellow foodie into the kitchen to interpret your menu an act of generosity or insanity? Alana Brabin, head chef at Kangaroos Island’s majestic dining venue The Enchanted Fig Tree, is all for it ... Sarah Turner (Chef of the Year 2007) and Rocky Oliver (Pirate Life) will enter the fig tree fold on Sunday February 25 and Saturday March 23 respectively.

Regional health

Finding balance as an invited guest: Registered Nurses lived experience of providing home-based palliative care in rural communities

Dr Lyn Rabbetts recently graduated at a ceremony held at the Convention Centre ... hosted by the Flinders University after successfully completing her PhD in Palliative Care Nursing. Lyn’s thesis was titled, Finding Balance as an invited guest: Registered Nurses lived experience of providing home-based palliative care in rural communities.

Seeds

Keen interest at Pacific Seeds field days

Pacific Seeds popular field days are being held this week at Foundation Farm Allora. Sessions have been packed with interested farmers, suppliers and agronomists finding out the latest research findings, technologies and planting methods.

Renewable energy

Origin Energy acquires interest in Walcha Energy from Energy Estate

Walcha Energy, a partnership between Australian renewable energy developers Energy Estate and Mirus Wind to develop wind, solar and storage projects in the New England region of New South Wales, has been acquired by Origin Energy.

Emerging industry

Snap into innovation: Australia’s crocodile industry unveils RD&E plan: AgriFutures Australia

... a significant milestone for the developing Australian crocodile industry ... the launch of the Australian Crocodile Industry RD&E Plan 2024-2029 ... The recently finalised plan is designed to assist Australia’s 21 operators in capitalising on the industry’s recent growth and expansion across the country.

Hydrogen

Latrobe Valley’s future in hydrogen

Hydrogen and the potential of Gippsland and its industries to play a role in the hydrogen technologies seen as crucial for the energy transition are set for a higher profile in the region, with Federation University in Churchill the focal point ... “The aim was to bring these players to one platform... ": Professor Surbhi Sharma.

Pest

The rise of insecticide resistance in the redlegged earth mite: AgriFutures Australia

Insecticide resistance in redlegged earth mites (RLEM) has been closely monitored over the last 15 years ... The RLEM poses a significant threat to establishing crops and pastures across the southern growing regions of Australia.

Media

Your paper celebrates another milestone

This year marks 130 years since the Corryong Courier first hit the streets to bring all the news to the people of the Upper Murray. The first issue of the Courier was on January 25, 1894 and since then has only undergone six changes of ownership.

Property

New chapter for old estate

It will be the combining of old and young as the historic Gunbower Estate begins its next chapter as an educational facility for the students of Moama Anglican Grammar in the coming months ... Principal Scott Downward says the school is very excited to be the new custodians of the property, and understands the historical significance it has to the Gunbower, Leitchville and Cohuna area.

Tourism

Antique Fair sites booked out – 3,500 visitors expected

The Maldon footy ground is looking good and green, all 125 stallholder sites are booked out, good weather for the weekend was booked in advance, and around 3,500 visitors are eager to experience a warm Maldon welcome. Gates open to the public from 8am tomorrow (Saturday) to around 2pm Sunday for this weekend’s mighty Maldon Antique Fair.

Hospitality

Rod run faces accommodation challenge

The shortage of lodging options in Narrandera has presented a challenge for the Earlies Rod Run committee, with attendees facing difficulties in securing lodging. With only one hotel, a handful of motels, and a few powered campsites, the lack of accommodation is not a new issue for Narrandera.

Crime

Bakery closure

After serving the community for more than three generations, Naracoorte’s very popular Morris Bakery has shut its doors after losing about $300,000 in alleged theft. The bakery closed its doors on February 5, leaving the community devastated, with many lamenting the loss of a good old business.

Timber

Lessons from Tumut and Tumbarumba salvage success shared with timber industry: FCNSW

Effective collaboration across the timber industry and learning the lessons from past fire salvage efforts have been highlighted as key factors underpinning the success of the record salvage program in the Tumut and Tumbarumba regions following the Black Summer fires in a report commissioned by Forestry Corporation of NSW.

Manufacturing

From cars to conservation – UAG turns to ex-Holden plastics firm for waste-to-fertiliser components

When UAG Bio Nutrients needed specific plastic manufacturing expertise to produce its patented vermiculture modules, it turned to Select Plastics ... The process is the first in the world to efficiently and cleanly integrate anaerobic digestion and vermiculture at industrial scale to convert organic waste into bio-fertiliser and clean energy.

Fashion

Inspiring Narrandera designer continues her success

Lillardia Briggs-Houston, a Wiradjuri, Gangulu and Yorta Yorta multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer based in Narrandera, has won a 12-month mentorship with Country Road fashion label. Lillardia says her practice is more than a business, it’s a culmination of cultural identity, expression and cultural heritage with fashion and art as the by-product.

