NR Times Rural NEWS Edition 111 by The Northern Rivers Times

112 Fullers Road Ulmarra – AUCTION *Pre-purchase Building and Pest Inspection available to interested buyers* 112 Fullers Road is situated 11 minutes drive from the Grafton CBD, 5km from Ulmarra village, and 35 mins to a number of beaches, but enjoys a rural feel and outlook over neighbouring farmland. The holding here totals 4198m2 (1 acre), and would be just perfect for someone wanting their very own property, but without being ‘in town’. If you’re looking to grow your own vegies, have room for the pets and kids to enjoy the outdoors, and soak up the rural lifestyle and surrounds, this one is a must to inspect. The living area of the home is at the heart of the home and flows well & there is a multitude of outdoor areas. The home has a three-way bathroom with vanity, separate loo, and a bath & shower. Two bedrooms are situated at the front of the home, and both have built-in robes. Upstairs is the loft style bedroom, with its own deck and gorgeous views. There are ceiling fans throughout, along with a wood fired heater in the lounge room.Downstairs is the laundry, along with a carport/storage area under the home. We do note that this property is susceptible to flooding during a major flood event. But rest assured, in the March 2022 flood, which locals are referring to as ‘the biggest one yet for Ulmarra’, the flood water did not enter the upper level of the home. In minor floods, the water typically won’t even enter the yard. A new septic was installed in September 2021. There is a new hot water system & the septic pump has been renewed also. all enquiries phone JoJo Newby on 0417 690 637 02)6642 5200 Farrell: 0437

To assist with decisions on planting windows, plant populations and row spacings, growers should seek information from an agronomist or NSW DPI, especially if planting summer crops that are not usually grown.

448 455 Ben Clark: 0477 123 770

Early summer crop options

Advertising: 1300 679 787Local, State and Local Rural NewsAugust 25, 2022 www farrellmccrohon com au / PO Box 417 Grafton

A NSW DPI summer cropping options for northern and central NSW 2022 guide has been released to provide growers guidance on summer crops. The guide is available on the DPI website Summer crop management guide 2019 (nsw.gov.au).

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Property of the Week Office:

For

A light yarding of 107 head came through Grafton Saleyards last Tuesday Not many of heavy bullocks to quote but best on offer made sold to 356c/kg Cows sold stronger with most sales between 332 338c/kg, with heavy heifers to the processors selling to 342c/kg Young cattle sold well for a light yarding with lightweight steers making 618c/kg and lightweight heifers to 590c/kg Our next Store Cattle Sale will be held on the 1st of September early bookings are invited for this event

For growers across NSW who were unable to sow a winter crop due to waterlogged paddocks, the window will soon open for early summer crops. In the state’s northern regions, planting windows for crops such as sunfower and early sown sorghum will commence in early August.NSWDPI Research Agronomist Summer Grains, Loretta Serafn, said starting to plan for summer crops as part of this year’s cropping program is essential to ensure growers can access seed and are prepared to take advantage of the full soil moisture profle. “A large summer planting is likely, due to the inability of growers to plant their intended winter crop areas. As such demand for seed will be high. Growers should consider pre-ordering seed; which will help ensure they can get access to their preferred hybrids,” said Ms Serafn. Ms Serafn also said that ongoing weed control will be critical to ensure seedbed soil moisture is not used by weeds prior to sowing.“Monitoring soil temperatures at 8am, in your intended sowing paddocks, or at least accessing local data sources will also assist in targeting minimum soil temperatures for your preferred summer crop.Sunfower can be sown when soil temperatures are 12°C and rising, whilst sorghum soil temperatures have traditionally been 16–18°C forRecentplanting.research has shown that early sorghum can be planted when soil temperatures are a minimum of 12°C and rising for the 7 days following establishment. Seek advice if you are planning to plant early sorghum to help optimise crop establishment,” said Ms Serafn. Strong commodity prices are also driving interest in cotton, so dryland production may be an option in some districts.

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The Varroa mite eradication focus is now moving into the euthanasia and disposal phase of the response, having Plant Protection Offcer Satendra Kumar said the goal of the Varroa mite response is to fully eradicate the mite, which requires taking actions that will signifcantly reduce the likelihood of any further natural spread around the known infected sites.

Authorised Offcers will provide impacted beekeepers with details of how they can apply for au/varroavisitNSW.infectedAuthority.NSWisReimbursementThereimbursement.VarroamiteProgramadministeredbytheRuralAssistanceTherearenow99premises(IP)inFormoreinformationwww.dpi.nsw.gov.

The frst major operation is taking place around Calga in the southern end of the eradication zones. Affected beekeepers will be contacted by the local response team to confrm details of their hives and discuss hive disposal and reimbursement options. Under the eradication phase, all hives within the eradication zone will need to be euthanised, including those hives which are free of Varroa mite. Eradication has been underway for some weeks at infected sites and at many hives within close proximity to these. “To achieve full eradication, it is critical that we look beyond just the known infected sites and eradicate any potential future hosts where incubation of the parasite may be happening,” Dr Kumar said.“Our awarenesssurveillanceextensiveandofthe natural spread pattern of the Varroa mite provides the basis for determining the eradication zones, marking a 10km radius around all infected sites, in order to reduce the potential for further natural spread.”

Australia has a new weapon against biothreats to its agriculture industry, such as the recent Footand-Mouth disease outbreak in Indonesia, with a new research institute at Charles Darwin University (CDU) recruiting experts.

The NSW Police Force will roll out 10 new Rural Crime Investigator positions as part of the biggest increase in police numbers in more than 30 years. Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the new positions will boost the total number of Rural Crime Investigators in action across the state to“The53. NSW Government’s $583 million commitment to deliver an extra 1500 police positions over four years is allowing police to really muscle up its specialist squads,” said Mr Toole, who announced the new roles at the AgQuip feld days at Gunnedah.

RINA will focus on four key growth areas of primary production with the appointment of four senior research roles to the new Institute.

BOOST TO TARGET RURAL CRIME

Research institute seeks experts to protect and grow Northern Australia’s agriculture NUMBERS

sustainability.emerginggoingwon’titsforrenownedthemarkets.”andNT’sforgingindividualindustrygrowingBanksopportunities,”seizingProfessorsaid.“YoualsohaveaaquacultureinNTwithproducersanewpathforprimaryproducersopeningnewProfessorBankssaidbeefindustrywasworldwideitsquality,butevenexperiencealonekeeptheindustrywithoutaddressingissues,suchas

response.aseradicationbeekeepersandregisteredavailableprogramreimbursementhasbeenmadetosupportcommercialrecreationalaffectedbyoperationspartoftheVarroa

CDU is undergoing an international search to recruit researchers in biosecurity, broadacre cropping, livestock and grazing, and aquaculture for its newly established Research Institute of Northern Agriculture (RINA) to help push agricultural innovation in NorthernResearchAustralia.Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Director Professor Sam Banks, has been appointed to oversee RINA and said the emergence of Foot-andMouth Disease was proof of the Institute’s potential value to the agriculture sector.“Australia is in a unique position against biothreats because of its isolation, but it’s not immune, so we need more research into Northern Australia’s risks and opportunities,” Professor Banks said. To address biosecurity threats and to advance and support agricultural sector development across Northern Australia, RINA is developing its research capabilities in primary production in the Territory in horticulture, broadacre cropping systems, pastoral industries, biosecurity, and commercial aquaculture.

(NSWofperimetersurveillanceconductedsuccessfullyextensivearoundtheofthezone.NSWDepartmentPrimaryIndustriesDPI)Chief

“The next phase of Varroa mite eradication includes the Newcastle, Port Stephens and Central Coast regions,” Dr Kumar centre.”anderadicationedgeswill“Eradicationsaid.activitiesbeginontheouteroftheVarroamiteredzonesworktowardsthe

“In the space of fve years, NSW Police will have more than doubled its Rural Crime Prevention Team investigators and staff, allowing it to ramp up its focus on crimes like stock, machinery and fuel theft.

“We know rural crime investigations can be complex and time-consuming to investigate. This will ensure police have the resources they need to tackle it and crack down on the lowlifes who prey on farms’ geographic isolation to commit crime.”

New focus for Varroa mite response in eradication zone POLICE

RURAL NEWSThe2 NR Times Rural News August 25, 2022 CONTACT US - The Northern Rivers Times Rural Edition ✆ 1300 679 787 SALES 02 6662 6222 sales@nrtimes.com.au ✆ Albury - 02 6080 9520, Casino - 02 6662 6222, Dubbo - 02 5858 4078, Grafton - 02 5632 3041, Moree - 02 6794 3889, Tamworth - 02 5719 1656, Wagga Wagga - 02 5940 8516 Directors, co-owners and co-founders: Jeffrey Gibbs (jeff@heartlandmedia.com.au) and Sharon Bateman (sharon@heartlandmedia.com.au) ISSN: 2652-7928 a Heartland Media company ABN: 84 134 238 181 All rights reserved © 2022 Distribution Coffs Harbour north to Southport and west to Tenterfield weekly. Circulation 59,200

CDU is advertising for a Professor of Aquaculture, a Professor of Livestock and Grazing Sustainability, a Professor of Tropical Biosecurity, and a Professor of Tropical Broadacre Cropping Systems, which it hopes to have in place by“WeOctober.want quality candidates who can see the opportunities we have in the NT. But can drive innovation in that feld,” Professor Banks said. Many farmers in the Northern Territory have already jumped at farming opportunities outside the traditional cattle industry that has dominated primate production in the NT for more than a century.According to NT Farmers, the value of mango production reached $128.8 million in 2019, and the Territory produces more than 50 per cent of the national mango crop marking a massive increase in production.TheDepartment of Primary Industry and Resources reported that water buffalo exports to Indonesia alone had increased from 1,229 head to 6,252 a year in just four years. The whole water buffalo export industry has almost doubled in the fve years from 2016 to 2020, from about 5,500 head of buffalo to 10,500 head. “The results we are seeing in the Territory when it comes to the agriculture industry is because primary producers are

RURAL NEWS 3 August 25, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent FEATURING 71 www.santagertrudis.com.auBULLS 14th SEPT 2022 SHOWGROUNDSTOOGOOLAWAH12.30PM CONTACT RUSSELL 07 5424 8138 SCOTT 0438 169 157 Lot 7 Welbatch Wisconsin. Lot 8 Welbatch M072 Lot 45 Welbatch Wolf of Wall Street Lot 47 Welbatch M067 Lot 50 Welbatch M070 Lot 46 Welbatch M064 Offering 13 Bulls (10 WelbatchPoll) Pastoral Santa Gertrudis Stud BRISBANE VALLEY SANTA GERTRUDIS SALE September 14, Toogoolawah Showgrounds Enquiries Scott Humphreys 0438 169 157, Mummulgum NSW at

Catalogues are available by contacting Scott Humphreys: 0438 169 157 or can be downloaded from the link on the Brisbane Valley Facebook Page.

