CATEGORY

Farming

Grains and oilseeds trade continues to grow, despite global upheaval – Rabobank World Map

The global grains and oilseeds trade continues to grow steadily and reached around 880 million metric tons in 2023/24, with an estimated value of USD 330 billion, according to Rabobank’s just-published global grains and oilseeds world map.

Fire ants intercepted in Toowoomba

A Cotswold Hills resident has helped prevent the potential spread of fire ants by reporting fire ants found on second-hand machinery purchased from within a fire ant biosecurity zone. On Friday, 29 May the resident spotted suspect fire ants in organic material inside the loader bucket and on the machine's frame.

Burdekin Show, 25 June 2025

Burdekin Show

Rain relief lifts spirits

After a tense wait, rain has finally fallen but farmers are hoping this is just the beginning of a solid wet season. Joyces Creek farmer Adam Sewell, who also featured on the [Tarrangower Times] cover a few months ago, welcomed water in his dam but said more was needed. Mr Sewell confessed to a few tears of relief when the rain persisted over the King’s Birthday Weekend, after weeks of false starts.

Birchip hosts renewables and mining meeting

The community of Birchip, an epicentre of three wind farm proposals and four significant mineral sands mining retention licences, played host to a community meeting addressing turbines, lines, mines and property rights ... Three key speakers addressed an audience exceeding three hundred people from across Western Victoria, who filled the Birchip Leisure Centre to capacity.

Global dairy commodity prices rise strongly in early 2025, but face growing supply and fragile demand: Rabobank

Global dairy commodity prices have continued to climb in most key exporting countries in recent months, defying expectations and economic headwinds. But ‘downside’ risks are expected to emerge in the second half of the year, Rabobank says in a newly-released report.

New report warns dairy industry faces devastating impacts from Basin Plan: VFF

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says a Ricardo report commissioned by Dairy Australia raises serious concerns over the future of the dairy industry, with water buybacks potentially leading to a further 270 million litre decline in milk production.

VFF condemns $63 million Commonwealth water buy as reckless and damaging to farmers: Victorian Farmers Federation

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has slammed the Federal Government for paying a staggering premium of $1,000 per megalitre above the seasonal average in its recent purchase of Goulburn water, calling it a reckless move that distorts the market and punishes farmers.

Buybacks to push dairy farmers to the brink: NSW Farmers Association

Milk production could plummet by up to 15 per cent in the southern Murray Darling Basin if water buybacks are not halted immediately, a new study has shown. The Dairy Australia report … Australia’s annual milk production could plummet by up to 270 million litres if the federal government pressed on with water buybacks that would strip dairy farms of vital water supplies.

New tech gives second life to plastic farm waste: La Trobe University

Researchers from La Trobe University in Bendigo have developed an innovative recycling solution for synthetic bale twine, helping to address the growing problem of agricultural waste. In a study published in the journal Recycling, the research team analysed the thermal, physical and mechanical properties of various plastic waste materials...

Real people, real change – Free short film screening highlights Adaptation Stories

A series of short films titled Adaptation Stories will be screened at Kyogle Cinema on Sunday, June 29 at Kyogle Cinemas ... The films highlight how people are adapting to climate change and includes farmers, First Nations leaders and young changemakers.

“You’re not alone”: Rural Aid brings hope to flood-hit Western Queensland

In the wake of devastating floods, Rural Aid is rallying around Western Queensland’s farming communities with a powerful message: you are not alone. From 10–17 June, Rural Aid will be on the ground in Thargomindah, offering hands-on mental health support, meaningful connection, and a good dose of joy—reminding families that brighter days are ahead.

Donated fodder on its way to Fleurieu Peninsula this long weekend: Scriven

More than 200 tonnes of donated hay will be delivered to farmers on the Fleurieu Peninsula this long weekend ... Charitable organisation Need for Feed is working with local Lions Clubs in Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Port Elliot to deliver about 10 truckloads of hay to 16 registered primary producers across the Fleurieu on Monday 9 June.

Surprise developments for new levy

The State Government announced on Friday 30 May, amongst a list of drought-relief measures, that it would pause the implementation of a contentious new levy to fund emergency services ... The Tarrangower Times has been following the story and chatting to various stakeholders as the story unfolded towards this unexpected pause to one aspect of the ESVF ... "their rage is white-hot"...

Can’t grow Ag policy in a political storm: TasFarmers

TasFarmers is calling out the state's political leaders for failing to prioritise stability and good governance through the parliamentary process, following the Rockliff Government’s loss of a no-confidence vote on the floor of the House of Assembly.

Drought package is too little too late

The Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley says drought affected farmers are desperate for meaningful help not a scheme to share the cost of hay sheds and poly pipes following the Victorian government's announcement of an expanded drought assistance package and a 12-month pause on Emergency Services Levy (ESL) increases for primary producers.

Council continues unfair fire tax fight

The Towong Shire Council intends to keep up its opposition to the state’s Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy despite the Victorian government’s announcement last Friday of a 12-month pause on the tax for farmers. At its meeting on May 28th, councillors unanimously opposed the levy, which was due to take effect from 1 July, 2025.

Immediate help needed, not future-proofing

Drought-hit South East farmers need “immediate help” from government-funded relief packages, rather than money for future mitigation measures … That is the view of independent member of the Legislative Council of South Australia Sarah Game, who says her assessment of the state government’s drought-relief packages has been – in part – informed by her communication with South East farmers.

Ag group provides helping hand

It was the drought about a decade ago that the penny finally dropped for farmers in East and Central Gippsland. The tough times had brought people together and looking forward, the question on many farmers’ mind was ‘How to boost farm production in the good times better to cope with the tough times?’ ... in 2018-19 the Gippsland Agricultural Group was formed ...

Ag production figures fall as outcomes for some rest on a knife’s edge: ABARES

The gross value of Australia’s agricultural production is expected to fall by 2.8 per cent to $90.7 billion in 2025-26, driven by lower crop and livestock production volumes, according to the June quarter forecasts released by ABARES ...

NFF says wage growth must be matched by productivity gains

“As price takers, farm businesses have limited capacity to absorb higher labour costs without a corresponding uplift in productivity. Without this link, wage growth risks undermining the viability of many small and family-run farm operations”: Troy Williams, NFF.

Mayoral matters

Hindmarsh Shire Mayor Ron Ismay. I would like to commence by commending the thousands of regional people who took part in the protest over the recently legislated Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy on the steps of Parliament House in Spring Street last week ... This levy is an absolute disgrace!

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