Global and local factors driving record beef prices around world
A combination of global and localised factors is creating a “very tight” global beef cattle market – with strong demand and record high prices in many regions throughout the world – and this is coinciding with a fundamental shift in international market dynamics, Rabobank says in a newly-released report.
Health and medtech opportunities in Dubai
The Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Business Council Dubai are delighted to jointly host this two-part webinar series with Dubai FDI - Healthcare on 16 June, Food & Agribusiness in September.
International food standards on the menu for 25th anniversary meeting
Australia is chairing the 25th anniversary meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS), which started yesterday. “This meeting is important for Australia, in particular our agricultural sector, to help shape the science-based international standards underpinning food import and export,” says, Nicola Hinder, DAWE.
Chinese demand for Australian beef still strong
Australian Property Journal. Low cattle supply across the country is a major driving force in the current tight conditions in the global beef cattle market. According to the Rabobank Q2 Beef Quarterly report, the beef market is so tight, with growing demand, that localised disruptions, including conditions in Australia, are having a far greater impact on trade and prices than typically seen.
Upgraded Wagga Wagga Airport taxiways complete
Upgraded taxiways designed to accommodate Regional Express, Qantas and larger passenger aircraft at Wagga Wagga Airport has opened to air traffic this week. The scope of the project included widening and strengthening the existing taxiways and extending taxiway A to the runway end to allow for the passenger traffic to enter onto the runways without having to perform a turnback to take-off.
Whyalla Airport set to soar
The new Whyalla Airport is taking shape, as work continues on the expanded terminal, enhanced facilities, upgraded runway and improved safety and security measures ... Whyalla City Council Mayor Clare McLaughlin said the upgrades would deliver a modern, future-proofed facility, well placed to service Whyalla and the region.
Airport brings economic and job benefits to Lismore community
TAFE NSW and Airways Aviation will start delivering world-class training to students at Airways Aviation’s base from July at the Lismore Regional Airport, Lismore City Council’s Commercial Services Business Manager Kevin Trustum said. “Along with the university, it strengthens Lismore as the educational centre for the Northern Rivers and beyond,” he said.
AGCO enters into targeted spraying technology collaboration agreement with Bosch, xarvio Digital Farming Solutions powered by BASF and Raven Industries Inc.
Targeted spraying technology can provide a significant reduction in herbicide use in growing crops and fallow ground, as well as night and day applications.
Malanda Show, 25-27 June 2021
With 2021 show festivities due to commence in June, the hype, excitement and planning is well underway! This year’s events are set to thrill, entertain and engage people of all ages.
Rocky Show line-up announced!
Start getting excited for some adrenaline pumping fun, because the Rockhampton Agricultural Show has just announced its entertainment line-up! Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams is excited to announce Camel Racing is coming back to the Rocky Show. “We’ll have Camel Racing proudly presented by The Capricornian drawing crowds to Centre Ring on People’s Day followed by the spectacular Rooftop Express and fireworks” Mayor Williams said.
Grant to help Wik timber ramp up Cape production
An Indigenous logging company will start initial milling of timber and create more than 50 new jobs, mostly in the Cape, thanks to a grant from the state government. Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the government has given a $480,000 grant to Wik Timber Holdings to purchase and install a Gibson sawmill. “Wik Timber is an Indigenous-owned company that specialises in harvesting timber on mining leases that would otherwise have to be incinerated,” Mr Miles said.
Experienced tour guides happy to be on the Cape
Weipa's newest tour guides are loving life on the Cape. Darren Corke and partner Jane Monacella are five weeks into their stint for the tourist season ... “I’m really impressed with the area and how many crocs there are in the water. The amount of wildlife; from fish to dolphins, turtles, snakes and birds ... there’s something different to see with every boat trip,” says Darren.
Beanie workshops return to Tennant
Tutor Siri Omberg was in town this week building up the hype for the Alice Springs Festival and brought the warmth to Tennant Creek by holding beanie-making workshops at the Paterson Street Hub to encourage more entries into the festival.
Patents System Review to help secure small business innovation
Industry, Science and Technology Minister Christian Porter today tabled a report into the accessibility and operation of Australia’s patent system for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Patents Accessibility Review was conducted by Emeritus Professor Raoul Mortley who consulted widely with the small business community, universities, researchers and lawyers on a broad range of topics, including costs, processing times and the level of government support available to SMEs to help them understand and navigate the patent system.
Mulwaree River Walkway unlocks new trails
New walking trails will be ready to explore in just a few weeks, with work underway on the river walkway link from Lower Sterne Street in Eastgrove through to Cemetery Street ... “This area of Goulburn is just another gem waiting to be discovered, and I think many residents will be pleasantly surprised when the project is complete” said Mayor Bob Kirk.
May 2021: Whether to Buy or Weather to Sell?
Rabobank. Agri commodity prices have taken a tumble so far in May, dropping by 6% on average, with grains leading losses. US weather has improved permitting quick plantings and that, together with expanding corn acreage expectations, has led to heavy fund profit-taking.
Primex beats the odds
Norco Primex has welcomed back bumper crowds after the event was put on hold last year because of covid restrictions. “We have beaten the odds,” Primex director Bruce Wright said.
Somerset ArtBeat festival on this weekend in Toogoolawah
Musicians, visual artists, and school students will take centre stage at this Saturday’s Somerset Art Beat Festival in Toogoolawah. The celebration will showcase all things art and culture, with market stalls, live music, dance performances, workshops, food and more.
State-Federal Government cooperation on Farm Resilience Program welcomed
The National Farmers Federation has welcomed recent announcements on the roll-out of the Future Drought Fund’s (FDF) Farm Business Resilience Program, a program that will provide practical training for farms on strategic business management, natural resource management, and personal and social resilience. "This program will be crucial in building our farmers fundamental business and strategic planning skills with respect to resilience and preparedness," NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.
Urgent action required as mouse plague spreads
NSW Farmers estimates the mouse plague will chew more than a billion dollars off the farmgate value of the state’s winter crop as the impact of this mouse invasion extends across NSW ... “After more than 8 months of battling growing mouse numbers farmers are still waiting for State Government assistance to hit the ground and offer some practical support to our farming community,” NSW Farmers Vice President Xavier Martin.
Six riders, a rich landscape and a whole lot of fun
Geoff Helisma. When Keeley Pritchett’s phone rang he didn’t recognize the number, but he took the call … a call that steered his life a little wide of the mark while riding towards a bullseye. Just over two years ago, the Lower Clarence man was an apprentice motorcycle mechanic learning his trade in Sydney. Following that unexpected phone call, Pritchett ended up touring Tasmania with five other bikers and starring in the film Wide of the Mark.
Cotton partnership reaches $150m investment milestone
Since 1971, Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO has been partnering with Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) in plant breeding and agronomy to put globally competitive cotton varieties that are pest and disease tolerant into the hands of Australian farmers.

