Industry News 2017
Australian Wool Innovation – Key highlights from 2017
2017 has been another extremely busy yet successful year for woolgrowers and AWI, particularly with wool prices hitting record levels.
Survey – Researchers working on GPS ear tag prototype
Can an ear tag that remotely detects the location and behaviour of grazing livestock be useful?
Media release – Successful SPA leadership program participants announced
Sheep Producers Australia has selected 14 participants to be part of its Sheep Industry Leadership Program, to be run in 2018.
Media release – Woolgrowers called upon to Flock to Baggy Green
Australia’s wool industry is showing its love for Australian cricket as part of Flock to Baggy Green, a joint initiative between The Woolmark Company, Kookaburra, and Cricket Australia launched today. Woolgrowers from across Australia are being invited to celebrate their connection to Australia’s favourite sport by donating some of their wool to be made into the fabric for cricket’s iconic Baggy Green caps, for future generations of Australian cricketers.
Media release – Early registration for dog and cat breeders now available online
South Australians can now begin the process of registering as a dog or cat breeder via the Dog and Cat Management Board’s website, before registration becomes compulsory on 1 July 2018.
Media release – 2018 WoolPoll Panel Chair appointed and nominations now called for
Consistent with the Wool Levy Poll Regulations, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has appointed Mr Sydney Lawrie to chair the independent 2018 WoolPoll Panel.
Media release – Sheep Producers Australia extends lamb definition public consultation
Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) is extending the opportunity for producers and supply chain members to provide feedback on the proposed lamb definition change by an extra week – with the new deadline at Wednesday 6 December 2017.
Survey – Development of a new Water Allocation Plan for the Far North Prescribed Wells Area
The South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board and the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources are currently updating the Water Allocation Plan (WAP) for the Far North Prescribed Wells Area. The Far North Water Allocation Plan manages the allocation and use of groundwater resources in the area. The plan considers the needs of all water users, including the environment, and the rules for water management are based on balancing these needs.
Biosecurity SA – Footrot detection trials
Biosecurity SA is speeding up the detection of footrot through a statewide 12 month trial into the cutting edge lamp medicated isothermal amplification or LAMP diagnostic process.
Media release – Be aware of theileriosis symptoms in your cattle
PIRSA is advising cattle producers to be alert to any signs of theileriosis, a tick-borne disease which may cause anaemia, weakness and death in animals under stress.
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Media release – Sheep Producers Australia CEO stands down
Sheep Producers Australia President Allan Piggott announced today that after four years as Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kat Giles will be stepping down from the role.
Media release – NRM Board and Pastoral Board host Kangaroo Management forum
A kangaroo management forum at Yunta has brought together industry and government representatives to discuss strategies for managing high kangaroo numbers in the North Flinders and North East Pastoral districts.
Media release – New industry peak organisation to lead sheep and lamb industry
A new era of leadership in advocacy and governance for the sheep industry started this week as Sheep Producers Australia officially became the peak industry body for the nation’s sheep and lamb industry, replacing the former Sheepmeat Council of Australia.
Media release – WoolProducers Australia sets expectations for AWI Board
WoolProducers Australia (WPA) today congratulated the successful candidates of the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) director elections and in doing so challenges the Board to improve their operations.
Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines
Nationally consistent standards and guidelines for the welfare of livestock are being developed cooperatively by government and livestock industries.
Media release – 2017 – a year of positives for WoolProducers Australia and two new directors
WoolProducers Australia (WPA) reflected on a positive year for both the organisation and their membership at the company’s AGM today in Canberra.
Media release – The wild dog problem in suburbia
Wild dogs are not just a rural problem, and can also be ride on the urban fringe – attacking native wildlife such as koalas, family pets and livestock.
Media release – Still time to have a say in AWI director elections
WoolProducers Australia (WPA) is reminding all shareholders of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), who have not yet voted in this year’s AWI director elections that they have until 10am (EDST), Wednesday 15 November, 2017.
Media release – Cattle Council heads to Paraguay with the International Beef Alliance
The Cattle Council of Australia recently returned from a trip to Paraguay as part of the International Beef Alliance (IBA).
Media release – Board candidates announced ahead of first Sheep Producers Australia AGM
The inaugural Annual General Meeting of Sheep Producers Australia Limited will be held on Tuesday 14 November, marking the start of a new era of advocacy and governance for the sheepmeat industry.
Have your say on managing feral pigs and deer
The State Government is seeking feedback on draft policies for the management of feral deer and pigs, with the aim of improving control by landholders.
