Dairy

Victorian businessman wants a 40-cent levy to help dairy farmers

Victorian businessman John Dahlsen is calling for a supermarket levy supervised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission so dairy farmers get a greater slice of the returns on milk sold in supermarkets. Mr Dahlsen, who is a former...

Rodney Woods
News

Agriculture Victoria urges farmers to have say on combating pests and weeds

Agriculture Victoria is seeking support from private landholders, including farmers, to help combat pests and weeds which cost Victoria more than $1 billion a year in management and control programs. A statewide survey is open so Agriculture...

Rodney Woods
Dairy

Girgarre and Kyabram dairy businesses take home gold

Kyabram and Girgarre dairy businesses have cleaned up in this year’s Dairy Industry Association of Australia dairy product competition. Despite the official awards ceremony being pushed back to October due to coronavirus restrictions, award...

Rodney Woods
News

Now is time to refocus succession planning, Rabobank says

Winter cropping is in full swing across much of Australia, graziers are gradually re-stocking and there’s renewed optimism enabling many farming families to refocus their succession intentions. With 2020 hopefully marking the end of, what was...

Rodney Woods

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Dairy

Girgarre and Kyabram dairy businesses take home gold

Kyabram and Girgarre dairy businesses have cleaned up in this year’s Dairy Industry Association of Australia dairy product competition. Despite the official awards ceremony being pushed back to October due to coronavirus restrictions, award...

Rodney Woods
Cropping

Finley and Kerang research centres to help farmers with water efficiency

New research aimed at boosting grain productivity under irrigation will help farmers in northern Victoria and southern NSW get the most out of their water and optimise profitability. Two research centres established in Kerang and Finley are part of...

Rodney Woods
Water

Senator could be ‘last hope’ for struggling irrigators

NSW Senator Perin Davey has been described as “probably the last hope” for achieving balanced water policy that supports the region’s food producers.

Rodney Woods
News

Research finds pesticides effective against lucerne flea

As resistance to pesticides increase, research has produced positive news for Australian grain growers. Testing of populations of lucerne flea has not found evidence of insecticide resistance. Through a Grains Research and Development Corporation...

Country News
News

Share your best peanut butter recipe and win $2000

A Bega Peanut Butter cooking competition is searching for Australia’s ‘Peanut Butter Master’, earning a lucky winner $2000. Right around the country, Australians are enjoying peanut butter in their own unique ways — through toast...

Country News
News

Now is time to refocus succession planning, Rabobank says

Winter cropping is in full swing across much of Australia, graziers are gradually re-stocking and there’s renewed optimism enabling many farming families to refocus their succession intentions. With 2020 hopefully marking the end of, what was...

Rodney Woods
Water

Shepparton forum to discuss climate change impacts on water resources

A Shepparton forum, run by Farmers for Climate Action, will be held next week, with the impact of climate change on water issues high on the agenda. Principal Scientist in Climate Applications at the South Australian Research and Development...

Rodney Woods

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Opinion

Opinion

University of Melbourne leading bid to create Murray-Darling Basin research centre

By Professor Tim Reeves, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne Dookie College was established in 1886 and has seen many changes and challenges in the ensuing 134 years — and there is no doubt the COVID-19...

Country News
Opinion

Independence of Lower Lakes review questioned

By Jan Beer, Yea The Lower Lakes Science Review report is seriously compromised, in that the Murray-Darling Basin Association’s Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences, directed and controlled the review panel, using...

Country News
Opinion

There’s not much glister in those ‘golden’ years

Golden years? Bulls*#t. Give me denial any day. A few years ago we had been spending some time in the city (alright, yes, for a medical procedure or two of the mature gentleman variety) and in between probes, the missus insisted on dragging me along...

Country News
Opinion

Curmudgeon happy to volunteer his own children for CFA duty after rare night out

The old Curmudgeon, I have to confess, is not the most socialising type of guy. I was a bit more out there in the olden days, when I had a bit more get up and go. But of late I have been much happier exercising my rights to be a grumpy old man. Or...

