The Northern Rivers Times Rural News ED108

Local, State and Local Rural News

August 4, 2022

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FARMERS CRITICISE POINT-SCORING NSW Farmers Biosecurity Chair Ian McColl has criticised politicians and pundits stoking outrage about foot and mouth disease, saying it is a serious issue that needs unity, not division.

The Balinese outbreak of FMD – a highly-infectious disease that could cost Australia $80 billion – is rightly concerning, Mr McColl said, but he warned cheap politicking was counter-productive.

“I see some people out there using this outbreak as a weapon to further their own ends, and frankly it’s pretty disappointing,” Mr McColl said.

“Farmers have argued for stronger, sustainably-funded biosecurity systems for years – this isn’t something that’s just happened overnight.

“What Australia needs is all levels of government and all members of the community to come together and keep this disease out.

Fanning the flames of fear will not help one little bit.”

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, FMD is endemic throughout much of Asia and in most parts of Africa and the Middle East. There is a risk that trade or travellers to any of these countries could bring FMD into Australia,

From NSW DPI:

Mr McColl said, which was why it was so important to have strict biosecurity controls at our border.

“Last week we saw FMD fragments detected that didn’t come from Bali on a tourist’s thongs, they came in meat products from Asia,” Mr McColl said.

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“Those people out there suggested we need to slam shut travel to Indonesia don’t understand that would only give a false sense of security, which could actually increase the risk of FMD coming from elsewhere.

“We have strongly advocated for the federal

government to boost screening and put foot baths at our airports, the state government has boosted biosecurity funding, now it’s up to all of us to do the right thing and stop spreading fear and rumour.”

• Thea emergence and rapid spread of FMD in Indonesia has led to the implementation of heightened alert and screening activities at the Australian border by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry • Indonesia had been free from FMD since 1986 and the May 2022 detection brings the disease the closest it has been to Australia since that time • It is critical that all livestock owners know the signs of FMD, and check their animals for them regularly • If you suspect FMD in any animal in NSW, report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline, 1800 675 888 • Veterinarians undertaking FMD Field Investigations can submit samples to the NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories at DPI Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute for testing • It is recommended that people who have been in contact with FMDinfected animals or infected areas DO NOT visit Australian farms, livestock facilities, or handle livestock for at least seven days after returning to Australia.

• It is critical that all livestock owners here in Australia know what FMD looks like, and that they check their animals regularly. If you suspect any signs of FMD it must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or a local veterinarian immediately.

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August 4, 2022

RURAL NEWS

Growers on Coffs Coast concerned abour arrival of Varroa mite

Bee bug reaches blueberry fields Blueberry and avocado growers on the Coffs Coast are concerned about the arrival of Varroa mite in the region.

Local NSW Farmers Coffs Harbour Branch Chair Paul Shoker said Varroa mite had been detected in hives near Nana Glen, and were linked to the Newcastle outbreak.

“It’s a bit of a worry for our farmers as we approach pollination time, without bees we can’t produce avocados or blueberries, or a lot of other crops for that matter,” Mr Shoker said.

“We understand the Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services are doing their

part to keep the outbreak under control, we just need everyone else to do the right thing as well.

“Community reporting is a vital part of control measures, and people should continue to report the locations of any hives, both managed hives and wild hives, they might be aware of.”

The majority of Australia’s blueberries are grown on the Coffs Coast each year, but the region is also a major growing area for other fruits and vegetables, including avocados.

NSW Farmers Biosecurity Chair Ian McColl said the latest detections underscored the impor-

tance of Australia having a strict, sustainably-funded biosecurity system.

“Biosecurity controls are about more than a tourist’s thongs, there are numerous threats to Australia’s farms, environment and economy,” he said.

“We remain concerned about the Varroa mite

outbreak, particularly with it reaching one of the country’s biggest blueberry-growing areas.

“This is a timely reminder that one simple incursion – such as what happened with Varroa mite – can have far-reaching consequences.”

BIOSECURITY ZONES AROUND COFFS HARBOUR AFTER NEW VARROA MITE DETECTION A new detection of varroa mite has been confirmed near Nana Glen northwest of Coffs Harbour, leading to another set of biosecurity zones.

The infested hives were located at a property that sits outside of the existing zones and brings the total number of infested premises (IPs) to 43.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said DPI staff are continuing their strong surveillance work and have put significant measures in place to stop the spread.

“Our tracing efforts

have led us to this IP after hives were moved earlier this year, prior to the introduction of the state-wide pause on movement,” Mr Saunders said.

“The good news is we can still draw a direct line between every single case so far, which means we have a good handle on the situation.

“Our field officers are working hard to conduct hive inspections with beekeepers right across the State and have connected this incursion to an existing case in the Hunter cluster.”

Biosecurity officers will humanely euthanise all hives on the infected premises and trace the movements of hives and equipment on and off the property over the past 12-months.

Contact tracing and surveillance with beekeepers will also be conducted in the area to minimise further risk.

“We remain firmly focused on eradicating this parasite from our shores and we will continue to work closely with industry representatives during this crucial phase of our

emergency response,” Mr Saunders said.

Approximately 5000 honeybee hives are needed for the pollination of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, avocados and macadamias in Coffs Harbour from now until the end of September, and DPI will continue working closely with industry on the best solutions.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh says there will be a significant impact on local produce if we don’t stop

varroa mite in the area.

“Bees play such an important role as pollinators and they drastically improve the quality of the fruit and vegetables that we consume every day,” Mr Singh said.

“The quicker we can get things under control the better, so I’m encouraging farmers and apiarists to please come forward and report the locations of your hives, as it is an invaluable component of our control measures.”

The response plan for the eradication of

Varroa mite follows a strategy agreed to by the NSW Government, the Commonwealth and the apiary industry.

The new emergency order means a 10km eradication, 25km surveillance and 50km biosecurity zone has been set up around the latest IP. For more information go to: www.dpi.nsw.gov. au/varroa To report the location of hives call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

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An ‘avo-lanche’ of avocados Australia will need to both consume and export more avocados as the nation’s growers navigate a period of soaring production growth over the coming five years, specialist agribusiness bank Rabobank says in a new report.

This year alone, ‘per capita (person) supply’ of avocados is estimated to be up 26 per cent on the previous 12 months to 4.8 kilogram – equating to 22 avocados for every Australian.

In The ‘Avolanche’ of Australian Avocados, the bank’s outlook for the avocado industry, Rabobank says a significant maturing of avocado trees in the past season – primarily in Western Australia and

Queensland – has resulted in a bumper crop, causing a national oversupply and seeing retail prices fall to a record low of $1 each in June last year and again early this month.

And retail prices for 2022 remain tracking at 47 per cent below the five-year average.

While the low prices have been welcomed by consumers currently facing significant price rises for many other food items and household staples, they have put considerable pressure on grower margins, already squeezed by increasing input costs and labour shortages, says report author, RaboResearch associate analyst Pia Piggott.

Supply boom The report says Australia’s avocado market is “cycling through a period of significant production growth”.

“A bumper 2021/22 crop in Western Australia was a turning point,” Ms Piggott said, “with industry estimates of avocado production in the state being up a staggering 265 per cent on the previous year.

“This was driven by a 21 per cent increase in the hectares of avocado trees in WA that reached maturity and produced fruit in this season, coupled with optimal growing conditions in the state.”

WA – along with imports from New Zealand – supplies the majority of Australia’s avocados during the spring and summer months.

All other Australian avocado-growing regions – except North Queensland, which had seen a record harvest the previous year – have also seen slight year-on-year increases in production in 2022, the report says.

Overall, Australia’s avocado production for

2021/22 is estimated at 124,000 tonnes. Coupled with estimated imports of 12,500 tonnes for the year, this has meant abundant supplies for consumers, Ms Piggott said.