The Brisbane Valley Santa Bull Sale will be held at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds on Wednesday 14th September commencing at 12-30 pm where 71 quality, commercially focussed, herd improving bulls will go under the hammer of guest auctioneer Innes Fahey of Copmanhurst. All bulls have been vaccinated for Vibrio, 3 day, 7 in 1 and blooded with 3 germ blood for tick fever. All sale bulls will also be scanned for Rib and Rump Fat, Rib Eye area and Intramuscular Fat. The nine studs represented in the sale are all domiciled east of the great dividing range where their cow herds run on forest country giving these bulls a natural doing ability to perform wherever they go. Bulls from these studs continue to perform well in leading Santa Gertrudis studs around the country, as well as large scale commercial operations. There is a wide range of genetics represented in the sale with 23 individual sires giving 92% of the draft being classifed as stud sires. Also, within the draft of 71 Bulls, 54 are poll or poll scurr bulls.Bulls to look at with outstanding showring performance are lot 7 Welbatch Wisconsin- Senior and Grand Champion from Sydney Royal Show with his stablemate lot 8 Welbatch M072 being Junior Champion at Sydney. Welbatch Santa Gertrudis stud was established in 1988 at Mummulgum in Northern NSW. The stud has been offering bulls at the Brisbane Valley sale for the previous 5 years. This year will see Welbatch offer a draft of 13 bulls, 10 poll at this year’s sale.Welbatch Santa Gertrudis stud have had tremendous success in the show ring this year, in addition to the two broad ribbon winning bulls being offered in the sale, the stud also exhibited the Senior and Grand Champion female and Best Santa Gertrudis Exhibit with Welbatch Ultra at Sydney Royal. A full blood brother to Welbatch Ultra will be offered at this year’s Brisbane Valley Sale. The vendors are offering freight assistance to these centres - Murgon, Gayndah, Eidsvold, Dalby, Coolabunia Beaudesert, Casino and Moreton Saleyards if agents are contacted prior to the sale . Sole agents for the sale are Sheperdson and Boyd and it will be interfaced with AuctionPlus .

August Agents yarded a total of 926 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 17 August. Once again young cattle were well supplied and there was a fair number of cows yarded. The yarding of young cattle consisted of a large percentage of light weight weaners, and medium weight weaner steers and heifers were in fair numbers. Quality was very mixed, although there was a few more well bred vealer steers and heifers through the sale. There was also several runs of plain conditioned and cross bred cattle offered. Cow prices were stronger this week averaging 302c/kg and reaching a top price of 370c/kg. Heifer prices were also dearer with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 547c/kg and topping their category at 680c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 403c/kg and reached a top of Bull552c/kg.prices saw an increase this week with 24 head sold averaging 315c/kg and 667kg. Lighter steer prices were also stronger with those up to 250kg averaging 616c/ kg and reaching a top of 800c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg saw a drop averaging 483c/kg and topping their market at 630c/kg. A good number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 359c/kg. Vealer prices were stronger this week with lighter vealer up to 250kg averaging 591c/kg and reaching a top of 808c/kg. Heavier vealer over 250kg averaged 528c/kg with a top price of 648c/kg.

LIVESTOCKWARWICKMARKETS

ThereGRAFTONwere112head yarded at Grafton Fat Cattle Sale

A/c JS & ML Gorrie sold Charolais Cross Steers 574.2c/kg averaged 263.3kg - $1,512.06 p/hd

RURAL NEWSThe4 NR Times Rural News August 25, 2022 800 HEAD 800 HEAD THURSDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2022 ~ Grafton Saleyards – 9.00am Consisting of Bullocks, Steers, Mixed Sex Weaners, Cows, PTIC, Cows & Calves GRAFTON LIVEWEIGHT STORE CATTLE SALE Offce: 02 6642 5200 David 0437 448 455 • Ben 0477 123 770 www.farrellmccrohon.com.au Offce: 02 6643 4411 Mitch 0428 470 132 • Jonny 0438 735 061 www.donovanlivestock.com.au ENTRIES ARE STILL BEING RECEIVED AND ARE RECOMMENDED ~ CONTACT YOUR PREFERRED AGENT WeekNRLXCASINOMarketReportEndingFriday19

Ray White Rural held a store sale at the NRLX on Friday 19 August with 606 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 780c/kg and averaged 606c/kg and 242kg whilst heifers reached a top of 756c/kg and averaged 573c/kg and 226kg. Cows reached a top price of $2,760 whilst Cows & Calves topped their market at $3,560. George & Fuhrmann will hold a store sale this Friday 26 August with 500 head booked. Further bookings are welcome.

Karl & Kate Hinshelwood sold Dorset x lambs 44.1kg to restockers for $135 Rory & Kathy Frost sold Dorper lambs 44kg to Jock Young Meats for $182 Trev & Val Lindenmayer sold Dorper x lambs 45kg to Jock Young Meats for $152 Mc Lean Farms sold White Dorper lambs 43kg to Leslie Lamb for $147, 37.9kg to restockers for $137, 33kg to restockers for $96, 30kg to restockers for $70, ram lambs 45kg to Take It Easy Meats for $120 Simon Mascardri sold Dorper x 40kg lambs to Leslie Lamb for $140, 80kg hoggets to Eversons for $142 Bernie& Pauline Skewes sold White Suffolk ewe lambs to restockers for $89 and $80, 50kg ewe hoggets to restockers for $65, rams to restockers for $173 James Cowlishaw sold Merino hoggets 54.7kg to Eversons for $120, Merino wethers to Eversons for $128Andrew Parsons sold Merino wethers to Eversons for $129

WEEK ENDING WARWICK SELLING CENTRES W/E 19/8/2022 Rain severely affected the yarding of cattle for the weekly sale as the amounts that fell hampered the yarding and trucking over a large number of properties still drying out. The 269 head yarded was still frm to a shade dearer for the back to the paddock and feed on types. Sheep and Lamb numbers were less affected with the similar number of 1220 head presented for sale. The yarding was dominated by light restocker and feed on types which tended to draw the prices back.

RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS

Vealer steers averaged 673.1c/kg topping at 708.2c/kg or $1517.52 to $1810.12 Vealer heifers averaged 536.2c/kg topping at 602.2c/kg or $1164.34 to $1920.63 Feeder steers averaged 518.5c/kg topping at 576.2c/kg or $2023.49 to $2500.78 Feeder heifers averaged 458.2c/kg topping at 458.2c/kg or Yearling$1876.72steers averaged 542.1c/kg topping at 658.2c/ kg or $1645.93 to $2204.95 Steers averaged 393.6c/kg topping at 406.2c/kg or $2021.67 to $2641.32 Heifers averaged 381.8c/kg topping at 440.2c/kg or $1450.76 to Manufacturing$1694.77steersaveraged 301.5c/kg topping at 310.2c/kg or $1718.34 to $2248.95 Cows averaged 323.8c/kg topping at 394.2c/kg or $1888.72 to $2739.69 Bulls averaged 400.2c/kg topping at 618.2c/kg or $1431.58 to 2850.00 Lambs topped at $191 to average $126.17 a drop of $5/ Hoggetshead topped at $180 to average $91.05 a drop of Ewes$63/headtopped at $146 to average $81.98 a drop of $48/ Wethershead topped at $152 to average $87.48 a drop of Rams$34/headtopped at $173 to average $97.25 a drop of $12/ Lambhead rams topped at $160 to average $148 a rise of Ewe$73/headlambs topped at $168 to average $142.17 a drop of The$15/headtotalyarding saw an average of $115.03/head a drop of $18/head. Boars sold to $140, Sows sold from $122 to $300, Pork sold from $128 to $196, spit pigs sold from $60 to Guinea$140 fowl sold to $20, Roosters to $20, Hens to $75, Pullets to $12.50, Chickens to $65, Geese to $40, Drakes to $30, Ducks to $12.50 MCDOUGALL AND SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORTAgentstoday along with the vendors presented a total of 1220 head for the weekly sale. The yarding was of a very mixed quality with a higher than usual number of light and seasonally affected stock making it to the sale. The lambs were drawn from the South West as well as local and New England vendors. The higher proportion of light and feed on lambs saw the market falter after the small forward steps of previous sales. Lambs topped at $191 to average $126.17($5down), hoggets topped at $180 to average $91.05 ($63down), ewes topped at $146 to average $81.98($48down), wethers topped at $152 to average $87.48($34down), rams topped at $173 to average $97.25 ($12down), lamb rams topped at $160 to average $148($73 up), ewe lambs topped at $168 to average $142.17($15down). The total yarding averaged $115.03 drop of $18/head across the yard.

Highlights include:

A/c DJ Bowles sold Angus/Hereford Cows 324.2c/kg averaged 642.5kg - $2,082.99 p/hd

A/c The Cotton Family Trust sold Angus Cows 352.2c/kg averaged 435kg - $1,532.07 p/hd

A/c JS & ML Gorrie sold Brahman Cross Cows 336.2c/kg averaged 470kg - $1,580.14 p/hd

16th August 2022. Another quiet Fat Sale this week which is the general trend at most selling centres of late. The quality was mixed with the low numbers making it hard for an accurate quote. Generally, most categories held frm to slightly cheaper compared to last weeks Store Cattle Sale.Sale

“It was a real eye-opener for the farmers of the day, to see alternate stock water systems and other sustainable practices in action .. and the Federal funding available to support those programs,” Terry Moody told The Northern Rivers Times.

“This tour is a great networking opportunity for graziers and the like to learn new concepts around water management and to see frsthand how water management systems have been implemented on other grazing properties,” the tour fyer reads .. As it asks the big question, ‘From Drought to Flooding Rains! How do you manage water on your property?’

SOMETIMES it takes going back to the past .. to better understand the future, as regenerative farmer Terry Moody from Upper Duck Creek well understands. Fifteen years ago, Terry began helping local beef farmers better understand and implement regenerative principles and practices around water management in their operations. The President of the Upper Clarence Combined Landcare Group – “a Landcare Group not like any other on the North Coast” - held monthly meetings in Casino for up to 20 growers, hosted expert speakers on important topics, and showcased exemplary farms from Dorrigo to Armidale.

