Farming

The release of the Sheep Sustainability Framework’s (SSF) 2024 Annual Report has revealed the broadest range of data to date on the sustainability performance of the Australian wool and sheepmeat industry. Established by Sheep Producers Australia and WoolProducers Australia and supported by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the SSF is now in its fourth year of data collection and reporting.

AgForce has said it is increasingly concerned that delays to urgently needed reforms to the Wind Farm Code could put agricultural landholders at potentially crippling financial risk. Queensland’s peak representative body for farmers is disappointed that despite a review of the Wind Farm Code last year, the Queensland Government has not released any reforms to the Code since.

Tractor manufacturer Massey Ferguson treated dealers and farmers to what Product Manager for Hay and Harvest, Sam Mulkearns, said was the biggest Field Day Massey Ferguson has ever conducted in Australia, with over 80 pieces of tractor equipment and 60 brand new shiny tractors on display all bound to excite farmers and dealers.

South Australian producers of sheep and farmed goats and the broader supply chain  will benefit from a new electronic identification (eID) implementation program to  prepare for the traceability system that becomes mandatory from 1 January 2025. A further $900,000 in funding is being provided to establish the eID Advantage  Program to improve producer knowledge and understanding of changed  responsibilities under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).

The SA Cattle Industry Fund has announced its intention to withdraw funding for the Malinauskas Labor Government’s National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) cattle compliance program, after revelations not all states are contributing equally. Minister for Primary Industries, Clare Scriven, has reportedly pleaded for the decision to be reversed.

In the coming decade, Australia’s rural industries will be shaped by significant forces that have the potential to disrupt how we produce, market and consume agricultural goods ... Navigating a Future of Cross-Sectoral Forces reports that now, more than ever, rural industries must prepare to adapt and thrive in the face of an uncertain future...

Northern Slopes Landcare Association and Tamworth Regional Landcare are running a series of events for farming communities across the North West to inspire conversations about the importance of soil health and understanding water in our landscapes to build more resilient and profitable farms and communities. The events also feature the screening of new Australian short documentary Thankful for Soil...

As the Federal Government gets to the pointy end of its Regional Migration Review, peak bodies for farmers, backpackers and tourism have released a new report highlighting the economic value of backpackers in the regions. The report by Aither was commissioned by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) and Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC).

Weethalle Show Society Incorporated

Farmers have renewed calls for meaningful competition reform as experts warn the aviation sector faces similar problems to the supermarket sector ... While Rex’s regional routes were still in operation, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the similarities between aviation and supermarket concentration were too big to ignore.

A little country show with a lot of heart – showcasing local produce and livestock and a pavilion full of creativity. In its 114th  year Trundle will be host to a great range of inflatables (12pm to 4pm) for kids of all ages to enjoy and let’s not forget the gumboot throwing competition. The markets on the day will bring you everything from the latest showbags to locally made olive oil. Wednesday August 14 kicks off with Horses and Show jumping at 8.30am, pavilion from 9am and Kids zone with animal nursery from 10am.  

Increases in the price of wheat and lamb helped lift the NAB Rural Commodities Index* for the third consecutive month, rising by 0.4 per cent in June. NAB’s July Rural Commodities Wrap … reports while the wheat price rally slowed in June, prices continued to rise, increasing 3.5 per cent on average over the month.

Hugh Schuitemaker. A Senior Riverland politician says the State Government needs increased preparation against potential bird flu outbreaks in South Australia. Riverland-based MLC, and opposition spokesperson for regional SA, Nicola Centofanti has claimed documents obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed "no official correspondence" between Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven and the state’s chief veterinary officer (CVO) regarding the threat of H7 HPAI bird flu between May and July.

Toodyay Agricultural Society.

The NFF Horticulture Council welcomes Prime Minister Albanese’s appointment of the Hon Julie Collins MP as the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Small Business. Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said having a minister from a state where primary industries remained a significant contributor to the local economy should ensure a keener ear would be given to the needs of the sector.  

Land managers across the Murraylands and Riverland are invited to attend a free workshop to find how biochar can be used to improve soil health. The event will be held on-farm at Lameroo ... and include live demonstration of a biochar kiln, weather permitting. Operated by Maccy Biochar, the kiln will be used to burn organic, on-farm waste at a high temperature in a low oxygen environment.

It was the 26th Casino All Breeds Bull and Female Sale at the NRLX ... For more than 10 years, the sale has donated $1000 to three charities – Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Windara and Casino VRA Rescue Squad each received $1000.

The Sunshine Coast will soon be home to an Australia-first blue carbon project creating a thriving mangrove ecosystem, a healthier Maroochy River for everyone to enjoy and the potential for future income streams for landholders. The Australian Government’s Clean Energy Regulator has formally registered the nation’s first Blue Carbon project in the Sunshine Coast’s Blue Heart, on the lower Maroochy River floodplain, following a rigorous research and application process.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the partnership between Agriculture Victoria and Halter in trialling the use of virtual fencing technology at the government’s Ellinbank Smartfarm. VFF President Emma Germano said the move was a forward step towards making the technology accessible to Victorian farmers.

The Grassland Society of Southern Australia (GSSA) is looking to rebuild by engaging with a new generation of farmers and agricultural consultants. The society has connected farmers, scientists and consultants for 65 years and members gave its future a big vote of confidence at the annual conference in Bendigo on July 17-18.