Just the beginning And the past year’s market oversupply in Australia was “just the beginning”, the report says, with industry forecasts that domestic avocado production will expand by 40 per cent (or 50,000 tonnes) in the next five years, reaching 173,000 tonnes in 2026.

All avocado-growing regions in Australia are expecting production growth, Ms Piggott says.

However, she notes, growth will not be linear and consistent, with Western Australian avocado trees having an irregular production cycle. “Significant weather events and drought are also likely to affect the country’s avocado production, while the recent Varroa mite incursion in Australia may pose a threat to pollination and therefore production, and there is likely to be some industry consolidation

along the way as well,” she said.

Regaining balance Regaining balance in Australia’s avocado market requires both “increased domestic demand and larger export volumes”, Ms Piggott says.

The good news is consumers’ appetite for the likes of smashed avocado and avo smoothies remains healthy, both in Australia and abroad – with local demand forecast to continue to grow while consumer demand is also expanding in offshore markets, providing Australia’s export sector with a platform for growth, the report says.

Australian households are eating more avocados, as well as spending less on them.

In 2021/22, the average volume of avocados consumed by each Australian household increased 31.2 per cent on the previous year, the report says. This is despite households spending 29.1 per cent less on avocados, due to lower prices.

Consumer market

dynamics have also improved, Ms Piggott says, with the percentage of Australian households buying avocados up six per cent on the previous 12 months.

“Avocados have a strong health halo and are price competitive amid the broader cost of living pressures and this has supported Australian domestic demand,” she said.

However, increasing consumption of avocados in Australia will not be enough to use up the ‘avolanche’ of additional local production in coming years, the report says, and ramping up exports will be critical in ensuring the market finds a better balance to support sustainable prices for growers.

Headroom for export growth Australian export volumes of avocados have already increased by more than 350 per cent in the past year, the Rabobank report says.

“The Singapore and Hong Kong markets have been

stand-out performers, with Australia growing to account for 46 per cent and 12 per cent market share of their avocado imports, respectively,” Ms Piggott said.

“Malaysia remains an integral export market and has re-bounded from Covid-related impacts, with Australian exports making up 46 per cent of the total imported avocados into Malaysia.

Exports to the rest of the world are also up, including to the Middle East and Japan.”

Strong export growth has continued into 2022, with Australian avocado exports of 2,800 tonnes in quarter one.

The rise of avocado consumption in Asia – as a growing middle class embraces the health aspects of the fruit – presents an ongoing opportunity for exporters worldwide, the report says.

But competition is on the rise from other exporters, such as Mexico and South America.

There are also other challenges, including significant trade barriers, with Australia currently having either limited or no access to three of the largest avocadoimporting markets in Asia – Japan, China and South Korea.

“While exporting provides the greatest opportunity for Australia’s avocado industry to attract a good price and improve revenue, ensuring high export quality is paramount, and continued investment in improving export access remains a key priority for the Australian avocado industry,” Ms Piggott said.

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SUPPORTING FARMERS TO RECOGNISE SIGNS OF DEVASTATING LIVESTOCK DISEASES The NSW Government has mobilised its team of veterinarians and specialist biosecurity staff, ramping up efforts to ensure farmers are in the best position to manage a possible incursion of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

Expert staff from Local Land Services (LLS) will connect with farmers through a series of targeted workshops, webinars, and visits to saleyards and field days to help farmers identify and report the early signs of both FMD and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).

Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said while the focus remains on keeping these diseases out of NSW, it’s crucial to prepare for a worstcase scenario.

“Our top priority is ensuring FMD and LSD never reach our shores – and we’ve been

pushing hard for stronger biosecurity measures to keep our industry safe.

But we do need to be prepared for the worst and that’s why we’re arming farmers with the information they need now,” Mr Toole said.

“Farmers can play their part by being alert for warning signs, regularly monitoring livestock and

quickly reporting any suspect cases.

“We also have hundreds of LLS biosecurity signs available across the state for farmers to utilise and to warn people of the risks of bringing unwanted pests onto your property.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said with FMD and LSD on

our doorstep, it’s a timely reminder for livestock producers to ensure their farm biosecurity plans are up to date.

“Farm biosecurity plans are the foundation of our State’s preparedness when it comes to new animal and plant diseases,” Mr Saunders said.

“These can be simple

measures built into day-to-day operations that will help protect your farm and ultimately, our State.

“I am encouraging farmers to be overly cautious with people who come onto their properties and monitor livestock closely for blisters in and around the mouth area, drooling and

limping.

“If livestock do exhibit any of these unusual signs, they must be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or their Local Land Services district veterinarian.”

Farmers interested in learning more about FMD or LSD, or in attending an upcoming event are encouraged to visit https://www. lls.nsw.gov.au/ help-and-advice/pests,weeds-and-diseases/ biosecurity-alerts/ foot-and-mouth-diseaseand-lumpy-skin-disease for more information.

These events will support ongoing surveillance by LLS district veterinarians, who regularly carry out animal disease investigations across the State.

Independent Biosecurity Commission pledge a win for farmers Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed NSW Labor’s pledge to legislate and fund an independent Biosecurity Commission to better protect farmers on the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands.

Ms Saffin says the Commission will be headed by a new Biosecurity Commissioner who will

provide independent advice on biosecurity, weeds and pests, reporting to Parliament on an annual basis.

“One of the Commissioner’s first tasks will be to work with the Natural Resources Commission to get an up-to-date picture of the damage invasive species are doing to the agricultural industry and

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the environment,” Ms Saffin says.

In 2014, it was conservatively estimated that the cost to NSW agriculture from weeds is about $1.8 billion a year.

The Commission will be tasked with addressing critical issues in the bush such as identifying and protecting state significant land and renewable energy projects.

Ms Saffin has been briefed by NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns and NSW Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Mick Veitch MLC on Labor’s plan to work with NSW Farmers and others to build a more resilient agricultural sector.

Ms Saffin also welcomed Mr Minns’s announcement made

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address food security issues and be a voice for farmers.

A Biosecurity Commissioner with real clout and a wellresourced Commission would better protect our best farmland, and ensure food security and a more sustainable and productive agriculture industry.

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August 4, 2022

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Recent Cattle Market Reports

CASINO NRLX Market Report Week Ending Saturday 30 July Agents yarded a total of 770 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 27 July. The yarding consisted of a good supply of young cattle and a fair penning of cows. The yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of weaners along with an odd pen of yearlings. Quality was very mixed with a large percentage of plain conditioned weaners, however there was several lines of well bred

cattle throughout the sale.

Cow prices saw a drop again this week averaging 241c/kg and reaching a top price of 350c/kg. Heifer prices were also back with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 394c/kg and topping their category at 486c/ kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 303c/kg and reached a top of 428c/kg.

Bull prices were easier this week with 16 head sold averaging 257c/kg and 708kg. Steers held firm to slightly cheaper with lighter steers up to 250kg averaging 498c/kg and reaching a top price of 612c/ kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 405c/kg and topped their market at 528c/kg. A good number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 334c/kg.

Vealer prices remained steady this week with lighter vealer up to 250kg averaging 459c/kg and reaching a top of 596c/kg. Heavier vealer over 250kg averaged 436c/kg with a top price of 556c/kg.

The 2022 Casino All Breeds Bull & Female sale was held at the NRLX on Saturday 30 July with over 150 of the region’s finest bulls and females offered on the day.

The top priced bull was sold by Lyle Family Angus for $28,000 with second and third place not far behind sold

by Franklin Angus for $25,000 each. Franklin Angus also sold the top priced female of the day for $15,000.

With over 200 bidders registering both in person and online via Stocklive, the day was considered a great success.

CERTAINTY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, FARMERS AND WATER USERS There is more certainty for farmers and the environment after the NSW Government’s licensing and measurement reform became law in Water Sharing Plans for the Border Rivers and Gwydir Valleys.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson and Minister for Environment James Griffin have approved changes to the Border Rivers, Gwydir and

Macquarie Water Sharing Plans.

