Property of the Week Stock Comment
A small yarding of only 85 head yarded at Grafton last Tuesday Whilst numbers remained low, the market was stronger in all categories Bullocks sold to 375c/kg and cows topped at 358c/kg Weaner steers to re stockers sold to 690c/kg and heifers to 670c/kg This Thursday the 1st of Sept will be our first Store Sale for Spring Look forward to seeing you there www.farrellmccrohon.com.au / Grafton
FOOT AND MOUTH VACCINE DOSES ARRIVE IN INDONESIA
724 Firth Heinz Road, Pillar Valley - $860,000 This beautiful coastal hinterland lifestyle property comprises 17.6 acres of peace, privacy and birdsong. The unique one-bedroom residence has a very worldly feel to it, complete with high raked ceilings, french doors, and stained glass features. The atmosphere of this property truly needs to be experienced first-hand to be appreciated. The studio apartment is self-contained and sits just East of the main house. It would be perfect as a teenager’s own space, a home for the in-laws, or for long or short-term rental such as an AirBnB, as it has previously been utilised as. A 6x3.8m shed behind the residence is lined internally and would be great for a home office. There is also a 12x6m machinery/car shed. Situated just 15 minutes from the coast yet maintaining absolute privacy and seclusion, this is a lifestyle property in every sense of the Pleaseexpression.phone JoJo Newby of Farrell McCrohon Stock & Station Agents on 0417 690 637 for any enquiries. Office: 02)6642 5200 David Farrell: 0437 448 455 Ben Clark: 0477 123 770
The frst shipment of one million foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine doses supplied by the Australian Government has arrived in Indonesia. The doses will be distributed by Indonesian authorities to ensure they are delivered to the areas most in need.
Advertising: 1300 679 787Local, State and Local Rural NewsSeptember 1, 2022 ED112
“We’ve been able to match the doses to the FMD strain present in Indonesia. These doses will be highly effective in providing protection to Indonesian livestock,” said Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt. “This is part of our three-pronged approach to keep Australia FMD-free - helping our neighbours deal with the outbreak, strengthening our biosecurity borders and enhancing our preparedness at home.“Inthe months ahead, Australia will supply a further $4.4 million in FMD vaccines as part of a $10 million biosecurity package recently announced for Indonesia,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong. “The successful delivery of these vaccines demonstrates Australia’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s response to the outbreak and underscores the close collaborative relationship between our two countries.”
PO Box 417
“The important take away from this is that prawns remain perfectly fne for human consumption and there are no issues with continuing to purchase them from your local seafood supplier,” Mr Saunders said.
“The NSW Government takes biosecurity matters like these extremely seriously and we will continue to work closely with industry to ensure minimal disruption occurs.”
In Australia, the WHO estimates that anaemia caused by iron defciency (IDA) affects 8% of preschool children, 12% of pregnant women and 15% of women of reproductive age. Because the body can’t make iron on its own, it gets it from the food we eat. Popular sources of iron include iron-fortifed breakfast cereals, poultry, fsh, spinach, tofu and red meat.ABSF ofsaidChair,SteeringSustainabilityGroup(SSG)MarkDavie,nutritionwasonetheeightpriorities of the People and The Community theme of the ABSF and central to the wellbeing of global populations.“Whenwe talk about sustainability, very often it is the environment or animal welfare that frst comes to mind, however protecting the health of our communities through provision of high quality and nourishing food is also of the utmost importance when taking a holistic view,” Mr Davie said.“World Iron Awareness week is like a beef week we have every year! The iron in Australian beef is predominantly haem iron; and is more bioavailable, meaning it is more readily absorbed by the body than non-haem iron that is available mostly from plant sources.” Not consuming enough dietary iron, heavy blood loss, and regular vigorous exercise can all lead to low iron levels.
“We have also notifed other prawn farms in the area and have reminded them to be diligent with their farmedcausesprotocols.”biosecurityWhileWhiteSpotmortalityinprawnsand can have signifcant ramifcations on production, it is important for consumers to know that it poses no threat to human health and safety.
“The NSW Government has put restrictionsmovementinplace to limit the risk of White Spot entering our state since it was frst detected in South East Queensland in 2016,” Mr Saunders said.“The detection is within an enclosed prawn facility and was identifed during routine testing carried out by our DPI Biosecurity Team.“NSW DPI Authorised Offcers have been working closely with the owners of the prawn facility and have overseen the destruction and disposal of all infected prawns in the isspread.siteunderwayactivitiesDecontaminationfacility.arealsototreattheandstopanyfurther“Asthedetectionwithinanenclosed facility, not outside in free water, we have confdence that the protocols in place have contained this detection and we don’t believe it will spread further.
People who don’t eat much red meat or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may also fnd it a challenge to consume adequate iron.
RURAL NEWSThe2 NR Times Rural News September 1, 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. Spotlightwww.thenorthernriverstimes.com.au/news/rural-news/ontheroleofnutrition in sustainability this Iron Awareness Week THE critical contribution of Australian beef as a nutritional powerhouse fuelling sustainable diets and the wellbeing of communities across the world is in focus this World Iron Awareness Week.Australian beef provides 12 essential otherdeliversandsourceprovidingweight)150ghealth,recommendednutrientsforgoodwithanaverageserving(rawofleanredmeatanexcellentofiron,zinc,vitaminB12.Italsomoreironthananimalproteins such as chicken or fsh. The World OrganisationHealth(WHO) says iron defciency affects one third of the world’s population, with those most at risk being infants, children, and teenagers, who are growing rapidly, and pregnant women, who need iron for increased blood levels and to build their baby’s iron stores.
The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend 65g lean, cooked red meat per day, or 455g per week (equivalent to 650g raw weight), where ‘red meat’ includes beef, lamb, pork, kangaroo, and game meats. Typical servings of red meat in popular meals range from 100 to 200g (raw weight) so the amounts recommended in the Australian Dietary Guidelines can be enjoyed as part of healthy, balanced meals three to four times a week. There are three simple ways to sustainablepromoteeating, while continuing to enjoy the taste and nutritional benefts of Australian beef:• Maintaining a healthy weight by eating all foods in recommended amounts• Improving diet quality by eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods to promote health and householdwellbeing•Reducingfoodwaste by purchasing, cooking, and serving only what you “Australianneed. beef really is the best in the world and a naturally nutritious food that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. I encourage everyone to enjoy a dish featuring lean red meat this World Iron Awareness Week,” Mr Davie said.
WHITE SPOT DISEASE DETECTED IN NSW PRAWN FARM
The presence of White Spot has been confrmed in an enclosed prawn facility in the north of NSW by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. White Spot is a highly contagious viral infection that affects crustaceans and can cause major mortalities in farmed prawns.Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government has acted swiftly to contain and manage the detection.
“DPI is undertaking tracing and surveillance activities to try and identify the source of the White Spot and how it got into NSW.
Lamb carcase weight
Carcase weights
“The implementation of new genetics, well managed averageproductionon-farmandaboverainfallpatterns have ensured national lamb carcase weights achieved record highs in Q2 2022. At 25.8kg/head, this is a 0.6% geneticdemonstratingyear-on-yearincreaselevels,thatimprovement and management is driving increased effciencies and production for the national lamb fock,” Mr Bignell said. New South Wales lambs are weighing 26.8kg/ head on average, leading the trend for heavier lambs nationally, they are followed by South Australian lambs at 26.7kg/head.
Carcase weights National sheep carcase weights for Q2 2022 were recorded at 25.5kg/ head, a 500g increase on Q1 2022 levels but well below the 2.2kg/head below the highs recorded in December Tasmania27.3kg,heaviestSouthlevel.offoraverage“Interestingly,2021.thecarcaseweightssheeparebelowthatlambsonanationalSheepinNewWalesaretheweightingwhilesheepinarethelightest weighing 19.5kg/head,” Mr Bignell said. Goats In FY22 productiongoatmeatjumped 47% to 24,091 tonnes. In FY22 production in all states except Tasmania jumped by at least 41%, with Western Australian production growing by 3,538% year-on-year. Goat slaughter was up 52% in FY22 to 1.46m head. Production growth was slightly less than the growth in slaughter supply as goat carcase weights continued to soften marginally.