Arid Lands NRM Board releases best practice guidelines for wild dog control
The SA Arid Lands NRM Board has developed a Best Practice model to assist landholders with managing wild dogs.
Media release – WoolProducers calls on all shareholders to vote for change
WoolProducers Australia (WPA) is urging all shareholders of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to
vote in this year’s AWI director elections.
Wild Dogs – Rotary presentation by Geoff Power
Livestock SA representative and Chair of the national Stakeholder Consultative Group through the National Wild Dog Action Plan, Geoff Power, gave a presentation to the Somerton Park Rotary Group on wild dogs earlier in the year.
Media release – New leadership network to support future of sheepmeat industry
The Sheepmeat Council of Australia is excited about the opportunity to roll out a series of new initiatives to further build the sector’s leadership capability thanks to funding announced yesterday as part of the Australian Government’s Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund.
Media release – WoolProducers welcomes funding for industry leadership
WoolProducers Australia welcomes the $187,430 grant under the Leadership in Agricultural Industries Fund announced today by the Minister for the Agriculture the Hon Barnaby Joyce.
Statues Amendment (Leading Practice in Mining) Bill 2017 released to the public
Following extensive stakeholder engagement, the consideration of over 130 submissions and the development of 82 recommendations for changes to the mineral resources legislation, regulation, policy and practices, the Statutes Amendment (Leading Practice in Mining) Bill 2017 (the Bill) has now been released to the public.
Up to $8000 in funding available for women in ag sector
Building on the significant developmental momentum achieved earlier in the year, Women & Leadership Australia is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across Australia’s farming and agriculture sector.
In review: Harvested rangeland goat definition
The definition of harvested goats in the NLIS Business Rules is ‘a goat that has been captured from a wild state, that has not been born as a result of a managed breeding program, and has not been subjected to any animal husbandry procedure or treatment’
FFN director applications open
The Future Farmers Network is calling for nominations for Non-Executive Director Positions on its Board.
Woolgrowers encouraged to contribute to AWI Feedbase Survey
As part of AWI’s ongoing commitment to increasing productivity gains for wool producers, AWI has established a Feedbase Advisory Panel to address the perceived barriers to Adoption in the area of Feedbase Investment.
NRM Board members sought
Applications are now open to fill a number of vacancies across the eight regional Natural Resources Management Boards, including the Presiding Member of the South East NRM Board. These positions will commence in April 2018.
Media release – Lamb Definition Public Consultation
The Sheepmeat Council of Australia (SCA) is consulting with producers and supply chain stakeholders to determine whether the current definition of lamb requires changing. SCA has released the SCA Lamb Definition Consultation Paper 2017 for more information.
Applications open in SA for 2018 Rural Women’s Award
South Australian rural women are urged to apply for the 2018 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, which recognises emerging leaders in primary industries and regional communities.
$350,000 funding boost for SheepConnect SA
Primary Industries and Regions SA will commit $150,000 to expand Australian Wool Innovation’s successful sheep extension program SheepConnect SA.
Building Better Regions Fund boosts the SA beef cattle industry
Do you know an inspiring woman of rural Australia?
Are your NLIS documents complete?
Producers warned of DEE cancer risks
Calling all budding wool industry leaders – Breeding Leadership is for you
Developing the leadership skills of young people in the wool industry is a key feature of Australian Wool Innovation’s investment in education and training. The Breeding Leadership course is an opportunity available to any wool industry participants aged from 25 to 35 years.
International Woolmark Prize exhibition – Anlaby Station
Applications open for Leadership program
Peak wool representative body calls for director nominations
Nominations are now open for three positions on the Executive of the nation’s peak body for
woolgrowers, WoolProducers Australia.
The Spanlift team will be at the Yorke Peninsula Field Days!
Sheep producers proud of in-market successes in the Middle East
Sheepmeat Council of Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Kat Giles shares her insights on Australia’s $230 million-plus annual live sheep trade to the Middle East.
One Biosecurity – Geoff Power
South Australia’s new farm biosecurity management program will allow livestock producers to register, manage, check and declare their farm biosecurity status online.
New SA notice boost for truck and dog operators
A new notice to reduce red tape for truck and dog operators will begin across South Australia on Monday. Project Director Annette Finch said the NHVR and SA’s Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure would release the South Australian Class 3 Heavy Vehicle 23m Truck and Dog Notice, covering three, four and five-axle trailer configurations for operators.
