Australian wineries and vineyards moving ahead in the transition to net zero emissions and to tackle climate change
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia has released its inaugural Impact Report detailing the wide range of sustainable practices being successfully implemented by vineyards and wineries across Australia. The report outlines the program’s first national data set and the significant steps being taken towards net zero emissions for the sector, with 100% of members measuring and reporting their scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
Mildura Field Days, 21-22 May 2022
The Mildura Field Days is an annual two day event which has grown from humble beginnings as a Gadget Day to become an important link between the broader community to agriculture and the associated industries.
WA Forestry Minister’s timber yield claims refuted: Forestry Australia
Forestry Australia’s WA Branch has refuted claims made by Minister for Forests Dave Kelly who suggested timber yields in WA’s forests are declining, that the state’s forests are no longer productive, and that the decision by the State Government to end native forest harvesting is based on “science”.
The McGowan logic – sustainable native forest logging not environmentally acceptable, but widespread clearing of the jarrah for bauxite is: Robert Onfray
Robert Onfray gives an in depth examination of bauxite mining in Western Australia, its impacts on the jarrah forests, ineffective anti- mining protests and questions the McGowan government's decision to end native forest logging but support bauxite mining.
Next government must prioritise active and adaptive forest management
The peak organisation representing over 1,000 forest scientists and professional land managers has called for all major parties to prioritise policies which promote active and adaptive management of Australia’s forests. Forestry Australia President, Bob Gordon said active and adaptive management would ensure Australia’s forests can continue to benefit society and the environment in multiple ways for decades to come.
Agricultural research cut
Gabrielle Duykers. Localised farm trials in the Limestone Coast and western Victoria will be significantly reduced after a research and innovation body chose to reprioritise its spending ... Historically, the Mackillop Farm Management Group (MFMG) used funds from its members to conduct variety trials in areas throughout the region where there are either no National Variety Trial sites, where nearby trial sites have different growing conditions to those on members' farms, or to conduct specific cropping trials as selected by the committee. Earlier this month the group announced it would cease funding these trials indefinitely, citing rising running and management costs.
Queensland fruit fly outbreak Renmark North
A new Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared in Renmark North, following the detection of flies in monitoring traps. Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) staff will be visiting properties in the new 1.5km red outbreak area, which overlaps the existing Renmark West outbreak area and takes in the localities Renmark North and Chaffey.
New tool helps grain growers preserve beneficial insects on farm
A critical new tool will help Australian grain growers understand what pesticides to select to preserve ‘beneficial’ insects that play a critical role in pest management in the paddock.
Selecting an appropriate baseline: Frank Batini
If we wish to compare current observations with past performance, we need to establish a set of relevant data, or baseline ... Water Corporation’s advertisements claim that “Perth’s rainfall is declining due to Climate change” showing a graph of reduced stream-flows into the reservoirs as convincing proof that “Climate change is real”. Such claims deserve scrutiny.
High-end Aussie cherries sell out in Vietnam and Malaysia
A targeted campaign across Vietnam and Malaysia featuring luxury, ribbon-handled gift boxes filled with premium Australian cherries has resulted in close to 4000 boxes sold and importers and consumers wanting more.
Farmers left out of State’s pandemic repair plan: VFF
Farmers have been left out of the Victorian Government’s pandemic repair plan in today’s Victorian State Budget handed down by Treasurer Tim Pallas. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President Emma Germano said the Treasurer’s speech failed to mention agriculture as one of Victoria’s key export industries and the 21,000 farm businesses that play a vital role in Victoria’s economy.
The impact of China’s Covid lockdowns on Australian agriculture
RaboResearch general manager for Australia and New Zealand Stefan Vogel said, in particular, there are four specific impacts of the lockdowns in China that are set to have increasing ramifications for Australian agribusiness – disruptions to freight logistics, Chinese corn plantings, dairy demand and hog pricing.
Both sides MIA on plan for agriculture and climate change: NFF
"From Australia’s next Parliament we’re seeking support to help agriculture go further. We want to transform the treatment of agriculture and its intersection with biodiversity protection and enhancement and further develop the developing natural capital sector" : NFF President, Fiona Simson. The NFF wants a commitment from both sides of politics for a minimum $2 billion fund to reward land managers who improve the health of their landscape.
Farmers not receiving price rises: NSW Farmers
Rising inflation has sent prices up at the checkout, prompting calls from farmers for a crackdown on price gouging. The Consumer Price Index jumped 2.1 per cent this quarter – and is up 5.1 per cent over the past year – but NSW Farmers Horticulture Committee Chair Guy Gaeta said not all was it seemed at the checkout.
Roma Show, 6-7 May 2022
The Roma show will be holding an action-packed program with some of the best axemen and women in Australia in attendance.
Specialty timber exemption and the petition to amend the Victorian Forestry Plan
The Victorian Ministry for Agriculture has responded to a community-led petition by confirming that specialty timber from State forests is exempted from the 10 year phase out of native timber harvesting in Victorian public forests contained in the Victorian Forestry Plan ... James Kidman from Otway Tonewoods gave Australian Rural & Regional News some background on the 61-page petition he prepared and the Victorian Minister's confirmation of the exemption.
Scientists urge deeper dive into ocean afforestation and seaweed as a carbon storage solution
Two new studies led by Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS, UTAS) scientists provide an approach for accurately assessing the carbon storage capability of seaweed before it is factored into carbon offset initiatives, and highlight the need for further research into the impact of extending seaweed forests offshore into oceanic ecosystems.
Top of the class
Gabrielle Duykers. A young Naracoorte wool classer has claimed top honours at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney. Twenty-year-old Sarah Haynes won the 2022 Australian Wool Exchange/TAFE National Graduate Woolclasser competition on April 12, making her the first South Australian to receive the prestigious award.
Mundubbera Show, 6-7 May 2022
The Mundubbera Show is a fantastic two-day event, filled with fun for the entire family. Our show has proudly showcased the Mundubbera regions livestock, produce and creativity since 1921.
Receivers selling Murray River Organics portfolio
ASX-listed organic dried fruit producer Murray River Organics has put its remaining seven horticulture properties up for sale, two months after going into receivership. More than $15 million is expected for the aggregation in Mildura.
High Country grazing property expected to attract strong interest
A Bonnie Doon large-scale grazing property has hit the market, offering potential buyers various potential outcomes at the Gateway to Victoria’s High Country.