As calves born in 2020 and early 2021 reached processing weights in 2022, Q2 of this year saw an increase in slaughter volumes of quarter-on-quarter,11.2% with 1.49m head processed. The biggest jump in quarterly slaughter was in Tasmania, increasing by 13.4%, followed by Queensland, which was upFor13.2%.FY22 Australian cattle slaughter was 5.89m, this is 6.6% below the 2021 levels. Queensland was responsible for 47.7% of all cattle slaughtered last fnancial year.
In Q2 of 2022, lamb production was 140,165 tonnes, the third highest quarterly volume on record, behind Q2 2018 and Q4 2016. The quarterly total of 140,165 tonnes was a 12.5% increase on Q1 2022 levels and 1.8% higher than the same quarter in 2021. Lamb slaughter Lamb slaughter for Q2 was recorded at 5.44m, an increase of 9.5% on the previous quarter and 1.1% higher than the June 2021 quarter. For the full fnancial year, lamb slaughter nationally stood at 20.8m lambs.
According to Stephen Bignell, ManagerMarket Information at Meat & Livestock Australia conditions,continued(MLA),strongseasonalimproved genetics across the national herd and strong on-farm management has helped carcase weights to remain at historically high levels.“Carcase weights across the country are averaging 317.6kg/head. This is the second highest carcase weights ever, only behind the record previous quarter.“National male carcase weights rose by 600g to a new record of 348.5kg, driven by jumps in Victorian, Western Australian and South Australian male carcase weights. However, the increased volumes of females weight,”abilityaffectingwetrelevantThistheiscarcaserecordcarcasepreventedslaughteredthenationalweightsreachinglevels.“AsofteninginaverageweightsforcattlenotuncommonthroughAustralianwinter.hasbeenparticularlyin2022withandcoolconditionslivestock’s’togainormaintainMrBignellsaid.
RURAL NEWS 3 September 1, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent
SlaughterSheep
LambLambsproduction
Third biggest lamb production quarter on record
Key points: • Continuation of above average rainfall for most livestock regions resulted in high carcase weights overall. • Supply is increasing and is being driven by the national herd rebuild and fock •growth. Record value of production fgures for the cattle industry, driven by high cattle prices. On Friday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the offcial livestock and production fgures for the second quarter of 2022. The data also provided insights on slaughter, production, value and carcase weight for sheep and cattle for the 2022 fnancial year. Gross value of livestock
In sheep, the value of lambs and sheep slaughtered in FY22 was $5,13b. This fgure is 14.5% above the value of sheep and lambs slaughtered in FY21. Q2 FY22 (October to December 2021) was the quarter recording the highest value of sheep and slaughtered ever. The average price for a fnished lamb/sheep in FY22 was $189.39, up 10.5% on 2021. SlaughterCattle
The value of cattle slaughtered in FY2022 was a new fnancial record totalling $14.48b AUD, this was $2.2b higher than the value of cattle slaughtered in FY2021. Q2 of 2022 recorded the highest value of cattle slaughtered ever, hitting $3.85b for the quarter and 20% higher than Q2 2021. High livestock prices were behind the record value of prices.25.7%incattleTheslaughteredlivestockinFY22.averagepriceofbeingslaughteredFY22was$2,457.82,higherthanFY21
Beef production With increased higher slaughter numbers and only slightly lower carcase weights, beef production rose by 9% quarter-on-quarter to 473,394 tonnes but was softer thesupplyandweights“Overall,year-on-year.withcarcaseremaininghighforecastactualcattletoincreaseintoendof2022and beyond, the Australian beef industry is well positioned to capture emerging opportunities both domestically and globally,” Mr Bignell said.
“The fact that lamb slaughter for Q2 2022 was not within in the historical top 20 lamb slaughter volumes, but was the third highest level of production, shows the benefts of increasing carcase accordingweights,”toMrBignell.
Unlike lambs and cattle, sheep slaughter fell in Q2 2022, reducing by 13.2% or 209,600 head. According to Mr Bignell however, a drop in slaughter in the June quarter is common as producers are retaining ewes for lambing during this when“Encouragingly,period.comparedto the corresponding June period in 2021, mutton slaughter is up 27% or close to 300,000 head. This would suggest the fock rebuild is maturing and in line with MLA’s most recent June sheep projections,” Mr Bignell said. Production Production of mutton was recorded at 35,091 tonnes, a 11.3% reduction on the previous quarter but 25% higher than 2021 levels. As mutton production fell by less than the fall in slaughter, carcase weights climbed.
Yearling heifers averaged n521.1c/kg topping at 605c/ kg or $1684.38 to $2174.22
Ian Weir & Son will hold a store sale this Friday 2 September with 600 head booked. Further bookings are welcome.
MC DOUGALL & SONS SHEEP & LAMB REPORT Agents today yarded 1483 head to the weekly sale, the prices and the quality were better than the stock presented at the previous week’s sale. The stock was drawn from the Maranoa and local vendors as well as a few from Western Districts. Lambs topped at $203 to average $134.59($8up), hoggets topped at $173 to average $126.03($35up), ewes topped at $111 to average $71.12($10down), wethers topped at $124 to average $115.61($28down),rams topped at $250 to average $128.79($11up), lamb rams topped at $150 to average $132.76($16down), ewe lambs topped at $140 down $2. The yarding averaged $126.57 a jump of $11 on the previous week’s sale.
Numbers rose for the ovine and bovine sales as well as goat numbers for the week, a different story for pork and poultry numbers as they fell away compared to previous sales. Cattle saw 645 head meet the market, with the major exporters again joining the fray to secure some orders, sheep and lamb numbers were also up with the yarding of 1483 head seeing similar reactions to the cattle sale with some new and existing buyers frming the values.
Higgins Family sold Australian White lambs 48.6kg to Tonys Supa Meats for $178, to Jock Young Meats for $177, Rams to restockers for $250 and $178 Phil & Gabe Byrnes sold Dorper lambs 47.5kg to Leslie Lamb for $176 Shelley F/T sold Suffolk ewe lambs 70kg to restockers for Glen$203&Emma Muller sold 55kg Dorper lambs to Leslie Lamb for $170 Wes & Margaret Sloan sold 1st x Border Leicester x lambs 50kg to Warwick Meats for $153 Banaba P/S sold Dorper and Dorper x lambs 65kg and 58kg to Thomas Foods for $192, 59.1kg to Eversons for $186, hoggets 69kg to Eversons for $173 MC Lean Farms sold wether portion of lambs 40.3kg 38.12kg selling to restockers for $122, 25kg selling to restockers for $52. Perkins Family sold Dorper lambs 45kg to restockers for $120, 39kg to Elliots Butchery for $110, ewe lambs 39kg to restockers for$130 , wether portion to Elliots Butchery for $104, ewes to Eversons for $ James Cowlishaw sold Merino hoggets 57.6kg to Eversons for $120, ewes to Eversons and restockers for $80, rams to Whites Trading for $86 Ben Cooper sold 2nd x Dorset x lambs 49kg to GR Prime for $175.50 Tom Cooper sold 2nd x Dorset lambs 46.87kg to Leslie Lamb for $163.50
RURAL NEWSThe4 NR Times Rural News September 1, 2022
RECENT CATTLE MARKET REPORTS
WARWICK W/E 26/08/2022
Cow prices were stronger again this week averaging 323c/kg and reaching a top price of 386c/kg. Heifer prices were also dearer with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 578c/kg and topping their category at 800c/ kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 450c/kg and reached a top of 538c/kg.
Vealer prices were easier this week with lighter vealer up to 250kg averaging 572c/kg and reaching a top of 730c/kg. Heavier vealer over 250kg averaged 502c/kg with a top price of 602c/kg.
Vealer steers averaged 619c/kg topping at 726.2c/kg or $1407.17 to $1762.17 Vealer heifers averaged 499.4c/kg topping at 600.2c/kg or $1231.16 to 1784.64 Feeder steers averaged 488.5c/kg topping at 562.2c/kg or $1784.94 to $2383.03 Feeder heifers averaged 448.6c/kg topping at 600.2c/kg or $1231.16 to $1784.64 Yearling steers averaged 473.6c/kg topping at 626.2c/ kg or $1470.79 to $2418.93
George & Fuhrmann held a store sale at the NRLX on Friday 26 August with 459 head going under the hammer. Steers topped their category at 796c/kg and averaged 576c/kg and 243kg whilst heifers reached a top of 700c/kg and averaged 508c/kg and 222kg. Cows reached a top price of $1,460 whilst Cows & Calves topped their market at $2,440.