Rodney Woods
Opinion

University of Melbourne leading bid to create Murray-Darling Basin research centre

By Professor Tim Reeves, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne Dookie College was established in 1886 and has seen many changes and challenges in the ensuing 134 years — and there is no doubt the COVID-19...

Country News
Opinion

Independence of Lower Lakes review questioned

By Jan Beer, Yea The Lower Lakes Science Review report is seriously compromised, in that the Murray-Darling Basin Association’s Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences, directed and controlled the review panel, using...

Country News
Opinion

There’s not much glister in those ‘golden’ years

Golden years? Bulls*#t. Give me denial any day. A few years ago we had been spending some time in the city (alright, yes, for a medical procedure or two of the mature gentleman variety) and in between probes, the missus insisted on dragging me along...

Country News
Opinion

University of Melbourne leading bid to create Murray-Darling Basin research centre

By Professor Tim Reeves, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne Dookie College was established in 1886 and has seen many changes and challenges in the ensuing 134 years — and there is no doubt the COVID-19...

Country News
Opinion

Independence of Lower Lakes review questioned

By Jan Beer, Yea The Lower Lakes Science Review report is seriously compromised, in that the Murray-Darling Basin Association’s Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences, directed and controlled the review panel, using...

Country News
Opinion

There’s not much glister in those ‘golden’ years

Golden years? Bulls*#t. Give me denial any day. A few years ago we had been spending some time in the city (alright, yes, for a medical procedure or two of the mature gentleman variety) and in between probes, the missus insisted on dragging me along...

Country News
Opinion

Curmudgeon happy to volunteer his own children for CFA duty after rare night out

The old Curmudgeon, I have to confess, is not the most socialising type of guy. I was a bit more out there in the olden days, when I had a bit more get up and go. But of late I have been much happier exercising my rights to be a grumpy old man. Or...

Rodney Woods

View All

Dairy

Dairy

Kicking goals on World Milk Day

It’s time to celebrate the global dairy industry, with the annual World Milk Day on Monday, June 1. This year, Dairy Australia has asked Australians to recognise why milk matters and to show appreciation to farmers, producers and communities who...

Country News
Dairy

Vala Holsteins hosts successful autumn sale

The two highest priced lots sold for $8000 to western Victoria’s Emu Banks Holsteins

Country News
Dairy

Victorian businessman wants a 40-cent levy to help dairy farmers

Victorian businessman John Dahlsen is calling for a supermarket levy supervised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission so dairy farmers get a greater slice of the returns on milk sold in supermarkets. Mr Dahlsen, who is a former...

Rodney Woods
Dairy

Girgarre and Kyabram dairy businesses take home gold

Kyabram and Girgarre dairy businesses have cleaned up in this year’s Dairy Industry Association of Australia dairy product competition. Despite the official awards ceremony being pushed back to October due to coronavirus restrictions, award...

Rodney Woods
Dairy

Ardmona dairy farmer announces resignation from Bega board

Bega Cheese director Jeff Odgers will step down from the role on June 30. Mr Odgers, who farms at Ardmona, made the decision after his son died in a farm accident in March. “Jeff has been a wonderful contributor to the success of Beg...

Rodney Woods
Dairy

Dairy code fact sheet for farmers

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has published a fact sheet to assist farmers in understanding their rights and obligations under the Dairy Industry Code of Conduct. The Dairy Industry Code of Conduct came into effect on January 1...

Country News

Bloggers

Your local news

The Boss's Dog

Walling of the banks: it’s completely nuts!

Another irrigation season is over and The Boss took me for a slow walk along the river the other day to see how it was faring. The April rains took some of the pressure off, he says, compared to the last few years where the high summer flows (up to...

The General

The Boss's Dog

Bring back the Lockdown

You give an inch and they take a mile. As soon as Dan the Man leaves the door ajar, they come crashing through with no regard for my health or need for tranquillity. Let me first say that the Lockdown has been the answer to dogs dreams, everywhere...

