SFF calls on the federal government to permanently ban importation of uncooked prawns into Australia: Banasiak
From 7th July 2017, a temporary ban on the importation of uncooked prawn products was lifted and replaced with import conditions which have consequently failed and once again threatened our great seafood industry. Recent detections of White Spot Disease (WSD) at three prawn farms on the NSW North Coast have the SFF calling on the Federal Government to slam the door shut and permanently ban the importation of raw, uncooked prawns and decapod crustaceans into Australia.
District towns vie for top agriculture award
Naracoorte and Lucindale have been nominated for South Australia’s Agricultural Town of the Year Awards 2023, pinning the importance of the district’s $411million primary production sector. Public voting is now open to choose the top 10 agricultural towns in the region, and the Naracoorte Lucindale Council is encouraging locals to register their votes for the towns ... “...and highlights the practises of those within the agricultural sector and the benefits that flow onto communities”: Council chief executive officer Trevor Smart.
International demand for Aussie almonds spurs $7M export investment: Hort Innovation
Industry and Hort Innovation are working together to prime the Australian almond sector for growth amid a 118 per cent rise in overseas demand over the past decade. From exporting 52,795 tonnes in 2013 to 115,049 tonnes in 2022, the almond industry is gearing up for further expansion. Delivered through Hort Innovation and led by the Almond Board of Australia, the $7M program aims to increase almond exports by at least 50,000 tonnes over the next three years and push export sales beyond $1 billion.
In Ukraine, archaic agriculture wins over industrial
Ukraine could become the first country in the world where the evolution of agriculture will be replaced by devolution. The war makes farms and large agricultural holdings inefficient. These enterprises use large capital, hired labor, complex machinery, large plots of land and work for export. But war cannot destroy the private farms of the rural people.
Cattle prices and El Nino risk drive down NAB Rural Commodities Index: NAB
The NAB Rural Commodities Index* is now 25.2% below year-ago levels, largely reflecting steep declines in cattle and lamb prices and a high chance of an El Nino event forming in coming months. The Index dropped 0.7% in April and a further 3.4% in May, reports the NAB June Rural Commodities Wrap released on 21 June 2023.
Two-year control order could kill Clarence prawn industry
A two-year control order preventing the harvesting of prawns from the Clarence River announced as part of a $21.4 million biosecurity response package to White Spot virus could be the death knell for an industry already on its knees, if not managed properly, says the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-operative ... But Ms Adams said if the control order on the Clarence Estuary is not managed well, there won’t be a prawn industry on the Northern Rivers in two years’ time.
Two-year lockout in $21m Clarence prawn package
Prawn trawlers will be locked out of the Clarence River for two years as part of a $21.4 million NSW government biosecurity response and recovery plan from White Spot, which has devastated the multi-million-dollar industry. NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Sarah Britton said a critical component of the plan is the long-term measures to help drive business and trade continuity in NSW and other parts of Australia.
Around the paddocks
Brett Jewell of Kaniva said, "Our sowing program is nearly done with about 100ha to go, haven’t got much in the ground this week due to the wet weather, but we won't send that away. Canola and beans are up and the first of the wheat is coming through now. We have double-knocked most of the weeds this year which has done a great job but has required a lot more time on the sprayer."
Powerline inquiry welcomed by state’s farmers: NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers has welcomed a Parliamentary Inquiry into undergrounding powerlines, calling it a win for common sense and community safety. Multiple renewable energy projects proposed or under construction in regional areas would require new power lines to connect them to the grid, Energy Transition Working Group chair Reg Kidd said, but too often landholders were being ignored by the big developers.
Agriculture Minister visits North Coast forests: Forestry Corporation of NSW
Ecology, community and renewable timber were on the agenda last week as the NSW Minister for Agriculture, The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC spent time in Bagawa State Forest near Coffs Harbour. Minister Moriarty said the field visit provided a deeper understanding of how State forests are managed to balance multiple uses and objectives.
Bumper year at the Bellingen Show
Bellingen Show made a triumphant return this year with a bumper event that attracted large crowds and a jam-packed program that offered something for everyone.
Atherton Show, 10-11 July 2023
We are on track for a magnificent Show, action packed full of entertainment and activities for all ages. We are the biggest Show on the Tablelands and will have some of the best entertainment happening daily from Dinosaur Adventure park, Airtime FMX death defying stunts to Road Crash Rescue Demonstrations by the local SES and QFRS members.
Treasurer says: You aren’t forgotten
Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said the state government had learned much from its visit to Yorke Peninsula, even if it wasn’t addressed in the budget ... "I know in a state budget, whether you’re from a particular area in South Australia or particular interest group you look and find, what do we get new. But I don’t want people to think that just because something hasn’t been specifically funded, there isn’t effort going into that."
North Central LLEN meets at the Rex
More than 50 board members, staff, partners, stakeholders, and community members attended the North Central LLEN Annual General Meeting and stakeholder event at the Rex Theatre in Charlton last week. Hosted by CEO Jane Hosking and fellow staff member Molly Meadows, the evening featured a range of elements including the AGM itself and a facilitated panel of young people about why they chose agriculture as a career pathway.
Australia’s cattle herd reaches highest level in a decade: MLA
The growth of the Australian national cattle herd is on track to increase throughout 2023, resulting in a high supply of both young cattle and finished weight animals to market well into 2024. This is according to the latest Cattle Industry Projections update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), which notes that the national cattle herd will reach its highest level since 2014 at 28.7m head.
Australia’s reputation will suffer under live sheep ban: NFF
The National Farmers’ Federation has warned a consultation panel assessing the phase-out of live sheep exports that Australia’s status as a favoured food exporter will suffer should the ban proceed. In a submission to the consultation process, made public on 20 June 2023, the NFF has named broader trade impacts among several reasons the phase-out plan must be scrapped.
Global Dairy Quarterly Q2 2023 – It’s always darkest before the dawn: Rabobank
Signs of weakening demand for dairy are spreading across markets. According to a new report from Rabobank, the cumulative effects of high food price inflation over the past 24 months, along with slowing economic activity in 2023, have translated into lower dairy demand in developed and emerging markets.
New certification scheme to protect farm data: NFF
The National Farmers’ Federation has released a new certification scheme, aimed at helping farmers choose tools and services which protect their farm data. The new scheme – which builds on existing schemes available in the United States and New Zealand – will certify products marketed to farmers to ensure they comply with the Australian Farm Data Code (the Code).
Forestry Commission on the brink: Gavin Butcher
It’s not only the timber industry that’s in decline, the government’s forestry agency, the Forest Products Commission (FPC) is also sinking fast. The WA 2023-24 Budget Papers indicate that this commercial business is failing under the Labor Government. It is predicted to continue to make losses in coming years.
Zoo looking for new homes for beloved goats
The Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Zoo & Aviary is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from the community to rehome five of its adult goats. The goats have been on display for several years but had to be relocated due to recent changes at the zoo.
Bowen Show, 27 June 2023
This year's show will feature a Dinosaur Park, Duck and miniature pig races, petting farm, camel rides, Rocky River Mining and the Radical Reptile show. At night there will be a spectacular show in the main ring, ending with the fireworks.
NLC to borrow $1.52 million
A loan for $1,522,500 million at around 5.29 per cent for the next five years will be taken out by Naracoorte Lucindale Council on June 15. The borrowed funds will be used to help upgrade SA’s biggest saleyards, Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange (NRLE). Turning 50 this year at its current site and considered a jewel in the council's crown, the “user pays” facility is self-funded by the district’s biggest ratepayers, its primary producers.
