Oz farmers' election wishlist
Australian farmers advocate NFF says this year’s Federal Election will be a defining moment for Australian agriculture.
Tropical cyclone Debbie caused A$6 million damage to the Queensland dairy industry, the Queensland Farmers Federation says.
Debbie caused massive flooding in central and southeast Queensland and northern NSW in late March.
About 45 dairy farmers took severe damage in northern NSW, centred on Lismore and Muwillumbah, and about 50 in Queensland.
In some cases, dairy farms were inundated with flood water that killed animals, disrupted herd health, cut milk production and wrecked farm infrastructure.
Recent surveys show $300,000 in lost pumps, tractors and irrigation equipment; 400ha of pasture lost; 121km of fencing destroyed; 10km of internal laneways damaged; 400 round bales of hay lost; and 11 animals killed.
Floodwaters cut off farms and mains power was down for at least a fortnight after the storm.
A QFF spokesman says the cost to the state’s farms will be at least A$6m. About 60% of farms were affected in the flood-hit regions. Also, five farms in Logan City, two on the Gold Coast, and others in the Condamine and Mulgowie region were affected.
Queensland dairy farmers can apply for state and federal grants of up to A$25,000 to meet clean-up and recovery costs.
The annual Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival – a fusion of books and storytelling - celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Emissions by dairy cattle decreased by 1.6% according to the latest NZ Greenhouse Gas Inventory report.
Tasman sharemilkers Warric and Rachel Johnson haven't let the 2006 milk payout crash put them out of business.
Labour's agriculture spokesperson says the Government’s decisions are set to hamstring growth within the farming sector.
A recent clinical study has highlighted the potential for a bioactive whey protein to support immune responses to influenza vaccinations.
Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.
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OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.