Australia’s largest dairy processor, Saputo, has come out in support of a mandatory code of conduct for the industry and called for milk price step-downs to be illegal.
Earlier this year the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommended a mandatory code to address a large imbalance in bargaining power between farmers and processors. Read more…
By Isabella Pittaway, Kim Honan – ABC Rural
As the drought conditions across the east of Australia lead to a tripling in the cost of hay, one farmer has turned to watermelon as a supplement to feed his cattle. Read more..
By ABC News regional affairs reporter Anna Henderson
Farmers are being warned that a simple choice can have tragic consequences and that they must plan ahead and prioritise safety in each and every task.
The warning from WorkSafe follows twelve workplace deaths from incidents on Victorian farms since July 2017, an average of one a month.
Six people have died as a result of on-farm workplace incidents since January 1, which is half of the workplace deaths that have occurred in Victoria so far in 2018.
The plea to put safety first comes as National Farm Safety Week highlights the many simple things that farmers can do to make their workplaces safer for themselves, workers and family members…read more
The Invisible Farmer Project is the largest ever study of Australian women on the land.
This three year project (2017-2020) is funded by the Australian Research Council and involves a nation-wide partnership between rural communities, academics, government and cultural organisations.
It aims to lean about the diverse, innovative and vital roles women play in Australian agriculture.
Free on-farm energy assessments are now available.
On-farm energy assessments analyse on-farm energy use (electricity, gas and diesel) and identify opportunities to make energy savings, improve output volumes per energy unit, and convert to renewable energy sources. The assessments will make recommendations tailored to the type and size of farms.
An on-farm energy assessment will be a prerequisite for the future on-farm energy grants.
ABC News article highlighting the dire conditions facing East Gippsland farmers.
Region is currently expericing 1 in 20 year rainfall deficiency.
Rural Financial Counsellors expecting the number of Drought Concessional Loans to significantly increase.
Read article by Isabella Pittaway
photo Peter Honey
Murray Goulburn Co-operative is awaiting the decision by the Foreign Investment Review Board regarding the $1.31 billion sale to Canadian dairy giant Saputo due on April 18.
Until then, MG cannot finalise the record date for the return on shares and on the units held in Trust.
Dairy farmers have not received the last 6 months of funds collected from .40c per 2 litre bottle of farmers fund milk paid by customers and collected by Coles.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) are contracted to distribute the funds quarterly to south east Australia’s dairy farmers to invest in productivity and business skill improvements.
VFF President announced these 2 quarters would now be merged into one round, opened to farmers from 1 May 2018.
Editor Peter Hunt
We are pleased to announce the appointment of 2 new Financial Counsellors to the Gippsland team.
Christos Iliopoulos and Sarah Bardsley.
Christos will be based in Maffra, servicing the whole Gippsland region 3 days per week. He brings extensive experience in commerce; local government; community health and education, and a significant background in business management, consulting, teaching, disability support and farmer assistance.
Sarah will be based in Ellinbank and Maffra, servicing the whole of Gippsland 2 days per week. She bringing extensive experience in the dairy industry; business management and has working knowledge of issues directly impacting our rural communities, developing the Heyfield Financial Counselling Community Outreach Program.
for more information click here
Media Release – New Financial Counsellors welcomed
Agriculture Victoria are inviting applications from young people under the age of 35 wanting to upskill and invest in a future in agriculture.
Scholarships of up to $10,000 are available with 50% towards study and 50% to invest on-farm or professional development activities.
Applications close on 24 April 2018