“It’s always a good thing to get out of your comfort zone, to deal with the same issues other landowners also face .. and you can always learn a thing or two. You broaden your mind, consider new ways, reject them or take them on.” Terry Moody said. To book or make enquiries about the Beef Business Coach Tour, contact Jennifer Moody on 0428 394511 or Terry Moody at Upper Clarence Combined Landcare on 6665 3133 or email upaduck@skymesh.com.au

“It’s a long trip but I think it will be well worthwhile,” Terry Moody, tour organiser said. Among the highlights on offer, a guided tour of ‘The Living Classroom’ established on Bingara’s 100ha town common, which today is a showcase of modern regenerative ag. techniques including vegetation, riparian zone and soil management.

“This three day festival is jam packed with amazing music, fantastic speakers, lots of activities for all interests and all ages,” the Pulse of the Earth Festival states.

MARGARET

More than a decade later, Terry’s “fnally decided to put a foot in the water again” and create a similar educational opportunity for interested farmers and landowners to explore regenerative farming techniques of today, and ones unique to this temperate-subtropical climate. With this, the Beef Business Coach Tour was created, to coincide with the ‘Bingara 2022 Pulse of the Earth’ Festival, running Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4.

“We’re going to have quite a mix of people, trying to get traditional old cow-cockies (cattle farmers) who haven’t changed a thing in ffty years! It’s going to end up quite an eclectic mix on the bus, hopefully with a full busload of 46 people,” Terry Moody, tour organiser said. Seats are still available but with the travel component free, Terry warns “people will need to book quickly.”

“It’s all relevant, at the end of the day .. the real challenge is generational change,” Terry Moody said. Keynote speakers including Lorraine Gordon, SCU/Regenerative Agriculture Alliance; Graeme Sait, CEO and founder of Nutri Tech Solutions, and Garry McDouall speaking on ‘The Carbon Farm.’TheBeef Business Tour will also visit model farms in Glen Innes and Inverell, with interpretation from Local Land Services offcer, Max“OneNewsome.farmused to be a basket case and now it’s a showcase, following the principles of regenerative farming,” Terry Moody, tour organiser said. With accommodation in the tiny town of Bingara, population 1400, booked out and anticipation rising for Friday night’s launch party - with live music from ‘The Hillbilly Goats’ – and a Saturday flled with workshops, health hubs, yarning circles and outdoor movie ‘Kiss the Ground,’ the Beef Business Tour 2022 promises something for everyone.

It’s the defnitive challenge for any primary producer and will be among the myriad questions and quandaries raised and explored during the free, 4-day tour.

A aboard a farm tour into the future

RURAL NEWS 5 August 25, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent TO ENQUIRE & BOOK Contact: Jennifer Moody M: 0428 394 511 Email: upaduck@skymesh.com.au Upper Clarence Combined Landcare Inc. Ph: (02) 6665 3133

DEKKER

AG WORKERS

Growers agriculturalandsupply chains were dealing with a range of issues that were being felt across the board, with crop losses due to fooding, and higher input costs, including the substantial minimum wage increase – the highest increase in one year in at least a decade. Mr Stillard said the farming sector had put forward a number of potential solutions, such as removing fnancial barriers for pensioners to participate in work, expedited approval of skilled worker visa applications and better coordination of workers movements to match harvest regions and timings. While the problem wasn’t new, he said, it had become more acute and needed decisive doubleinwerevacanciestoattractmarket“There’saction.increasingcompetitiontolabour–accordingthelatestABSjobrelease,there480,100vacanciesAustralia,morethanthepre-pandemic vacancies in February 2020,” Mr Stillard said. “At the height of COVID, we’ve heard of animals being turned away from abattoirs due to a lack of staff, we saw big disruptions in the major retailer food supply chains, it doesn’t just hit the farmers but also families who are feeling the pinch right now.“The labour shortage certainly isn’t the only factor in the price of food, but it’s not helping.”

Mr Strong said the program of investment and activities would reduce the risk of FMD incursion into Australia and protect the important trading relationship with livestockIndonesia.“TheAustralianindustry is committed to supporting Indonesia with its disease suppression efforts,” Mr Strong“Australiasaid. remains free of FMD. It is important that government, industry, the supply chain, and the general public continue to work together to keep it that“Weway.have successfully done this for over 100 years and industry and government are taking practical steps to ensure thatThecontinues.”Livestock Export Program (LEP) is a collaboration funded by both producers and exporters and administered jointly with LiveCorp. WANTED AS SPRING APPROACHES

The Australian livestock industry has invested in additional on-the-ground measures to further support the Indonesian biosecurity response to foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD). Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) will provide $1.3 million to fund an Indonesian FMD vaccine support project for importers to purchase up to 600,000 vaccine doses for Australian cattle entering Indonesian feedlots. The vaccines will be administered by importers and funding provided on a cost recovery basis by MLA. Australian Live Exporters’ Council CEO, Mark Harvey-Sutton, said this was another way that the industry was helping provide security for Indonesian willpracticalfor“Providingimporters.assistancevaccinationsisameasurethathelpgiveimporters confdence and slow the spread of FMD,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said. “It will help allow Indonesian importers to continue operating with fewer hurdles and build on our years of partnership with Indonesian industry.” MLA ExportviaexpertisebesaidDirector,ManagingJasonStrong,MLAwouldalsoprovidinglocalandsupporttheLivestockProgram(LEP)* in-market team, who will provide updated information and act as the link between industry and government.“Thiswillhelp with consistent messaging regarding policy and operational matters, distribution of training materials and key information to industry, and coordination industryAustralia/Indonesiaofmeetingsand updates,” Mr Strong said. These measures are in addition to MLA’s partnership with the Australian Government to deliver a practical and trainingprovidinginvested$2AsprogrambiosecuritycomprehensivesupporttoIndonesia.partoftheprogram,millionwillbeover18months,technicalandsupportto:•Instillongterm biosecurity capacity to manage exotic diseases

The state’s peak farming body says there are 100,000 fewer backpackers in the country than before COVID, putting real pressure on looming StillardspokesmanWorkplaceharvests.NSWFarmersRelationsChrissaidtherewas a shortage of labour across agriculture, and it was having a real impact on productivity.“Traditionally we’ve needed international workers to fll the gaps in seasonal work,” Mr Stillard said. “Jobs such as harvest, sowing, shearing by their very nature are seasonal, the jobs are short term and therefore attractive for a workforce that is transient and willing to travel.“But COVID threw a big spanner in the works, there were around 140,000 country.”backpackersarepre-pandemic,backpackersnowthereonlyaround40,000inthe

RURAL NEWSThe6 NR Times Rural News August 25, 2022 Coraki Rural & Hardware Supplies 102-104 Queen Elizabeth Drive CORAKI Australian livestock industry provides additional biosecurity support to Indonesia

• IndonesiancattledisruptionMinimisetothelivetrade•BuildtheGovernment’s confdence in their feedlot sector to manage diseases to continue trade and food security• diseasetoIndonesianAssistsmallholdersmanageandminimisespread.

The third secondee will provide support to the WOAH on foreign policy issues, strengthening the organisation as the international authority on issues relating to animal health and welfare.

“This initiative will support Australia’s foreign policy priorities and represents our commitment to adopt practical means to strengthen onreputationenhanceDrintegrationcooperationregionalandinthePacifc,”Cooksonsaid.“ThesecondmentswillAustralia’sglobalandleadershipanimalhealthand agricultural trade, increase engagement in multilateral institutions and relationshipsstrengthenwith key partners.“Itwill also build capacity and strengthen national and regional engagement with international bodies delivering on our commitment through the

Free Messages for DAD Father’sonDay AWARD RECOGNISES A

The Offce of the Chief Veterinary Offcer (OCVO) has seconded four staff to work overseas – one at the Food and safetywelfare,aroundinternationalwouldLeadershipthesecondmentsBethVeterinaryNewTimorandskinmouthresponseassistofthroughandwithsupportGovernment’sbuildheadquartersAnimalWorldSamoaOrganizationAgriculture(FAO)inandthreeattheOrganisationforHealth(WOAH)inFrance.ThesesecondmentsontheAustralianeffortstoanimalhealthournearneighboursglobally,includingtheprovisiontechnicalexpertisetoIndonesiaintheirtothefoot-and-diseaseandlumpydiseaseoutbreaks,capacitybuildinginLesteandPapuaGuinea.Australia’sActingChiefOffcerDrCooksonsaidthethroughGlobalAgricultureInitiativestrengthenstandardsanimalhealth,biosecurity,foodandantimicrobial resistance and provide support to build animal health capacity within our immediate region.

LIFETIME OF SERVICE

fromweRoadmap.BiosecurityCommonwealth2030“Aspartofthisprogramaresendinganexpertthedepartmentto undertake a secondment to the FAO sub-regional offce in Apia, Samoa to enhance the delivery of scientifc and technical support to Pacifc Island countries productionanimalrespondacrosslivestockofsupportexpertise.capacityincreasingthroughinstitutionalandOneHealthThissecondeewillthedevelopmentcapacitiesofnationaldepartmentsthePacifctotoemerginghealthandthreats.“Animaldiseasesdon’t respect neighboursandproximityborders,internationalandtheofAustraliaourPacifchighlights the importance of building animal health capacity in this region to counter the threat of animal diseases spreading, such as the deadly swine disease African swine fever which has been detected in PNG and TimorLeste,” Dr Cookson said.

Another secondee will be providing support for the implementation of the WOAH Aquatic Strategy, which is aiming to improve aquatic animal health world-wide.”

“When he was District Agronomist at Coonamble and then Gunnedah John was at the forefront of the no-till farming revolution – this included weed management, increasing fallow recognitionandcommittees,multipleandlegacyMcMullenfarmingarecropsdefcienciesdefcienciesaddressingeffciency,nitrogenandcropwithpulseandshapingwhatnoworldleadingpractices,”Drsaid.“Heleavesahugeofknowledgeworkacrosssubjectareas,publicationsprogramsandthisiscertainly wellThedeserved.”Brownhill Cup was donated by the Brownhill Family of ‘Merrilong’, Spring Ridge, as a perpetual trophy to encourage landholders to apply conservation farming and behalf.BrownhillonKneipp’soncommittee.isindustry.andsupportedinterestattracteddistrictGunnedahWerrisQuirindi,ofSoilProducers’thecommencedmanagementeffcientpractices.Thecompetitionin1983asLivestockandGrainAssociationConservationFarmertheYearheldbetweenCurrabubula/Creek,Pottinger,andBoggabricouncils.ThecompetitionhaswidecommunityandiswellbylandownerstheagriculturalTherecipientselectedbyalocalMrKneipppassedawayBoxingDay2021.MembersofMrfamilywerehandtoaccepttheCuponhis

A former McMullenSystems,NorthernGunnedahGoulburn,serviceduringpositionsathenKneippIndustriesDepartmentNSWofPrimaryemployee,MrjoinedwhatwasNSWAgricultureasFieldAssistantin1971.HeheldmultipleacrossNSWhisfourdecadesofincludingInverell,Coonamble,andTamworth.NSWDPI’sDirectorCroppingDrGuyrefectedon Mr Kneipp’s contribution within the department and his longevity in primary industries.“Johnwas still in high school when he joined the Department,” he said. “In fact, he completed both his Higher School Certifcate and a university degree by correspondence during his frst years on the job.”

