Mouse numbers could rise again this spring but there are programs that can help
Mouse numbers on farms could rise again, depending on rainfall in coming months, and as the weather warms into spring. Following good rainfall and a likely bumper harvest, unfortunately these conditions are perfect for mice, so acting early will be important to keep mouse numbers down. It’s important that every farmer gets out into the […]
Initiate a safer grain harvest for vehicles by using this easy nine step plan
The NHVR is urging everyone involved in this year’s grain harvest to have a heavy vehicle safety management check-up ahead of what is expected to be a bumper season. Road Safety and Freight Transport Assistant Minister Scott Buchholz said the NHVR had released a simple 9 Step SMS Roadmap to assist businesses to develop and improve their […]
Call for urgent action to allow Pacific Islander workers to top up local labour shortage
AUSVEG VIC, Victoria’s peak industry body for vegetable and potato growers, is calling for the urgent extension of the quarantining arrangement between Victoria and Tasmania to allow workers from the Pacific Islands to perform essential work on Victorian farms. The quarantining pathway arrangement, which was announced in January 2021 and capped at 1,500 workers, has […]
More effective control sought to beat off invasive snails and slugs
Several exotic snail and slug species of European origin have established in Australian cropping regions and become significant pests of grain crops. Slugs and snails attack seedling crops, resulting in plant damage and yield impacts and losses associated with the costs of resowing and paddock control. Snails, additionally, climb crop plants in spring and contaminate […]
Creating drought resilient crops in the NT part of a 12 month trial costing $197,000
Through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Northern Territory farmers from Central Australia to Katherine are being invited to take part in trials of a drought resilient crop. The 12-month trial would investigate the potential for agave as a low or no irrigation crop in Central Australia and Katherine. Agave is a crop that has […]
Producers regains freedom from bee pest Varroa jacobsoni
Australia has been declared officially free from the bee parasite, Varroa jacobsoni, following its successful eradication from Townsville Queensland. Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud thanked Queensland for leading the national response. “Varroa jacobsoni was detected in recently arrived feral Asian honey bee nests at the Port of Townsville in May 2019 and […]
Pacific Islands workers key to labour shortage of up to 24,000 for fruit and vegetable growers
Increasing the number of workers from the Pacific Islands and increasing Australia’s quarantine capacity are critical in ensuring Australia’s vegetable and potato growers have access to the workers they need to harvest their produce. The call from AUSVEG, the peak industry body for the Australian vegetable and potato industries, comes as the industry continues to […]
Aussie grain industry market access expands with Grain Sustainability Certification Scheme
The Australian Oilseeds Federation has developed a Grain Sustainability Certification Scheme to help grain growers expand access to international markets. The scheme was made possible through a $97,500 grant from the Australian Government, from the $5 million Package Assisting Small Exporters (PASE) extension program. This Grain Sustainability Certification Scheme grant is expected to boost market […]
Eight industry resources and online export system open key markets for avocado growers
Australian avocado growers are strengthening export processes and learning about market access opportunities because of $109,176 in grants under the Package Assisting Small Exporters (PASE) extension program. Two grants were awarded to Avocados Australia Ltd to develop processes to help avocado growers find new export market opportunities and reduce export compliance costs. Australians already know […]
Deadly viruses detected in seeds from overseas at an alarming rate
A range of vegetable and fruit viruses have been detected in seeds from overseas, demonstrating the significant biosecurity risks that illegal seed imports can pose. Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer, Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, said a variety of seeds were imported for testing and research purposes and the majority carried viruses of concern. “Seeds are the […]