Agriculture

Cropping is in full swing across the district. Diapur farmer Tom Cook said, "Funny start to the season. I wouldn’t really say we’ve had the break, but I’ve got vetch and canola out of the ground. Still sowing into moisture at the moment as we move through our wheat program. Not sure the moisture will hang around for long though, unless we get more rain."

NSW Farmers is calling for a comprehensive, ongoing review of devastating flooding during La Nina to prevent future threats to people, property and livelihoods ... NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said many people had reported unprecedented damage resulting from these floods, and called for a review into floodplains and planning decisions that may have exacerbated the problem.

Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud, Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce, and Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, and have joined local Kalapa graziers in central Queensland to see first-hand the impact renewable projects will have on the region’s environment and communities. It comes amid concerns over a planned 10,910-hectare Moah wind farm project, 30 kilometres west of Rockhampton.

A fishing season for a high value sea cucumber in the Torres Strait has reopened for the first time in 20 years thanks to a concerted conservation and stock restoration effort ... Torres Strait Islanders will have exclusive access rights to black teatfish, which is estimated to be worth $380,000 to the local economy.

Editorial. There is a certain romance about shearing. But, as in so many professions, there is a world-wide shortage of shearers. If you go back 30 years, there were some 10,000 working shearers. Today, there are 2,000 in the industry. But the Covid pandemic has done the industry a good turn, inasmuch as it has enabled young people out of a job to do the necessary training for a well-paid occupation, which shearing – while hard work – undoubtedly is.

Australia’s beef sector is set for a return to "more normal" market conditions in the season ahead, after a recent extraordinary period marked by record prices levels and volatility, according to Rabobank’s Australian Beef Seasonal Outlook 2023. But while prices are projected to track in a narrower range – at close to current levels – through the year, this is still "historically high’ and expectations are that beef producer margins will remains strong, the agribusiness banking specialist says.

Around 200 Murray crayfish have been released into the river as part of a landmark trial to reintroduce the iconic Australian species back into the South Australian River Murray ... "The Murray crayfish release in South Australia would not have been possible without the rescue efforts of OzFish volunteers during the upstream black-water event, and North-West Aquaculture and Nature Glenelg Trust for maintaining them in captivity," said Darren Willis, Team Leader Wetlands at the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.

South Burnett Regional Council Mayor, Brett Otto has joined National Party Leader and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud in questioning the federal government recent budget announcement to impose a levy on farmers to fund biosecurity. Mayor Otto has called on the federal government to reverse the decision, saying it is another impost on struggling farmers.

A Place in the Country is essential reading for anyone who has, or plans to have, a rural property in Australia or New Zealand. Whether your goal is food, profit or enjoyment, this book offers the ‘eyes wide open’ approach to creating your own beautiful, productive and sustainable rural landscape.

In Ukraine, participants in the flower business are three times heroes. In 2014, the war with Russia began. Then, in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic began. And in 2022, Russia invaded the territory of Ukraine. Over eight years, the business industry has experienced a catastrophic recession three times. Even so, the flower business continues to thrive. The love of Ukrainians for flowers is stronger than any problem.

Produce from local family farms direct to your door. Australia’s leading regenerative agriculture and food company,  Dirty Clean Food, is calling on consumers to eat like their future depends on it ... Dirty Clean Food connects customers with local regenerative farmers creating a win-win transaction for both.  

We have a Blue Light Disco at the Town Hall Friday night for the children along with a Open Mic Night and BBQ and bar at the Show ground to kick start a great weekend. The show society subsides all rides to the cost of $5.00 per ride to make the show affordable for families.

Sunday, 28th May, 2023 – Gates open at 9.00am. $15 per adult, 16 and under free. No dogs permitted. Free Parking. This year the Honey Festival is with us again. Much more space this time so expect this to be something special. There will be talks, demonstrations, competitions and special activities for children.

We are also hosting a wine and cheese night to welcome Miss Showgirl and the Rural Ambassadors on the 19th May (the day before the Show).

Nyinkka Nyunyu is set for a $7 million upgrade, announced in this week’s Territory Budget ... Speaking to the Tennant & District Times, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech said works include a new artist studio, upgraded gallery, performance and storage spaces and immersive audio visual displays and experiences that share history, stories, arts and culture.

Farmers say scrapping Dungowan Dam is a short-sighted move that will limit future food production. State Water Minister Rose Jackson announced Dungowan Dam would not proceed in the wake of the federal budget, saying it would save taxpayers $632 million.

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) has expressed concern over the latest federal budget, claiming that it will exacerbate existing cost-of-living pressures faced by Australians. The TFGA has criticised the budget for failing to address several pressing issues, including regional skilled labour shortages, the ongoing housing crisis, and increasing supply chain costs.  

Charles Sturt University academics are collaborating on an international project to investigate how racehorses express positive emotions in their interaction with humans. Researchers from Charles Sturt, EITITe PÅ«kenga in New Zealand and Hartpury University in the United Kingdom have secured funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Equine Welfare Foundation for the three-year study.

Researchers have made a scientific breakthrough which could significantly advance understanding herbicide resistance in Ryegrass, with the new information set to help combat the weed for Australian grain growers.