The discussions.andinternationalAustralia’sInitiativeAgricultureyears$15GovernmentAustralianisinvestingmillionoverfourundertheGlobalLeadershiptostepupcontributiontoagriculturefoodpolicy

The World Organisation for Animal Health is recognised as the global authority on animal health that works with government partners to coordinate the global response to animal health emergencies, prevent zoonotic diseases and promote animal health and“Wewelfare.arealso sending three Australian experts to support the important work of the implementationsettinganimalareasHealthOrganisationWorldforAnimalinFrance,intheofinternationalhealthstandardandtheofthese standards,” Dr Cookson said.“A secondee will support the systematicaObservatoryWOAHproject,continuousandmechanism of observation and analysis of WOAH Members’ practices and intended to support implementation of international standards.

RURAL NEWS 7 August 25, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent

AUSTRALIAN EXPERTISE TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH

Australia’s Acting Chief Veterinary Offcer Dr Beth Cookson

Animal importantcontinueswelfaretobeanissuefor rural industries and most Australians feel rural industries share this concern. Around 70% of community members acknowledge that animal welfare in rural industries is a complex issue and is not just about the absence of harm to animals (average 75% in all three years of waypositive“Whileresearch).wearemakingimpactsonthepeopleperceive Australian fsheries and seafood industries, we still have work to do. Community trust and visibility of our industries is critical to our commitment to social responsibility,” said Dr Patrick Hone, Managing Director, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.

“The practiceslistenindustriescommunitytheinisandbetweenrelationshipruralindustriescommunitymembersmorecomplexthanprecedingyearsandextenttowhichthefeelsruralarewillingtoandchangetheirinresponseto

RURAL NEWSThe8 NR Times Rural News August 25, 2022

GPA Chair Barry Large said one of the important messages to share with other farmers is the importance of mates talking to mates and to look out for each other.

Cricketing legend Brad Hogg

“We need to start talking about mental health more, particularly in the country and within our farming Initiativescommunities.suchasthis are so important to help spark a conversation that could ultimately save someone’s life,” Mr Everitt said.

Brad Hogg talks mental health with farmers at AgQuip Cricketing legend Brad Hogg will be in the NSW Farmers green shed at AgQuip on Wednesday, 17 August at 12.30pm, to share important mental health messages with farmers.Brad’s involvement in AgQuip comes with his new role as the inaugural ambassador of the Farmer Mates Mental Health initiative from Grain Producers Australia (GPA).GPA’s partnership with Rural aid, Lifeline and Nufarm allows Brad to share his personal story and messages about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention at events throughout Australia.

COMMUNITY KEEPS FAITH IN FISHERS, FARMERS AND FORESTERS

• 80% of Australians see fshers, farmers and foresters as responsible stewards of the land and sea, and believe ruralresponsibilitymanagementenvironmentalisasharedamongstallindustries.Leadresearcherand Voconiq CEO, Dr Kieren Moffat, said trust acts as a lead indicator of community acceptance for rural re-emphasisingindustries,the need to focus on building trust as a means for managing social risk for these industries.

People Product Partnerships

Brad was born and raised in a farming family in regional WA and is currently an ambassador for Lifeline WA. Brad said he is looking forward to attending AgQuip to meet with farmers and community members to share important messages that is he is extremely passionate about.Hesaid being able to share his story with farmers in an informal setting will help encourage other people to feel comfortable with sharing their own stories around mental health. “I’m proud to be working with GPA on this initiative, to share these important messages,” Brad“Thissaid.isa great way to help others recognise the signs they need to look out for with friends or family who might be struggling and encourage them to reach out for help when needed.

“We’re extremely grateful for Brad’s leadership with the support of Lifeline, Rural Aid and Nufarm, to help make this happen and create some positive impact,” Mr Large said.

The results of a national survey highlight a continuation of community trust in the farming, fsheries and forestry sectors as well as increased support that these industries are willing to change in response to public concerns. Data science company Voconiq have captured the views of more than 19,000 Australians as part of the survey on a wide range of topics and issues related to rural industries, focusing on the drivers and infuences of trust over the past three memberstoresiliencecommunityunderstandvalueSurveyYearexists.acceptanceoncollaboratingindustriesopportunityresultsJohnManagingAgriFuturesyears.AustraliaDirectorHarveysaidtheshowthereisanforruraltobeproactive,tobuildthestrongtrustandthatcurrentlyKeyinsightsfromtheThreeNationalinclude:•Australiansnotonlyruralindustriesbutthatregionalstrengthandisfundamentaltheirsuccess.•88%ofcommunityagreedthatrural

industries are important to our way of life.

“The issues/community-trust/com.au/national-rural-https://www.agrifutures.theHonecommunityissues,toworkindrivesbetterapproachcollaborativeallowsustounderstandwhatcommunitytrustourindustries,andtogetherlong-termaddresscriticalsharedinresponsetoconcerns,”Drsaid.Formoreinformationonsurveyresults,visit:

• Rural industries are seen as strong drivers of employment in regional areas, with 82.6% of participants agreeing they generate signifcant local jobs in regional areas.

community concerns, has continued to increase since 2019.”Butwhile responsiveness of rural industries and oftheresponsibilityenvironmentalremaintwostrongestdriverstrustandacceptance, the survey identifed several issues that are now more important to the community than in the frst two years of the Program, in 2019 and 2020.These include concerns about the use of chemicals in rural industries, animal welfare, confdence in the regulation of rural industries and community knowledge about the challenges facing rural industries.Partnersin the Community Trust in Rural Industries Program acknowledge the survey results confrm that genuine responses from industry to community attitudes, particularly regarding ManagingDevelopmentcontinuingkeyresourcesustainabilityenvironmentalanduse,arethetomaintainingandtobuildtrust.GrainsResearchandCorporationDirectorNigel

“We want people to know that they’re never alone, and that help is always a phone call away if they need it. It’s all about ainitiativeEverittCommitteeandmakeconversationsstartingthatwillapositivechangehelpsavelives.”NSWFarmersGrainsChairJustinsaidhehopedthewouldhelpstartconversationandshed more light on the issue of mental health in our rural and regional areas.

Hart said the project has given the organisation a clearer understanding of what leads to and drives community trust in rural industries.“Thisresearch indicates that peoples’ frsthand connection and knowledge of individual farmers helps them understand the ‘why’ behind many of the practices that are benefcial to Australia’s agricultural sector,” Mr Hart said. “It also shows that repeatedly telling people why farmers do what they do, is not the answer to building trust, particularly about emotional topics like genetically modifed products.“So,we need to use these results to help better understand how we can work to share our stories and engage in meaningful conversation with community members and continue to build trust and knowledge of the agricultural sector.”

Patrick

Hone FRDC

In the othermeatconsume$2.85meatannualsupermarketworthhensfnancial2021-2022year,Australianlaid6.3billioneggs,$1.1billioninsales.Thevalueofchickenproductionisoverbillion.Australiansmorechickenpercapitathananykindofmeat.

Thousands of people focked to the sugar stand at this year’s Ekka to get a little taste of life in the sugar industry through an immersive virtual reality experience that had visitors queuing up for a behind-the-scenes look at the production process from paddock to

“By transitioning from paper to digital survey plans we are ensuring the process of creating survey plans to registration is more secure, transparent and effcient,” Mr Dominello said “We welcome the Industry digital-survey-plansgov.au/land-boundaries/registrargeneral.nsw.visit:governmentrelevantRegistryofNSW,ofAustralianofNSW,ConsultingthethisadviceCommittee’sConsultativeongoingandguidanceonreform,includingAssociationofSurveyorsInstitutionSurveyorsNSW,InstituteConveyancersLawSocietyNSW,NSWLandServicesandlocalandstateentities”.Formoreinformationhttps://www.

“These standards cover a range of welfare requirements for poultry including chickens, ducks, pigeons and emus,” Minister Watt said.“Italso proposes the phase out of conventional chicken cages, commonly known as battery cages, over the next 10 to 15 years.

future.presentonhandwas$4bnprocessthesuppliedSugareffort,agriculturaltheSunshinemillingandSugarindustrytogetherpackaging.CANEGROWERS,withfellowstakeholdersResearchAustraliaNewSouthWalescompanySugar,hostedstallintheEkka’shall.InawholeofindustrytheAustralianMillingCouncilfyersexplainingsophisticatedmillingthatdrivesourindustry,andthereplentyofmaterialontoeducatevisitorstheindustry’spast,andexcitingHowever,itwasthe

Minister Watt said there was strong interest in the standards following 167,000 public submissions during the consultation period.

It wasn’t only the general public who gained a valuable insight into the importance of the sugar industry to Queensland’s economy and the pivotal role it could one day play in the success of the PeterFederalMinisterQueenslandMinisterbioeconomy.FederalAgricultureMurrayWatt,AgricultureMarkFurnerandOppositionleaderDutton,allattended the stand and engaged directly with sugarcanebehalfrepresentatives.industry“AdvocatingonofQueensland’sfarming families and the communities they support is at the very heart of what CANEGROWERS does as an organisation,” Mr Menkens said. “But rarely do we get an opportunity to engage one-on-one with government decisionmakers and the general public industry.”Queenslandhugethesugar.thinkingsustainable,thedecadesweeducatethewithissuccessfully.toasugarin“Likesimultaneously.allindustriestoday’sworld,theindustryrequiressociallicenceifwearecontinuetooperate“CANEGROWERSproudtotalkdirectlythecommunityanddecision-makersandthemonthestepshavetakenovermanytobecomeoneofworld’smosteffcient,andforward-producersof“Inthisrespect,2022Ekkawasasuccessforthesugar

Virtual Reality (VR) experience that proved the real showstopper. The six-minute video experience provided by Sunshine Sugar gave visitors, many of whom had little or no knowledge of the sugar industry, a bird’s eye view of cane country, before bringing them right into the tractor cab alongside farmers as they planted sugarcane.

aboutknewsaid.ChairmanCANEGROWERSworker,”OwenMenkens“Manyofthevisitorslittleornothingsugarproduction, while others had fond memories of shared experiences of seeing cane in felds up and down the Queensland coastline. But regardless of their understanding, all visitors left with new insights and new understandings of the contemporary industry.”

