Farming

"If we can remove young pigs before they breed it will put real pressure on feral pig population." - John Medcalf, Lachlan Shire Mayor. A joint operation between NSW Farmers Tottenham branch and the Australia Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA) has conducted a very successful feral pig bounty trial in the Tottenham area. The trial resulted in the removal of 1,427 feral pigs...

Andrew Weeks. I write in response to the commentary about the recent Senate Committee hearing, and the impact that a mandatory code for winegrape purchases will have on the Riverland wine sector. It is not surprising there is a strong voice among growers calling for a mandatory code ... However, it is misleading to suggest that installing a mandatory code of conduct will be the answer to all problems, nor is it guaranteed to only have positive impacts.

Grain growers are advised to remain vigilant by monitoring mouse numbers locally in the lead up to sowing. The latest meeting of the National Mouse Group (NMG) heard reports of moderate to high mouse activity from the Darling Downs and Roma in Queensland, parts of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and parts of Western Australia.

A newly published ABARES Insights report has emphasised concerns around non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and their sharp increase in recent years.

A Charles Sturt University researcher argues that sustainability research is particularly relevant to supporting Australian farmers’ resilience to both climate change and market risk.

When the access bridge to a farm is washed away by flooding caused by ex- Cyclone Alfred, who is responsible for fixing it? On a property at Upper Duck Creek, near old Bonalbo, a woman in her 80s living with her son, in his 60s (both asked not to be named) have no access in and out of their farm because the bridge was washed away during recent flooding. The damaged bridge is not on their land.

The state’s peak farming group has welcomed a fresh crackdown on biosecurity controls in the wake of ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred. On Friday NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty announced measures to keep Red Imported Fire Ants out, with a temporary ban on soil and hay coming into the state from infested areas in southeast Queensland.

David Jochinke. The National Farmers' Federation notes reports that Australian steel and aluminium exports to the United States will be subject to a 25 per cent tariff. The NFF supports a considered and measured approach being taken as officials work through this and any future developments.

“I'm actually embarrassed to say now that I used to think sheep farmers had it easy.” said sheep expert Geoff Duddy, addressing the Best Wool Best Lamb meeting at Wakool. Geoff spent 27 years with NSW DPI in both Sheep and Wool research and extension roles before establishing his own private sheep consultancy ...

Biosecurity Queensland is advising of the preliminary identification of varroa mite (Varroa destructor) for the first time in Queensland, in the Lockyer Valley. Initial samples from a recreational apiary in the Lockyer Valley have returned a positive diagnostic result for Varroa destructor.

The Ganmain Historical Society will host its annual Open Day on Saturday 22 March at the Ganmain Museum ... Prepare to 'Step Back in Time' and be transported and immersed in history that includes static displays and working demonstrations of machinery, tractors, home appliances and farming equipment.

A portfolio of three well located mixed farms near Narrandera offers potential buyers economies of scale and operating efficiencies. Rockvale, The Station and Clifton are located on the Newell Highway, 10km north of Narrandera.

Bunyip and District Agricultural Society Inc.

Walcha Show Society The Walcha Show, 14 & 15 March, is excited to be opening its gates once again for another action packed show weekend....

Hugh Schuitemaker. The Federal Government says it is reaching new milestones in recovering environmental water, however senior Riverland politicians claim a focus on fulfilling the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is harming local growers and irrigators. Statistics released last week by the Federal Government show 286GL of water for the environment has been recovered under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Larger and wealthier populations in South and South-East Asia are driving food consumption growth and opening opportunities for Australian grain and oilseed exports, according to a new report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.

Australia’s national cattle herd and sheep flock are both expected to decline slightly as record production, slaughter and exports meet demand, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) 2025 Cattle and Sheep Industry Projections. The cattle herd is projected to fall by 1.4 per cent to 30.1 million head in 2025 due to increased turn-off of older breeding cows and dry conditions in Southern Australia. 

A beloved Australian bird best known for its stunning tail and powers of mimicry may have a cunning hidden talent. New research has revealed the superb lyrebird to be a resourceful farmer, creating micro-habitats to host and fatten its prey before returning later to feast. 

Tasmania’s peak industry body, TasFarmers, has welcomed the news that the Saputo-owned King Island Dairy will remain open under new management following its sale to two Australian business leaders. TasFarmers had been concerned that the potential sale or closure of King Island Dairy could have significant economic ramifications for the island’s community.