Mr Anderson said this reform will mean floodplain harvesting is controlled within the legal limits, benefiting the environment, farmers and downstream water users.

“When it comes to managing water in NSW my view is healthy rivers, healthy farms and healthy communities, not one or the other,” Mr Anderson said.

“This is a policy that

supports farmers and downstream communities and will return around 100 billion litres of water to our floodplains and river systems per year on average, and more than three times that volume in wetter years, which is a great outcome.”

Minister for Environment James Griffin said the policy is about improving environmental protection while recognising the need for adaptive

management.

“For decades, floodplain harvesting has had no restrictions, going unmonitored, unmeasured and unconstrained impacting upon river ecosystems and the plant and animal species that depend on them,” Mr Griffin said.

“As part of these new plans, we have ensured that an independent review of the local access triggers and the downstream Menindee

target will occur within the first three years of the plans, with changes to follow if warranted and the review published.

“These are the firstever enforceable controls put into law that will reduce, restrict and limit floodplain harvesting and strengthen existing protections for water sources and dependent ecosystems.”

The NSW Government is working with local communities on the

ground to continually improve river connectivity.

“We’ve consulted extensively with all stakeholders on these proposed new rules for floodplain harvesting licences,” Mr Anderson said.

The planned review after three years will allow early monitoring of floodplain harvesting to be carefully evaluated.

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August 4, 2022

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Farmers welcome state biosecurity strategy The state’s peak farm advocacy body has welcomed the release of the NSW Government’s draft Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy.

The draft strategy, launched by NSW agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders in his keynote address at the NSW Farmers Annual Conference last week, builds upon the state’s major biosecurity spend in this year’s budget and aims to keep the critical issue front and centre.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said Australia’s biosecurity system was recognised around the world as being strong and effective, and welcomed Minister Saunders’ efforts to bolster protections.

“Good biosecurity brings benefits to our economy, our unique environment and our agricultural industry – Australia remains free of many significant pests

NEW STRONGER BIOSECURITY POWERS AT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS The Commonwealth Government has established Biosecurity Response Zones at international airports, another strong measure in response to the Indonesian outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

The Director of Biosecurity, and Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Andrew Metcalfe AO made the determination to establish the zones this afternoon, the first time this has been done under section 365 of the Biosecurity Act 2015.

Federal Agriculture and diseases enabling globally competitive and sustainable industries,” Mr Martin said.

“A strong

Minister Murray Watt said this step-up was the latest measure in the strongest biosecurity response in Australia’s history.

“Earlier this week, I directed my department to investigate what further control measures were available at our international airports,” Minister Watt said.

“I had been concerned about some rare reports that some return travellers were not doing the right thing when returning from Indonesia.

“These zones strengthen and widen the powers of biosecurity officers

to direct passengers to use foot mats and other biosecurity control measures such as the cleaning of shoes.

Minister Watt said the latest measure was on top of already announced measures which had been rolled out in the past two weeks, since the outbreak was first reported in Bali.

“We have wasted no time in getting on top of this issue and have been consistently ramping up measures at our airports and mail centres around the country,” Minister Watt said “We have already announced a $14 million

assistance package to reduce the risk of FMD spreading from Bali to Australia which included increased detection and protection here in Australia and a million vaccines for the Indonesian cattle industry.

“I also announced the deployment of sanitisation foot mats at all international airports as an additional layer of protection for returning travellers from Indonesia.

“These mats have started to arrive in some airports around the country today.”

biosecurity system is critical to the agricultural industry growing to a $30 billion industry by 2030.

“There are many

threats, such as foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease, that if detected would see our $30 billion goal become instantly unattainable,

and the effects would be felt across the economy, society and environment.”

The draft strategy identified resourcing as a key weakness, and Mr Martin said all jurisdictions needed to work together to ensure capability and expertise around biosecurity.

“NSW is fortunate to have the professional expertise of the Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services, and I think our state sets

the bar around what other states and the Commonwealth need to work towards.

“Projections indicate NSW will face, at a minimum, a 10 per cent increase in biosecurity responses per annum, and we know surveillance and early detection is critical.

“All responsible agencies must have longterm, sustainable funding to ensure we have a robust surveillance system to pick up pests and diseases early.”

Mr Martin said the strategy identified the importance of a sustainable funding base, something NSW Farmers had long called for.

“This is the critical element – it must go beyond budget cycles and political cycles – because a strong biosecurity system must have surveillance and diagnostics, skilled staff, and effective traceability systems,” he said.

“The challenges with biosecurity threats are only growing with increased movement and travel, and also climate change, and I’d encourage farmers to get involved in the draft strategy consultation to ensure it protects our industry from pests and disease. “

NSW BACKS INDUSTRY CALLS FOR NATIONAL ELECTRONIC ID SCHEME FOR SHEEP AND GOATS AMID FMD THREAT The NSW Government is backing growing industry calls for the urgent development of a national mandatory sheep and goat electronic identification system in light of the serious threat of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) entering Australia.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government proposed a national transition to individual identification tags for sheep and goats to help bolster the country’s defence against infectious diseases like FMD at a meeting with all Australian agriculture ministers last Wednesday afternoon.

“Individual traceability for sheep and goats will be crucial during an emergency disease outbreak and deliver benefits across the supply chain.

“An effective national traceability system is critical to ensure NSW can continue exporting more than $1 billion in sheep meat each year.”

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BIOSECURITY BLUEPRINT TO SAFEGUARD NSW AGRICULTURE Primary producers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on a NSW Government plan to safeguard the State’s $21 billion food and fibre industry, as part of an upgraded biosecurity strategy.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the purpose of the strategy is to: • Set a clear vision for biosecurity and food safety in NSW; • Map strategy objectives for Government, industry, and the community; and • Outline key activities that will guide decisionmaking for farmers.

“The NSW Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy 2022-2030 will be our blueprint for protecting the livelihoods, economy and environment against biosecurity and food safety risks,” Mr

Saunders said.

“Biosecurity and food safety are shared responsibilities and everybody’s business.

“Recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease in Indonesia and varroa mite in NSW have shown us the critical need to be prepared, now and into the future.

“We have been working hard to build NSW’s capability and capacity to manage risk, invest in tools and technologies, and improve how we work together so we can better prevent and respond to threats and minimise any negative impacts.

“Your feedback and insights will help create a strategy we can

deliver together to help fortify our economy, industry, environment and community for years to come.”

The strategy demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting NSW from biosecurity and food

safety threats and builds on the government’s record investment of $163.9 million in biosecurity protection announced in the 202223 State Budget.

The draft NSW

Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy 20222030 is open for input online, www.dpi.nsw. gov.au/draft-bfs-strategy, until Thursday, 1 September 2022.

You can help protect

NSW by reporting any suspect or unusual pests and diseases to NSW DPI via an online form or by calling the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline, 1800 680 244.

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New supply chain service for exporters Australian exporters of perishable produce will have access to real-time information on supply chains and logistics under the new service established by the Australian Government.

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell has announced the advisory service last week, which will help exporters navigate ‘new-look’ supply chains and a changed international trade environment.

“One of the biggest ongoing challenges for exporters is getting their produce to international customers,” Mr Farrell said.

“This new supply chain service kicking into gear from 1 August 2022 will give Australian exporters the real-time information and insights they need to navigate complex global supply chains.”

The Export Supply Chain Service will be delivered by the

Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), building on the wide range of services already provided to exporters.

The Export Supply Chain Service will provide ongoing assistance to small to medium enterprises as the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) winds down.

IFAM was a temporary, targeted emergency measure, that maintained essential airfreight supply lines impacted by COVID-19 disruptions

throughout the height of the global pandemic. The Australian Government Freight Controller, Air Vice-Marshal Margaret Staib, said businesses must adjust to the new global trading environment.

“While pathways to trade internationally are being restored, businesses must recalibrate and adjust to current trade conditions. Supply chains are different to preCOVID, but opportunities exist for businesses ready to innovate and adapt,” AVM Staib said.

