Bushfires and logging debate: Tasmanian Government statement
The Tasmanian Government is continually monitoring new scientific research to ensure the way we regulate forestry is contemporary and consistent with best practice. The Government takes bushfire management and mitigation incredibly seriously and is taking a number of important steps to manage future risk and keep our communities safe. The Government’s position, that actively managing our forests can markedly reduce fuel loads, is supported by a significant number of scientific publications.
Registrations open for the 2021 National Biosecurity Forum
Registrations are now open for the 2021 National Biosecurity Forum being held virtually on 10-11 November. Head of Biosecurity, Andrew Tongue said this year’s forum would focus on the future, including the national biosecurity strategy, shared responsibility and partnerships and preparedness.
‘Does it get any better than this?’ – Rabobank Agricultural Land Price Outlook
Australian agricultural land prices are set to continue to climb for at least the next five years – with the sharpest growth to 2023 – Rabobank says in its newly-released annual Agricultural Land Price Outlook.
Get along to the Longford Show! 16 October 2021
Come and celebrate the 164th Longford Show on Saturday the 16th of October. We are a very family friendly show, there is lots of free entertainment to see throughout the day.
Fabricated myths and politics are causing the mismanagement of water in the Murray-Darling Basin
Robert Onfray. Before I started our travels, I recall hearing and reading stories about the parlous state of the Murray River and its basin. These calls are always louder when there is a drought. On our trip, I have spent a lot of time on the Murray, the Lachlan and Edward Rivers, as well as the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area. We also stopped at Wentworth to observe the mouth of the Darling into the Murray River.
History made as Ag Worker Visa created
The Australian Government has amended the Migration Regulations to create the Australian Agriculture Worker Visa (Ag Visa) to provide for a vital agriculture visa to help secure the future of rural and regional Australia ... “The Ag Visa will be the biggest structural change to agricultural workforce in our nation’s history. The visa will also be available to the fisheries, forestry and agricultural processing sectors and will target seasonal workers, skilled and semiskilled workers“: Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud.
State Arena Dogpro Plus 2021
West Australian Working Sheep Dogs Association, Media Release, 1 October 2021
A new dawn for agriculture’s workforce
After five years of advocacy by the NFF, an Agriculture Visa is one step closer to becoming a reality with the Governor General signing the legislation into law. NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar said the milestone represented a new chapter in Australia’s approach to addressing agriculture’s workforce shortages.
Broadening the Australian palate with new wine grape varieties
The McGowan Government continues to support the expansion of the State's wine industry, backing the local development of three new wine varieties from the Mediterranean - two receiving a medal at a recent Western Australian wine show ... Prosecco, a sparkling white grape variety, and Nero d'Avola, a mid-body red variety, were sourced from Italy while the Mencia variety originates from Spain.
CSIRO acquires new Forest Hill research station in Queensland
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has purchased a 77-hectare property in Queensland to continue its research in support of agriculture in the north, including new and improved crop varieties, agricultural tools, and agronomy.
IFA/AFG welcomes study on Indigenous knowledge and the shackles of wilderness
The professional association representing some 1,000 forest scientists, researchers and forest land managers in Australia has welcomed the paper  Indigenous knowledge and the shackles of wilderness  by Associate Professor and Wiradjuri man Michael-Shawn Fletcher. The Institute of Foresters of Australia and Australian Forest Growers President Bob Gordon said the paper provided an opportunity for solution focused dialogue regarding how we manage our forests, and highlighted the need to engage and work closely with Traditional Owners.
Call for protection of farmland in race to Net Zero
NSW Farmers has called for the clear protection of agricultural land as the state moves to slash emissions by 2030. While moves to increase private sector investment, grow the economy and lower power prices were welcomed, NSW Farmers Vice President Xavier Martin said the protection of prime agricultural land had to be a fundamental part of the plan. “As they say, they’re not making any more dirt, and we need to ensure that prime agricultural land is protected because once you dig it up or pave over it, it’s gone forever ... We remain concerned about regional renewable energy zones – there is clearly scope for this sort of infrastructure, but we must ensure it does not displace food and fibre from quality land."
Korean giant offloading 1,308ha Southern Highlands property
Hume Coal has moving to quickly sell what is the largest landholding in the South Highlands region after its plans for a $533 million coal mine were knocked back by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC). The Australian subsidiary of Korean steel giant POSCO is hoping for over $60 million for the 1,308-hectare landholding, seven kilometres from the town of Moss Vale.
Time for allocations to get real
With 50-100mm of rainfall forecast across the southern basin in the next few days and dams already full to overflowing, water allocators need to start thinking outside their conservative box. "The agriculture sector has continued to power Australia’s economy during these difficult times. The resilience of the regions is showing strongly. Now is the time for regulators to be as supportive as they can," NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.
Barossa grazing properties fetch $15m
Historic grazing properties in South Australia’s Barossa have sold for around $15 million to producers outside of the region looking to expand. The properties included the 2,549 hectare Red Creek property at Keyneton, and the adjoining Karinya Station at Moculta, spanning 2,047 hectares.
Riverina breeding enterprise changes hands
A producer from Riverina region in New South Wales has forked out $5.14 million for Kondoolka Station  in the heart of the Gawler Ranges.
SA cattle producer buys Wallerberdina
A cattle producer from southern South Australia looking to expand has picked up the Wallerberdina Station  prior to auction for between $3.5 million and $4 million, and will use the 23,580 hectare Flinders Ranges holding as a breeder operation.
Register now: Nuffield Virtual National Conference, 12-13 October 2021
Register now for Nuffield Australia's free Virtual National Conference, allowing you access to excellent speakers and discussion from your home, office, or tractor cab!
Technology helping Cape graziers
Mark Knowles. A new scientific project, dubbed SpaceCows, aims to help Indigenous rangers track and manage feral herds on their land in Cape York and northern Australia. The joint project, a partnership between Aboriginal land management groups, universities, CSIRO, a satellite company and Microsoft, uses artificial intelligence and data from satellite tracking to predict herd movements.
MOU to support aquaculture further offshore
The Australian and Tasmanian governments have agreed to support a framework to deliver offshore aquaculture in Commonwealth waters off the coast of Tasmania. Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries and Senator for Tasmania Jonathon Duniam and Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett said the joint agreement between the Australian and Tasmanian governments will help examine the economic, environmental and operational feasibility of offshore aquaculture.
Solution Blue cracks the insect industry’s biggest challenge: quality, consistent protein output
Casey Dun. Australian insect farming startup, Solution Blue is seeking investors to scale its black soldier fly protein production system. Providing greater productivity at much lower cost than its competitors, Solution Blue’s world-first technology delivers high-quality, consistent insect protein that has so far eluded insect farmers across the world. And it’s got aquaculture and pet food manufacturers clamouring.