Retail

Allora to lose its newsagency

David & Zita. To Our Valued Customers, With a great deal of sadness after nearly 26 years of trading, we wish to advise that the Allora Newsagency will be closing. As at close of business Sunday 25th February we will cease the selling and delivery of newspapers. Allora Hardware will be selling papers in store from Monday 26th February.

Meat

Former Allora butcher wins major award

Justin Wade, who commenced his career at the Allora Butchery, has been awarded the national title of Young Australian Butcher of the Year at the Australian Meat Industries National competition held in Brisbane on Saturday.

Research

Australian almond sector set for “year of growth”: Rabobank

The Australian almond industry is on track to enjoy a "much better year in 2024", Rabobank says in a newly-released report, with producers expecting to see margin improvement thanks to lower input prices, affordable water prices and high water availability, better climatic conditions and improving export prices.

Climate resilience

GRDC invests $1.9m in research for climate-resilient crops

The GRDC has partnered with the Australian National University (ANU) and industry partners to invest in research to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops … investment will focus on the development of heat tolerant wheat genetics, as well as determining what makes a wheat crop able to survive, grow and produce yields under high-temperature conditions.

Dairy

‘Trading places’ – the slowly changing face of Australia’s dairy trade: Rabobank

Australia’s dairy import and export mix is "slowly trading places" – with export volumes falling sharply in recent years while imports have spiked, Rabobank says in a newly- released report.

Hay

Farmers urged to monitor damp haystacks for fire risks

CFA is urging farmers to ramp up their hay maintenance for the remainder of the season, following a surge in haystack fires, with CFA responding to more than 50 since November. Igniting predominantly in the western parts of the state across the Wimmera and Loddon Mallee, CFA has responded to 29 in the North West region and 12 in the West region.

Robotics

Robots to make banana processing more a-peeling: Hort Innovation

Scientists are researching and developing new technology to build a prototype robot arm that will automate the repetitive and intensive parts of banana processing, resulting in significant efficiencies for the banana industry ... “If successful, this type of technology could also be applied to other crop-types to support Aussie fruit and vegetable supply": Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield.

Feed

Outside hay lost after rain event

About a third of the hay produced in southern Australia this season won’t be able to be sold through Feed Central’s consignment system after being left uncovered and damaged by rain. While it can still be traded from farms and the damage comes as demand for hay has fallen, Feed Central fears ongoing failure to properly store hay could have long-term impacts on the feed industry.

Grains

Cargill SustainConnect™ to meet rising demand for sustainable canola & open new revenue streams for Australian canola growers

Cargill is introducing a sustainable agriculture program to help Australian canola growers connect with new and emerging markets with the launch of Cargill SustainConnect™. The Cargill SustainConnect™ program will open new revenue streams for growers in Australia and assist Cargill in catering to the rising demand from domestic and international customers for sustainable Australian canola.

AI

AICRAFT and GoMicro partner on utilising AI solutions in agriculture

South Australian artificial intelligence (AI) company AICRAFT and deep tech company GoMicro have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to utilise AICRAFT’s low-power, compact, high-performance edge computing systems for powering GoMicro’s AI assessment solutions for agriculture and other industrial in-machine applications.

Upper Murray

Strategy champions new opportunities

Launched in February 2023, ‘Innovation Upper Murray’ is an exciting new project for the region, that locals can join now ... it aims to help the Upper Murray community and businesses identify opportunities for innovation, economic diversification and undertake long-term planning. The involvement of government and research bodies in the process, to support the successful adoption of initiatives, makes it a (place-based) method called Smart Specialisation Strategy (or ‘S3’).

Farming business

Third generation farmer finds key to success

When Matt McCarthy took over the family farm, Ascot Park at Budgee, from father Steve in April 2022, he probably didn’t realise how quickly the new direction he had for the farm would evolve ... The rich black soil of the Darling Downs produces excellent pastures ... Matt and Karla began selling their meat to family and friends.

Rural doctors

Emotional farewell for Dr Bottcher

Dr Clare Bottcher has departed the clinic where she has treated local patients for over 26 years. In an emotional farewell with clinic staff, Dr Bottcher recalled her time serving the locals of her own hometown, alongside “great mentors” and “wonderful custodians of this town”.

Regional health

Why some young dentists are making the move to regional Australia

A good dentist is a valuable asset, especially outside the big cities. It's encouraging to learn that there are bright young dentists in Australia that have discovered that a country practice can offer benefits, professional and personal, over work in the city. Australian Rural & Regional News asked Dr Parshad Sankey, now in Clare, and Dr Michael Dimitrov, in Gladstone, about their country experience.