RURAL NEWS 9 August 25, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent IMMERSIVE SUGAR EXPERIENCE HITS EKKA SWEET SPOT

“It is my hope that all states and territories will work together to ensure nationally andforenvironmentalofincludecommunitycontemporarypoultrytheforallowcertaintyregulationsconsistentforpoultry.“Thiswillprovideforindustry,producerstoplanthefutureandassurepublicthatAustralia’sstandardsbalancescienceandexpectations.”Otherproposedchangestheprovisionwatertoallducks,stimulationbreedingchickens,improvementstothe minimum light intensity and required periods of darkness, ventilation, and temperature parameters for all poultry species.

“The poultry standards are part of a suite of animal welfare standards and guidelines that aim to harmonise animal welfare legislation and provide clarity and consistency for industry and consumers,” he“Thesaid.new standards will also assure Australia’s trading partners that we have strong standards of animal welfare.”

“States and Territory governments must now look at the standards with all agriculture ministers to consider next steps by early 2023.

INDEPENDENT PANEL FINALISES PROPOSED NEW NATIONAL POULTRY STANDARDS

A new digital system for survey plans will deliver $300 million in productivity savings for NSW with property owners, buyers and sellers to beneft from a completely digital land titlesMinistersystem.for Customer Service and reducedinconveyancingmovefollowednewGovernmentDigitalsaidthedigitalsystemthesuccessfultodigitisetheprocessOctober2021whichcosts,saved time and eliminated most risks associated with human“Surveyerror.plans have defned land boundaries in NSW for more than 200 years and despite surveyors using the latest process,”backsurveyandtechnology,measurementthecreationregistrationofplanstendstogotoapaper-basedMrDominello said.“We are now taking steps to move survey plans online and mandate 100 per cent online lodging with the new digital system NSW Land Registry Services Connect by the second half of 2023. “This is the fnal piece in the puzzle to make it an end-to-end paperless process, improving the quality of survey plans and enabling approvals to be “Overfaster.the next three decades the new system will save around $10 million per year for the NSW economy by reducing associated holding costs for the delivery of new land parcels and strata lots and reducing the time and costs spent on rectifying errors on survey plans.” Mr Dominello said NSW LRS Connect was already available to Registered Land Surveyors and would be open to other industry stakeholders such as legal practitioners and conveyancers later this year, to assist in the preparation and lodging of survey plans.

DIGITAL PLANS TO COMPLETE TRANSITION TO PAPERLESS LAND REGISTRY

“It was rewarding to witness frsthand the joy and amazement expressed by men, women and children of all ages as they were immersed in the life of a cane farmer, harvest operator and mill

An Independent Poultry Panel has fnalised the development of proposed new Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry, which have now been madeMinisterpublic.for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the proposed standards balanced contemporary animal welfare science with feedback from an extensive engagement process that was part of the independent review.

As viewers were stepped through the production process, they got to experience driving haul outs and harvesters, before moving to the mill, sugar terminal and refnery to gain a true understanding of sugar’s journey from billet to bag.

SURVEY

NEW IN AGRICULTURAL FRONTLINE WORKFORCE FOR COMMUNITIESREGIONAL

RURAL NEWSThe10 NR Times Rural News August 25, 2022

Charles UniversityDarwin(CDU) is delivering training as a part of the program at Katherine Rural Campus to learn how to work safely on cattle stations before they head to placements to get hands on experience with biosecurity,toprocessesAustralianfosterandourtraining.KatherinestudentsthisexcitedsaidRegionKatherinelivestock.CDUVice-ChancellorandBigRiversAlisonHainestheuniversityistobeinvolvedinprogramandhosttheoncampusinfortheirinitial“Indonesiaisoneofclosestneighbourstheprogramhelpsunderstandingofsystemsandwhenitcomesthelivestockindustry,production systems and the supply chain,” Mrs Haines said.

AGRICULTURAL FRONTLINE WORKFORCE FOR REGIONAL COMMUNITIES

“Through this program

The disinfectdecontaminate,includedandoperationsinlearningpracticaltheprogramsharing.exchangenetworksstrengtheningisGadjahandofby(INTBP),BiosecurityNorthernIndonesia-TerritoryProgramestablishedtheDepartmentIndustry,TourismTrade(DITT)andMadaUniversityanopportunityforbiosecuritythroughskillsandknowledgeThepilotexchangewillprovidestudentswithrichandtechnicalexperiencesbiosecurityrelatedofgovernmentindustry.Trainingsofarhashowtoclean,andappropriately,

how to healthdiseasesemergencyidentifyanimalandanimalpreparedness as part of their studies into biosecurity protocols.

Indonesia’s Gadjah Mada University

Indonesian students learn about biosecurity at Katherine Rural Campus

“The students have been working with Agriculture and Rural Operations trainers to learn about pastoral industry work requirements and safety, the handling, treatment, transport and care of livestock and safety awareness when working around horses, cattle, chemicals, machinery, trucks and in remote areas.“The students are having a great time and are learning a lot, as are the trainers, who are gaining a deeper understanding of the student’s home country and its agriculture industries along the way.”

A frst of its kind graduate program to invest in future agricultural workers for regional NSW is being launched by the State Government.Ministerfor Agriculture Dugald Saunders said Local Land Services (LLS) would take six university graduates under its wing, to kickstart their careers in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and veterinary science.“Thisinitiative is a commitment to our regions, helping to develop and keep professionals in their communities, while also helping those communities who will beneft from the latest skills and knowledge straight out of our universities,” Mr Saunders said.“This is a great program in which experienced LLS staff will mentor a student and each student will have the opportunity to rotate across different roles, in line with their qualifcations.

Over twelve months, the six graduates will be able to learn about the various Local Land Services programs, engage with landholders and put their university studies into practice alongside teams on theTheyground.will also complete a range of supported training modules aimed at preparing them for employment in the agricultural sector. “Through this program LLS is offering on the paddock experience to students to support real life people and help build a more sustainable and proftable future for our regions,” Mr Saunders said. “This is the frst program to solely focus on agriculture, animal welfare and landscape management.”Applications are now open until 3 October 2022 through ‘I work for NSW’. For more information graduate-program-344097au/job/local-land-services-https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.visit:

communitiesalsocommunities,professionalsdevelopregions,commitmentandresourceagriculture,careerswing,graduateswouldLandSaundersAgricultureGovernment.MinisterforDugaldsaidLocalServices(LLS)takesixuniversityunderitstokickstarttheirinsustainablenaturalmanagement,veterinaryscience.“Thisinitiativeisatoourhelpingtoandkeepintheirwhilehelpingthosewho will beneft from the latest skills and knowledge straight out of our universities,” Mr Saunders said. “This is a great program in roles,rotatehaveandwillexperiencedwhichLLSstaffmentorastudenteachstudentwilltheopportunitytoacrossdifferentinlinewiththeir qualifcations.

Northern Territory Minister for Agribusiness, Paul Kirby said the knowledge sharing program between the Territory Labor Government and Gadjah Mada University will strengthen The Territory’s bond with Indonesia and help both jurisdictions learn more about improving biosecurity measures.“Foot-and-mouth and lumpy skin disease have not been detected in the Northern Territory, but it is important to learn as much as we can from our neighbours, as well as pass on the knowledge our biosecurity experts have developed for the students to take back home,” Minister Kirby said. “It is great to see the students settling into their program and enjoying some of the truly magnifcent sites and experiences the Territory has to offer before immersing themselves in their course. The students are destined to be future leaders of the industry in Indonesia.”Allskills learned through the course can be applied as a day-to-day best practice approach to good biosecurity, helping to develop a consistent

Six students from Indonesia’s Gadjah Mada University have settled into their new surrounds in the Top End, as they begin a 10-week course learning about biosecurity procedures and the NT cattle industry.

LLS is offering on the paddock experience to students to support real life people and help build a more sustainable and proftable future for our regions,” Mr Saunders said. “This is the frst program to solely focus on agriculture, animal welfare and program-344097land-services-graduate-nsw.gov.au/job/local-visit:NSW’.2022openmanagement.”landscapeApplicationsarenowuntil3Octoberthrough‘IworkforFormoreinformationhttps://iworkfor.

A frst of its kind graduate program to invest in future agricultural workers for regional NSW is being launched by the State

GRADUATE PROGRAM INVESTING

Students from Indonesia’s Gadjah Mada University have been studying at Katherine Rural Campus to foster understanding of Australian systems and processes when it comes to the livestock industry, biosecurity, and production systems.

“To the untrained eye, these tiny mice might look quite common, but there are fewer than 100 smoky mice left in the South East Forest, which is one of only two known populations in NSW,” Mr Griffn said. “For the frst time ever, we have reintroduced 13 of these rare mice back into the NSW wild where they one thrived.

Fast facts • Export certifcation for honey and apiculture goods is now available for exports to 16 markets.

The bybredsmokyreintroducedmicewereforconservationPriamAustralia’s National Threatened Species Institute near Canberra, in a specialised facility that replicates their preferred habitat in the South East Forest National Park. Saving our Species Program ThreatenedSeniorSpecies

“The Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service were designed to operate separately for a reason. They serve completely different “Oncefunctions.again the government has stomped in with an expedient plan without bothering to consult with public sector workers or the communities affected. We’ve seen this movie before, and it doesn’t end well.”

RURAL NEWS 11 August 25, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent

“Thecommunities.Premier needs to pause and realise that if he doesn’t move cautiously and collaboratively, he is literally risking the lives of people across the state,” said PSA General Secretary Stewart

“If form is any kind of guide, when the Premier says ‘merger’ what he really means is ‘budget cuts,’” he said. “It takes a special kind of arrogance to look at the recent history of disaster

“TheLittle.RFS had hundreds of vacancies heading into the recent catastrophic bushfres and the situation has not improved signifcantly since. The SES have had their budget repeatedly slashed by this government and desperately need a period of stability to “Neitherconsolidate.the RFS or the SES have signifcant support staff resources as is. It’s hard to see how merging their functions will improve matters.

