Agriculture

The peak body for Australia’s farm sector is calling on businesses assessed under the Business Benchmark on Animal Welfare to rethink their links to the scheme. A consultation paper released by the UK-based organisation, which is affiliated with some of Australia’s largest companies, proposes to rank companies based on their commitment to ‘reducing reliance on animal products’ – including a plan to halve the multi-billion dollar livestock industry by 2040.

NIOA Santa Gertrudis Stud at Talgai took home the big prize with Supreme Stud Beef Exhibit of the Allora Show. Leading the bull was Sam Falls from Warwick. Blue Ribbons were also awarded to NIOA for Supreme Bull and Supreme Female.

Councillor Danielle Mulholland’s report on her meeting with Deputy Premier Paul Toole was followed by a stir among some councillors at the Kyogle Council meeting ... She listed the issues discussed at the meeting with Mr Toole. The most contentious one was the raising of the Toonumbar Dam wall.

Whilst we are seeing positive changes with international freight capacity returning to levels pre-COVID-19, productivity issues at major Australian container ports identified in the latest Productivity Commission report cost the Australian economy an estimated $605 million annually. These inefficiencies directly impact Australian farmers and if not addressed soon will be a compounding cost for all primary producers as well as exporters more broadly.

Mayor of the South Burnett, Brett Otto is urging local farmers and landowners to be vigilant when entering into discussions with proponents of renewable energy developments, including wind farms, solar energy sites and transmission lines. The South Burnett region will play a major role in the Queensland Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan and is expecting an influx of renewable energy infrastructure developers.

After fires, pandemic and floods, the Kangaroo Valley Agricultural and Horticultural Show is on track to return with a vengeance. The two year hiatus has only served to make the community even more welcoming and the organisers even more organised for what is set to be a wonderful two day celebration of life in Australia's most beautiful valley.

NSW Farmers is calling for a substantial investment from the state and federal governments to make their traceability reform achievable. A move to electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats will far exceed the $20 million offered by the federal government, and with a timeline set for mandatory tagging, farmers are in the dark on what financial support will be made available.

The Tasmania Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) supports the Australia-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement in principle ... However, the TFGA is concerned about recent demands from the EU to implement a Geographical Indications (GI’s) regime requiring Australian dairy producers to stop using traditional names such as Brie, Parmesan, and Cheddar.

2023 is well and truly upon us, and there is no stopping the Maldon Market ... A regular stall is our much loved sourdough bread-making specialists, ‘Bread Builders’. Ken and Amy have worked tirelessly to bring us their organic artisan bread for the past 10 years, never missing a market that we can recall. Ken Hercott became interested in bread and baking at an early age, growing up on an organic wheat farm in the Loddon Mallee region.

The Australian Beef industry and cattle herd are well positioned to capitalise on changing global supply dynamics in 2023. This year will be a year of transition and maturity for Australia’s cattle herd, with any increases in numbers now beyond rebuild status, with all key production metrics forecast to improve this year, according to the latest Cattle Industry projections update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Environment and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby attended a series of meetings in Denmark last month. With Warren Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie, Mr Whitby visited local peat swamps, met with Green Skills Inc., and with several stakeholders to discuss the latest forest management plan.

Barellan annual First Cross Ewe sale was held last Friday with agents Mark Flagg Livestock & Property Pty Ltd of Barellan announcing the results. Best extra heavyweight ewe lambs sold to firm rates on recent sales with most lines $20 - $30 cheaper than a recent noted first cross ewe sale.

Two days of action this Friday and Saturday at the Allora Show. Read all about what’s planned in our Show Feature inside.

The sale of walnuts is the most common and most criminal business in rural areas of Ukraine. Anyone can make money on nuts. Make it easy. Many walnuts grow on lands without an owner. And dealers buy nuts of any quality in every city market. Not surprisingly, even 15 miles from the site of the fighting with the Russians, the business of selling nuts is booming.

Member for Maranoa and Nationals leader David Littleproud is backing calls for Labor to rule out scrapping the Fuel Tax Credit (FTC) scheme. Mr Littleproud said dumping the FTC scheme was another cost of living threat under Labor and would hurt families and businesses.

Come and enjoy a family fun day at the 133rd Wynyard Show, the district’s authentic country Show. Marvel at the magnificent livestock, horses, poultry and cage birds on display. See popular woodchopping events and watch carriage driving on the main oval.  

Come along for a family friendly fun day out with Show attractions which include Eastend Bus Service Rodeo, Beaut All Vehicle Show including the Turtle Woods B&S Display, Sheep Dog Trials, Wood Chop, Championship Dog Show ...

“This program will provide an injection of funds to improve priority drainage channels, reducing the immediate risks to agricultural assets and surrounding communities in future flood events. The funding will focus on the cleaning and treatment of sediment in drains to assist in the movement of water through these river systems": Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt.

Next month’s ABARES Outlook 2023 conference will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and experts to discuss the latest trends and challenges facing Australian agriculture. Outlook 2023 will be held on 7-8 March at the National Convention Centre in Canberra, with this year's theme ‘global uncertainty, local challenges’.