August Agents yarded a total of 1,270 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 24 August. The main increase in numbers was in the young cattle, however there was a fair number of cows yarded. The yarding of young cattle consisted of a large number of light and medium weight vealers and weaners, while there was increased numbers of yearlings this week. Quality of the young cattle was very mixed with a large percentage of cattle showing the affects of the cold and wet season, however there was several runs of well-bred weaner steers and heifers through the sale.
LIVESTOCKWARWICKMARKETS
Steers averaged 412.4c/kg topping at 488.2c/kg or $2309.31 to $3030.96 Heifers averaged 408.5c/kg topping at 538.2c/kg or $2072.66 to Manufacturing$2814.36steersaveraged 390.5c/kg topping at 394.2c/kg or $2199.18 to $2352.06 Cows averaged 356.9c/kg topping at 395.2c/kg or $1993.34 to $3239.00 Bulls averaged 359.2c/kg topping at $630.2c/kg or $1939.46 to 3962.20 Lambs saw a top of $203 to average $134.59 a jump of Hoggets$8/head topped at $173 to average $126.03 a jump of Ewes$35/headtopped at $111 to average $71.12 a drop of $10/ Wethershead topped at $124 to average $115.61 a drop of Rams$28/headtopped at $250 to average $108.79, a jump of Lamb$11/headrams topped at $150 to average $132.75 a drop of Total$16/headsaleaverage was $126.57 a jump of $11/head.
Bull prices saw an increase this week with 24 head sold averaging 331c/kg and 632kg. Steer prices were also stronger with lighter steers up to 250kg averaging 631c/kg and reaching a top of 775c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 508c/kg and topped their market at 648c/kg. A small number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 378c/kg.
WeekNRLXCASINOMarketReportEndingFriday26
In its July fellascommodityJuly.beensubstantialwheat.BoardpricecentJune,thanperformancecommodityofIndexS&PspecialisttheAgribusinessAustralianMonthly,agribusinessbankingsaystheGSCIAgriculture–akeybenchmarkglobalagriculturalmarket–lostmore15percentduringincludinga20permonth-on-monthdeclineinChicagoofTrade(CBOT)AndfurtherdeclineshaverecordedintoearlyThedropinglobalagripricescameotherassetclassesalso–triggeredbyinterest rate hikes, infation concerns and “hawkish central bank rhetoric”. For grains and oilseeds, the report said, the decline in prices was driven by signifcant selling by institutional funds, as well as this year’s resumptionliftedmarket.beginninghemispherenorthernharvesttohittheHopeshadalsoforthepotentialofUkrainian grain exports to the world market, with discussions around the opening of a tradeMeanwhile,corridor.there was also some easing in local prices seen across June for grains and oilseeds, cotton, sugar and also the Eastern Young Cattle IndicatorHowever,(EYCI).despite local grains and oilseeds prices following global prices some of the way down over the past month, the global outlook continues to support a “summer of content” for local prices this year, the report says.
“Our communitiesfarmingcan be an easy target for those looking to do the wrong thing,” Mr Saunders said. “We want to reassure these communities that they are not overlooked and when crime occurs, rural police will be on the case to identify and apprehend those grownruralPolicestrengthencreatedPreventionresponsible.”TheRuralCrimeTeamwasinlate2017totheNSWForce’sfocusoncrime.Theteamhassinceto63specialised offcers dedicated to investigating rural crime, located at 26 regional locations in NSW.
Farmers welcome state’s biosecurity boost
The government also announced $55.8 million for a range of other measures to improve biosecurity efforts across the board, including $26.3 million to expand a trained workforceresponseofatleast 2000 experts, enhanced disease surveillance, boosted funding to control feral animals including pigs, and targeted education campaigns.“Attheend of the day, biosecurity is a responsibility we all share,” Mr McColl said. “It’s great to see a focus on pest animal control as well as on diseases, and practical andresponsibilitieswithoursustainablelongbiosecurityresourceson-the-groundforotherconcerns.“NSWFarmershascalledforlong-term,fundingforbiosecuritysystemclearrolesandforpublicprivatesector.”
Livestock carriers in focus as Operation Stock Check re-launches across the state
NSW BiosecurityFarmersChair Ian McColl has welcomed the state farmed–nowdisease,disease,tacklesyntheticdevelopmentthepreparedness,emergency$65Governmentweek.towithbiosecuritycontinuedgovernment’sinvestmentinmeasures,anadditionalboostfundingannouncedthisOnMonday,theNSWannouncedmilliontoaidinanimaldiseaseincludingfast-trackingoftheofmRNAvaccinestofootandmouthandlumpyskinbothofwhicharepresentinIndonesia.Footandmouthdiseasewhichaffectsmanyanimals–poses a signifcant threat to agriculture in Australia, with estimates an outbreak could cost the country $80 billion due to loss of production and trade market closures. “This investment into research and development is a potential gamechanger for agriculture, because there is no mRNA vaccine for foot and mouth disease or lumpy skin disease,” Mr McColl said. “We welcome the state government’s ongoing focus on biosecurity because we must proactively keep these diseases“However,out. if they reach our shores we must be prepared to deal with them swiftly and decisively, because an
The Rural PreventionCrimeTeam will today re-launch Operation Stock Check, an ongoing and proactive operation to prevent livestock theft by disrupting the movement of stolen stock throughout NSW.Operation Stock Check was initially launched in August 2020 and allows offcers of all ranks to inspect vehicles carrying livestock to identify and target loads which may have been Livestockstolen.thefthas a signifcant impact on farmers across the state, with over $8.5 million worth of cattle and sheep reported stolen in the past two years (Monday,Commencingalone.today22August 2022), offcers throughout the State will be increasing livestock carrier inspections and rural patrols targeting known transportation routes.Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s biggest increase in police numbers in more than 30 years had delivered an additional 10 Rural Crime Investigators to help the Force stay ahead of the game and disrupt criminal activity before it occurs.
RaboResearch general manager for Australia and New Zealand Stefan Vogel says Rabobank continues to months.bushelbushelbetweenfordowngradedalthoughgrainspricesabove-averageexpectglobaltoremainforandoilseeds,hasmarginallyitsforecastCBOTwheattoUSc1050atoUSc1080aoverthenext12 Australian grains and oilseeds
Member for the Dubbo Electorate and Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the fnancial impact of livestock theft can be devastating for farmers.
RURAL NEWS 5 September 1, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent
farmers, who have enough to deal with without having to worry about criminals stealing their stock,” said.CommissionerAssistantGreentree “Offcers will also be interacting with farmers and engaging with members of their rural communities to ensure they are protecting their stock in every way they can, because prevention isThekey.”State Rural Crime Coordinator, Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside, said Operation Stock Check is urging livestock carriers and farmers to always check their paperwork to ensure it is complete and accurate, ensuring their livestock is includingappropriatefarmersensuringtruckisn’t“Operationtraceable.StockCheckabouttargetingdrivers,it’saboutcarriersandaremakingthechecks;thattheanimals are ft to load so that when you are pulled over by police it is a simple check and you can go on your way,” Det Ch Insp Whiteside“Livestocksaid.carriers can expect to see an increase in vehicle checks in an effort to disrupt the illegal transportation of stock, whether it be large trucks, small trucks, utilities, trailers or horse foats.”
FMD outbreak could potentially cost up to $18 million a day just here in NSW alone.”