PSA CALLS ON RFSGOVERNMENTNSWTOHALTPROPOSED/SESMERGER

platform for these goods earlier this year. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said applicationprocessing times would be signifcantly quicker under NEXDOC, providing exporters with all-important export documentation sooner. “Honey exports are a $55 million industry, and the Albanese Government is focused on growing Australian agriculture by streamlining export functions and improving product traceability,” Minister Watt said. “Exporters to these markets will no longer have to complete and submit lengthy paper application forms to gain export certifcation. “Not only is the manual process timeconsuming and costly, paper-based

“This is the culmination of years of wateraeratingkeepthethisextinctionsturnwhichconservationpainstakingwork,ishelpingbackthetideonandsecurespecies’survivalintofuture.”Smokymicehelpforestshealthybysoil,increasingpenetration,and spreading truffe spores. The conservation of the smoky mouse is led by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program, which is backed by a $175 million commitment over 10 years.The smoky mouse is one of many species earmarked for the rewilding of the State’s newest of seven feral free areas, Nungatta, in South East Forest National Park. Once all seven rewilding sites are complete, 65,000 hectares of national parks will be feral free and provide a signifcant conservation beneft for more than 50 species.

applications can lead to errors which only extend the processing times. Through NEXDOC, exporters can communicate directly with the department, removing the need to call or email and providing oversight of the export documentation processes. Now they can digitally lodge, amend and replace export certifcates with minimal departmental intervention, then print their approved certifcates instead of collecting them from a departmental offce.Inaddition to this, certifcates generated through NEXDOC render a unique QR code and certifcate number, increasing product traceability and security for both Australia and our trading partners.

Critically endangered smoky mice have been released back into the wild in South East Forest National Park, in a world frst for the species. Minister Environmentfor James Griffn said the release marks a signifcant milestone in the recovery of this species from the brink of extinction.

• New functionality includes the ability to apply for additional endorsements on a certifcate, providing fexibility for exporters and the department.

Offcer Dr Linda Broome said this trial reintroduction is a major step in this six-year long project.“With such low population numbers in the wild, our long-term goal when setting up the breeding facility was to eventually return this species to its wild, natural habitat,” Dr Broome said. “Now we have reached this milestone, so we are hopeful that the smoky mouse continues to survive in the wild and possibly even increase their population numbers in their coastal forest habitats.”Remote cameras and micro-chip readers have been set up in and around the initial release areas within the national park and will provide data on how the released mice are faring. In addition to NSW Government funding through the Saving our Species program, the smoky mouse release was supported by $210,000 from the Australian Government’s Bushfre Recovery for Wildlife and their Habitats program. For more information on the smoky mouse and the Saving our Species initiatives to ensure their survival, visit au/threatenedspeciesapp/environment.nsw.gov.https://www. profle.aspx?id=10686

Critically endangered smoky mice

Mr Little said the Premier’s track record was a source of concern to RFS and SES staff.

Feral

RARE SMOKY MICE RETURN HOME free areas map Archive photo of native Smoky Mouse Credit Linda Broome

• Exporters can now print certifcates instead of collecting them from a departmental offce • NEXDOC increases traceability and security for Australia and its trading partners. It will now be easier for Australian honey exporters to send their products internationally, following improvements to the digital certifcation process. Australian exporters of honey and apiculture products can now obtain certifcation for 15 additional markets via a digital documentation system following Malaysia’s transition to the NEXDOC

• Australia welcomes the expansion of NEXDOC export documentation system for honey and apiculture exports to 15 additional markets

HONEY EXPORTS TO HUM AS DIGITAL EXPORT SYSTEM EXPANDS

The Public Service Association of NSW is calling on the NSW Government to halt its proposed merger of the Rural Figure Service and the State Emergency Service until proper community and stakeholder consultation has taken place.

• The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry will be transitioning honey and apiculture products in phases, with more markets and certifcates to follow.

Premier Dominic Perrottet today announced his government’s intention to merge the support staff of RFS and SES, despite no proper consultation having occurred with staff or affected

• Exporters can now obtain their export certifcation for more than half of the markets where it is required.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has announced pre-eminent marine biologist, Dr Natalie Moltschaniwskyj, has taken the reigns this month as the Department’s new Chief Scientist. With a distinguished career in fsheries research and aquaculture under her belt, Dr Moltschaniwskyj’s new portfolio incorporates the core primary industries areas of biosecurity, fsheries and agriculture.

thecommunitiescommunication.training,arescuebetterrecommendations,onfromisMartinNinaapprehensiveunderstandablyatreportsLaiscomingback,”Mrsaid.“Whatweneedtoseeswift,decisiveactionthegovernmentsomeofthesekeywithcoordinationofandrecovery,andstreamlinedprocessforresponseand“At-riskfarmersandcannotallowhard-learnedlessons from these foods to be forgotten, we must ensure any new agencies deliver what people actually need.”NSW Farmers is encouraging government to work closely with the agricultural sector to deliver on recommendationsthe in the report, including the establishment of a full-time State Emergency Management Operations Coordinator, the recommendation to develop a single app with disaster updates including the status of regional and rural roads, and improvements to weather reporting.Butitwas not just the state government that needed to improve its approach to natural disasters, as Mr Martin pointed out governmentlocalalso had a signifcant role in food management and mitigation as the local approving authority.

Martinwhenwilldemonstraterealtheirtheycommunities,“Farmers,communities.families,businesses,needcertaintyaroundfutureandthereisaopportunityheretothatpeoplenotbeforgottenitmattersmost,”Mrsaid.“Theimpactsofthese food events is felt far beyond the food and fbre growing regions of our state – we all saw the headlines about lettuce shortages as a result of foods – and we all need to make sure we have an emergency response system that will avoid unnecessary delays to getting help where it’s needed most.”

REIMBURSEMENTSNOWAVAILABLEFORREGISTEREDBEEKEEPERS

Maximising science for our NSW asacknowledgedmentorsnotedandrecognisedundertakenclassroleascollaborations,facilitatesaidiscommunitystakeholders,andeconomyourabsolutepriority,”DrMoltschaniwskyi.“Therolealsohelpsandenableaswellplayinganadvocacytoensuretheworld-sciencewhichisatDPIisdulyacrossNSWonthenationalstage.”DrMoltschaniwskyjtheimportanceofinhercareerandherrolementortothoseinthe science feld, particularly young female scientists.

“There is a real need for improved planning, assessment, and approvals around public and private works on foodplains, because farmers need certainty through transparency and consistent application of the rules,” Mr Martin said. “Timely access to information about roads or food levels is vital for the safety of people, their homes, livestock and machinery, and will help mitigate similar tragedies in the future.

Emergency reforms critical with La Nina to return

“Following a competitive global recruitment process, Natalie is an excellent choice for the role, and it’s a pleasure to see her transition from her role as DPI Director Fisheries Research to the position of Chief Scientist,” he said. “Natalie’s career spans almost three-decades and includes a fve-year academic tenure at James Cook University, 12 years at The University of Tasmania, and fve years at The University of Newcastle, before joining DPI“HerFisheries.research has focused on fsheries and aquaculture of marine species such as squid, mussels, oysters, and abalone. The Department is incredibly lucky to have such a wealth of knowledge in this key position,” said Mr Hansen. Dr Moltschaniwskyi said she was looking forward to leading the team responsible for ensuring that NSW DPI delivers strategic, defensible and useful science to stakeholders and the community, now and into the“Thefuture.Chief Scientist role has an important function in ensuring that the research undertaken by DPI scientists is aligned with any knowledge gaps experienced by end-users.

Dr Natalie Moltschaniwskyj announced as NSW DPI Chief Scientist

“I want these young scientists to know that it is possible to be female and have a leadership role in science. I’m certainly going to continue to enable and instil courage in them to be able to develop their careers,” she said.

Registered commercial and

RURAL NEWSThe12 NR Times Rural News August 25, 2022

sinceemergencybeenfromthetoorhadbeekeepersSaundersAgricultureNationalunderreimbursementcanthebybeekeepersrecreationalimpactedVarroamiteineradicationzonenowaccesspaymentstheagreedResponsePlan.MinisterforDugaldsaidwhohavetheirhives,honeyequipmentdestroyedcontrolthespreadofmitewillbeeligibletoday.“BeekeepershaveatthecentreofourresponseVarroamitewas confrmed through routine surveillance in sentinel hives near the port of Newcastle in late June,” Mr Saunders said. “While we know our eradication measures are crucial to the ongoing viability of our industries, they have signifcantly impacted beekeepers, which is why this package of support measures is so critical.“Beekeepers have been through some really diffcult times in the past few months in the fght to eradicate Varroa, and this funding will help them get back on their feet and start to plan for theThefuture.owner reimbursement cost (ORC) specifed area. beekeepersRecreationalwill receive a $550 payment for each hive destroyed, or $200 forwhothosewish to keep their hive ware, which will cover the cost of the euthanised bees. A $200 reimbursement will also be given for each single recreational nucleus hive that is euthanised, regardless of whether the hive ware is“Nowkept. that the evidence frameworks are in place, we want to make this process as smooth as possible, so our control centre will be contacting affected beekeepers by phone over the coming weeks,” Mr Saunders said. “An authorised offcer will visit each site and work closely with the beekeeper, record details of the hives, complete the relevant paperwork and then provide a link to the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) application form to apply for the reimbursement.“Intermsofhives that are to be euthanised in the red eradication zone, authorised offcers will work with beekeepers during this process about what they want done with their hive and their reimbursement options.” 5,742 hives have been euthanised to date and surveillance and testing has been carried out on 26,849 hives across the State.

“Right now there are farmers, families and businesses still getting on top of the repairs and rebuilding from fooding earlier in the year, and they’ll be

“We are encouraged to see commitment by the NSW Government to act on the recommendations and we are keen to see local government play its part as Therewell.”were a number of areas where primary producers and rural landholders would see positives from the adoption of focusedrecommendationstheonhousing and local amenities, which Mr Martin said were important to the fabric of affected

in,thatunderfromoperatingforegone,GatedestroyedPlan.resultbeekeeperincurreditemsforcomponent.destroyed.destroyed.valuethebeekeepersapiarybyandHealth(AHBIC)BeeAustraliandevelopedframeworksevidencewerebytheHoneyIndustryCouncilandPlantAustralia(PHA)havebeenagreedtoallGovernmentandindustrybodies.Forcommercialitincludesestimatedmarketof:•Theparticularhives•TheQueenbee•Abeecolony•Replacementvalueanyothercapitaldestroyed.•AnyothercostsbytheasadirectoftheResponse•Thevalueofanyhoneystocks.•AnestimatedFarmValueofproductslessbeehivecosts,resultingarequirementaResponsePlanbeesbequarantinedorexcludedfrom,a

Farmers are calling for the state government to fasttrack adoption of food inquiry recommendations as communities are forecast to face another round of drenching rain thisThespring.Independent Flood Inquiry report into the handling of the state’s major foods identifed a number of issues, and NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said it was critical to get moving on reforms quickly.

Dr Moltschaniwskyj is a highly regarded member of the scientifc community, with over 100 publications to her name and having attracted over $3million of competitive research funding.