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WLA funding opens for leadership development
A national initiative led by Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) will support the development of female leaders across Australia’s agriculture sector.
SA Beef Industry Blueprint survey opens
The SA Beef Industry Blueprint is currently being developed. It will be the platform from which collaborative projects are developed to add value to the SA beef industry.
Applications open for second round of Sheepmeat Industry Leadership program
The Sheepmeat Council of Australia (SCA) has launched the second round of a professional development opportunity for sheepmeat producers and others in the industry to build leadership skills and develop networks.
Operation Poach puts livestock thieves on notice
SA Police are stepping up ‘Operation Poach’ and increasing the number of Livestock Inspectors in country areas, following a rise in livestock theft across the State.
SCA members tour supply chain in UAE, Bahrain and Oman
Livestock SA Board member Allan Piggott recently travelled to UAE, Bahrain and Oman, as part of the Sheepmeat Council of Australia’s supply chain tour in July.
SA producers invited to Red Meat 2017
SA producers have been invited to attend Red Meat 2017 in Alice Springs on November 21-22.
Regional communities invited to have their say on skills, training and jobs needs
Employers, job seekers, training providers, and community organisations are invited to have their say on skills, training and jobs needs in regional South Australia.
An environmentally responsible option for invasive species control – PestSmart
Australia has some of the most unique and iconic native wildlife and biodiversity in the world.
Donate a Beast partnership to TeamKids
Livestock SA announced a new partnership with the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation – which aims to raise funds for their TeamKids Beach House Project – at Growing SA on August 11.
Australian-first brands app for SA livestock producers
South Australian livestock producers are the first in the nation to have access to a ‘brand’ recording app thanks to a collaboration between the State Government and Livestock SA.
Breeding Leadership back in 2018
The Breeding Leadership course will return in 2018. If you are passionate about your industry and want to develop your skills to make a difference in the future, this course is for you!
Applications open for 2017 NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Industry Champion Initiative
The call is out for young beef producers across the country to apply for the 2017 NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Industry Champion.
Farm safety centre stage this week
As 2017 National Farm Safety Week gets underway, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, has encouraged farmers and rural workers to keep their safety, health and wellbeing front and centre all year round.
Expression of interest: SA Beef Industry Blueprint development working group
Livestock SA is seeking expressions of interest from interested stakeholders in the South Australian Beef Industry Blueprint development working group.
DEWNR – Annual kangaroo survey underway
The annual South Australian kangaroo survey began today, with an aerial count providing a snapshot of kangaroo populations across the state.
CCA implements changes to J-BAS policy
The Cattle Council of Australia Board has made an amendment to the current policy regarding the 1 July 2017 J-BAS changeover, following a high degree of concern for store sales scheduled for early July onwards as well as the need to help large numbers of producers get a biosecurity plan in place.
The amendment is that herds with a transition score of J-BAS 7 or 8 will revert to a J-BAS 6 rather than J-BAS 0, if no on-farm biosecurity plan is in place by 1 July 2017. The focus remains the same – cattle producers across Australia are urged to implement an on-farm biosecurity plan, and are encouraged to treat JD as one of the many diseases they must manage within their business.
Livestock brands app set to be launched
A Livestock Brands app will be released next month, it has been developed to better assist producers identify a brand and find, or report, a lost animal.
Changes to Johnes Disease Management in Beef Cattle
UPDATE: Beef herds with a transition score of J-BAS 7 or 8 will now revert to a J-BAS 6 rather than J-BAS 0, if no on-farm biosecurity plan is in place by 1 July 2017.
There have been many changes to the national management of Johnes Disease in cattle. The new approach focuses on managing on-farm biosecurity risk, rather than controlling disease through regulation.
Animal Health Australia – Beef producers urged to implement on-farm biosecurity programs
Cattle producers across Australia are being urged to implement an on-farm biosecurity plan by 30 June 2017 in order to take up the Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS) or maintain their current score.
New chain of responsibility laws are coming in 2018
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator works with companies and operators in the logistics supply chain to help them understand their Chain of Responsibility obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. New CoR laws recognise that everyone in the supply chain has a role to play in ensuring heavy vehicle safety. The NHVR, in conjunction with a number of industry associations, is delivering information sessions across the country to discuss the changes to CoR and ensure everyone has the information they need to be prepared.
Next round of applications sought for leadership, governance training scholarship
Applications are open for the Sheepmeat Industry Governance Scholarship – an opportunity for sheepmeat producers to receive formal training in industry leadership and corporate governance.