“We have more than doubled our Rural Crime Prevention Team over the past fve years and now have 63 specialist investigators stationed across all corners of the State,” Mr Toole said. “While rural crimes like stock theft may not dominate the headlines, they are a huge kick in the guts to our hardworking farmers and their families with the potential to cripple entire livelihoods. That’s why we’re ensuring police have the right resources to proactively run these operations and protect regional theistheofittoextremelytakestheBrettAssistantRegionRuralCorporatecommunities.”SponsorforCrime,WesternCommander,CommissionerGreentreeAPMsaidNSWPoliceForcelivestocktheftseriouslyduethedevastatingimpactcanhaveonfarmers.“ThisoperationisoneanumberofstepsNSWPoliceForcetakingtoprotectlivelihoodsofour
IndividualPersonalised,PetCremations
Cedardale Park “Let Us Help” Pet Crematorium Pet Crematorium Please feel free to phone Andrew Pittaway at Cedardale Park on 02 6688 www.cedardalepetcremation.com.au8304
Reports that the National Farmers Federation is advocating paying workers with “non-monetary benefts,” including fruit and veg, are deeply alarming and should be immediately clarifed by NFF president Fiona Simson, according to the Australian Workers’ Union. According to the media reports, the NFF is proposing changes to take “non-monetary benefts” into account when registering workplace pay deals, acknowledgeMsshouldfoodworkersfood,accommodation,includingelectricity,andfuel.“Thedaysofvulnerablebeing‘paid’withinsteadofmoneybelongbehindus.Simonmusturgentlythatthese
“As a Rabobankcooperative,hasarich history of communitiesimpactlooksengagementcommunityandalwaystomakeanacrosstheruralinwhichour clients live and work,” Ms Loyson said. The Rabo Community Fund’s priorities are led by the bank’s farming clients, who are at the heart of their andwithsupportingcommunities,localinitiativestheaimoftangiblymeaningfully contributing to the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.”
She said the George the Farmer book sets would contribute to increasing awareness of food and fbre production at schools, “potentially even sparking some children’s interest to pursue a career in agriculture.”
arrangements belong in the history books,” said AWU National Secretary Daniel Walton.“Some jobs in remote locations require employers to provide accommodation and life essentials. At no point, however, should this necessary provision of essentials be considered some kind of ‘service’ for which workers are expected to forgo pay. “If farmers want to run bed-and-breakfasts from their properties they are free to do so. But they should never be allowed to force vulnerable workers to purchase that kind of ‘service’ from them. “If you work in Australia you deserve the Australian minimum wage and not a cent less. No ifs, no buts. I don’t know why this basic moral concept seems so hard for some people to accept.“Iunderstand the NFF is going further today than they have before in acknowledging how serious the problem of worker exploitation is on Australian farms. That’s a positive change in direction. There are some other alarmingarepositionrecommendationsmeaningfulintheirpaper,buttheyovershadowedbythis‘non-monetary benefts’ proposal “To engage constructively the NFF needs to very clearly discard any notion that workers in Australia can be legitimately paid in food and essentials.”
Rabobank partners with George the Farmer to support National Book Week
Ms Kain said the George the Farmer team, based in regional South Australia, produce “fabulous” picture storybooks, music, paddock-to-plate videos available to watch on YouTube and ABC TV, farmingwhichsolutionspitchDrstory,dairyenterprisesand–rangeandGeorgeishowcomestoeducateeducatorcurriculum-alignedperformancesnationally-touringandfreeresourcesthatandinspirekidslearnaboutwherefoodfrom–alongwithimportantagriculturetooureverydaylives.“Therearecurrently12theFarmerbookscounting,exploringaoffarmingpracticesfromshearing,wheat,beefcattletohoneyandroboticoperations.IneachGeorgetheFarmer,Ruby,Jack,andLucyintocomeupwithtochallengesmirrordailylife–withplenty of fun moments as well,”
she“Thesaid.myriad of George the Farmer resources are helping to educate and inspire the next generation – the future leaders, big thinkers, innovators, makers, fxers, creatives, teachers, policy makers and farmers.” Ms Kain said the Rabobank partnership, being launched to coincide with National Book Week, was a perfect ft for George the Farmer.
NFF must urgently clarify alarming food-for-labour proposal
“We receive many photos every year of excited kids dressing up as George and Ruby Farmer at their school Book Week parades. The Rabobank partnership champions agricultural literacy and will not only enable the education of many more kids, but inspire them to consider careers in agriculture,” she said. Applications for the book sets are open from Monday, 22 August 2022 and close on Monday, 5 SeptemberApplications2022.can be made at the following link - George the Farmer bookTermssetand conditions are available via the application link.
George the Farmer co-creator, Ben Hood with George the Farmer.
Ms Loyson said the book week initiative would be part of an ongoing partnership with George theTheFarmer.George the Farmer story began in 2012 when founder Simone Kain was trawling the internet looking for farming books and apps for her farmobsessed son George. Ms Kain said the toddler was desperate to be out with his dad on the farm and she wanted to fnd something to entertain and inspire him while he was indoors.“Iquickly discovered there wasn’t a human farming character globally who was telling sequential stories about life on the land for children, let alone a modern Aussie farmer telling real, relatable yarns,” she said. “In 2014, George the Farmer was offcially born, with the story quickly spilling outside storybooks and into new mediums.Morethan 100,000 Aussie kids from the big smoke and the bush have connected to the earth, food and farm through the adventures of George the Farmer, his agronomist wife Dr Ruby and their twin children Lucy and Jack.”
RURAL NEWSThe6 NR Times Rural News September 1, 2022
Rabobank’s Rabo Community Fund has partnered with ‘George the Farmer’ on ‘his’ mission to help educate children about where their food and fbre comes from in both a fun and educational way during this year’s National Book Week – August agribusiness20-26.Thespecialistbank and George the Farmer – a fctional character featured in a series of educational resources – will be awarding 50 primary schools across Australia a George the Farmer book set for their school libraries.Rabobank client council manager, Yvette Loyson said George the Farmer’s down-to-earth manner and grassroots charm resonates “terrifcally” with young children in rural locations while inspiring city-based children to have a better understanding and connection to agriculture. Ms Loyson said George the Farmer’s mission aligns well with the Rabo Community Fund’s key theme of creating urban/ rural Australia’sRabobankagribusinessspecialistTheconnections.world’sleadingfoodandbank,isoneoflargest agricultural lenders and a major provider of business and corporate banking services to the country’s food and agribusiness sector.Lastyear, the bank launched the Rabo Community Fund in Australia and New Zealand to invest in the sustainability and vitality of rural communities.
“Those safeguards have included the requirement for beekeepers to alcohol wash their hives, ensure their hives had not been in an eradication or surveillance zone in the past 24 months, and complete an online training course through Tocal College to receive a movement permit.
ALMOND POLLINATION SEASON
“We also have Forward Command Posts set up at Griffth and Balranald, with 88 surveillance offcers from DPI, Local Land Services and other agencies, to help with on-site testing.” More than 1750 sticky mats have been deployed in hives that have arrived on almond farms in the region. “They have been tested and have come back negative for Varroa mite, meaning we have taken all necessary steps to facilitate these crucial services in the safest way possible,” Mr Saunders said.
The difference in time required for 50% seed germination between the two populations was more than threefold (13 days vs 46 days). In the random survey of barley grass across the low rainfall zones, seeds collected from the southern plains of NSW exhibited the lowest dormancy, emerging in an average of 8.9 days.
Dr Gill said practices such as seedselectiontimeintensitycroppingandsowingcanimposehugepressureondormancyandshift the time of seedling emergence of weed populations. Such high dormancy populations are more diffcult to manage than those that emerge as a single fush after the opening rains (i.e., low dormancy). With investment from the Grains Research and multi-prongedrequiresbarleyhaveresearcherDrCorporationDevelopment(GRDC),GillandweedsBenFleetshownthateffectivegrasscontrolatwo-year,strategy.“Weedpopulations with high seed dormancy will have a slow and staggered weed barleyherbicides,pre-sowingthewhichestablishment,willreduceeffectivenessofknockdownanddormantgrassmayalso evade some pre-emergent herbicides,” Dr Gill said. Management of both barley grass and brome grass will be one of many topics discussed at WeedSmart Week 2022 in Mildura, Victoria, from 30 August to 1 September. What effect does seed dormancy have? In brief: Late weed germination and seed bank replenishment. The details: The effect of cropping intensity on weed seed dormancy has been studied extensively for ten years or more in different weeds. It is now well-established that higher cropping intensities select for greater weed seed
How to beat barley grass in two years
RURAL NEWS 7 September 1, 2022 The NR Times Rural News
Locally owned and independent A mass migration of more than 90 beekeepers and their 80,000 hives have moved to Griffth to help pollinate the State’s $500 million almond crop as new measures roll out to protect the industry from Varroa mite. Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government acted early to contain the spread of Varroa mite while allowing the industry to keep moving.
