FarmGate decommoditising the marketing of commercial livestock: FarmGate Auctions
Commercial beef producers will be able to market and sell their cattle through FarmGate Auctions with verified data backed by genomic testing and on a new digital platform, taking them to next-level marketing and product branding. The new platform will allow producers to add their biodiversity credentials, emission reduction programs, previous product performance, product branding and transaction data, and then decide how much of this information is passed onto the buyers.
Regional Australia key focus of new Cool Soil partnership: CSU
Charles Sturt University is leading an important advancement in the Australian agriculture sector with an initiative that will enable a global on-farm emission calculator (Cool Farm Tool) to be customised for a region-specific focus ... The Cool Farm Tool is already used in 150 countries to estimate GHG emissions, soil carbon sequestration, water stewardship and biodiversity by tens of thousands of users, including farmers, crop advisors and agribusiness leaders.
CIAF weaves two cultures into one extraordinary performance
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) celebrated its 14th edition over the weekend with many highlights, most notably, two sell-out fashion performances of Woven ... The purpose of CIAF’s annual and iconic fashion performance is to promote Queensland’s contemporary Indigenous design, diversity, and inclusion while also empowering Indigenous youth through the representation of who they are and where they come from.
Index declines as agricultural commodity prices trend lower: NAB
Livestock prices continue to place downward pressure on the NAB Rural Commodities Index, which has fallen for the eighth consecutive month to now be 28.1 per cent below June 2022 levels ... NAB Senior Agribusiness Economist, Phin Ziebell, said cattle prices have been the single greatest driver of the lower Rural Commodities Index, constituting a quarter of the total Index and losing around half its value from the 2022 peak.
Chief Minister unveils new look for Nyinkka Nyunyu
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles unveiled concept designs for the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre’s $10 million transformation in Tennant Creek yesterday. The investment is part of the Territory Labor Government’s Arts Trail initiative, which aims to make the Northern Territory a world-class tourist and cultural destination.
Aboriginal agreements could change how local governments operate: Bev McArthur
Victorians should be alert – and probably alarmed – at a deal that has been kept quiet by the State Government that will give indigenous groups in Western Victoria a huge say over water, roads and biosecurity ... The land mass covered by the agreement is nearly 36,000 sq km and involves ten local councils: Ararat, Horsham, Buloke, Hindmarsh, Pyrenees, Northern Grampians, Southern Grampians, Yarriambiak, Mildura and West Wimmera ... “There is so much to be worried about in relation to this ‘unprecedented’ agreement:” Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur.
First taste of 2023 looks a classic
The Coonawarra Wine industry, together with other representatives from the Limestone Coast Wine Region, have gathered to undertake a ‘post vintage tasting’ of over 100 wines from the 2023 Vintage.
Decision upheld
The future of Victoria's forests has been captured by political ideology and complex legalities rather than being determined by science and professional expertise, according to Forestry Australia ... "The problem is, there has been no universally accepted definition or clarity regarding how key components of the [precautionary] principle should be interpreted or applied in practice," Forestry Australia said.
Movement at the station”¦
Viv Markham. Many thanks to VGR volunteer Brendan Barry, who took this photo recently of the self-propelled Bluebird (but coloured red!) diesel rail car being loaded up to leave the yards at the Maldon railway station ... The bogies from the Bluebird will be used during the restoration of a very special carriage: the Mount Lofty Pullman car.
NFF responds to Agriculture Ministers’ meeting
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture, signed off by agriculture ministers at their meeting in Perth on 13 July 2023. Farmers have expressed concerns however over the proposed implementation of new poultry standards, and a lack of tangible progress on other issues placing pressure on the sector.
Bonza pens an open letter to customers to announce its refreshed route map
Bonza has shared an open letter to customers communicating changes it will be making in order to “earn the respect of Aussie travellers”. The letter, shared on the airline’s social media channels, outlines changes to its route map and schedule that are designed to set the airline up for long-term success and reduce the likelihood of cancellations.