National Wild Dog Action Plan – May communique
With stage 2 of the National Wild Dog Action Plan due to finish on June 30, the steering committee is currently negotiating with collaborators on a new implementation structure that best suits those actions of the National Wild Dog Action Plan not undertaken by state and territory authorities or research bodies. It is particularly focused on delivering projects which are not undertaken by state and territory authorities or research bodies.
Historic agreement to strengthen South Australia-Northern Territory bond
Collaboration between the SA & NT Government is expected to benefit producers on both sides of the border with five priorities identified for the first year of the agreement, including critical road infrastructure upgrades to better support transport between jurisdictions.
Secure your place in ASKBill pre-release trial
From May 22 the Sheep CRC will be undertaking a limited offering of the ASKBILL app as part of a pre-release user feedback program. Places will be limited – if you would like to register your interest in participating initiative please email David Faulkner at dfaulkn3@une.edu.au
SheepConnect SA – May newsletter
The May edition of SheepConnect SA’s newsletter.
Sheep Producer Newsletter – May
The May edition of WoolProducers Australia’s Sheep Producer Newsletter.
Biosecurity – meaningless jargon or real concern?
By Roger Paskin, Chief Veterinary Officer, Biosecurity SA, PIRSA
“Biosecurity”. It’s a word that we have all heard; it is used so often and in so many different contexts that for many, it has lost its meaning.
The legal definitions of biosecurity are many and varied. What it comes down to is that biosecurity is simply a set of measures designed to protect a given population against harmful biological threats (diseases and pests) or biochemical substances.
Participation sought in Q Fever research
Researchers from The University of Sydney’s School of Veterinary Science are currently undertaking a research project on the subject of Q Fever in the beef and dairy industry. Outcomes from this survey may assist with developing material for producers as well as identify areas for further research.
Participation will involve completing a confidential online questionnaire which should take no longer than 20 minutes. The survey closes on June 30.
Industrial relations – update
The latest update on industrial relations from Mediation and Employment Relations Service’s Chas Cini.
RMAC seeks leaders to steer beef future
Expressions of interest are being sought from red meat and livestock industry stakeholders for the next phase of the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework, to form a Sustainability Steering Group.
New approach to Johne’s Disease in cattle – fact sheet
There have been many changes recently to the national management of Johnes Disease in cattle. The new approach focuses on managing on-farm biosecurity risk, rather than controlling disease through regulation.
There are entry requirements for WA and NT for Johne’s disease for all cattle producers from SA. All producers who wish to access these markets should consider the attached information carefully as there are some changes and action may be required to maintain this access. Please contact the respective state to clarify any entry requirement details.
For all producers (i.e. previous MAP, beef only, protected zone or area) who wish to transition to the J-BAS (Johne’s- Beef Assurance Score) the transitional period ends on June 30, 2017.
South Australian Producers who require further assistance or explanation of the changes can contact: Dr Jeremy Rogers on 08 8539 2110 or 0427 608 133 or Jeremy.Rogers@sa.gov.au
Applications open for Churchill Fellowships
A national award scheme that flies people to destinations across the globe in search of new ideas, innovation and excellence is encouraging more people living or working in rural and regional South Australia to apply.
Worth an average of $26,000 each, Churchill Fellowships are presented to more than 100 ordinary Australians each year so they can travel independently anywhere in the world to explore a topic or issue that they are passionate about.
Importantly, you do not need any specific qualifications to apply and the Fellowships are not about formal academic study. Unlike some other scholarship programs, there is also flexibility in terms of timing and duration.
Applicants can propose a project on any topic providing there is likely to be a benefit beyond their own paddock or agribusiness, as long as they are willing to share the knowledge gained.
Applications close April 28, 2017, for Churchill Fellowships to travel between February 1 2018 and January 31, 2019.
Have your say to improve road transport for primary production
Have your say on how to improve key road transport issues constraining productivity and route access for primary production, by participating in a survey as part of the second stage of the Improving Road Transport for Primary Production Project.
Project 2 builds on the success and momentum from the first 90 Day Improving Road Transport for the Agriculture Industry, now known as Project 1.
This second phase aims to further identify key issues and gives the opportunity for those that missed out in first project to be included, including the forestry, dairy, fresh produce, fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
The survey closes at 5pm, Monday, May 15.