In brief: Up to two years.Thedetails: Seedbank persistence of barley grass was investigated in South Australia at three feld sites –Karoonda (low rainfall), Roseworthy (medium rainfall) and Tarlee (high rainfall) for four years. At the high rainfall site, barley grass emerged only in Year 1. At the medium and low rainfall sites, there was 0.2% and 12% observedgrasshowever,emergedbarleyandobserved2initialrespectivelyemergencefromtheseedbankinYearandnoemergenceinYears34.InWA,mostgrassseedlingswithinayear;somebarleyestablishmentwasinYears3and
A total of 946 movement permits have been granted so far and 764 people have completed the Tocal training, some of whom will be involved in pollinating melons, citrus, stone fruit, canola, cherries, apples, lettuce and seed production. For more information and the latest updates visit au/varroa.www.dpi.nsw.gov. GETS UNDERWAY IN NSW
“This time each year, thousands upon thousands of bees are needed to pollinate almond trees – so it’s critical we’ve allowed bee movements with the right safeguards in place to mitigate the risk of Varroa,” Mr Saunders said.
“The success of this pollination event is being closely watched by other horticultural and cropping industries, as well as our surrounding jurisdictions, because we are the gold standard in surveillance.”
Dr Gurjeet Gill, associate professor at The University of Adelaide, says their research has shown large differences in seed replenishmentandplantspopulations,betweendormancybarleygrassleadingtoescapingcontrolcausingseedbanklateinthe season. “In 2018, we collected barley grass seed from 143 random populations from farms in the low rainfall zones of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. “In 2019, we identifed two barley grass populations with contrasting seed dormancy from Upper Eyre Peninsula. These investigations into the role seed dormancy plays in weeds evading herbicide control have provided valuable insights into the management of barley grass,” he said.
Populations from the central plains of NSW took 13.2 days, while seeds from the Victorian and South Australian Mallee took an average of 18.5 days to emerge. The average time to emergence for Western Australian populations was similar, ranging from 13.8 to 17.7 days. The average for the barley grass populations collected from the Upper Eyre Peninsula was the highest dormancy of 32.6 days.Barley grass seed that is still dormant at the time of crop planting will not be a target for pre-sowing knockdowns. Depending on the pre-emergent herbicides applied, the seed may germinate after the herbicide has broken down. How to counter barley grass seed dormancy?
Almond Board of Australia CEO Tim Jackson said the leadership demonstrated by the Minister and his senior biosecurity offcials from the start of the incursion has provided certainty for NSW almond growers and their beekeepers who rely on pollination revenue.“Without this support, the economic losses to growers, beekeepers and their communities would have been a massive blow,” Mr Jackson said. “Now our collective challenge is to replicate this process in neighbouring States next year where the same protocols were not adopted and have resulted in a drastic shortage of hives being available for pollination.“Thefactthat NSW has been able to implement processes that isolated the risk of varroa spreading and also facilitate the movement of hives from other parts of the State to our orchards is a wonderful example of balancing risk with economic impact.”
lowpaddocksinEyredormancywithgrassdormancy.ThetwobarleypopulationscontrastingseedfromUpperPeninsulacollected2019camefromtwo–onewithacroppingfrequency and one with a high cropping frequency.
In brief: herbicidescropsinherbicideseffectivecompetition,Cropusepre-emergentsuchasSakurawheat,ClearfeldusingGroup2[B]andstopseed set. The details: Barley grass that germinates several weeks after the crop should be at a distinct disadvantage to the crop, resulting in lower weed biomass and seed production. However, if this seed fnds itself in a poorly competitive crop there is an opportunity for signifcant seed bank replenishment.Thisiscompounded if the dormant barley grass seed is also resistant to Group 1 [A] and 2 [B] herbicides, as detected in low levels in WA, SA, and Vic. There are also some cases of barley grass resistant to glyphosate.Highercrop seeding rate and altering the time of sowing have been consistently successful in combating weed seed dormancy and provide a good place to start. Harvest weed seed control is diffcult due to the early maturity and seed shedding in barley grass. How long does barley grass seed remain viable?
4. In paddocks with increasing numbers of herbicidesbreakdates,alternativecompetitiveprogram,Bigimplementbarleylate-germinatinggrassplants,atwo-year6managementincorporatingcrops,sowingherbicide-tolerantcrops,effectiveandconsider a winter clean with pasture or fallow to target barley grass.
A Moree based agribusiness has been convicted and fned $40,000 after two workers, including one European backpacker, were hurt at one of the company’s properties when part of a trench collapsed in 2017.
New South Wales grain growers are set to beneft from two new projects focused on crop protection and biosecurity in the grains sector. Working in partnership with the Grains Research and improveproject$2.47NSWCorporationDevelopment(GRDC),DPIwillleadamillion,three-yeardevelopedtocentraland southern NSW growers’ understanding and management of Fusarium crown rot.
Dr McMullen said that these projects would provide immediate beneft to growers and contribute to ongoing research and development to better understand winter crop diseases, how they can be managed to reduce impact on yield and ensure appropriate management strategies were deployed.
RURAL NEWSThe8 NR Times Rural News September 1, 2022 Coraki Rural & Hardware Supplies 102-104 Queen Elizabeth Drive CORAKI
“GRDC has a successful history of partnering with NSW DPI to deliver practical, measurable benefts for grain growers and these new investments are designed to build on that work,” Dr Colson said. “The frst investment is focused on improving awareness managementandoptions for Fusarium crown rot, so growers are aware of the risks and understand the best practice management tactics to reduce the risk of economic losses on-farm.“Thisnew investment aims to ensure that by 2025 growers in central and southern NSW have the knowledge to make on-farm decisions that mitigate the risk of economic losses to Fusarium crown rot.
Dr Colson said the investments refected GRDC’s commitment to prioritising investments in research, development, and extension (RD&E) that helped growers make more informed decisions on-farm and supported the enduring proftability of the grains sector.
COMPANY FINED AFTER BACKPACKER WORKER INJURED
DCS Better Regulation Division SecretaryDeputyandNSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said Vitonga Pty Ltd was sentenced in the Downing Centre Local Court Sydney for failing to ensure as far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of workers.
Natasha Mann Deputy Secretary Better Regulation Division and NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Department of Customer Service NSW
“In this case, the court heard that two workers were injured while installing an irrigation pipeline at a property belonging to Vitonga Pty Ltd situated near Moree,” Ms Mann said. “The soil walls of the irrigation trench collapsed inwards, trapping, and crushing one of the workers, a European backpacker, against the concrete pipe being“Thelaid.other injured worker, an experienced farmhand, was trapped by his legs during the cave in but managed to extricate himself before moving to help the backpacker.”Policeandambulance were called to the scene and an excavator was used to help free the backpacker, who sustained serious injuries to the torso. The injured farmhand also received medical treatment for a knee“Theinjury.court heard that the trench was not reinforced as required by clause 306(3) of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and that the NSW WorkCover Excavation Work Code of Practice had not been applied,” Ms Mann said. Vitonga Pty Ltd has the right to appeal the conviction and sentence which were dealt with on 26 July, 2022. Eligible small businesses with less than 50 employees, forapplyingofoffsetagribusinesses,includingmaysomeofthecostbusinesssuppliesbyfortherebatesafetyequipmentvia this link. https://www. funding/1000-safework-nsw.gov.au/grants-andsmall-business-rebate SafeWork NSW has a host of farmdiscoversafetyonline.resourcesvaluableavailableBookyourfreeadvisoryvisitandawealthofsafetyresourcesvia this link. https://www. advice-and-resourcessafework.nsw.gov.au/
GRDC Senior Manager Crop Protection Emma Colson
GRDC has also committed $1.5 million to the NSW DPI’s successful real-time disease surveillance and diagnostics service direct to growers. Guy McMullen, DPI Director collaborativehasCroppingNorthernSystems,welcomedtheinvestments.
“The co-investment in the surveillance and diagnostic service has been available since 2017 and working directly with growers has meant that DPI is collecting information in real time, delivering integrated management advice specifc to the growers’ area and climatic conditions,” Dr McMullen said.
“Fusarium crown rot is the largest soilborne biotic threat to winter cereals, particularly wheat, and yet many growers don’t recognise that the disease can result in 5-20% yield loss, even in the two years of wet fnishes we’ve experienced” he said.