NSW DPI Director General Scott Hansen congratulated MoltschaniwskyjDr on her achievements and welcomed her to the role.

A diagnostic tool using nano technology to rapidly detect high-risk plant pests and pathogens in the feld will undergo feasibility testing in a biosecurity innovation pilot kicking off this projectmonth.Thelab-on-a-chipwillinvestigate if portable nano-biosensors improve the effciency of plant disease detection at Australian borders and in-feld surveillance. Once the technology is proven a handheld prototype will be developed for use by frontline biosecurity offcers. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance Dr Chris Locke said the pilot was one of up to 24 innovation program pilots funded this year.“When our biosecurity offcers detect suspected high-risk plant pests presently, they send the samples to off-site laboratories, where diagnostic personnel confrm results. It can be a time-consuming, lengthy and costly process,” Dr Locke said. “If this technology works, it means our biosecurity offcers can take a sample from a suspect plant. Then, using the nano-device, identify the specimen by detecting a pest’s or plant’s RNA (ribonucleic acid) while still at the airport, port or in the feld.

A tandem line of research will be undertaken by ResearchNanoBiotechnologytheLaboratory at RMIT University also in biosensors.conjunctionmicroneedlesusewillMelbourne.Asecondprojectinvestigatetheofnano-fabricatedinwiththeAllsamplestakenmust be purifed. Microneedles use Queensland.Universityberesearchscanned.inplant.contents(MEMS)Mechanical-SystemsMicro-Electro-toextractcellfromasuspectThisisthenplacedthenano-sensorandThemicroneedlecomponentwillconductedbytheofSouthern

Around $5 million will be spent over the coming year on projects using cutting-edge science to help boost funded24ChrisandSecretaryandAgriculture,biosecurityAustralia’scapabilities.DepartmentofForestryFisheriesDeputyofBiosecurityComplianceDrLockesaidtheprojectswouldbetotestpioneering scientifc approaches and technologies to help combat biosecurity risks.

“In June an outbreak of banana freckle occurred in the Northern Territory. To confrm the disease’s presence and type, biosecurity offcers had to wait days for test results to be processed and come back from a laboratory.“Twoprojects to kickoff this year involve developing a proof-ofconcept for a cheap, small diagnostic tool that employs nano-particle detection exoticdetectmicroneedlecombinedtechnologywithapatchtothepresenceofplantpathogens.

“The projects include examining the potential of artifcial intelligence (AI) to identify high-risk, hitch-hiker pests like the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and exotic bees; the development of a portable dangerousvapour detection tool and using high workourapproachesneedAustralian(LSD)lumpymouthdiseaseswitnessedDrexoticsequencingthroughputtoidentifyplantpathogens,”Lockesaid.“We’verecentlydevastinglikefoot-and-(FMD)andskindiseasemoveclosertoborders.Wetoinvestigatenewthathelpbiosecuritysystemssmarterandfaster to detect and manage risks that pose serious threats to andenvironment,Australia’seconomywayoflife.

A committeeparliamentaryfrom the NSW Upper House had a public hearing on Friday 19 August 2022 as part of the inquiry into commencementthe of the Fisheries forlegislativeinvestigateestablishedAmendmentManagementAct2009.TheinquirywastowhyprovisionsAboriginalcultural fshing, passed in 2009, have not yet commenced. These provisions would allow an Aboriginal person to take fsh despite the limits prescribed by the Act, where the fsh are taken for the purpose of Aboriginal cultural fshing. The inquiry will examine challenges or barriers to the commencement of these provisions, along with the havingnon-commencementimpactisonAboriginal cultural fshing, and otherMembersissues.of the public can watch the hearing live via the Parliament’s website.Formore about the inquiry, see the committee’s gov.au/committees.www.parliament.nsw.webpage:

“If successful, the handheld technology will be used at the border and in the feld to fnd exotic plant“Beingpathogens.ableto rapidly detect and confrm pathogens on-ground could improve response times to biosecurity risks, thwart incursion spread and speed up the clearance of imports.”

Innovative biosecurity solutions put to the test Carbon neutrality is as much about production as it is about reducing methane output in cattle and sheep. Both go hand in hand, where new additional pasture technologies increase profts alongside improving rumen function and lowering greenhouse gasses (GHG).Meat& Livestock Australia (MLA) and Agcotech have formed a partnership alongside The University of Sydney to further develop farmgate.lowabusinessessystemsGHGcontinuingrates.conditionwhilstmethanethatdeliversupplementspasturethatnewmitigantsdirectlysuppressproduction,improvingbreederandweaningMLAarealsotoimproveaccountingtohelpredmeatdemonstratecarbonneutralorcarbonstatusatManagingDirector at MLA, Jason Strong said, “The partnership between Agcotech and the University of Sydney is one example of an investment that aims to bring proftable livestock methane technologies to market through the Emissions andWildlifeconsortiumbeefAustralianCredentialsthePartnershipAvoidance(EAP).“MLAisalsoleadingEnvironmentalforGrassfedproject,inawithWorldFund-AustraliaTheUniversityof Queensland. This project is funded through the Federal StrongsupplyneutralandmarkettheircredentialstheirproducersenablePartnerships’.‘SmartLandcareGovernmentsGrantprogramFarming“Thisinvestmentwillgrassfedbeeftodemonstrateenvironmentalandreduceemissionstoaccessopportunitiesparticipateincarbonandlowcarbonchains,”Mrsaid.AgcotechChairman,

Aboriginal cultural fshing inquiry

Charles (Chick) Olsson believes the Australian Red Meat industry is leading the world in all classes of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy, and this newest collab between MLA, The University of Sydney and Agcotech, will potentially take the red meat industry to a new level on the international playing feld. “Australia has dominated the red meat market with best practice on farm welfare, and now looks forward to repeating performance to achieve CN 30. I fully support this huge goal, and believe with the right motivation, we can shift the red meat industry to even higher levels of production and control methane at the same time to be the envy of the world,” Mr Olsson said. MLA partners with Agcotech and The University of Sydney to reduce livestock methane output

RURAL NEWS 13 August 25, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent

“This technology will signifcantly help the clearance rate of goods at our border, often held up waiting on test currentlyNano-biosensorsresults.”areusedinthe medical feld to diagnose infectious diseases and conditions such as cancer. Project research will take place at the department’s Plant Innovation Centre at the Post-Entry Quarantine facility in Melbourne.

Lab-on-a-chip trial looks to up biosecurity detection times

topics,dealtpresentations.withinspiredandSuter,RabiatheinfacilitiesbetterdiscussionshealthdelegatesConferencefrom(theRuralremoteoutcomesandhealththecollaborationhealthwhichHealth16threcentlywasKirklandPicturedelegatesQueenslandInfrastructure,welcomingtoBrisbane.byYmeTulleners,PhotographyBridgingsocialdistancethethemeoftheconcludedNationalRuralConference,focusedonruralinnovationandtoaddresspressingissueofcareaccessibilitydisparitiesinhealthinruralandAustralia.HostedbytheNationalHealthAllianceAlliance)inBrisbane2-4August2022,thesawover700fromAustralia’ssectorengaginginonenablinghealthservicesandforpeoplelivingruralAustralia.KeynotespeakersofcalibreofStanGrant,Siddique,Dr.KeithDr.JustinYeung,ChristineGiles,theaudiencetheirpowerfulTheconcurrentsessionswitharangeoffromtheimpact

oryetourinternationalaccessgivingenjoys“Australiastatus.currentlyFMD-freestatus,uscontinuedtopremiummarketsforworld-classproduce.“Theworldisalsotodevelopakilledsyntheticvaccine for Lumpy Skin, so having these two mRNA vaccines in our arsenal should these diseases reach our shores would give us a clear edge on the world stage. “Our message is simple: We are doing everything we can to keep NSW free of FMD and Lumpy Skin Disease, but we are also preparing for the worst by investing $229 million this year alone – the biggest investment by a single jurisdiction on exotic pest and disease control.”TheNSW Government is also committing $55.8 million for practical, onground biosecurity risk mitigation. TO COMBAT FOOT AND MOUTH AND LUMPY SKIN DISEASE

The macadamiaAustralianindustry is valued at approximately $293 million per year. withinmacadamiaandmacadamiaavailableNSWcropmaintainingguideinformationComprehensivesuchastheareimperativetothevaluableforgrowersinandQueensland.TheguideisforfreetogrowersisdistributedtoallprocessorsAustralia.

RECORD BIOSECURITY INVESTMENT

NSWPlantMacadamiaProtectionGuidereleased

“When you’re producing food and fbre in a tough country like Australia, you need to think outside the box and we want to see this proud tradition of farming and science continue,” Mr Thompson said. “Not only does it make sense to be able to do more with less, such as in intensive dairying, but also in doing things better, like we can with drones.

A $65 million investment to bolster the andLumpyandvaccinesthemeasuresGovernment’sNSWbiosecuritywillfast-trackdevelopmentofagainstFootMouth(FMD)andSkinDiseasehelppositionNSW as leaders in the fght against exotic animal diseases.

DPIachievedhighlightsconsiderations.”emphasistreatmentsbymanagement;biologicalbackedupstrategicchemicalwithanonbiosecurity“TheguidealsotheoutcomesbyNSWaspartofthe fve-yearIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) project, with growers now considering a management system that is specifc for their farm and location”, Mr Bright said.The previous edition included an industry challenge called ‘Keep it below 50’, with the aim to end up with the lowest possible IPDM scorecard whilst maintaining onrecovery,goodaisanddifferentorchard,upparticipatedproductivity.adequateGrowersbytallyingtreatmentsontheireachwithavalueandyield.“ThekeywithinIPDMthescorecardsystemthatwhereweseescoreunder50withyieldsandkernelwecanfocusthatorchardand identify what other practices they may be carrying out to obtain this. This then acts as a very good tool for the rest of industry to learn from,” Mr Bright said. “We are happy to announce that the frst ‘prototype’ of the scorecard was very well received by industry. Results have been extremely encouraging, with the overall average score being 52 points. To make the best use of the data, we added all the farm information to a dashboard application that analyses and presents data simply.”