New renewable energy landholder toolkit available to support Queensland landholder: QFF
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has released a new toolkit to provide information and practical guidance for landholders considering hosting a renewable energy project on their property. ... “There is much for a landholder to consider before entering into an agreement. It is also important for landholders to understand that they can say no to hosting a wind or solar farm development...": QFF CEO Jo Sheppard.
Good times in the saddle
From Nobby to Westbrook and everywhere in between, locals ventured out west last Saturday for the first ever Pittsworth Pro Rodeo. The rodeo was a raging success, with more than 3,500 people through the gates and top class action as well as local juniors delighting an all-ages crowd.
More firefighters needed for region
Forest Fire Management (FFMVic) is looking for people across north east Victoria who are keen to work outdoors, learn new skills and help protect the community and the environment. Applications are now open for project firefighter roles across 18 locations including Corryong, Tallangatta, Mitta Mitta, Alexandra, Marysville, Toolangi, Broadford, King-lake, Benalla, Mansfield, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga, Nathalia, Shepparton, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens and Mount Beauty.
Covid vaxx discrimination Bill deadline extended
The reporting time for the Covid-19 Vaccination Status (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill 2022 and the Fair Work Amendment (Prohibiting Covid-19 Vaccine Discrimination) Bill 2023 has been extended to August 25, 2023. On February 9, 2023, the Senate referred to the committee with the bill’s intention to prohibit the commonwealth, states and territories and other government and non-government entities from discriminating on the basis of whether a person has had a Covid-19 vaccination in the provision of goods, services and facilities and also in employment, education, accommodation and sport, and amend the Fair Work Act 2009 by adding Covid-19 vaccination status as an attribute protected from discrimination.
Controversial skywalk now taking shape
Narrandera's Lake Talbot skywalk is now taking shape, with vehicle and pedestrian access within the Lake Talbot swimming pool carpark and stairway to the boat ramp closed in both directions last week to allow further works on the project. The design features a fully accessible walkway that extends some 13 metres out over and above the waters of Lake Talbot...
Queensland’s seminal First Nations celebration opens today: CIAF
For the next four days, Cairns will move to a vibrant, artistic, and cultural beat celebrating the rich traditions, creativity, and contemporary talent of Queensland’s First Nations peoples at the 14th annual, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), 13 to 16 July 2023 ... Also taking a cue from this year’s curatorial theme is CIAF’s new-look, two-day Symposium that will be held on Friday 14 July and Saturday 15 July at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre...
Warwick NAB branch temporary closure
NAB has told local customers that it intends to close its Warwick branch for about two months from Tuesday 25th July ... NAB has indicated that the renovations at the Warwick branch are being made in response to changes in the way its customers are doing their banking. Editors note - Maybe these changes are forced upon customers due to NAB closing local branches. No wonder more people are banking with the Warwick Credit Union.
Glenreagh Timber Festival – the family friendly festival
The Glenreagh Timber Festival is back on Saturday July 29, from 9am – 4.30pm at the Glenreagh Recreational Reserve. Step back in time and discover the rich history of Glenreagh, nestled in the stunning Gumbaynggirr country.
AirPhysio launches a range of respiratory health products in the UAE
AirPhysio is an Australian Made and Owned Medical Device manufacturer based in the Northern Rivers of NSW ... AirPhysio has expanded from 5 countries in January 2021 to 106 countries in the past 2 years, they decided to enter the Middle East through Arab Health in January 2022, bringing home l75 leads from over 25 countries..
Moody’s upgrades Western Australia to AAA credit rating: Cook, Saffioti
Moody's Investors Service has upgraded Western Australia's credit rating to AAA, with a 'stable' outlook ... The upgrade means Western Australia is now the only State or Territory with a AAA credit rating from both major international ratings agencies, and one of a very small number of jurisdictions globally with such a rating.
Expectations smashed as more than 70,000 use Rail Trail in first four months
Data released by Tweed Shire Council shows more than 70,500 people have used the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) since its opening four months ago, smashing prior expectations. The figures released were calculated using data retrieved from counters strategically placed along the 24 km length of the Tweed section of the NRRT, which runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.