“IFAM helped stem wholesale job losses across farming, aviation and freight sectors.

Around 35,000 jobs directly and over 120,000 jobs indirectly in agriculture, seafood, aviation and logistics were at risk when airfreight collapsed.

Now, with IFAM winding down from 30 June, exporters must adapt to the new world of supply chain challenges, and we’re here to help them access the insights and information they need to do that.”

FREIGHT HELD HOSTAGE BY RAIL INDUSTRIAL ACTION NSW supply chains face significant disruptions as the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) refuses to confirm exemptions for rail freight services from last week’s industrial action.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the planned four-hour stoppage would directly impact about 40 freight services – about a third of all daily rail freight movements across the Sydney Trains managed network.

“We do not yet have a concession from the RTBU to allow rail signalers to work during the four-hour strike period, which will mean rail freight across Greater Sydney, outer metro areas like the Illawarra and

Newcastle as well as parts of Regional NSW will come to a complete standstill,” Mr Farraway said.

“I am disappointed with the RTBU’s decision to go ahead with this action which will have an impact on freight, delaying the movement of critical goods around the State and commodities to ports.

“First the Mariyung Fleet, that will operate passenger services, was used as a hostage for union negotiations and now our local commodities are. It’s a joke. Freight trains are a pivotal support for industries which have faced challenging times through the Covid-19 pandemic and recent extreme weather events.”

Quantifying natural capital to farm for the future The next phase of a significant research partnership involving hundreds of on-farm red meat producer observation sites will begin to roll out across Australia.

Meat & Livestock Australia will work alongside Farming for the Future to conduct the multi-year study, which aims to quantify the contribution of different types of natural capital to the profitability of farm businesses Founded in 2021, Farming for the Future

is a research and change program which aims to provide the evidence and practical support that producers need to incorporate natural capital as part of the foundation of their farming businesses, and to activate the supply chain to encourage and reward that shift.

Jason Strong, Managing Director at MLA said that agriculture is integral to Australia’s role and identity on the world stage, and as the red meat industry moves toward a carbon-neutral future by

2030 (CN30), producers need a clear view of the costs and benefits of investing in their natural capital to support their farm management decisions.

“MLA is proud to be a partner of Farming for the Future, ensuring that the interests of the red meat sector are represented and considered as part of this once-in-a-generation, world-leading research project,” Mr Strong said.

“Producers are already doing so much when it comes to managing their property’s natural

capital. Natural capital, in this instance, refers to all of a farm’s biological and ecological assets.

It includes native vegetation, productive pasturelands and croplands, as well as water resources, agroforestry, livestock and native animals.

“Currently, only a small portion of a property’s natural capital, like crops or livestock, are included in a standard set of financial accounts.

Most ecological assets are invisible to farm accounting, despite

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producers understanding their potential economic benefit.

“Farming for the Future is looking to examine how to quantify natural capital so it can become a major factor of production and part of mainstream farm management. This project can play an important role in helping achieve Australia’s 2030 target of $100 billion of farm gate output, as well as a driver towards a naturebased method to carbon neutrality by 2030,” Mr Strong said.

Dr Sue Ogilvy, Farming for the Future Program Director, said the partnership with MLA was critical to the project achieving its objectives.

“A core principle of Farming for the Future is to ensure that all project outcomes deliver practical benefits to Australian producers.

Having MLA on board will help us to ensure that the groundbreaking research being undertaken meet the unique needs of Australian red meat producers.”

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NRAR NOW FOCUSED ON IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE ON FAR NORTH COAST

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has released its regulatory priorities for FY 2022-23 and has set its sights on the irrigated agriculture industry in the Murray, Murrumbidgee and the Far North Coast.

Water entitlements in NSW are worth approximately $29 billion and irrigated agriculture contributes around $3-4 billion annually to the NSW economy.

NRAR’s Director of Regulatory Initiatives Ian Bernard said this sector accounted for most of the water taken from our rivers and had

the potential to cause significant harm if even a small amount of that take was unlawful.

“Our regulatory priorities identify and target problem activities, areas and industries that may have high levels of non-compliance with water laws or the potential to cause harm to the environment or surrounding community,” said Mr Bernard.

“Almost 80 per cent of water taken across NSW is used to irrigate agriculture so this sector requires robust regulation.”

NRAR has two other

regulatory priorities for FY 2022-23. These are: Water metering with a spotlight on Duly Qualified People (DQP) The non-urban water metering reforms are one of the most significant changes to water management in NSW over the last few decades and will improve accountability of water use and the ability to enforce the law.

Over the next 12 months, NRAR will continue to check compliance with remaining works in the Northern Inland that

needed to comply by 1 December 2021.

NRAR will soon start checking compliance with works in the Southern Inland that need to comply by 1 December 2022.

DQP’s are an integral component to implementation of the metering reforms and NRAR will continue to support and monitor the scheme to ensure its effectiveness.

Mining NRAR is aware of inconsistencies in how water take is measured and reported across

the state’s mining operations and extractive industries. Accurate measurement, accounting and reporting of this water take is important to ensure transparent and fair access to water for all water users and the environment.

NRAR will focus on working with extractive industries to develop a standardised reporting framework to demonstrate compliance with water regulations so that water take is accurately measured, modelled and accounted for.

NRAR’s four enduring priorities represent more

complex or enduring issues that will be a focus over a number of years.

The priorities remain unchanged from last year: • accurate water measurement • Aboriginal cultural and spiritual values in water regulation • unlawful activities that cause significant harm to the environment and other water users • unauthorised structures that prevent water from getting to where it should on the flood plain.

For more about NRAR’s regulatory priorities visit its website nrar.nsw.gov. au/regulatory-priorities

LANDCARE DIVERSITY IN SPOTLIGHT FOR 2022 LANDCARE WEEK Next week Landcarers will come together to celebrate the diversity of landcare people and projects across Australia for 2022 Landcare Week (August 1-7).

With many recently struggling through drought, bushfires and floods, Landcare Week is giving landcarers the opportunity to stand united, support one another and commemorate their fantastic landcare achievements, including

how landcare brings together Australians from all walks of life to take action for our communities and environment.

Landcare advocate and ABC TV presenter Costa Georgiadis said that he was thrilled Landcare Week was shining a spotlight on diversity in landcare and the inclusivity of Australia’s landcare movement.

“I am always so excited to be involved in landcare activities.

The awesome work of landcarers has never been more important,” said Mr Georgiadis.

“Landcare is all about working together and including everyone, no matter where you are, in a shared vision of restoring, regenerating and protecting the environment. Anyone can get involved and is welcomed in landcare, and that’s what makes it so special and diverse.

“Participating in landcare is a privilege

I deeply respect, and I enjoy every chance I get to amplify the great work that is going on across Australia.”

Throughout the week, the landcare community will be celebrating their work and people both in person and online.

Landcare CEO Dr Shane Norrish said that he was excited to see the range of stories and events in celebration of Landcare Week across the country, and hoped it would encourage more people to

join Australia’s thriving landcare movement.

“From the coast to the country, and from urban cities to the outback, landcare’s greatest asset is committed people, and there’s nothing I love to see more than diverse communities forming and coming together through landcare,” said Dr Norrish.

“Diversity is what makes landcare so successful- it allows us to take on innovative projects and find creative

solutions to overcome challenges. I couldn’t be more proud to be involved in such a diverse and inclusive movement, and can’t wait to read some of the fantastic success stories that are shared this Landcare Week.

“Landcare is also so much more than taking action for our environment, it’s about bringing people together, building resilience and working toward a common goal.”

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10 RURAL NEWS

Government cracks down on imported meat products Biosecurity Officers at international airports have reported improved compliance from returned passengers from Indonesia over the weekend, as the Albanese Government’s strong measures to keep FMD out of Australia continue to ramp up.