$2.47 million crop disease focus to beneft NSW growers
“This project will allow us to research further into what we know already by implementing validation trials, working directly with growers and advisors on education and surveying wheat crops on a commercial paddock scale to improve our understanding of fusarium crown rot across both southern and northern NSW.”DrMcMullen said NSW DPI’s experienced and trusted plant pathologists will deliver advice and diagnostics direct to growers and advisors to minimise the impact of disease on winter crops.
“These two new investments follow the successful $64 million Grains Agronomy and Pathology Partnership, I’m proud that the NSW Government and GRDC continue to work together closely to support our state’s grains industry.”
GRDC Senior Manager Crop Protection Emma Colson said GRDC was committed to investing and working closely with key research partners to improve the grains industry’s crop protection and biosecurity capacity.
“The second strategic investment by GRDC with NSW DPI has been developed to bolster the surveillance and diagnosis capacity of grain crop diseases for all Australian grain growers.”
Winter grain crop diseases such as Fusarium crown rot are a major constraint to the $8 billion dollar NSW grains industry, with an estimated cost to growers of $350 million each year.
AgriFuturesandweedandagricultural‘Underpinningproductivitybiosecuritybybiologicalcontrol’issupportedbyAustralia, through funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisher-ies and Forestry as part of its Rural R&D for Proft program and co-investment from CSIRO, GRDC and NSW Biocontrol Task-force. Farmers wishing to participate in the biocontrol release program should register their interest with the CSIRO at hasCSIROandandmonitorfeabanetointroducelandandprovideAustraliaCSIRO,acrossarecsiro.au.feabanebiocontrol@Asreleasesitesstrategicallyselectedtheweed’srange,AgriFuturesandGRDCwilltherustfungusclearinstructionstomanagerswishingtotherustfungusareaswithhighfaxleafinfestations.Landownerswillthefungushowitestablisheswillreportbacktoontheimpactitonfaxleaffea-bane.
GRDC Manager Weeds, Dr Jason Emms, said grain growers had been battling faxleaf feabane for many years as the weed competed for soil water across mul-tiple stages of the crop cycle, which directly impacts“Flaxleafproduction.feabane can run rampant during the fallow phase as there is little competi-tion for light or moisture. Once established it is very diffcult to control,” Dr Emms said. “A biocontrol agent for this problematic weed is very exciting as it may help to re-duce overall populations when integrated with existing weed management strategies,” he said. This research is generated from the project
“Bob stands as a great protector of our natural environment and for all of us as custodians of Landcare, the great national movement forever connected with him,” Minister Watt said. “His special talent was his ability to bring together governments, trade unions, businesses, and all parts of society. “And that spirit of consensus is more important than ever amid the challenges of climate change, natural disasters and the degradation of our natural environment.”
RURAL NEWS 9 September 1, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent
The whoyearspresentednationalprestigiousawardiseverytwotoanindividualhasdemonstrated a remarkable commitment to caring for the land, championing new and innovative practices and inspiring theAustralia.farmsystemsregenerativeandinvented,Ministerimprovements,”andsustainabilitytakingdonetheprize.winnerfarmerWattandAgriculture,Ministerothers.forFisheriesForestryMurraysaidtheNSWwasaworthyofthe$50,000“BruceexemplifesvaluableworkbeingbyfarmerswhoareenvironmentalseriouslymakinginnovativeWattsaid.“For35yearshehasimplementedextendedagriculturalonhisfamilyandacross“BruceinventedNoKillCropping system, which allows farmers to change easily and quickly between grazing and cropping in the same paddock.
Narromine farmer and grazier Bruce Maynard has been announced as the 2022 Bob Hawke Landcare Award winner, at the National Landcare Awards dinner at Sydney’s Darling Harbour tonight.
New fungus to help farmers fght fast-spreading weed
Farmers now have a new biocontrol tool to help fght one of Australia’s most lossescausesfaxleafagriculturalchalleng-ingweeds,feabane,whichgraincroprevenueofmorethan$43 million each year. Researchers from Australia’s national sci-ence agency, CSIRO, are piloting the re-lease of a fungus from Columbia to help farmers tackle the weed.Flaxleaf feabane (Conyza bonariensis) is a fast-spreading weed from South America that damages cropping and grazing areas across Australia and impacts the liveli-hoods of many farmers.CSIRO weed ecologist, Dr Ben Gooden, said faxleaf feabane is one of the most diffcult to control weeds in grin cropping sys-tems, and is estimated to affect nearly three million hectares of land in Australia.
“As faxleaf feabane has developed re-sistance to some herbicides, we hope that the biocontrol agent will be effective in re-ducing its populations across the country,” Dr Gooden said.
Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by feabane weed. Image- GRDC Flaxleaf feabane weed is infected with the biocontrol agent
NARROMINE GRAZIER AWARDED 2022 BOB LANDCAREHAWKEAWARD
“He has shown incredible leadership, whether it be planting native shrubs, trees and muti-purpose crops, utilising native grasses or managing grazing for livestock methane reduction.
The fungus was imported into CSIRO’s high-security quarantine facility in Canberra where scientists studied it extensively to determine if it would be safe to introduce to Australia as a biocontrol agent.
“Our research found the fungus can only infect faxleaf feabane, while all non-target plant species tested were resistant to it. Based on this research, the fungus is deemed to be safe and has been approved by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for introduction to Australia,” Dr Gooden said.Flaxleaf feabane grows up to one metre and is a prolifc seed producer. Each plant can produce over 100,000 seeds and these can disperse long distances with the help of wind, water, animals, and vehicles, explain-ing its rapid spread not just within local dis-tricts but into southern and western crop-ping and grazing regions in recent times. The Grains and Research Development Corporation (GRDC) was one of the sup-porting organisations for the research.
“We identifed a rust fungus called Puccinia cnici-oleracei in Colombia which infects faxleaf feabane and restricts it from grow-ing by destroying the plant’s tissues,” he said.
“He has done this all while improving stock handling methods to reduce stress on the animals. “The 200,000-odd trees and 350,000 shrubs Bruce has planted on his own property have inspired visiting Landcare and community groups and stand as monuments to his unwavering commitment to sustainable management.”landMinisterWattsaid the Bob Hawke Landcare Award was a ftting and enduring tribute to the former Prime Minister who Landcarechampionedfromits inception.
The Bob Hawke Landcare Award is funded by a grant provided to Landcare Australia under the Smart Farms: Building Landcare Community and Capacity program.
The state’s peak agricultural body says a new move to allow live updates on all roads in NSW stands to save lives and livelihoods during future natural disasters.
On Friday, Regional Transport Minister Sam Farraway announced local government will be given access to update local road data on the state’s Live Traffc NSW platform, meaning closures, delays and repairs on any road will be visible from a single app. Until now, only state roads were included in the system, which feeds into navigation systems such as Google Maps. This meant information on food or freaffected local roads resided on separate local government platforms, causing confusion forNSWmotorists.Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said members had been calling for the government to adopt this sort of commonsense, practical solution. “We are thrilled the Minister has listened to farmers and communities, because this could be a real game-changer in terms of safety,” Mr Lowe said. “When an area is in food for example, you either had to know where to fnd each council’s road closure updates or risk turning around and criss-crossing your way around the closure.
It’s called Small Business Easy To Do WHS and it’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a NSWtobusinessesnsw.gov.au/https://www.safework.weekNewSouthWalesareurgedvisittheSafeWorkwebsitetwicea week, every week, for all the latest news about working safely and any changes associated with legal agriculture,-forestry-au/resource-library/safework.nsw.gov.link.isassessmentvisits-and-workshopsresources/free-advisory-nsw.gov.au/advice-and-https://www.safework.inspectorsaccreditedvisitworkplacemayincludingNewbusinessesEligibleobligations.smallinregionalSouthWalesagribusinessesapplyforafreeadvisoryfromexperienced,Safe-Workviathislink.Asilosafetyself-checklistavailableviathishttps://www. and-fshing-publications/ assessment-checklistsilo-safety-self-farming-publications/
are asking all New
“Even when roadworks are occurring, this will mean farmers and people travelling in regional areas can now plan better to avoid delays.
