June 19, 2014

Following the Beekeepers Conference early this month, which contained presentations, discussions and an opportunity for beekeepers to vote on the proposed honey levy changes, there has been some reporting of the issue in the media. An article featured in Coutryman following the conference can be seen here.

Grain growers across the wheatbelt have been urged to monitor their crops for nitrogen deficiency, as they face a different soil nitrogen scenario this year compared with recent seasons.     Last season’s high grain yields and the dry summer have combined to reduce soil nitrogen and may result in some crops running short of nitrogen this year. Department of Agriculture and Food research officer Craig Scanlan said with a drier than normal winter and spring forecast,

A drier than normal outlook has been issued for central and southern parts of the wheatbelt over the next three months, while a wetter than normal winter is more likely for the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR). Confidence in Department of Agriculture and Food’s Statistical Seasonal Forecast (SSF) is reasonably high, based on medium to good predictive skill using May conditions. Department research officer Fiona Evans said most areas of the wheatbelt received a good break

Sheep industry representatives in Western Australia are encouraged to register now for the 2014 Sheep Updates. The Sheep Updates is the Department of Agriculture and Food’s premier event for the sheep meat and wool industries. Department Livestock Industries Executive Director Kevin Chennell said the event provided up-to-date information on the latest research and extension tools, and addressed current production and industry issues. “This year’s Sheep Updates will focus on technology for breeding better sheep, which