All passengers returning from Indonesia were risk assessed by border officials, which led to nearly 3,700 travellers more intensively being assessed or questioned by biosecurity officers in Melbourne Airport last Saturday alone.

The rates of undeclared FMD risk items and undeclared contaminated footwear was also drastically down compared with last week.

The increased

compliance comes as airports that receive direct flights from Indonesia will begin to roll out sanitisation foot mats this week.

Darwin, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne Airports have all taken delivery of the foot mats with some having started testing them prior to

use, with other airports expected to follow in the coming days.

It is important to remember that these foot mats are not a silver bullet to keep FMD out of Australia but provide another layer of protection in addition to measures already imposed.

The stronger measures at our airports are being matched by stronger measures in our mail centres.

Recently it was announced that viral fragments of FMD were detected in pork floss which had been imported from China.

All mail incoming from

Climate damage costing Queensland farmers Farmers for Climate Action notes Deloitte has measured the cost of the deadly, climate-driven Queensland floods at $7.7 billion.

Farmers for Climate Action CEO Dr Fiona Davis said the cost of climate damage continued to mount in Australia with the farmers who grow our food being hurt.

“Climate damage costs money, hurts Australians and Australian farmers,” Dr Davis said.

“Deloitte has found some 500,000 Australians were hurt by

this latest climate-driven flood and it cost the state $7.7 billion. More than 2250 farmers sustained climate damage in this flood and their losses total more than $250 million.

“The farmers who grow our food can’t just keep taking repeat climate damage every year because they eventually run out of savings. We need deep emissions reductions this decade to protect farmers and allow them to continue to feed Australia and the world.”

Also last week, Dr Davis noted NAB Chair

Phil Chronican has pointed out the enormous opportunities strong climate policy can bring to Australia, speaking of a green lending boom. Mr Chronican is quoted as saying of a shift to a low emissions economy: “If we get it right the opportunities are immense.” NAB CEO Ross McEwen is also quoted as saying: “There’s a real opportunity here.”

Dr Davis said farmers and regional Australia wanted to seize the opportunities strong climate policy

presents. “Thousands of jobs in constructing and operating new sustainable energy will be created in regional Australia,” Dr Davis said.

“This is one of the few opportunities to create a nationwide regional jobs boom we’ve seen in recent decades. The opportunity to create extra carbon income for farmers to complement their existing farming is also rare, and offers a drought resilient and diversified income stream.”

Farmers demand fairness in energy transition NSW Farmers members called out a lack of fairness in the energy transition during debate at the organisation’s annual conference.

With power prices soaring, developers are looking for opportunities to build renewable energy installations in regional areas, but farmers have warned this often comes at the expense of food and fibre production.

NSW Farmers Energy Transition Working Group

Chair Reg Kidd said there needed to be a rethink on the rollout of transmission lines, a vastly improved understanding of the effects on regional rural values and economies, and a recognition of the need to protect the land that grows the food and fibre for the state.

“You cannot simply build infrastructure to benefit substantially city users without addressing the impact on regions and rural landowners

who have invested in their biodiversity and production capacity,” Mr Kidd said.

“The costs to regions in loss of land values and rural amenity are large, ongoing, and divisive, and there is little consideration of the long-term impacts in the haste to build while government fiddles with the phase-out of coal power. We need to better define what is acceptable in building solar and wind

installations on rural land, and how they impact on neighbours and towns.”

Several motions were brought forward by members discussing the transition, with many voicing concerns about building transmission lines across farmland.

“Transmission lines are being built across productive agricultural land without assessing the social and economic costs to regions and landowners.”

Indonesia and China is now being screened for meat products, as another new action to keep Australia FMD-free.

Australia remains FMDfree and Australian meat is not only safe to eat, but delicious too.

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said it is great to see our message getting through to travellers about the seriousness of this disease overseas.

“It is not hard to make the right declarations when coming back from Bali and our $80 billion agriculture industry relies on people doing the right thing,” he said.

“Passengers entering from Indonesia need to know that our operations, both overt and covert, are assessing you and anyone

caught doing the wrong thing will be fined.

“As we have said all along, we believe the greater risk of FMD getting into Australia is via incorrectly or illegally labelled meat products from overseas.

“We have now increased our surveillance of mail from Indonesia and China so that every parcel is screened and so we can identify any potential biosecurity risks.

“All up, our new measures mean we have the strongest response to a biosecurity threat in Australian history.

“We will continue to put more measures in place, in line with expert biosecurity advice, to keep this disease out.”

Water prices forecast to remain low for third consecutive year Water allocation prices in the southern Murray– Darling Basin are likely to remain low for a third consecutive year, according to the latest ABARES Water Market Outlook.

ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville said based on the current climate outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology, ABARES considered the wet scenario to be the most likely, with prices expected to fall to $58 per ML. “In all scenarios the price is forecast to remain well below the annual average of $617 per ML during the last drought in 2019–20,” Dr Greenville said.

“Back-to-back La Niña years have recharged storages and have allowed carryover balances to rebuild. The volume of carryover available in 2022–23 is the highest it’s been in a decade.

“High opening allocations and

excellent forecasts for allocations for the rest of the year for all major entitlements will provide a lot of certainty to irrigators in making water management decisions.

“The continuation of lower water prices will help to support agricultural production, especially commodities which are typically more sensitive to water prices, such as rice and cotton.”

The latest ABARES Water Market Outlook and accompanying dashboard visualisation can be accessed at www.agriculture.gov.au/ abares/research-topics/ water/water-marketoutlook As part of the ABARES Perspectives series, these results will be discussed in more detail at a webinar at 1:30pm on Thursday 4 August 2022. To register visit https:// agriculture.eventsair. com/wmo-july-2022/ rego/Site/Register.

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RURAL NEWS 11

Working dog teams set to compete in the first Cobber Challenge Relay COMPETITORS FOR THE 2022 COBBER CHALLENGE Nick Foster of Boorowa, NSW Team ‘Koonama Working Kelpies’ incl. dogs Cracka, Drake, Scorcha and Bundy Olly Hanson of Corinella, NSW Team ‘Lost River Kelpies’ incl. dogs Jake, Bowie and Hex Sarah Richards of Coolah, NSW Team ‘Nerremen Kelpies’ incl. dogs Kora, Spud, Cash and Tank Georgie Constance of Binalong, NSW Team ‘The Young Guns’ incl. dogs Belle, Beau, Murray and Jess Darius Cosgrave of Tintinara, South Australia Team ‘Superior Wool Merino’ incl. dogs Jip and Boots Ali Hodgson of Greenways, South Australia Team ‘Circus’ incl. dogs Opie, Becham Floyd and Midi.

In previous years, the Cobber Challenge has showcased the efforts of individual working dogs, but this year’s challenge celebrates the teamwork that goes into running a farm.

Last week the 12 working dog teams that will compete in the inaugural Cobber Challenge Relay were announced. There are teams representing every Australian state and New Zealand.

The new relay format recognises that farmers often work dogs in teams, or pick certain dogs to do different tasks, like mustering mobs of cattle or pushing sheep through yards.

Now in its seventh year, the 2022 Cobber Challenge Relay will run from Monday 22 August to Sunday 11 September.

Farmers have nominated teams of two, three or four dogs. Each day of the three-week competition, the farmer will select one of their nominated dogs to wear a GPS collar, to track how far, fast and for how long they work. The results will be combined to crown the winning team.

Their data is uploaded daily to the Cobber Challenge website so fans can follow along with their favourite working dog teams.

Genine Jackson, a grazier representing Queensland in this year’s challenge, has a special bond with her working dogs. In 2020, Genine fell off a young horse, crushing three vertebrae.

She didn’t know if she could continue mustering Brahman cattle on the family’s station near Charters Towers. But working dogs, trained to take a bigger range of commands, returned her independence.

As she recovered and learned to train dogs in a new way, she was gifted a dog named Turbo.

