New front-line weapon against mobile fire ants
A tough new product has been launched in the fight against the potentially nationwide spread of the invasive Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), while one expert warns that care should be taken to minimise the risk to other species and the environment from all fire ant treatments.
Dozens of gappies start on-farm careers this month: NFF
The National Farmers’ Federation’s flagship gap-year program AgCAREERSTART has begun for another year, with dozens of young people kicking off their agricultural careers this week. AgCAREERSTART connects farmers with 17-25 year olds who are looking to work on Australian farms.
Opinion – Timber framing is safe and reliable in bushfire-prone areas: Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia
Kersten Gentle, CEO, FTMA. The debate on the “right” materials to use when building homes in bushfire-prone areas often sparks fierce opinions and misguided claims. While some advocate for alternative materials, timber framing remains a viable, safe, reliable and effective option when designed and built in accordance with modern practices.
Seafood leads global protein production growth – Rabobank Global Animal Protein Outlook 2025
In 2025, economic conditions, geopolitics, and supply availability will significantly influence global animal protein markets, according to RaboResearch’s Global Animal Protein Outlook. While demand remains vulnerable to macroeconomic fluctuations and policy changes, seafood is poised to surpass poultry...
Pole top fires cause power outages
About 12.30pm Western Power said weather conditions had impacted Western Power’s network with dozens of pole top fires affecting power supply to about 38,000 homes and businesses throughout Perth and the Mid West and Wheatbelt regions.
Law of Ukrainian agricultural exports: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
In 2024, Ukrainian agricultural exporters achieved impressive results. They sold goods worth US$24.5b. This is the second best result in the entire history of Ukrainian agriculture. The victory was achieved despite many problems and thanks to intensive improvement of agriculture. The war became the main driver of competitiveness for Ukrainian farmers.
New release – Paul Simons: His Remarkable Life on Land and Sea
Born in Wales, Paul spent his early childhood years amidst the rigours of the Great Depression... A career in the British Merchant Navy took him to all corners of the globe ... Settling in Australia, he took a job at the bottom of the rung of Woolworths, rising through the ranks to become perhaps its most successful CEO. When retirement should have beckoned, a third career as a Superfine Merino woolgrower has occupied Paul to the present day.
Heritage Weekend blasts off!
The Allora Heritage Weekend is on again this Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th ... For the two days there’ll be continuous action with displays and demonstrations of vintage and veteran cars and trucks, motorcycles, historical machinery, stationary engines and many interesting antiques.
Mining battle
Proposed mining for rare earths elements in the Limestone Coast is facing opposition from local producers and residents. Many sections of the community are concerned about how mining would impact production in one of the state's key agricultural regions.
Call for evidence on SA veterinarian mental health
Locals with concerns about the mental health of South Australian veterinarians have until the end of February to give evidence on the growing scourge. Written submissions and expressions of interest to appear before a Joint Committee on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians in SA close on February 28.
Housing crises affects businesses
Businesses from all sectors in the Tatiara District—whether trades, diesel mechanics, car dealers, agricultural machinery and supplies, manufacturing, or engineering—with five or 500 staff are unable to grow, or in some cases operate at capacity, because there is no accommodation available to house the staff they need to attract. This is the situation facing the district, council chief executive officer Anne Champness has told The [Naracoorte] News.
Under Federal Government – Climate zealotry takes priority
The Federal Labor Government’s inability to read the international political climate and instead press on with its domestic climate agenda, demonstrates that the Prime Minister isn’t focused on the struggles of the Australian people, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said this week.
Golden delicious!
The 2025 Maldon Twilight Dinner was a dazzling event under a clear, starry sky on Saturday 18 January. Attendees glistened in a variety of outfits along a golden spectrum of glitzy glam to gleefully garish. (There was a particular trend for sparkly top-hats).
Health networks: mixed reactions
News that the State Government had grouped health services into Local Health Service Networks was met with distrust and derision from members of the opposition parties, but our local health provider, Dhelkaya Health, responded positively ... The Tarrangower Times contacted Dhelkaya Health to try and understand the ways in which the changes would affect local patients and staff.
Albanese Government supports continued operation of Rex: Gallagher, King
The Albanese Government is ensuring Rex Airlines regional services will continue, supporting the administrators on next steps. The Government ... acquire $50 million of debt from Rex’s largest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited (PAG), an important step to prevent an adverse outcome for regional communities, such as liquidation, and ensure the continued connectivity of Australia’s regional and remote communities.
Breaking world records the goal
In February, 4BP Horses, based at East Greenmount’s Lauralla Lodge, is aiming to set new world records. In 2022, Joe Hughes and his wife Miranda bought Lauralla Lodge, a 152 acre horse property on the New England Highway at East Greenmount where he now uses his unique 4BP horse training methods (4 Brumby Protection) to transform wild brumbies for a life working with people.
Worrisome mosquito-borne virus detected
There has been a confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in a man who visited Yelarbon in the Goondiwindi Region during the Christmas period ... Darling Downs Health is urging all community members around the Goondiwindi region to ensure they are vaccinated against JEV.
Virus escalates along the border
Holiday makers and residents in the state’s north are being reminded to remain vigilant against mosquitoes, following recent detections of the Japanese encephalitis virus. Victoria’s early warning mosquito surveillance program has identified the virus in two mosquito traps in Moira Shire – the first mosquito-borne disease detections this season.
Quamby farm heritage comes to life
This weekend the Quamatook Tractor Pull Complex will be a hive of activity as farm machinery from yesteryear is fired up to work as the Quambatook Heritage Working Machinery Association holds their annual harvest working days event ...
Vena Energy leads Australian renewable energy innovation with utility-scale greenfield solar and battery energy hybrid project: Vena Energy
“This hybrid configuration redefines operational flexibility. Our system enables simultaneous export of solar power to the grid and independent operation of the battery for energy export or storage. By optimising existing grid infrastructure, we are enabling renewable energy to be dispatched when needed, delivering cost-effective power to South Australia" : Owen Sela, Head of Vena Energy in Australia.
Inversion puts Peter in illustrious company
Serena Kirby. One of Denmark artist Peter Usher’s paintings has been selected for Leeuwin Estate’s Art Series wine labels. Peter joins the ranks of other leading Australian artists to appear on the labels that includes works by John Olsen, Arthur Boyd, Sir Sidney Nolan, Robert Juniper and Clifton Pugh.
Top global trends impacting Australian food and agri to 2030: Rabobank
Changed eating patterns due to the rising use of anti-obesity drugs, a shift towards in-home alcohol consumption and increasing demand for dairy products tailored to older consumers are among some of the top global trends in food and agri set to be felt in Australia in the next five years, according to a new series of podcasts from Rabobank.
