Farming

Jason Perrin. I refer to Andrew Weeks’ article in last week’s Murray Pioneer ... The article is negative, does a disservice to growers, and has glaring inaccuracies, and unless corrected, adds confusion to things we are lobbying for on behalf of growers.

The budget delivered ... is like a single, small scoop of vanilla ice cream for the bush – predictable and lacking the flavour to truly satisfy regional Australia, industry body GrainGrowers said ... it had missed the opportunity to deliver on a range of regional investment opportunities that would strengthen grain-growing regions and bridge the gap between urban centres and the bush.

...Federal Budget underscores just how critical the upcoming election will be to deliver the key investments needed to secure and grow Australian agriculture in an increasingly uncertain environment. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said this was a chance for the Federal Government to back Australian agriculture and give the economy a much-needed shot in the arm.

Dr Ali Bajwa. Gazanias, a popular groundcover plant, are increasingly invading cropping paddocks in South Australia and Victoria. Dr. Ali Bajwa of La Trobe University is studying their spread and control methods under the GRDC's National Grower Network.

Cattle ticks have been found on cattle at a property next to the Bonalbo Showground. It was during a routine inspection of the cattle that the ticks were discovered and the relevant authorities notified the managers of the showground. 

An experimental crop of industrial hemp proved too strong for Cyclone Alfred when it pounded paddocks at Gatton last week. Only one week ahead of harvest, the small plot of low-THC hemp withstood winds gusting up to 125 km/h and the floods accompanying the once-in-50-year weather event.

As the U.S. escalates tariffs on key trading partners like China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, these nations are retaliating strategically—targeting Trump’s biggest supporters and one of the most powerful lobbying forces in America: its farmers.

"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.