“Turbo is the dog that trained me, then trained my other dogs. Dogs have helped me accomplish much more than I ever thought I could,” Genine said.

Sadly, Turbo recently passed away and Genine has christened her team of two Kelpies and one Collie, ‘Team Turbo’ in his memory.

Nick Foster, a stockman from Boorowa, NSW,

Jordan Flemming of Fingal, Tasmania Team ‘Redhead Kelpies’ incl. dogs Nuts, Claire and Nip Ryan Eade of Bodallin, Western Australia Team ‘Hill View Kelpies’ incl. dogs Flick, Millie, Tezz and Suzie Taylor Bird of Mount Somers, New Zealand Team ‘Hakatere Station’ incl. dogs Bruno, Kate, Tom and Moss.

Melissa Smith and Dan McKinnon of Skipton, Victoria Team ‘Anywhere Crutching’ incl. dogs Caviar Keith, Roy, Pip and Jude Dane Simmonds of Myrniong, Victoria Team ‘Parwan Prime’ incl. dogs Ruby and Tully Genine Jackson of Charters Towers, Queensland Team ‘Team Turbo’ incl. dogs Whiskey, Buck and Nick

can’t wait to show off how hard his dogs work – and play.

“They are a part of my family, and they love my kids. Every day they get off work, they go find my kids.”

Nick’s team ‘Koonama Working Kelpies’ is really a family affair. All four Kelpies are related.

Cracka and Drake are brothers, with Cracka siring Scorcha and Bundy.

Representing New

Zealand this year is 19-year-old shepherd Taylor Bird. His ‘Team Hakatere Station’ is made up of four dogs – two Huntaways and two Heading dogs.

“We had so many amazing nominations this year, and the 12 we’ve selected span from Bodallin in Western Australia, across to Mount Somers in New Zealand, almost 5000km, says Kellie Savage, Cobber’s

Marketing Manager.

“These teams showcase different types of farms and different breeds of dogs. But one thing all the teams share is a special relationships between our entrants and their dogs.”

Kellie says the relay format will give people a better sense of how farmers really work with their dogs.

“When they’re out on the land, it’s a team effort.”

Cobber Working Dog Food will provide the fuel these dogs need to

go hard, as it does for thousands of working dogs every day around the country.

For three weeks, the dogs will be scored based on distance, speed and duration of work per day with points accumulated based on daily activity to determine the winner of the Cobber Challenge Relay trophy.

People can follow the performance of their favourite working dog team at cobberchallenge. com.au and on the Cobber Dog Facebook page.

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12 RURAL NEWS

Multiple market drivers influence cattle price performance While the presence of both Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Indonesia have heightened concern in the Australian livestock industry, Managing Director for MLA, Jason Strong, says it’s important to consider perspective and a long-term view, when examining market drivers influencing the cattle market.

“Firstly, it is important to note that Australia does not have either disease on its shores,” Mr Strong said.

“However, clearly there is a heightened concern about the impact a potential incursion may have on our industry and this speculative angst is making its way to the saleyards.

“If we put this aside, there are a number of other sophisticated and tangible market forces

labour shortages.

“As processors work through these challenges, there is reduced demand between buyers at the saleyards,” Mr Strong said.

“It is also worth noting that the price reduction is off an all-time price high of 1,191c/kg cwt earlier this year, and although prices have fallen, we are still sitting 22% higher than the five-year average,” Mr Strong said.

putting downward pressure on market prices. These can be broken down into two key categories: on-farm and in the processing sector,” Mr Strong said.

On farm drivers include supply, mixed quality of livestock presented to

market and the fact that the market is performing in typical winter fashion.

With a comparatively wet and colder winter, the mixed quality of cattle supplied into the system is also impacting the price.

Meanwhile, in the

processing sector, softer processor grid prices are affecting livestock markets as processors face multiple challenges including, continued absenteeism rates due to COVID-19 and influenza, as well as reduced processor capacity due to

RACGP warns policy change aimed to boost regional and outer metro GPs will impact rural communities The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is warning that a Federal Government policy change aimed to boost GPs in regional and outer metro areas will see GPs leaving rural and remote communities.

It comes after the Federal Government announced last Thursday the expansion of distribution priority area (DPA) status – a system designed to boost the number of GPs in rural and remote Australia by channelling doctors

there who are subject to location restrictions, including international medical graduates and those in bonded medical programs.

Under the changes announced, all GP catchments in the Modified Monash Model 2 (MMM2) areas now automatically have DPA status with immediate effect. This means regional cities and outer metro areas, as well as rural and remote parts of the country have priority status, allowing them to recruit from an expanded

pool of doctors.

RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price warned the change would likely have unwanted consequences.

“As Australia’s largest representative body for GPs in rural and remote Australia, addressing the GP workforce shortage in rural and remote communities across the country is our top priority,” she said.

“Earlier this year we welcomed the previous Federal Government’s decision for MMM37 locations to be

automatically reclassified as Distribution Priority Areas.

“However, we warned at the time that we would not support it being further expanded to MMM2 areas because of the risk that this will pull doctors away from more rural communities that need them.

“Robbing Peter to pay Paul will not solve the GP shortage in communities across Australia. And that is what the unintended consequence of this policy will be.”

Impact of market drivers These technical and sometimes typical market drivers for this time of year are all significant and are having an impact on market performance.

There is not one driver playing more of a role than the other – rather, as a combination of factors occurring at the same time, they’re all contributing equally to this current slide in prices.

Long-term perspective While market prices have fallen for now, bringing these prices into perspective by taking a broader long-term view on their performance is critical, according to Mr Strong.

“In the second half of 2021, cattle prices continually reached record levels. Comparing current market performance to year-ago levels does not paint an accurate picture of performance after they have softened from such high,” Mr Strong said.

As of Wednesday 27 July 2022, current cattle market prices compared to the 5-year and 10-year (see Table 1) averages demonstrates the comparative strength of the market.

INTERNET NOW LIGHTNING FAST FOR REGIONAL SCHOOLS Thousands of students are now benefitting from faster, more reliable internet thanks to a $328 million investment by the NSW Government to connect every public school in regional d NSW to fibre internet.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell were at Wattle Flat Public School in the State’s Central West today to mark the final 12 public schools in NSW to now be connected to fibre internet.

“The NSW Government is committed to offering the best opportunities to all NSW students no matter where they live – and that means have accessing to fast, reliable internet,” Mr Toole said.

“Partnering with Telstra has allowed us to move the remaining 12 public schools in NSW from satellite to fibre optic cable, ensuring much faster internet speeds for students and teachers.”

Outgoing farm leader sees hope on horizon Outgoing NSW Farmers President James Jackson says there is a great future ahead for Australian agriculture if governments and the public support the vital sector. With his term as leader of the country’s largest state farming organisation ending this week, Mr Jackson reflected on his time in the role and identified a key challenge

for the sector.

“Australia as a nation lags behind on backing farmers, with a government paper on food security this week revealing we have one of the lowest levels of agricultural support across the 37 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries – and when compared to major

emerging economies,” Mr Jackson said.

“Australians have seen firsthand the impact of natural disasters and supply chain failures on food security this year, and we need a fresh focus on farming. Our farmers grow the food we eat every day and produce cotton and wool to clothe us, yet we as a nation are still

undervaluing the important role of agriculture.”

Mr Jackson said the impact of this historic governmental disinterest in agriculture was being played out in the current biosecurity debate, with Varroa mite affecting our bees and foot and mouth disease on our doorstep.

“Being able to feed and clothe yourself is a basic

human need, but our farmers are up against it with government policies that act as a handbrake on the sector.

“The fact that we are so productive despite our challenging climate and all the red tape we face is proof that Aussie farmers could make an even bigger contribution if they were allowed to. I

have been saying for years that governments need to get out of the way and unleash the beast, and let us do what we do best – grow world-class food and fibre.”

Despite the challenges facing the farming sector, Mr Jackson said he was heartened by positive policy developments over the past few years.

