Business

In an unprecedented move at today's Agricultural Industry Budget Breakfast, the National Farmers' Federation and multiple peak agricultural bodies walked out during the Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt's address. Together they demonstrated to the Minister he had crossed a line by announcing a radical 4-year timeline to banning live sheep exports on Saturday.

The man who developed ANTagonistPRO rapid response large-area treatment, David Priddy, says he is perplexed that used and proven Australian solutions, formulated for Australian conditions, have been largely overlooked to date within the National Fire Ant Eradication programme in favour of slower imported solutions ... David Priddy speaks to Australian Rural & Regional News.

All 12 of South Australia’s tourism regions welcomed an influx of foodies and festivalgoers thanks to this year’s Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel. More than 150 events delivered a deliciously diverse program of eating and drinking experiences, helping drive visitation and expenditure across South Australia.

The biggest beef exposition in the Southern Hemisphere just got bigger with the return of international guests and a throng of passionate locals fuelling record crowds at Beef2024. Support for the event has boomed post-Covid as people converged on Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Australia, for the week-long festival of cattle culture.

Michelle Daw. The efficiency and sustainability of high productivity, heavy vehicles should be taken into account when responding to the challenges of maintaining roads. That’s one of the main points made in a developing submission representing a dozen  farming and transport businesses in response to the Heavy Vehicle Access Strategy proposed by Yorke Peninsula Council.

Wilson McShane. Snowtown residents say recent speculation about changing the town’s name has been blown out of proportion and the name is here to stay for the foreseeable future ... Snowtown Progress Association chair Derryn Stringer ... said last week his initial comments about Snowtown considering changing its name had been blown out of proportion.

The Green Pioneer, Fortescue’s world-leading, dual-fuelled ammonia-powered vessel has been awarded the Hydrogen Transport award at the World Hydrogen 2024 Awards ... Sustainable Energy Council Hydrogen Advisory Board recognised Fortescue for its significant achievements in the transport sector and outstanding work over the past 12 months to advance hydrogen technologies...

I've heard leaders who refer to themselves as “straight shooters,” who will "call people out", and "hold them to account". This is all well and good. However, if combined with an aggressive tone of voice and language, this approach can put people on edge. Such leaders might be challenged on the importance of being respectful, empathetic, and personable to be deemed credible.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the federal Labor government’s decision to ban live sheep sea exports could have dire consequences for Victorian farmers and demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the entire agricultural industry.  VFF President Emma Germano said the move has sent shockwaves across the industry and has left many local farmers questioning the motive of our decision makers.  

The export of live sheep by sea from Australia will end on 1 May 2028, with legislation enacting the phase out to be introduced in this term of Parliament ... While the live sheep export industry has been in decline for many years, down from $415m in 2002-03 to $77m in 2022-23, the demand for processed sheepmeat both here and overseas has been rapidly expanding. This presents an opportunity for more processing to occur onshore in WA ...

The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) says farmers have been left shocked after Agriculture Minister Murray Watt announced a radical 4-year timeline to phase out live sheep exports ... "I’d say to farmers – stand tall and don’t lose hope. We’re proud of the vital role we play in feeding and clothing people all around the world. We will not allow this Government's sucking up to activists rob us of that pride": Tony Mahar, NFF CEO.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said a future Coalition Government will maintain the live sheep trade if it wins the next election, after Labor announced its live sheep export shutdown timeframe, with Agriculture Minister Murray Watt revealing a $107 million plan to ‘transition’ the industry by May 1, 2028 ... Warranine park farmer Ellen Walker from Brookton, WA, went to two meetings with the independent panel in Kondinin and York and said she was devastated by Minister Watt’s announcement today.

Simon Mumford, lismoreapp.com.au. Today, the stacks that tower over the Sunshine Sugar Mill billow steam, but over two years ago the future of the historic mill on the banks of the Richmond River was uncertain after the 143 year old mill experienced its highest ever flood level. Broadwater’s iconic Sunshine Sugar Mill was one of six significant large businesses that received government funding...

Grain Producers Australia says continued references to the consultations held with farmers on the Federal Government’s proposed Biosecurity Tax are grossly misleading and need to be called out. A Senate Inquiry report was handed down on Friday and delivered a brutal assessment of the levy/tax policy.

NSW Farmers has condemned the Federal Government’s catastrophic ban on live sheep exports by sea as it released a four-year plan to transition away from the live sheep trade ... According to an announcement made by Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt ... Australia’s live sheep exports by sea trade will be phased out by 1 May 2028...

What activists want Watt delivers. Watt farmers fear. What's next on Watt's hit list. What to do with Watt. All questions Western Australian farmers are now asking after last week's decision to move ahead with the live export ban. On the hookup when the Minister announced his plan, Murray Watt is quick to call me out when I questioned his motives claiming I was being personal.

Self service checkouts. Like most of the population I dislike them. There are many reasons, of course doing people out of jobs is the main one, and pandering to the world's current do it fast and run attitude another. But speaking as one who way back worked as a part time checkout chick, I have other reasons.

The global dairy market may experience a slower price recovery than previously anticipated, particularly as China shows a reduced need for dairy imports, Rabobank says in recently-released sector research. But, despite this, the overall market outlook remains positive, the global specialist agribusiness bank says in its Q2 Global Dairy Quarterly, titled Searching for Equilibrium.

Quill. A meeting was held at Birchip Leisure Centre ... Anne Webster, Gerald Feeny, Glenden Watts, Barry Batters and Di Lehmann attended to discuss the issue of renewables coming into the area, the construct company Cubico moving into Curyo West with idea of developing 100 to 200 wind turbines and the ramifications it might have on landholders and the community, should it go ahead.

The NT Government has announced planning is underway for another land release to ease the housing shortage in town. With Budget 2024 being released next week, the Labor Government said it’s investing more than $200 million to prepare more land for new housing and other developments in Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Katherine, and Darwin.

A day on Dalrymple Creek.