“It will be great for local government to have access to this platform, it won’t cost them anything, and it will be a big win for regional motorists.”According to the NSW Government, during natural disasters the Live Traffc NSW website and mobile app traffc spiked up to 33 times the usual daily volume, with up to 660,000 sessions in one day, demonstrating the demand for real-time traffc information in a crisis.
There are continuing calls for a ‘safety frst’ approach across the State’s farms as a central New South Wales man was convicted and fned $50,000 after a worker sustained serious injuries in McLauchlanDrew2020.Charleswho, in a family partnership, operated a business known as Declem Pastoral was sentenced in the Downing Centre Local Court, Sydney for a breach of section 19/32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 for failing to ensure as far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of workersDCSBetter Regulation Division SecretaryDeputyandNSW Fair Trading Com-missioner Natasha Mann said the court heard that a then 22-year-old man in the business’s employ had part of his leg severed by an operating, unguarded piece of machineryingroundwhilehe was helping to clear grain from a silo. “In the case before the court, the worker was employed by a familyowned and operated farm with interests in sheep and beef cattle farming, as well as grain,” Ms Mann said. “On the day of the incident, the farmhand was shovelling and sweeping grain in-side a silo. The defendant had removed foor guards from access points to an in-ground grain auger, which had a motorised, twisting metal segment that was con-veying produce from the silo to a waiting truck.”
“We South Wales agribusinesses to be vigilant”
UPGRADELIVEPRACTICALWELCOMESNSWCOUNCILBRIEFSFARMERSTRAFFIC
The state’s peak agricultural body says a new move to allow live updates on all roads in NSW stands to save lives and livelihoods during future natural disasters. On Friday, Regional Transport Minister Sam Farraway announced local government will be given access to update local road data on the state’s Live Traffc NSW platform, meaning closures, delays and repairs on any road will be visible from a single app. Until now, only state roads were included in the system, which feeds into navigation systems such as Google Maps. This meant information on food or fre-affected local roads resided on separate local government platforms, causing confusion for motorists. NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said members had been calling for the government to adopt this sort of Ministerpracticalcommon-sense,solution.“Wearethrilledthehaslistenedto farmers and communities, because this could be a real game-changer in terms of safety,” Mr Lowe said.“When an area is in food for example, you either had to know where to fnd each council’s road closure updates or risk turning around and crisscrossing your way around the“Evenclosure.when roadworks are occurring, this will mean farmers and people travelling in regional areas can now plan better to avoid delays. “It will be great for local government to have access to this platform, it won’t cost them anything, and it will be a big win for regional naturalGovernment,Accordingmotorists.”totheNSWduringdisasterstheLive Traffc NSW website and mobile app traffc spiked up to 33 times the usual daily volume, with up to 660,000 sessions in one day, demonstrating the demand for real-time traffc information in a crisis.Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the NSW Government had created the ‘OneRoad’ platform to allow councils to feed their data into Live Traffc NSW, so road impacts across local and state roads were all in the one place. There were 22 local government areas chosen to launch the platform, with a staged rollout planned to bring all remaining council areas online by 2024. “It just goes to show that sometimes all you need is a little commonsense and the will to put it into practice to make a big difference,” Mr Lowe said.“After the past couple of years of fres and foods – not to mention a global pandemic – this is exactly the sort of good news regional communities will welcome.“Wethank the Minister for listening to us, and working with us to fnd these willNortherntheRiverspartsfromproblems.”solutionscommon-sensetoeverydayThenewinformation22LGAs–includingoftheNorthernandNorthCoast,NewEnglandandTablelands–beavailableonLive Traffc NSW and thirdparty apps from October.
RURAL NEWSThe10 NR Times Rural News September 1, 2022
SAFETY FIRST ON FARMS A MUST TO STEM INJURIES
The court heard part of the worker’s left leg was severed above the knee when he stepped backwards into one of the grain auger’s unguarded access points. The business offered no formal training for workers and had no documented work system at the time of the incident.During sentencing on 9 August 2022, the court heard that Mr McLauchlan had expressed sincere remorse following the incident. The business has since devel-oped a safe work procedure for cleaning the silo and operating its grain auger. Mr McLauchlan has the right to appeal the sentence.“Weare asking all New South vigilantagribusinessesWalestobeabouttheirsafe work planning, and relentless about ensuring that the management and workforce are properly trained,” Ms Mann said. “This is a must if we are to stem the tide of injuries.”“Weare investing in continuous education across ofsuccessfulaWalesbusinessesaretoincludingindustries,agribusi-ness,helpensureworkplacessafeplaces.”EligiblesmallinNewSouthmayapplyfor$1000rebateuponcompletiononlinesafetytraining.
“Red meat
The diverse career availabilities at red meat processors are important to the future of towns like Casino, but it is also valuable to Australian businesses big and small that rely on manufacturing,processing“Australianprocessing.redmeatisadvancedcreating a world-class product, and it’s done locally, right here in Casino,” said Mr Taylor. AMPC Chair, John Berry, said the importance of the red meat processing industry to the Australian agriculture sector is undeniable.“Australian red meat is a world-class product, generating $21 billion for the Australian economy.
AUSTRALIANS are urged to hit the road, get out to regional Australia, and join this year’s $45 billion national harvest to help feed the world. Up to 88 billion meals are expected to be created, from the estimated 13 million tonnes of wheat, over the next four months. One of the nation’s largest Programmed,employers,says after years of lockdowns, plagues, and natural disasters, this Spring offers the chance to help Aussie farmers deliver a bumper crop. “Grab a mate, grab your partner, and join the harvest in coming months to help Australian farmers feed the world,” Programmed Executive General Manager for Programmed Skilled Workforce, David Hele said.“You will be helping to create about 88 billion meals, which would feed every man, woman and child in the world 11 times over1.“From Narromine and West Wyalong in NSW, to Dimboola in Victoria, or Mallala in South Australia, those who want to join the Great Aussie Harvest can apply for more than 800 jobs in 15 different locations.“Formost roles, no previous experience is necessary, and workers can earn up to $7,500 over a 4-8 week period between September and January –which is ideal timing for many university students.
THE MORENATIONALLAUNCHED(AMPC)CORPORATIONMEATAUSTRALIANPROCESSORHASITSNEWCAMPAIGN,TOMEAT.
providescometheandmeatjobsbecausecampaignMoreatell,havecommunitiesprocessinglikeCasinoaremarkablestorytoandAMPCwillshinelightonthemthroughthetoMeatcampaign.“TheMoretoMeatisimportantitshowcasesthebeingcreatedintheredprocessingindustry,theyareoftenfarfromstereotypespeoplehavetoexpect.”“Theindustrystillthegood,stable jobs it always has, but there are jobs you may not expect, from quality assurance to food safety, tradies, and even robotics.
RURAL NEWS 11 September 1, 2022 The NR Times Rural NewsLocally owned and independent
“All training is provided and workers are fully inducted on site.” Australian wheat is used to make bread, crumpets, muffns, noodles, pasta, biscuits, cakes, pastries, cereal bars, sweet and savoury snack foods, crackers, crisp-breads, sauces, and confectionery2.Barleyisalsobeing harvested and is commonly used in breads, soups, stews, and health products, though it is primarily grown as animal fodder and as a source of malt for alcoholic beverages, especially beer3.Amid soaring global prices, the value of Australian wheat exports is forecast to reach a record $12.7 billion4 this season, and the country’s 22,500 grain farms are eager for a helping hand.
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the preparedness package addresses the devastating impacts an incursion of FMD – or any other exotic animal disease –would have on NSW and Australia.“Thisfunding will immediately boost our ability to make an early detection of an exotic pest or disease in NSW, deploy cutting edge technology to survey and diagnose diseases and train a response ready workforce to manage a signifcant outbreak,” Mr Saunders said. “We need to be prepared to fght and eradicate any exotic pest and disease that arrives on our shores and this investment means we will have the right army and technology ready to do just“Ourthat.farmers deserve to have the confdence to know that if we have an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, we will be quick to respond, well prepared and ready to return to export markets faster.“We have been meeting with farmers, livestock agents and agricultural experts right across NSW who have said measures like these would play an instrumental role in building confdence amongst the sector that the government is equipped and ready for the fght. “Today, through this announcement, we reinforce our commitment that we will do whatever it takes to keep our worldclass agricultural sector safe.”Formore information on today’s announcement and a breakdown of the funding, visit disease/viral-diseases/fmdbeef-cattle/health-and-animals-and-livestock/www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/https://
“The number of people employed in Australia’s red meat processing industry could fll the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) three times over, and they are all working to produce the highest quality red meat demanded worldwide. “Behind each of those jobs is a family, helping to keep food on their table, pay for a new pair of footy boots or a music lesson and in turn supporting other local businesses and jobs in town.