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RURAL NEWS 13

Environmental markets more accessible Land managers and farmers will be equipped to benefit from the environmental services they generate through sustainable land management, with a new program launched today.

The Environmental Markets Leadership Program, delivered by Local Land Services and Ethical Fields, will give farmers the skills, confidence and networks to identify, market and benefit from their natural assets.

The program supports land managers and farmers to break down and simplify the world of environmental markets by identifying the environmental services they generate on their land and defining ways to create income and other benefits from these services.

Environmental services are generated from sustainable land management practices and healthy environments - creating clean air and water, nutrient rich soils, and habitat for native plants and animals to name a few. Creating a market for these goods and services enables land

managers, farmers and community to benefit.

Meaghan Burkett, Director at Ethical Fields said when land managers and farmers invest in the environment, and community invests in them, everyone benefits.

“From clean air and water, to fertile soil and biodiversity, the benefits of good land stewardship can be far reaching,” Ms Burkett said.

“Many land managers already participate in carbon and biodiversity markets. Beyond participation, they could play a leading role in these markets, whilst earning a financial return for doing so.”

Claire Parkes, Business Partner Natural Resource Management at Local Land Services said Local Land Services has heard from farmers that they want to know more about new and emerging markets for environmental services.

“These markets present opportunities to diversify farm income but also pose risks and costs,” Ms Parkes said.

This program is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust.

REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECREATIONAL BEEKEEPERS IMPACTED BY VARROA MITE Recreational beekeepers affected by varroa mite will be reimbursed for the destruction of their hives and bees under the agreed National Response Plan.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders says the support shows the critical role recreational beekeepers have played in helping to manage the pest and contain its spread.

“More and more people are trying their hand at beekeeping in their backyard which is why we’ve always seen hobbyists as critical to our eradication effort right from the start,” Mr Saunders said.

“The National Working Group has agreed to a $550 payment for each recreational hive destroyed to control the mite outbreak, or $200 for those who wish to keep their hive ware, which will cover the cost of the euthanised bees.”

A $200 reimbursement will also be given for each single nucleus hive that is euthanised, regardless of whether the hive ware is kept.

A new Biosecurity Emergency Order has been issued to allow beekeepers in the red eradication zones to work their hives to prevent swarming and remove honey supers in the 48hours before their bees are euthanised.

“As the weather gets warmer in the lead-up to spring, it is the peak time for bees to scout out a new home, once their hives become full of honey,” Mr Saunders said.

“Swarming could exacerbate the outbreak and that’s why the new order will allow people to place an empty honey super on the hive to deal with these concerns.”

Those in the red zone who wish to harvest their honey will be subject

to strict conditions, including: • They must decontaminate all vehicles that will be used for transporting honey supers, before and after the move.

• The honey super must be cleared of bees and sealed so no bees can enter.

• The honey supers must be taken to an enclosed space for honey extraction.

• Transportation can only take place within the eradication zone and by using the most direct route.

• Beekeepers must not move any part of the brood box.

• Honey must not be extracted until the honey super is stored in a bee proof manner for 21 days or at -20 degrees Celsius for 72 hours.

Nine new infected premises (IPs) have been detected at Eagleton, Tomago,

Millers Forest, Soldiers Point, Williamtown, Heatherbrae, Salt Ash, Tighes Hill and Leneghan, bringing the total to 53.

The new cases are all linked to existing IPs and are the result of intensive surveillance in the existing red zones.

“A rise in cases is expected in the eradication area because they are often in close proximity to an existing IP. With more contact tracing comes more results and that is exactly what we are seeing here,” Mr Saunders said.

“Anyone who has moved their hives out of a known biosecurity zone in the last 12 months should immediately contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline to notify DPI of the current location of those hives.”

Only registered recreational beekeepers will be eligible for the reimbursement package.

Soaring input costs squeeze food producers Official government data has revealed total input costs for wheat farmers has doubled in just two years.

According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Financial performance of cropping farms 2029-20 to 2021-22 report, total input costs for the average wheat farm in NSW increased from $212 per hectare in 2019-20 to $425 per hectare in 2020-21, with further increases expected through to 2022-23.

Fertiliser costs increased from $64 to $82 per hectare, while the cost of chemicals increased from $30 to $63 per hectare.

NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said the figures reinforced what farmers had been saying for many months: the cost of food production was outpacing the prices paid to farmers.

“Everywhere you look people are worried about the rising cost of food, the rising cost of power, the rising cost of fuel,

farmers are no different,” Mrs Reardon said.

“What is different for farmers is that we have very little ability to pass on these price rises to our customers, so what you’re left with are shrinking profit margins.

“The natural disasters we’ve seen over the past year are compounding this squeeze, and we are very concerned about the pressure it’s putting on

productivity.”

For the 12 months to the June 2022 quarter, the consumer price index rose 6.1 per cent, with transport costs soaring by 13.1 per cent, while food prices rose by 5.9 per cent.

Mrs Reardon said boosting productivity by producing more from less was a fundamental way to tackle inflation and relieve the stress of rising

input costs. She called for greater investment in productivity-boosting measures such as precision agriculture technologies, which reduce the amount of fertiliser and chemical applications, and world-class agricultural education courses which improve the capability of farmers to adopt new productivity-boosting technologies.

“Australians are a nation of innovators, and our farmers are always looking for an edge and a way to improve what they do,” Mrs Reardon said.

“Fundamentally, if farmers can produce more food and fibre at a lower cost, and get it to consumers at a lower cost, we’ll see a reduction of this cost-of-living pressure.

“Farmers and families are in this together – albeit on different ends of the supply chain – and we appreciate the support Aussie families have shown for the agriculture sector.”

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The NR Times Rural News

August 4, 2022

14 RURAL NEWS

Latest quarterly CPI sees annual food price inflation continuing to climb RABOBAN COMMENTARY The latest quarterly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, released last week, has shown a continuing rise in Australian food price inflation, with June 2022 quarter food prices increasing 5.9 per cent compared with the June quarter last year.

Rabobank senior food retail analyst Michael Harvey said this was the highest year-on-year increase seen in food prices in the CPI since the September quarter 2011, when yearly food price inflation had peaked at 6.4 per cent.

It compares with a 4.3 per cent year-on-year increase in food prices seen in the previous March 2022 quarter CPI data.

Mr Harvey said there had been an increase “across the grocery

basket”, with prices rising for dairy, meat, fruit and vegetables and bread.

“There was also an increase in out-of-home food costs,” he said.

And Mr Harvey warned there was likely more food price rises to come, with the peak in inflation potentially not yet reached.

“Consumers still have some headwinds to navigate and higher average food basket costs expected to come,” he said.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics June 2022 quarter CPI data showed the main contributors to the rise in food prices included fruit and vegetables, which were up 7.3 per cent annually and 5.8 per cent on the previous quarter.

Prices for bread and cereal products were up 6.3 per cent annually and 3.1 per cent on the March quarter and meat

Rabobank senior food retail analyst Michael Harvey and seafoods were also up 6.3 per cent annually, but only 0.8 per cent on last quarter.

Dairy and related product prices were up 5.2 per cent annually and 1.3 per cent on last quarter.

Meals out and takeaway foods costs were up 4.7 per cent annually.

Compared with the March

2022 quarter, prices increased 1.4 per cent, but 2.1 per cent excluding the impact of dining voucher schemes offered in some parts of the country.

Mr Harvey said there were a number of factors still exerting upward pressure on food prices, both globally and locally.

“While the effect of the war in Ukraine was

evident in high global agricultural commodity prices in the June quarter, an easing in these prices in July will take time to flow on to food markets internationally,’ he said.

“In addition, there are still cost pressures across the food system – in areas including labour, energy, freight and packaging.

“And there have been

further supply disruptions locally with flooding and unfavourable weather in parts of Australia continuing to impact the availability of fresh produce.”

