Farming

Shaun Ossinger. The world biochar market is estimated to reach $5 billion dollars by next year more than 100 people were told at the recent South Coast Biochar Forum. Key speaker Professor Stephen Joseph told the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee forum that biochar had huge potential to sequester carbon, improve plant and animal health and manage a host of waste streams in the process.

Yellow Crazy Ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) – which are now established in Australia –are  one of the worst invasive species on Earth ... “A truly proactive approach involves everyone affected and in areas potentially affective taking control into their own hands to proactively eliminate at a local level all known and potential threats, such as ants being carried further afield on machinery and vehicles”: David Priddy, Sundew CEO.

A national pest eradication expert says the news that Queensland is more than doubling the Red Imported Fire Ant eradication zone highlights the need for residents to be equipped with site-specific self-treatment products to combat known outbreaks ... There have been several fire ant incursions since 2001, and all those outbreaks were eradicated. “That tells us eradication is possible. We have the people and the know-how to make fire ant eradication a reality”: David Priddy, Sundew CEO.

Piawaning Expo 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Farmers and Rural Families Get ready for a day of unforgettable country fun as the Piawaning Expo returns on September 7th, 2024. Set in the heart of Piawaning at the local hall and sports grounds, this community-driven event promises a day packed with activities that celebrate the best of rural life, making it the perfect outing for farming families and agricultural enthusiasts.

Local Nationals MPs have joined forces to call out the NSW Heath Department’s decision to scrap Norco supplied milk to hospitals from the Tweed to Port Macquarie, a move that could threaten the livelihoods of Northern Rivers dairy farmers ... "Given our 129-year heritage in the Northern Rivers region, we are naturally disappointed by their decision to no longer support local and 100 per cent Australian-owned," the Norco spokesperson said.

Hugh Schuitemaker. A Riverland grape grower has begun pulling his vines – describing it as a "nightmare" – amid uncertainty surrounding prices and a lack of supportive industry action. Renmark West-based grower Ray Hartigan, 80, said he could no longer justify the impacts of poor economic returns.

As Australia recovers from its most significant avian disease incident in 50 years, attention has turned towards preparing for the next possible avian influenza outbreak – a more virulent strain that has caused deaths in poultry and wild birds and mammals across the globe ... Australia is the only continent currently free of the new strain, H5 HPAI. Vigilance will be key to monitoring and understanding the spread of H5 HPAI if it were to arrive on our shores.

I have repeatedly pointed out that there is no empirical evidence to suggest that capping the number of firearms reduces community risk, unless that cap is zero. You can only use one firearm at a time ... the Government's heavy-handed restrictions undoubtedly impact the enjoyment and utility of firearms for passionate shooters, many of whom play an important role in vermin control ... we don't represent them - we represent primary producers.

Agriculture Victoria has confirmed varroa mite has been detected for the first time in Victoria at a property in Nangiloc near Mildura. The infested hive was identified during Agriculture Victoria’s surveillance activities which are carried out each year during almond pollination. “This early detection of Varroa mite enables Victorian beekeepers to prepare and manage their hives effectively,” Dr Dibley said.

A new round of a vineyard resting trial that enables red wine grape growers to save up to $2,000 per hectare in input, water, and management costs, has opened today. The new trial will provide growers additional time to make diverse business decisions as the state’s wine industry continues to experience an oversupply of red wine grapes, following challenging market conditions and changing global preferences.

Michelle Daw. Farming and transport industry representatives have praised a decision by Yorke Peninsula Council to open its roads to higher-productivity heavy vehicles as a victory for common sense. The move followed an enormous response of 789 submissions to council’s public consultation about a proposed strategy to address safety concerns on its roads.

Representatives from across Australia's agriculture and fuel supply chain have urged the Federal Government to immediately initiate a national low-carbon liquid fuel feedstock strategy to give effect to the ambitious agenda outlined in the Federal Government Aviation White Paper released this week.  The industry groups include GrainGrowers, the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) and Queensland Cane Growers Organisation (CANEGROWERS).

Growing production in Australia’s ‘tree nut’ industry – as significant almond and macadamia orchards reach maturity over the next few years – will provide opportunities to meet growing international demand according to new industry research. In its just-released report, Australian Tree Nut Outlook – opportunities and risks in almonds and macadamias … Rabobank says Australia’s tree nut industry is currently in a "period of growth".

On Friday ... hundreds of farmers rallied in Bendigo, to bring awareness to a number of issues facing rural communities, particularly the subject of renewables, and calling on the government for answers ... 13-year-old local Sophie Burke, stepped in at short notice to speak bravely about her own future as a sixth generation farmer at Jeffcott:...

ARR.News was approached by PETA with "a gripping and timely opinion piece from an undercover investigator who has firsthand experience of the live export industry..." The full, frank and fearless debate on this highly contentious issue continues here on ARR.News with further responses from both PETA and Trevor Whittington, CEO WAFarmers.

Farmers and locals from Birchip and surrounding areas filled the Birchip Community Leisure Centre on Wednesday night to learn of the proposed mining projects and their impacts on agricultural production and the wider community. Andrew Lee addressed the crowd of 150, whose anticipation had been building as Facebook posts gained attention across the district, sparking a wave of community discussion and diverse opinions on the issue.

An expected increase in global cotton supply in the 2024/25 season is weighing on prices for Australian producers, as export markets look to absorb large volumes from the US and Brazil, Rabobank says in a recently-released report. The agribusiness banking specialist says expectations are that world cotton stocks will rise in the coming season – largely driven by a recovery in production in the US and a potential record crop in Brazil.

The Laidley Saleyards will cease operations next year due to the high cost of maintaining a safe and compliant facility. Lockyer Valley Regional Council voted to close the facility at the August Ordinary Meeting of Council ... Deputy Mayor Chris Wilson said a range of issues impacted the decision.

Researchers warn the animals we eat could be the gateway for a pandemic in the form of antimicrobial resistance, unleashing a wave of deadly superbugs ... The researchers analysed this public health and food security challenge in the food animal industry in Southeast Asia for the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.