Thomas Foods International joins ‘PCAS’
Cattle Council Australia is pleased to announce that Australia’s largest 100 per cent family owned meat processing company Thomas Foods International (TFI) has joined the Pasturefed Cattle Assurance System (PCAS). CCA president Howard Smith said signing TFI to PCAS was a great step forward for the program.
Further five plants prohibited from sale in SA under NRM Act
Eyre Peninsula veterinarian Rachel Westcott is undertaking bushfire research on Lower Eyre Peninsula, which is funded by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre. The overall purpose of the research is to find new ways to narrow the bushfire awareness-preparedness gap.
Research undertaken on bushfires by EP veterinarian
Eyre Peninsula veterinarian Rachel Westcott is undertaking bushfire research on Lower Eyre Peninsula, which is funded by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre. The overall purpose of the research is to find new ways to narrow the bushfire awareness-preparedness gap.
Footrot vaccine now available
A serogroup specific footrot vaccine is now being manufactured by Tréidlia Biovet Pty Ltd and is available to Australian sheep producers.
Call to support rabbit research
Earlier this month the latest strain of calicivirus was released in multiple locations across Australia, RHDV1 – K5. Rabbit Free Australia are calling for livestock producers to help in monitoring of the disease, by recording rabbit deaths in their areas and providing samples for analysis through the RabbitScan app, available from the PestSmart website.
Feral goat management on agenda
Livestock SA and the SA Arid Lands NRM Board spoke to key stakeholders to discuss feral goat management issues across pastoral regions in late 2016. Feral goats can be a problem for pastoralists and the environment, and are a pest species declared for control under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (NRM Act). In the Australian rangelands, the feral goat population has steadily increased and was estimated at 3.3 million in 2010. At the same time the value of Australian exports from goats has almost doubled over the past five years and was estimated to be $243 million in 2015.
Conflicting views on feral goats and their management can result in competing objectives amongst key stakeholders in South Australia’s rangelands. How to address the feral goat problem has been and continues to be a divisive issue, but is one that needs to be addressed.
The session format was interactive, with participants working together to map stakeholder positions on feral goats, and identify management objectives for feral goats and how these could be achieved. The deliberations will help to inform future policy directions for the effective management of feral goats on pastoral leases in SA.
Updated LTEM app released
The latest version of the popular Lifetime Ewe Management smartphone app was released recently. The original app had more than 1500 downloads, with feedback from users incorporated into the latest version. This includes cloud capability to aggregate farm information from multiple users, new pasture assessment data to match both perennial and annual based pastures from across Australia, location settings and a new feed on offer assessment tool.
A free application for both Apple and Android phones, the LTEM App is a digital extension of the popular Lifetime Ewe Management course offered through Rural Industries Skills Training. The course trains woolgrowers to maximise productivity by accurately measuring and managing the energy requirements and inputs of their ewe flock through the reproduction cycle.
So far LTEM has directly involved more than 3000 woolgrowers, more than 8 million ewes and has influenced more than 25% of the national flock.
The course was developed by RIST from the Australian Wool Innovation Lifetime Wool research project and as the major funder of the research and extension; AWI has contributed more than $12 million to LTEM and the Lifetime Wool project over the past 14 years.
WoolTAG provides young shearers, woolhandlers with future opportunities
Three past WoolTag recipients flew out to New Zealand recently as part of an AWI, Heiniger and Prime Super sponsored trip. Pictured are Dale Murphy, Heiniger; shearer Brandon Waters; Glenn Haynes, TafeSA, woolhandler Laura Erickson, shearer Dane Fredrickson and Chris Pole, Prime Super. Absent: Jim Murray, AWI.
Past WoolTAG recipient Tom Brewer, Naracoorte, starred at the recent world shearing championships at Invercargill, New Zealand, placing fifth in the final of the intermediate section. Tom completed his TafeSA Certificate II in shearing in 2014 – receiving $500 of shearing equipment to help him enter the workforce, thanks to the WoolTAG initiative. He completed his Certificate III in shearing in 2015.
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Industry update: Welfare guide gets thumbs up from goat producers
Since being launched in July last year, the Australian Industry Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Goats have been assisting goat producers across the country improve their welfare practices and now those same producers are encouraging everyone in the industry to grab a copy.
February Beef Brief – Cattle Council of Australia
Much of the Eastern side of the country has been suffering through a heatwave over the last week, but in Western Australia much of the state has been declared a natural disaster zone after heavy rains.
Public holidays in South Australia
A list of public holidays for South Australia in 2017.
