Rural

THE offices of Western Region MP, Jaala Pulford, and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR), confirmed in identical responses on Tuesday that “while several positions (at Hamilton SmartFarm) may be impacted by workforce changes … staff have an option to apply for new roles”.

AUSTRALIA is the only inhabited continent in the world to remain free of the destructive varroa mite, but local beekeepers have been watching a recent developing situation in NSW which could have ramifications for more than just the local honey industry.

AFTER two years of reduced capacity, the 2022 Sheepvention Rural Expo is finally set to return to normality.

CATTLE prices in Australia are tipped to stay around current record levels for at least the next two years, but the sheep industry has been heavily impacted by lockdowns and lack of labour availability, according to ANZ’s latest agri commodity report.

BRAND new activities are in store for Sheepvention 2022, including the new Entertainment Centre that will be full of activities to keep the children entertained, while parents relax with a coffee and bite to eat in the café.

LAMBS are becoming a feature of the countryside all around the Southern Grampians, as the newly-born animals frolic and keep their mothers close for milk and protection.

ENERGY Safe Victoria is reminding farmers of the ‘Look Up and Live’ campaign as farm equipment gets bigger, while powerlines are not lowering with thousands of powerlines and poles situated on farms.

A FRESH, consistent, and distinctly Australian look is part of a new campaign by Dairy Australia to enhance the global positioning of key dairy export markets to be launched across China, Japan and Southeast Asia from July.

A DECISION by the United States (US) Supreme Court last week to reverse legal abortion laws made almost 50 years ago was a massive step backwards, according to Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West (WHWBSW) chief executive, Emma Mahony.

AN ANZ commodity update has reported that the current global spate of agricultural export bans could potentially have long term benefits for Australian farmers.

LAST week in Hamilton saw steers over 350kg make up to 478 cents per kilogram and light weight steers under 350kg make up to 600 to average 573c/kg to be dearer on the last sale.

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Stock Sense team is sending a travelling sheep and goat roadshow to Hamilton to present a free workshop on relevant health, welfare, and biosecurity issues next Wednesday, July 6, between 6-9pm pm at the Hamilton Golf Club.