Farming

Farmers and industry fear Labor’s imminent updates to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme could result in workers from nine Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste permanently receiving better pay conditions in some circumstances than Australian farm workers, placing an undue burden on employers.  

A new, free-to-attend trade exhibition and conference is set to showcase the future of the Australian agricultural industry, with FutureAg powered by AGRITECHNICA 2024 highlighting the latest in cutting edge technology to improve productivity and sustainability across one of the nation’s largest industries.

Barry Large. There's an awful lot of noise being made right now about the prices every day Australians are being charged at the checkout, whilst the big supermarkets rake-in record profits. Added to this political rhetoric driven by the cost-of-living crisis is an apparent concern about the need to ensure Australian farmers receive their fair share of the retail dollar.

What do the scientists say about the fire ants at Wardell? Will they spread? How worried should we be? Originally from South America, the fire ants are considered one of the world’s most invasive pests.

Again we have a bumper show planned for 2024. On Farm Cattle Challenge  - this is the 2nd year we are running this and we are hoping to continue  to build on the success we had last year with the On Farm Challenge.   From feedback last year we have added some  extra classes for 2024.

Act Belong Commit Darkan Sheepfest reaches out to all young Australians to ignite their passion for sheep and wool as they centre their 2024 show around The Next Generation.

Australia’s agricultural sector is "moving confidently into 2024", with an overall positive outlook for the nation’s farmers and agribusiness industries in the year ahead, Rabobank says in its newly-released annual outlook ... while agri commodity prices are "well down on the highs seen over the previous two years", the bank’s price forecasts point to "continued positive farm margins in key agricultural sectors in 2024"

“Changing farm management is leading to a change in pest threats such as snails and slugs,” leading entomologist Dr Michael Nash ... warns growers. “Slugs and snails need moisture and if you're retaining more moisture in your farming system, which leads to increased yields, you will get more slugs and snails.”  

As Australians were stocking fridges and checking gas bottles before Australia Day, local farmers were receiving word that the towering transmission lines would carve through their properties. One farmer said it was the first contact they had from the company, stating “no personal contact” before receiving the news that left them feeling “side swiped.”

As Australian politicians take aim at globally dictated emissions targets, are everyday Australians left to carry the burden of the ‘green dream’? ... There were an estimated 100 million individual solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in Australia at the end of 2022, and it is estimated 2 billion solar panels will be required if we are to meet the 2050 emissions targets.

After learning that the Need for Feed Australia convey of donated hay was heading to Ardlethan Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke made a special diversion from her scheduled route to meet up with the inspiring team ... the 26-truck convoy ...

The rapid response and containment capability against significant diseases in livestock has been given a boost with new biosecurity response trailers rolled out across South Australia ... The risk of exotic disease outbreaks in Australia remains elevated with foot and mouth disease (FMD), lumpy skin disease (LSD), and African swine fever present in Australia’s near neighbours.

More than 60 heavy vehicles transporting 2144 bales of premium hay arrived in Grafton and Ulmarra on January 26 after completing an incredible 98860km journey from regional Victoria to the Clarence Valley. It was the third time the Aussie Hay Runners had returned to the region...

“The proposal, as it stands, is inconsistent with established levy principles such as equitability, transparency and accountability, presents a range of negative consequences for agricultural and biosecurity systems, and lacks transparency about how the funds will deliver dedicated, additional and tangible biosecurity outcomes”: NFF President David Jochinke.

Cobargo A P & H Society Ella Cowgill Cobargo winner in NSW Agshows young woman of the year. She will attend Zone comp at Adelong on 3rd Feb.If she gets selected there she will contest the Major event at Sydney Royal Show.

After a long seven months, the gates to the Casino saleyards will open this Friday ... Tom Newsome is the managing director and he said the negotiation process with everyone involved has been professional and positive.

Farmers have welcomed the launch of a new trial scheme to help first responders fight bushfires. Under the new scheme, Farm Fire Units (FFUs) – or private vehicles used for firefighting purposes – can now be driven unregistered, provided certain conditions are met.

Bundarra P & A & Rodeo Society  

It’s on again, bigger & better. The Oberon Show is back on February 10. Experience a country show like no other!

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud has welcomed the announcement of an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) supermarket inquiry into price gouging, but claimed the Labor Government had to be shamed into calling it, after ignoring warnings and support to act on supermarkets for more than 12 months.

Australian Government farm business lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) announced the variable interest rate on all concessional farm business loans including AgriStarter, Farm Investment, Drought, and AgBiz Drought, will increase by 47 basis points to 4.99 per cent effective from 1 February 2024. The Plantation Loan will increase to 4.54 per cent.