The General

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Water

Water

Shepparton forum to discuss climate change impacts on water resources

A Shepparton forum, run by Farmers for Climate Action, will be held next week, with the impact of climate change on water issues high on the agenda. Principal Scientist in Climate Applications at the South Australian Research and Development...

Rodney Woods
Water

South West Loddon Pipeline completed

Thousands of people across central north-west Victoria now have reliable stock and domestic water supply, with the completion of the South West Loddon Pipeline project.

Country News
Water

Senator could be ‘last hope’ for struggling irrigators

NSW Senator Perin Davey has been described as “probably the last hope” for achieving balanced water policy that supports the region’s food producers.

Rodney Woods
Water

Farming group wants decision on water rebate scheme reversed

NSW Farmers is appealing to the Federal Government to reverse a decision to stop funding for the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate scheme. Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt advised the NSW Government that the Commonwealth would not provide...

Rodney Woods

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Horticulture

Horticulture

Australian Organic chief executive officer Niki Ford to work with NFF and ACCC

Australian Organic chief executive officer Niki Ford has been appointed to the ACCC’s Agriculture Consultative Committee and will also join the National Farmers’ Federation Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program 2020. As part of the...

Country News
Horticulture

Successful walnut season for local growers

Walnut harvest has come to an end and local growers are pleased with the results. Katunga Walnuts owner Chris Bethell said he finished harvesting by hand on his 2 ha farm a few weeks ago. “We do it by hand in two or three goes, we...

Country News
Horticulture

New podcast for horticulture growers

Horticulturists across Australia can now get industry news on-the-go thanks to the latest podcast released by life science company Bayer. HortCast, targeted specifically at horticulture growers and advisers, will delve into market trends, seasonal...

Rodney Woods

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Viticulture

Viticulture

Winery upbeat despite virus and bushfires

Tahbilk Winery near Nagambie remains upbeat about its 2020 vintage and its continuing exports to China despite the challenges of coronavirus and bushfires earlier this year. Tahbilk chief executive Alister Purbrick said the winery on the banks of...

John Lewis
Viticulture

Grape testing rebate applications to close soon

Winegrowers assessing smoke taint from recent bushfires who want to receive a rebate of up to $1200 will need to apply by Thursday, April 30. The Victorian Government Wine Grape Testing Rebate Program provides a reimbursement to growers who have...

Country News
Viticulture

Tasty way to support regional winemakers

Tastes of Rutherglen will showcase the best wines from Rutherglen and the surrounding bushfire-affected north-east Victorian region, from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8.

Jamieson Salter

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Livestock

Livestock

Applications sought for three MLA board director positions

Meat & Livestock Australia has called for applications to fill three non-executive director positions on its board. Applications for the current round close on Friday, June 12. MLA’s board currently comprises nine directors, including...

Country News
Livestock

Beef Australia goes digital

Beef Australia 2021 has started its digital launch, a year out from the triennial beef industry event in Rockhampton. Beef Australia helps showcase the Australian red meat industry and facilitates new trade and export opportunities for Australian...

Country News
Livestock

Sheep producers encouraged to monitor trace mineral deficiency

Sheep producers have been reminded of the potential for trace mineral deficiency diseases to affect their lambs this year. Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer Dr Robert Suter said early season rain should result in good pasture growth...

Country News
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EVENTS

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Cropping

Cropping

Finley and Kerang research centres to help farmers with water efficiency

New research aimed at boosting grain productivity under irrigation will help farmers in northern Victoria and southern NSW get the most out of their water and optimise profitability. Two research centres established in Kerang and Finley are part of...

Rodney Woods
Cropping

Benalla receives funding to fight off pest animals and weeds

Benalla is just one of the drought-hit communities that will receive government support in the battle to control pest animals and weeds. Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud announced 33 local government areas would share in...

Country News
Cropping

Chinese tariff a blow to Australian barley growers

Australian barley growers have warned of a blow to the nation’s economy after China placed an 80 per cent tariff on imports. China has imposed harsh taxes on Australian barley, with separate tariffs of 73.6 per cent for dumping allegations and 6.9...

Country News