Agriculture

Sarah Herrmann. Oyster farms in Stansbury have been forced to close while authorities investigate whether food safety is at risk from brevetoxins produced by the microalgae Karenia. At least six farms were closed from Monday, May 5, as a precaution under the Primary Produce (Food Safety Schemes) (Seafood) Regulations 2017.

Australian farmland prices are expected to return to modest growth in the year ahead, Rabobank says in its newly-released 2025 Australian Farmland Price Outlook. The annual report, by the agribusiness banking specialist’s RaboResearch division, says a positive outlook for key agricultural drivers is expected to see agricultural land prices rebound in the year ahead...

The Australian beef industry can play a positive role in the climate solution provided policy settings recognise the science of the biogenic carbon cycle, according to a leading international air quality specialist. Professor Frank Mitloehner, of UC Davis in the US, told [Cattle Australia forum] ... that while livestock do have an impact on our climate, the contribution of animal agriculture is often exaggerated at the expense of farmers and viable solutions.

Roughly two thirds of voters in those 39  seats in the House of Representatives defined as "rural" by the AEC gave their first preference vote to right of centre parties in the 2025 federal election ... No matter how many votes are cast and no matter how many seats are won in rural areas in favour of a particular side of politics it will not matter a fig if the majority of voters in the city and provincial electorates cast their votes in favour of the opposite side of politics.

Former cattle drafter Barry Coonan from Wellcamp reflects on his history with the Toowoomba Saleyards at Harristown following the announcement of their indefinite closure. "I worked at the Saleyards for 58 years and retired in 2015, at the age of 75.

Thousands of fingerlings stocked to boost local fishing. On Tuesday, 29 April, Nhill Lake received a boost to its aquatic life with the release of 5,000 golden perch fingerlings. The restocking initiative … aims to encourage more people to take up fishing across the state.

Australian Food and Fibre's Geoff Lucas and Heidi Stephens expect this year's ginning season to break all records. The Cobb Highway cotton gin, operated by Australian Food and Fibre (AFF) has entered its tenth year of processing.

Hugh Schuitemaker. Water buybacks will loom large on the second-term Albanese Government's agenda, the re-elected Liberal Member for Barker has warned. Tony Pasin was easily returned for a fifth stint in office on Saturday, despite suffering a 3 per cent two-party-preferred swing against him, and seeing his primary vote dip below 50 per cent.

Australia’s pulse exports – comprising chickpeas, beans, lentils, lupins and peas – may face minor headwinds in the year ahead due to changes in global supply and demand, Rabobank says in a newly-released report. The food and agribusiness banking specialist says the most likely impacts on farmgate prices and export margins for pulses will stem from currency volatility and shipping costs.

Either way, Sunday, May 18, will be a day of mixed emotions for Wedderburn identity, Tony Hansen, because on May 18 he hopes to sell his collection of iconic items of vintage farm machinery. These relics of the pioneering past are like “best mates” to Tony, who has arrived at that point in time to see his “best mates” move on to another collector, or possibly a machinery museum.

Potential declines in bee populations due to varroa mite infestation could jeopardise Australian horticultural production, Rabobank says in a newly-released report ... In the report, How varroa mites might impact Australian pollinators, the bank’s RaboResearch division says this threat comes at a time when demand growth for pollination is outpacing growth in beehive numbers.

TasFarmers President Ian Sauer ... stressed that some major issues were not presented to voters during the campaign, including changes to superannuation, environmental law reforms, and forestry policy, therefore it is a fallacy to say there is a mandate from voters.

With National Alpaca Week taking place around Australia from 10 to 18 May, this seems the ideal time to learn more about these cute camelids with the fabulous fleece and the industry in Australia. ARR.News found out more from Brett Fallon, the President of the Australian Alpaca Association.

The South QLD and Northern NSW Region of the Australian Alpaca Association has several studs holding Open Farm days during National Alpaca Week ... The first weekend coincides with Grafton Show, and the alpaca section will have fleece judging on Friday 9 May, with halter/led classes on Saturday 10 May.

Australian Alpaca Association Ltd, Media Release, May 2025 The Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) is proud to mark a major milestone in 2025—celebrating 35 years of...

Australia’s fish habitat charity, OzFish, is calling on the help of Australia’s recreational fishing and ocean-loving super sleuths to track down the country's remaining tropical shellfish reefs — so they can be studied and restored. OzFish, in collaboration with Griffith University, is asking Australians to keep their eyes peeled for tropical shellfish reefs while out on the water.

Around the state, Mr Schinckel said the amount of money spent by producers nowadays would be something in the order of $10-$15 million per week per 1000 producers. “So, $50m that the SA government is offering is not going to go far—it’s a drop in the ocean.” ... He believed that the state and federal governments did not know or understand livestock production.

Mildura Field Days The Mildura Field Days is an annual two day event which has grown from humble beginnings as a Gadget Day to become...

The Cohuna and District Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society Inc has fared well at the Northern District Agricultural Societies Association of Victoria (NDAS) Group Finals held in Swan Hill last Sunday. Taking out one of the most prestigious awards was Giorgi Boucher.