Mr Harvey said while there had been some short-term freezes placed on food prices by some retailers, retail food prices were likely to continue to rise following recent price increases from food and beverage companies, with more potentially to come.

“In recent weeks, for example, we have seen some sizeable increases in staple items, like privatelabel milk,” he said.

Mr Harvey said there were emerging signs of changed consumer behaviour in response to cost-of- living pressures, including trading down in food types and reduced spending on discretionary items. “And we expect there is more to come,” he said.

COLLABORATION DRIVING PROGRESS IN AGRICULTURE The agriculture sector will benefit from strong partnership between the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments, with the first meeting of Australia’s Agriculture Ministers under the Albanese Government delivering a clear vision for the future.

After an 8-month hiatus, last week Agriculture Ministers from every state and territory met to discuss the country’s

agricultural priorities.

It was the first meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Murray Watt.

Ministers welcomed the opportunity to work in a more collaborative and cooperative manner, and committed to meeting regularly to address the challenges of mutual concern facing Australian agriculture.

“I was excited to chair the first Agriculture

Ministers’ Meeting under the new Albanese Government, and to build on existing relationships with my state and territory counterparts,” Minister Watt said.

“There were a number of new faces at the table and it was a very productive meeting.

“It’s clear biosecurity is quite rightly top of mind for everyone. Threats of foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and varroa mite reinforces the

importance of a strong, shared biosecurity effort, because incursions don’t stop at our borders.

“As a result, we have agreed on pathways to deliver a national framework to improve biosecurity, through more traceability and a new national strategy.

“I feel confident that by having the Federal Government working cooperatively with all states and territory governments, we will

deliver on measures that benefit the agriculture sector.”

Ministers agreed inprinciple to progress work on a national approach to Australia’s livestock traceability systems, as well as finalising a National Biosecurity Strategy.

The meeting agreed tackling workforce availability issues will be an ongoing priority and affirmed a strong commitment to action

on climate change, including a desire to show greater urgency pursuing the opportunities and addressing the challenges Australian agriculture faces from climate change.

The Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting will meet again in coming weeks.

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August 4, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 15

ABORIGINAL RANGERS PROGRAM STAFF READY TO GET TO WORK ON-COUNTRY Eighteen new trainees and support staff have been recruited to commence work on Country, under the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Ranger Program.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders congratulated the new recruits who recently attended an on-Country induction camp at Burrendong Dam outside of Wellington.

“This program is part of

the NSW Government’s commitment to advance the aspirations of Aboriginal people, culture and communities, by championing opportunities that offer experience, development and a career pathway,” Mr Saunders said.

“The trainee rangers are ready to undertake important work on the ground, including assisting landholders with biosecurity matters, livestock health, weed

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management, native vegetation and managing travel stock routes.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the program ensures sustainable jobs for Aboriginal Australians by caring for country on country.

“The Aboriginal Rangers Program recognises that country and culture are intrinsically connected to Aboriginal communities and I look forward to the

positive outcomes this important program will deliver,” Mr Franklin said.

Trainees will receive culturally safe training, mentoring and support across all areas of the Local Land Services business including conservation and ecosystem management, animal pest control, Aboriginal site identification and more.

Local Land Services Business Partner

course of the program and am sure they’ll be a valuable asset to their local communities, landholders and stakeholders.”

22 new Aboriginal staff will be recruited in total as a part of the $5.95 million program.

For more information on the Aboriginal Ranger Program, visit www.lls. nsw.gov.au/aboriginalranger.

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Aboriginal Cultural Engagement and Gamilaraay man Graham Kelly was pleased to have the new staff members on-board in their roles.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our new recruits to gain experience and exposure through our land services and biosecurity teams,” Mr Kelly said.

“I’m really looking forward to watching our trainees develop over the

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The NR Times Rural News

August 4, 2022

16 RURAL NEWS

Local Land Services board positions available Individuals with a passion for enhancing the future of agriculture and the environment across NSW are being encouraged to apply for new board member positions at Local Land Services.

Board members are responsible for driving the strategic direction and vision of Local Land Services, connecting the agency with landholders and communities to identify the issues and services needed.

Applications can be lodged via the Local Land Services website and close on Tuesday, 30 August.

Local Land Services Chair, Allison Harker said there are 24 positions available and she hopes to see a wide range of candidates apply.

“We take great pride in working with people focused on the long-term sustainability of our natural resources and agricultural industries,”

Ms Harker said.

“It’s important these boards reflect our wideranging customer base and the communities they serve, which is why I am encouraging people from all walks of life to apply.

“Strong local board

representation is key to ensuring Local Land Services is in the best strategic position to help grow agricultural productivity and healthy environments.”

Local Land Services is made up of 11 regions,

each with its own board of local community representatives.

They are a made up of a mix of Ministerially appointed and elected board members who bring a wealth of skills, experience and

AUSTRALIAN FARMERS REBOUNDING STRONGLY The Australian Bureau of Statistics 2020-2021 Agricultural Census results released today, confirms the strength of the sector rebounding from drought and managing the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ABS census recorded 87,400 agricultural businesses, continuing a trend of stable farm numbers since 2014-2015.

The Census also showed the gross value of production increased 17 per cent in 2020-21 from the previous year.

The value of Australian agriculture has only continued to grow with the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) reporting the sector to reach $83 billion in 2021-22 and forecast to reach $80 billion in

2022-23.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Murray Watt said the Albanese Government will do its part to support a stronger, more productive, more sustainable agriculture sector.

“I’m excited to represent Australian agriculture in the national parliament— it’s an incredible sector that is so important to the

nation,” Minister Watt said.

“Producers have enjoyed strong production conditions over a number of years to realise these record highs.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels because it’s inevitable that drought will return and it’s a fundamental principle that you plan for drought when it’s raining.”

The Albanese

Government will be working closely with producers to ensure that Australia is prepared and has an effective approach in place in the medium term.

The Government is also committed to working closely with industry on the unprecedented threats facing the agriculture sector—not least evolving biosecurity risks and the current threat of foot and mouth disease.

“We are responding with the strongest biosecurity response this country has ever seen at Australian borders,” Minister Watt said.

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering our election commitment to establish long-term, sustainable funding that will go directly to strengthening the biosecurity system.”

commitment to the organisation.

Local Land Services has particular interest in ensuring diversity in its boards and encourages applications from women, Aboriginal people, younger people and other

under-represented groups.

Ms Harker said serving on a local board is a rewarding position that lets you help make a real difference in your community.

“Becoming a board member connects you with some incredibly unique projects, from our new Aboriginal Ranger program, to building our strategic partnership with organisations like Landcare,” Ms Harker said.

“If you share our commitment to growing productive and sustainable communities in NSW, we want to hear from you.

“Together we can strengthen Local Land Services for the future.”

For more information on the role and responsibilities of a board member, visit www. lls.nsw.gov.au/boardrecruitment.

DEVELOPING BUSHFIRE-RESILIENT TECHNOLOGY NSW will cement its place as a world leader in bushfire technology commercialisation and position itself for international export of innovative bushfire solutions under a new NSW Government program.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund will help innovators translate their cutting-edge research into practical solutions that will improve bushfire detection, preparation and response.

“Whether it’s artificial intelligence, drones or predictive mapping, we need to commercialise disaster-resilient practical solutions, not just in NSW, but across Australia and around the world,” Mr Henskens said.

“By investing in our homegrown talent and their

innovative research, we can help grow the economy, create jobs and develop products that secure a brighter future for NSW.” A total of $16 million over three years has been allocated, with the first round of funding offering grants of between $200,000 and $8 million.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the program will help to develop products that complement the work of emergency services.

“By better understanding fires and enhancing the firefighting capability of frontline personnel, we are able to minimise their impact on the community and save lives,” Ms Cooke said.

To apply visit www. chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/ rdnsw/bushfire-responserd-mission/bushfirecommercialisation-fund.