16th National Rural Health Conference calls for urgent action to bridge rural health care gaps

Mrs Julieanne Gilbert MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health of climate on health in rural communities, to challenges and solutions in the recruitment and retention of health care professionals, women’s health and wellbeing, cultural sensitivity, health care innovation and digital health, rural health research, training pathways, and various models for improving access to health care in ruralDelegatesAustralia.had the opportunity to share their ideas at the Alliance exhibition booth where they provided feedback in response to a series of questions including their motivations for working rurally, ideas for improving rural health outcomes, and what they would recommend in terms of action for governments.TheAlliance Deputy Chair Dr. Stephen Gourley said the overarching theme of the feedback was that “rural and remote communities are not just smaller urban communities but require different models of care and“Thefunding”.Alliance has two key policy platforms: a new National Rural Health Strategy and the Rural Area Community Controlled healthmultidisciplinarykeythearemodelsblockleadershipduringontheDr.Alliance’smodel,”OrganisationsHealth(RACCHO)saidtheoutgoingCEOGabrielleO’Kaneatconference.AvideoRACCHOswasairedherpresentation.“Localcommunityandco-design,fundingandsecureofemploymentcorecomponentsofRACCHOmodelandtoimprovingaccesstoprimarycareinruralareas.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the goal was to develop mRNA vaccinessyntheticforboth FMD and Lumpy Skin, a game changer for NSW farmers.“Current FMD vaccines are made using the virus itself, meaning even vaccinated animals have to be destroyed for Australia to regain our FMD-free status following an outbreak,” Mr Toole said. “The development of a synthetic mRNA vaccine could be the key for Australia to apply for FMD-free status without having to destroy vaccinated animals, allowing us to preserve our trade

RURAL NEWSThe14 NR Times Rural News August 25, 2022

New technology could see farmers use drones to strike weeds from the sky or turn milking sheds into solargenerators, if Australia invests in more research and livesplayedtheitChairFarmersdrawingWithdevelopment.ScienceWeektoaclose,NSWDairyCommitteeColinThompsonsaidwasatimelyreminderofimportantrolescienceineveryone’sthroughagricultural

New thinking needed to unlock greater productivity

The 8th edition of the NSW Macadamia Plant Protection Guide has been published and is now available online. NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Development Offcer Jeremy Bright, who authored the 2022/2023 edition, said with Covid challenges, natural disasters, and now the threat of a varroa mite incursion on our number one pollinator, this has been a particularly diffcult year for macadamia growers in NSW.“NSW DPI continues to support growers through suchextensiondevelopmentindustryandmaterialasthisguide, our integrated pest and disease managementpestinformationcomprehensiveMrAssistanceavailablethe(IPDM)managementoutputs,andgrantsandsupportviatheRuralAuthority,”Brightsaid.“Theguideprovidesonanddiseasethrough regular monitoring, cultural and

production.“Farmersproduce food and fbre for families, it’s a simple as that,” Mr Thompson said. “As Aussies we are a nation of innovators and we’ve come up with so many great inventions that have transformed our lives, and we’re asking the public and private sectors to really invest in the breakthroughs ofWhiletomorrow.”many people knew of great Aussie inventions like the Cochlear implant or WiFi, there were lesser-known yet equally important local farming innovations such as the header harvester or stumpjump plough that had revolutionised productivity.

“Of course, there are those other innovations that come from pure research and development, and farmers really wants to see that continue because it will unlock greater productivity and manage the challenges of the future.”

andsecurityturningPipelineDungowannextthewater,wayinthewatersaid.industry,”agriculturalMrAnderson“Ifyouwantgreatersecurity,youneedrightinfrastructureplacetoimprovethewecaptureandstoresotheregionisonfrontfootwhenthedroughtcomes.“BuildingtheNewDamandwillbethepointforwaterforTamworththePeelValley, nearly halving the risk of the town running out of water during droughts.

The Brownhill Cup was donated by the Brownhill Family of ‘Merrilong’, Spring Ridge, as a perpetual trophy to encourage landholders to apply conservation farming and effcient management practices.

AWARD RECOGNISES A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

“Resolving water security in the Peel Valley is estimated to enable millions of dollars in investment and thousands of new local jobs.”TheSummary Business Case contains elements of the Final Business Case that informationprotectsthatis Cabinet in Confdence or Commercial in Confdence.

“If we don’t build the dam and pipeline, we are back to ground zero. It takes years, sometimes decades, to approvalsthethewillNewthetoshovelinfrastructuregetprojectsready,butsubjectaco-contributionfromCommonwealth,theDungowanDamhavebulldozersingroundby2023,onceappropriateplanningareinplace.

“John was still in high school when he joined the Department,” he said. “In fact, he completed both his Higher School Certifcate and a university degree by correspondence during his frst years on the job. When he was District Agronomist at Coonamble and then Gunnedah John was at the forefront of the no-till farming revolution – this included weed management, increasing fallow effciency, addressing nitrogen defciencies and crop defciencies with pulse crops and shaping what are no world leading farming practices,” Dr McMullen said.“He leaves a huge legacy of knowledge and work across multiple subject areas, committees, publications and programs and this recognition is certainly well deserved.”

NEW DUNGOWAN DAM REMAINS BEST OPTION FOR FUTURE OF TAMWORTH

The 2022 Brownhill Cup has today been posthumously awarded to Mr John Kneipp, at AgQuip in recognition of innovation and sustainable farming practices in Australia’s north- eastern farming zone. The Brownhill Cup recognises and celebrates people who contribute to our primary industries, developing and supporting new and innovative ways to enhance farming practices and ensure sustainable thenKneippIndustriesDepartmentproductivity.long-termAformerNSWofPrimaryemployee,MrjoinedwhatwasNSWAgricultureas a Field Assistant in 1971. He held multiple positions across NSW during his four decades of service including Inverell, Goulburn, Coonamble, Gunnedah and Tamworth. NSW DPI’s Director Northern Cropping Systems, Dr Guy McMullen refected on Mr Kneipp’s contribution within the department and his longevity in primary industries.

RURAL NEWS 15 August 25, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent SHIPPING CONTAINERS 20ft & 40ft Storage Best Prices Lease or Buy On or Off Site BREWHOUSE VILLAGE LOCALLY OWNED IN GRAFTON 160-170 North St GRAFTON 6642 8168 - 0439 445 654

“Without andwithoutcostsupplychangethealone.infrastructuremeasurewhichopportunitieslinelivelihoodsgrowthinfrastructurewatereconomicstops,people’sareontheandemploymentdisappear,iswhyyoucannotwatersecurityindollars“Weneedtoconsiderrealrisksthatclimatepresentstowaterincludingtheofrelocatingtownsadequatewatertheriskoffarmers walking off the land.

The NSW Government has made available the Summary Business Case for the New Dungowan Dam, confrming the project is the most viable solution to secure Tamworth’s future water needs.Minister for Lands and Water and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the summary business case shows the New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline is the only project that ticks all the boxes sources,diversifyingincludingwaterincreasing town water supply, boosting drought security, and maintaining water for agriculture needs.

“The business case makes it very clear - building the New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline is the only solution that will future proof water supply for Tamworth without impacting the $2 billion a year

“This is great news for the 3,711 known beekeeping premises in the notifcation area, allowing them to apply for a Hive Movement Declaration which will ensure business continuity and support the State’s $20.9b primary industries sector.”

Of the total premises in the yellow notifcation zones, 277 are commercial and 3,434 are recreational. Although there have been changes to the notifcation zone, the existing rules remain in place for the 10km red eradication zones and the 25km purple surveillance zones.

The 50km yellow Varroa mite notifcation zones, located outside the emergency surveillance and eradication zones, have been offcially lifted, allowing beekeepers to move their honeybees and hives in more parts of the State. Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the decision shows the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is confdent about tracking where Varroa mite has travelled. “Through stringent tracing and surveillance operations, feld teams have determined the limit of natural spread around each of the infected premises (IPs),” Mr Saunders said. “There are 2,398 hives across 466 premises that have been sampled in the notifcation zones and have returned negative results, giving us confdence there is no longer a need for them.”

“The record sustained wet weather has caused widespread vegetation growth which will increase the threat of grass fres across regional and rural NSW this summer, which is why it’s important to fnd ways to ensure our communities are better prepared.” Farm Fire Units are privately owned and operated by landholders and consist of vehiclemounteda water tank, pump and hose, and these guidelines will ensure a more integrated approach to frefghting alongside the RFS. Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western New South Wales Dugald Saunders said it is important to harness the local knowledge and skill of private landholders. “Farmers are often the frst responders to grass fres and they understand the risks and seriousness of operating machinery in hot, dry conditions,” Mr Saunders said. “These new guidelines will provide another layer of assurance for landholders in remote parts of the State whose properties are signifcant distances away from their nearest town.” Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the guidelines will help rural landholders to better prepare for the risk of a range of hazards.

RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the Farm Fire Unit Operational Guide is another step in bolstering the partnership between frefghters and farmers ahead of the next fre season.“Over the last couple of years, we have been working hard to develop a framework for a better, more integrated relationship between farmers and the RFS, and NSW Farmers has played a critical role in developing this,” Commissioner Rogers said. “The guidelines will enable RFS brigades to better understand the farmer’s perspective and the high degree of skill and knowledge in areas such as land management and how Farm Fire Units can best be integrated into frefghting operations, safely.” NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said it was great to have these guidelines and framework in place for the working relationship to continue between frefghters and farmers. “NSW Farmers has appreciated being able to share our important knowledge and we look forward to working with the NSW RFS over the coming months to ensure our grain crops, orchards and livestock are protected against any blazes,” Mr Martin said. A range of guides and tools are available at: farmfre-safety.au/plan-and-prepare/www.rfs.nsw.gov.

For more information visit: diseases/spring/varroa-mitebiosecurity/seasonal-pests-and-https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/

RURAL NEWSThe16 NR Times Rural News August 25, 2022 RFS AND FARMERS TEAM UP TO FIGHT FIRE

YELLOW NOTIFICATION ZONES LIFTED IN VARROA MITE RESPONSE

A landmark new initiative will help frefghters and farmers work together to better protect communities in regional and rural NSW from bush fres and grass fres. Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke today released a frstof-its-kind Operational Guide for the use of Farm Fire Units. “Thanks to this new framework for Farm Fire Units, rural landholders will be empowered to work side-by-side with NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members to protect their own properties and improve safety around fre grounds,” Ms Cooke said.

Studies show bees usually only fy up to 5km distances or potentially up to 10km in unfavourable conditions, therefore the risk of a bee fying from an IP to a notifcation zone is very low and realistically would not occur.

“Thorough research and testing shows the risk of spread within a yellow zone is no different to that of the statewide blue zone, so these yellow areas will be dissolved and will now fall under the same rules as the general emergency zone,” Mr Saunders said.

“As custodians of signifcant portions of the State, farmers are often on the front line when it comes to bush fres and grass fres, which is why it’s important they work in close collaboration with the RFS to protect their lives and livelihoods,” Mr Anderson said.

NR Times Rural NEWS Edition 111

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NR Times Rural NEWS Edition 111