Researchers find key herbicide resistance gene
Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative (AHRI) researchers have identified a key gene in annual ryegrass responsible for the weed’s resistance to seven different herbicide chemistries from five modes-of-action. Annual ryegrass is considered one of the major weeds in Australian broadacre cropping systems and populations are commonly resistant to one or more herbicides.
Record cattle prices could last the rest of 2021
Analysts say the latest cattle industry projections suggest record cattle prices could last through the rest of calendar 2021. Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) 2021 Cattle Industry Projections forecasts cattle slaughter to fall to its lowest level in 25 years as producers retain stock. The rebuild comes after cattle numbers fell to 24.6 million head in 2020 – their lowest level since the early 1990s – as a result of prolonged and severe drought.
Exclusion lamb feeding delivers unforeseen benefits
Research has shown that introducing lambs to supplementary feed earlier aids in rumen development, which leads to faster weight gain and potentially earlier joining of the ewe lambs. However, to do this effectively, the ewes need to be excluded from the feeders. Over the past two years, MLA has funded a Producer Demonstration Site exploring the use of exclusion feeders with lambs. NSW farming systems group, FarmLink is running the trial with Anthony Shepherd from Sheepmatters, and a number of producers from around the south-western NSW region ...
Sanitarium and UNSW breaking new ground in plant-based product segments
The Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has welcomed Australia’s longest-established plant-based health-food manufacturer, Sanitarium Health Food Companyâ„¢, into its consortium. Australia’s iconic health-food brand is set to work with UNSW food-technology specialists in CRC projects to improve the functional properties of innovative plant-based protein products, starting with its Barista dairy-free milk range.
Lost crops costing farmers’ mental health
The scarcity of seasonal workers continues to impact growers as crop losses climb to over $45 million this week. The labour shortage is a result of Federal and state government decisions to restrict the movement of people through the Australian border in order to manage the human health impacts of COVID-19. Sixty-five separate crop losses from five states and territories have now reported on the National Crop Lost Crop Register.
Agribusiness Australia report – Changing Community Expectations
The 2021 State of the Industry report from a leading industry body.
WA grain industry plans a carbon neutral future
Western Australian grain growers will explore strategies for making their industry carbon neutral as part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Grains Research Update in Perth on February 22 and 23.
It’s Showtime!
After the hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic restrictions, local shows are back on again. What better way to help re-build rural & regional Australia than by rolling-up to support a local show! Not only will you have fun you will be having it in a good cause. Take a look at this list of local shows scheduled to take place in February.
Special forum convened to address worsening mouse issue
The worsening mouse situation in some of Australia’s key cropping regions will be addressed at a specially convened online forum. With mice ravaging freshly planted summer crops in parts of northern New South Wales and Queensland and in large numbers elsewhere across eastern and southern states, concern is mounting about further impact to summer crops ahead of grain fill and harvest and the potential threat to the 2021 winter grain crop.
Export activity accelerates to meet strong market demand
The CBH Group is accelerating export activities to meet strong international demand for Western Australian grain as record breaking shipments during December signal a busy shipping period for the first half of calendar 2021.
Liquid Fuel Security
The National Farmers' Federation considers that the current level of liquid fuel security in Australia is inadequate. The current arrangements for the sourcing and distribution of liquid fuel in Australia leave the agricultural industry vulnerable to a range of supply risks. The NFF considers that the Australian Government should take action to reduce this vulnerability.
On-farm water recovery continues despite Minister’s promises
The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling for the Commonwealth Minister for Water Resources to keep his word and stop on-farm water acquisition to meet the 450GL up-water target in addition to the Murray Darling Basin Plan. VFF Water Council Chair Richard Anderson said he was disappointed the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water is continuing to pursue on-farm water recovery despite the Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt’s promise not to do so.
Australian agriculture looking to profitable year ahead – industry outlook
Australia’s agricultural sector is set to enjoy an overall profitable year ahead – underpinned by high commodity prices, positive seasonal conditions and low interest rates, and despite expected continuing trade tensions with China – according to a newly-released industry outlook.
Management Plan for Lakes and Coorong Fishery
A draft Management Plan for the Commercial Lakes and Coorong Fishery has been released for public consultation. Minister Basham said the changes further refine the harvest strategies of pipi and finfish to ensure sustainability into the future. A key change in the Management Plan includes refining the method for determining the total allowable commercial effort (net units) for finfish each year. In addition to the existing environmental measures, it is proposed the method includes consideration of the historical catch per unit effort for each finfish species.
New technology to advance Australian quinoa industry
The Australian quinoa industry has taken a step forward with the development of a more accurate and efficient processing and breeding tool to ensure the ancient superfood maximises palatability ... Research scientist Adel Yousif recognised an opportunity to modify a water droplet surface tension (WDST) technique used in the resources sector, to accurately quantify the saponin concentration and satisfy international quinoa specifications.
Queensland – still time to have your say on new chapter of fisheries reforms
Queenslanders with an interest in the state’s landmark Sustainable Fisheries Strategy have another three weeks before consultation on the latest phase of reforms closes.
Minimise the menu for mice
Grain growers in western Victoria are being urged to reduce available feed in the lead-up to sowing this season in a bid to help protect the 2021 seasons’ crops from mice. High yielding crops in the past two seasons in parts of the southern Mallee, Wimmera and Western District have created a bonanza for mice in some paddocks, according to Agriculture Victoria’s Heather Drendel.
Help available to Northern farmers plagued by locusts
The NSW Government has responded quickly to reports of Australian Plague Locusts in the State’s north by providing free support and pesticides to landholders, and by establishing a central State Co-ordination Centre, Minister for Agriculture and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
French Government could be set to push for green light to New Breeding Techniques (NBT)
The French Government is developing proposals that would allow the use of mutagenesis, a process by which the genetic information of an organism is...
Aussie dairy exports to Japan go paperless
All milk and dairy products exported to Japan must now be exported using electronic certificates, following negotiations between the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour...
Rabobank – short supplies force prices to rise
CBOT G&O prices launched out the gate in 2021, reaching their highest prices since 2014 as supplies continued their decline from last year. Global demand continues to be strong,and the weather is imperfect, leaving a precarious balancing act until resupplies arrive in major exporters. Non-Commercials are piling into an inflation bet ...
Mulloon Institute – Queensland field days
Sam Skeat has been presenting at several field days in northern Queensland recently with the message that rehydrated landscapes are more resilient to fire and drought, and can help mitigate some flooding effects. This In turn benefits local creeks and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef with water kept on properties and reduced sediment runoff ...
