New report warns dairy industry faces devastating impacts from Basin Plan: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says a Ricardo report commissioned by Dairy Australia raises serious concerns over the future of the dairy industry, with water buybacks potentially leading to a further 270 million litre decline in milk production.
VFF condemns $63 million Commonwealth water buy as reckless and damaging to farmers: Victorian Farmers Federation
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has slammed the Federal Government for paying a staggering premium of $1,000 per megalitre above the seasonal average in its recent purchase of Goulburn water, calling it a reckless move that distorts the market and punishes farmers.
Buybacks to push dairy farmers to the brink: NSW Farmers Association
Milk production could plummet by up to 15 per cent in the southern Murray Darling Basin if water buybacks are not halted immediately, a new study has shown. The Dairy Australia report … Australia’s annual milk production could plummet by up to 270 million litres if the federal government pressed on with water buybacks that would strip dairy farms of vital water supplies.
New tech gives second life to plastic farm waste: La Trobe University
Researchers from La Trobe University in Bendigo have developed an innovative recycling solution for synthetic bale twine, helping to address the growing problem of agricultural waste. In a study published in the journal Recycling, the research team analysed the thermal, physical and mechanical properties of various plastic waste materials...
Real people, real change – Free short film screening highlights Adaptation Stories
A series of short films titled Adaptation Stories will be screened at Kyogle Cinema on Sunday, June 29 at Kyogle Cinemas ... The films highlight how people are adapting to climate change and includes farmers, First Nations leaders and young changemakers.
“You’re not alone”: Rural Aid brings hope to flood-hit Western Queensland
In the wake of devastating floods, Rural Aid is rallying around Western Queensland’s farming communities with a powerful message: you are not alone. From 10–17 June, Rural Aid will be on the ground in Thargomindah, offering hands-on mental health support, meaningful connection, and a good dose of joy—reminding families that brighter days are ahead.
Donated fodder on its way to Fleurieu Peninsula this long weekend: Scriven
More than 200 tonnes of donated hay will be delivered to farmers on the Fleurieu Peninsula this long weekend ... Charitable organisation Need for Feed is working with local Lions Clubs in Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Port Elliot to deliver about 10 truckloads of hay to 16 registered primary producers across the Fleurieu on Monday 9 June.
In Ukraine, the weather has deceived farmers and nature
Climate change has such a large negative impact on Ukrainian agriculture that it affects the country's macroeconomic indicators ... Farmers from all regions of Ukraine have sown 5.5 million hectares of spring grain and leguminous crops ... However, this spring cannot be called ordinary.
Surprise developments for new levy
The State Government announced on Friday 30 May, amongst a list of drought-relief measures, that it would pause the implementation of a contentious new levy to fund emergency services ... The Tarrangower Times has been following the story and chatting to various stakeholders as the story unfolded towards this unexpected pause to one aspect of the ESVF ... "their rage is white-hot"...
Can’t grow Ag policy in a political storm: TasFarmers
TasFarmers is calling out the state's political leaders for failing to prioritise stability and good governance through the parliamentary process, following the Rockliff Government’s loss of a no-confidence vote on the floor of the House of Assembly.
Labor risks trading beef industry away in US trade talks: Littleproud
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said he feared the Albanese Government was prepared to trade away Australia’s biosecurity advantage to appease the Trump Administration, after reports the Government had put beef imports on the negotiating table. Mr Littleproud said Australia’s strong biosecurity must remain a priority, instead of being used as a bargaining tool by Labor.
Drought package is too little too late
The Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley says drought affected farmers are desperate for meaningful help not a scheme to share the cost of hay sheds and poly pipes following the Victorian government's announcement of an expanded drought assistance package and a 12-month pause on Emergency Services Levy (ESL) increases for primary producers.
Council continues unfair fire tax fight
The Towong Shire Council intends to keep up its opposition to the state’s Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy despite the Victorian government’s announcement last Friday of a 12-month pause on the tax for farmers. At its meeting on May 28th, councillors unanimously opposed the levy, which was due to take effect from 1 July, 2025.
Downs dominates thoroughbred industry
New Queensland Government data shows the state's racing industry now contributes close to $2.5 billion per annum to the State's economy, including a large chunk for the Darling Downs. The findings were according to independent data from research specialists IER.
Toganmain Woolshed Celebration weekend set to honour a legacy of wool and community
Ian McLaughlin. This June, the Riverina will come alive with the echoes of clippers, stories from generations past and the vibrant sounds of local music as the historic Toganmain Woolshed celebrates its 150th anniversary ... Toganmain Station has long stood as a testament to the rise and resilience of Australia's wool industry.
Immediate help needed, not future-proofing
Drought-hit South East farmers need “immediate help” from government-funded relief packages, rather than money for future mitigation measures … That is the view of independent member of the Legislative Council of South Australia Sarah Game, who says her assessment of the state government’s drought-relief packages has been – in part – informed by her communication with South East farmers.
Ag group provides helping hand
It was the drought about a decade ago that the penny finally dropped for farmers in East and Central Gippsland. The tough times had brought people together and looking forward, the question on many farmers’ mind was ‘How to boost farm production in the good times better to cope with the tough times?’ ... in 2018-19 the Gippsland Agricultural Group was formed ...
Orbost corn popped across globe
In many European countries right now - Spain, France, Hungary and Poland - farmers are just putting the finishing touches on planting their sweet corn. Similar plantings occur in other parts of the world - from South Africa to Chile, Uruguay and New Zealand - at a different time of the year. They have one key thing in common: they source their sweet corn seeds from Snowy River Seeds in Orbost.
Ag production figures fall as outcomes for some rest on a knife’s edge: ABARES
The gross value of Australia’s agricultural production is expected to fall by 2.8 per cent to $90.7 billion in 2025-26, driven by lower crop and livestock production volumes, according to the June quarter forecasts released by ABARES ...
NFF says wage growth must be matched by productivity gains
“As price takers, farm businesses have limited capacity to absorb higher labour costs without a corresponding uplift in productivity. Without this link, wage growth risks undermining the viability of many small and family-run farm operations”: Troy Williams, NFF.
Mayoral matters
Hindmarsh Shire Mayor Ron Ismay. I would like to commence by commending the thousands of regional people who took part in the protest over the recently legislated Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy on the steps of Parliament House in Spring Street last week ... This levy is an absolute disgrace!
Sheep dog trials are baaa-ck in Barmera
Madison Eastmond. Kicking off at 8am this morning due to an unprecedented number of entries, the annual SA Sheep Dog Trials have returned to the Barmera Oval this week, with action continuing through to Sunday afternoon ... "A lot of our competitors tell us (Barmera) is the best trials they go to — with the town, the lake, and the extra entertainment we put on.": SA Sheepdog Trials organiser Bob Clark.