Regional air

Rex flights suspension to continue

Regional Express Airlines will prolong the suspension of some of its flights for another seven months, blaming sustained supply chain challenges. Rex cut flights on seven of its NSW routes in September including from Sydney to Albury, Coffs Harbour, Griffith, Narrandera, Orange, Parkes and Port Macquarie.

Aeromedical

Toowoomba LifeFlight busier than ever

Toowoomba’s RACQ LifeFlight Rescue and LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service crews have recorded the highest number of aeromedical missions in Queensland completing 959 missions – a 46 per cent increase on the previous year. RACQ LifeFlight Rescue and LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS) helicopters are based at the Clive Berghofer LifeFlight Centre and Roma.

Community

Vibrant Newstead underway

Gen Barlow. Newstead's major auspicing organisation, Newstead 2021 Inc, has contracted two community development workers for six months. Local residents Joni Fitzgerald and Gen Barlow will work with Newstead groups and people on projects and find and match would-be volunteers with projects and micro-tasks.

Tourism

Nadia’s “Najalen”

Nadia Bish, of Wycheproof, is preparing to utilise her newly developed leadership skills to implement a natural tourism innovation project in 2024. The Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP), also often referred to as LEAD Loddon Murray, is well regarded across Australia, an initiative building the capacity of individuals to drive change and foster the growth of vibrant and sustainable rural/regional communities.

Horticulture

Report shows Australian horticulture’s mixed fortunes: Hort Innovation

New data shows mixed fortunes for an Australian horticulture sector facing numerous challenges; however, the long-term outlook remains strong with total production value increasing by 2.8 per cent to $16.3B. The latest edition of the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook ... includes information on 75 different horticulture categories across fruit, vegetables, nuts, and greenlife.

Pests

Slugs and snails, not my problem . . . are they? pest threats on BCG agenda

“Changing farm management is leading to a change in pest threats such as snails and slugs,” leading entomologist Dr Michael Nash ... warns growers. “Slugs and snails need moisture and if you're retaining more moisture in your farming system, which leads to increased yields, you will get more slugs and snails.” 

Outlook

Australian agriculture “moving confidently into 2024” – Rabobank annual outlook

Australia’s agricultural sector is "moving confidently into 2024", with an overall positive outlook for the nation’s farmers and agribusiness industries in the year ahead, Rabobank says in its newly-released annual outlook ... while agri commodity prices are "well down on the highs seen over the previous two years", the bank’s price forecasts point to "continued positive farm margins in key agricultural sectors in 2024"

Hospitality

Hotel hosts home-grown celebrations

The Birchip Hotel is building on a traditional theme of celebrating home grown talent on Australia day and this year the event was another resounding success. Bathed in sunlight, and welcoming shade from the trees, picnic rugs were rolled out on the grassy beer garden at the Birchip Hotel, with young families enjoying a jam-packed card of home grown talent.  

Hay

Aussie Hay Runners make hay-raising return

More than 60 heavy vehicles transporting 2144 bales of premium hay arrived in Grafton and Ulmarra on January 26 after completing an incredible 98860km journey from regional Victoria to the Clarence Valley. It was the third time the Aussie Hay Runners had returned to the region...

Firefighting

New scheme to help farmers fight fires: NSW Farmers Association

Farmers have welcomed the launch of a new trial scheme to help first responders fight bushfires. Under the new scheme, Farm Fire Units (FFUs) – or private vehicles used for firefighting purposes – can now be driven unregistered, provided certain conditions are met.

Fuel prices

Toowoomba most expensive for fuel

Toowoomba topped the RACQ’s list of most expensive regional centres for fuel in 2023. RACQ’s analysis revealed eight out of the ten largest regional centres posted record high average unleaded prices for 2023. Toowoomba emerged as the most expensive, charging 187 cents per litre (cpl).

Hay

MP diverts to make special visit to truckers

After learning that the Need for Feed Australia convey of donated hay was heading to Ardlethan Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke made a special diversion from her scheduled route to meet up with the inspiring team ... the 26-truck convoy ...

Tourism

Allora Heritage Weekend draws the crowds

This year’s Heritage Weekend was another huge success with an impressive collection of vintage cars, trucks, historical tractors and machinery, stationary engines and motorcycles on show along with well supported swap meets. One of many highlights was the celebration of recognising 50 years of Versatile tractors sold and delivered in Australia.

Ag Expo

FutureAg Expo 2024 to explore agribusiness 4.0 – The future of Australian agricultural innovation

A new, free-to-attend trade exhibition and conference is set to showcase the future of the Australian agricultural industry, with FutureAg powered by AGRITECHNICA 2024 highlighting the latest in cutting edge technology to improve productivity and sustainability across one of the nation’s largest industries.

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