“Red meat processors generate billions of dollars in economic activity, create advanced manufacturing jobs in regional Australia, and produce a world-class product. That is why there is More to Meat,” said Mr Berry.
The More to Meat campaign highlights the important role red meat processors play in regional communities, the national red meat supply chain, and the industry’s signifcant contribution to the national economy.Casinomay be famous for the annual Beef Week celebrations, but now, the community that has helped open Australian red meat to the world will be a focus of the national More to Meat campaign.
HUNDREDS OF JOBS AVAILABLE TO HELP HARVESTAUSTRALIA’SANDFEEDTHEWORLD
“Red meat processors employ safety and hygiene specialists, scientists, mechanics, tradies, and marketers, which enable us to produce meat right here that is a favourite on dinner tables in more than 100 countries from the US to Japan, and Korea.”
A $65 million investment to bolster the helpLumpyandvaccinesthemeasuresGovernment’sNSWbiosecuritywillfast-trackdevelopmentofagainstFootMouth(FMD)andSkinDiseaseandpositionNSWas leaders in the fght against exotic animal diseases. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the goal was to develop mRNA synthetic vaccines for both FMD and Lumpy Skin, a game changer for NSW“Currentfarmers.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 mandatoryplansmillionpackagecontrol.”exoticathemillionworstalsoSkinfreeweWethegivereachshouldvaccineshavingfororyetourinternationalaccessgivingenjoys“Australiastatus.currentlyFMD-freestatus,uscontinuedtopremiummarketsforworld-classproduce.“TheworldisalsotodevelopakilledsyntheticvaccineLumpySkin,sothesetwomRNAinourarsenalthesediseasesourshoreswouldusaclearedgeonworldstage.“Ourmessageissimple:aredoingeverythingcantokeepNSWofFMDandLumpyDisease,butwearepreparingforthebyinvesting$229thisyearalone–biggestinvestmentbysinglejurisdictiononpestanddiseaseThenewfundingincludes$3.5todriveforwardforanationalsheepandgoat electronic identifcation system.TheNSW Government is also committing $55.8 million for practical, onground biosecurity risk mitigation and response preparedness activities, including: $26.3 million to expand a trained response workforce of at least 2,000 experts; $17.8 million for on-ground animal control activities such as funding to control potential infected increasingpremises,culling of feral pigs and deer, and incentivising farmers to beef up their biosecurity plans; $9.7 million to enhance surveillancediseasethrough new intelligent track and trace technology; and, $2 million to roll out targeted extension and awareness campaigns to educate livestock owners, handlers, and the community on clinical signs and reporting requirements, as well as how to reduce risks.
AMPC Chief Executive Offcer, Chris Taylor, said, “More to Meat will shine a light on red meat processors’ proud involvement in Casino and regional Australia, providing jobs, economic opportunity and supporting farmers.“300communities around Australia are supported by a red meat processing facility, and like Casino they are often one of the biggest employers in town.
“We are doing everything we can to keep NSW free of FMD and Lumpy Skin Disease” TO COMBAT FOOT AND MOUTH AND LUMPY SKIN DISEASE
RECORD BIOSECURITY INVESTMENT
RURAL NEWSThe12 NR Times Rural News September 1, 2022 CLARENCE COAST CONSTRUCTIONS 6643 2428 People Product Partnerships
Launch of the National Hitchhiker Plant Pest Action Plan
The National 2022–2032Plant(Contaminating)HitchhikerPestActionPlan released today will relatedAustralia’sprotectplant-industries and environment from exotic hitchhiking plant pests. Australia’s Chief Plant Protection Offcer, Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, said hitchhiking plant pests and the harmful diseases that these pests can carry threaten our economy, environment, and way of “Globalisationlife. and greater trade are increasing the chances of plant pests hitchhiking to Australia,” Dr VivianSmith“Thesesaid.pests are diffcult to detect and fnd their way here on ships, aircraft, cargo containers, break-bulk cargo and in people’s luggage.“Hitchhiking plant pests covered in this national action plan include the marmoratedbrownstink bug (BMSB), spongy moth, exotic bees, internal and external mites of bees, exotic snails and spotted lanternfy. “BMSB alone has the potential to attack around 300 different plant species, and varroa mite is a serious threat to Australia’s bee population and could seriously harm our $13.4 billion industryhorticultureifitwereto establish here. “Nationally, signifcant resources and $96 million in funding have been allocated from 2024–25 in national eradication programs to help manage hitchhiker plant pests like BMSB arriving in imported cargo.“The (Contaminating)HitchhikerNational Plant Pest Action Plan 2022–2032 contributes to lifting our preparedness, response and resilience to exotic pest and disease incursions – one of the strategic actions for diseases.pestspriorityrespondprevent,approachaactionBiosecurityCommonwealthimplementing2030.“Thenationalplanprovidesnationallyagreedonhowtodetectandtonationalhitchhikingplantandcarriersofplant“Italsoisanimportant way key stakeholders can collaborate to create and maintain relationships to work on managing hitchhiking plant pests and mechanism to report on how Australia is building plant biosecurity capability and capacity against hitchhiking plant pests.”Formore information visit: action-plansweeds/plant/national-gov.au/pests-diseases-www.agriculture.
2022–2032
waterlogging, following two weeks of moderate rainfall. For northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, dry conditions over the past week have allowed soil moisture levels to also subside, reducing the risk of DipoleAthecomingeventlikelihoodNiñaENSOhasBureauHowever,isOscillationThewaterlogging.ElNiño–Southern(ENSO)currentlyneutral.theAustralianofMeteorologyrecentlyraiseditsOutlooktoLaALERT,witha70%ofaLaNiñaformingoverthemonths(triplenormalprobability).negativeIndianOcean(IOD)eventis established in the tropical Indian Ocean, and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) is currently neutral. Given current and expected conditions, the negative IOD event and the development of a La Niña event are likely to be the major infuences on spring rainfall across Australia.Theoutlook for September 2022 indicates that there is a 75% chance of rainfall totals between 10 and 50 millimetres across much of New South Wales, south-eastern and parts of north-eastern Queensland, Victoria, southern South Australia, the south-west of Western Australia, Tasmania, and isolated parts in the north of the Northern Territory. Rainfall totals in excess of 100 millimetres are expected across alpine regions of New South Wales and Victoria, as well as western Tasmania. Over the 8-days to 1 September 2022, troughs, low pressure systems and cold fronts are forecast to bring light to moderate rainfall to areas across central and eastern Australia. Across the remainder of the country, high-pressure systems will persist, providing clear, dry conditions. The light to moderate rainfall forecast for cropping regions in southern New South Wales will beneft winter crops where soil moisture levels are currently below average to average. Light to moderate rainfall forecast for northern New South Wales and Queensland cropping regions are not expected to increase the risk of waterlogging but may further restrict feld access in the coming week.Water storage in the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) increased by 162 gigalitres (GL) between 17 August 2022 and 24 August 2022. The current volume of water held in storage is 23,193 GL, which represents 92% of total capacity. This is 14% or 2,774 GL more than at the same time last year.Allocation prices in the Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke decreased from $78 per ML on 5 August 2022 to $75 per ML on 12 August 2022. Prices are lower in the constraint.andintervalleyexportofchokeregionsGoulburn-BrokenMurrumbidgee,andabovetheBarmahduetothebindingtheMurrumbidgeelimit,GoulburntradelimitBarmahchoketrade
For the week ending 24 August 2022, cold fronts off the Southern Ocean brought moderate to heavy rainfall across south-eastern Australia. Meanwhile, high-pressure systems over remaining parts of the country resulted in clear, dry haveinthesouth-east.abovelevelsimprovingthetheAustraliaWales,southernconditions.RainfallsacrossNewSouthVictoriaandSouthconsolidatefallsreceivedoverpreviousweek,soilmoisturetoaveragetoaverageacrosstheMeanwhile,mostlydryconditionsWesternAustraliareducedtheriskof
