Agriculture

The Newstead Community Energy Project will be generating 100% local renewable electricity by the end of August this year. This is a cutting-edge project forming a partnership with energy retailers Flow Power and community energy group Renewable Newstead.

According to a new report from Rabobank, participants all along the dairy value chain are being squeezed. Producers’ milk prices have tumbled from 2022’s lofty levels while feed prices are at record highs.

In his 75 years of farming in the Biggara Valley, Keith Whitsed says he has never seen a more impressive crop than the stand of corn currently being grown on the family property with his daughter Marie and son-in-law Dave Colbert. Their first attempt at growing corn for fodder has exceeded their expectations but has also brought with it some unique issues.

This Sunday 12th March sees the Annual Auction conducted by the Southern Downs Poultry Club at Allora.

Cumnock Show, 18 March 2023

All Exhibitors must complete a waiver form signed by their parents before competing. Changes to any classes may be made at the Stewards discretion. Remember - your pet must be healthy and have the necessary vaccinations. All pets must be on a lead or in a cage-we don't want you to lose them! Every pet receives an award

Farm cash income for all broadacre farms is projected to decrease nationally by around 7 per cent to average $327,000 per farm in 2022–23 but remain 46% above the 10-year average ... “However, farm incomes are projected to fall slightly in 2022–23 because of lower prices for most commodities and input costs remaining high after significant increases in 2021–22": Head of Farm Performance at ABARES, Peter Gooday.

After years of careful planning, interrupted by bushfire, floods and a global pandemic, the Bago State Forest Nature-Based Tourism Enhancement program was launched with reveal of its long-awaited Masterplan ... the Masterplan aims to deliver growth in the local and regional tourism economy through improved forest-based visitor experiences incorporating art, health and wellness, and environmental projects.

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers (TFGA) oppose Treasurer Jim Chalmers proposed increase on the superannuation tax rate to collect an additional $2 billion annually from hardworking Australians and farmers ... CEO of the TFGA, Hugh Christie, said this policy decision to effectively double the tax rate for every hardworking Australian from 15 per cent to 30 per cent would be devastating for future investments into farming.

Victorian regional communities are being delt the brunt of brutal job and skills losses since the timber supply issues stemming from a Supreme Court order in November 2022 locking up Victoria’s native forests causing mills to close down. It was announced in 2019 by the State Government that the native timber industry would be phased out by 2030 and since then activists have been relentless in attempting to speed up the process by taking out court injunctions stopping timber harvesting operations leading to short supply.

Forestry Corporation ecologists have spent the week walking through Bondo State Forest near Tumut calling ‘hey frog’ – The most effective survey technique for detecting the critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog. Amazingly, yelling 'Hey Frog' elicits a response from the frogs, which call out in response.

Grain Producers Australia’s new survey results show growers faced multiple, significant challenges with producing a near record crop in 2022-23 – especially input costs and extreme weather events. Whilst some analysts forecast the Australian crop size at a huge 71 million tonnes, valued at about $28 billion, Australian grain producers also planted the most expensive crop on record.

119th Wagin Show and 50th Woolarama, 10-11 March 2023

The Cooma Show is on Saturday 11th March 2023, gates open at 7.30 a.m.

There will be something for everyone.  Something to tempt you might be the exciting Wood Chopping,  great entertainment from the Freestyle Moto X,  Tug-O-War Championship ... We have the Reptile Man with snakes and lizards and a real live crocodile you can have a photo with.

137th Taralga Show, 11-12 March 2023

Like many country shows, The Robertson Show experienced flood and COVID cancellations over the past few years. But, the Show is finally back – bigger and better than ever for two FULL days of fun and entertainment.