May 2015

The Chain of Responsibility legislation came in to effect on April 27, 2015. WAFarmers is aware that it is having an adverse impact on regional road users with authorities cracking down. If you have received a fine for load restraint, dimension or mass breaches since this legislation came in to effect please alert WAFarmers. WAFarmers is building a case of experiences that would be regarded as unreasonable, but anecdotal reports are not substantial evidence. If you

Kondinin Group and ABC Rural are presenting the Agricultural Student of the Year Award as part of the broader 2015 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards. This year the student category has been expanded to incorporate university students studying agriculture. The award recognises students who demonstrate passion for and an active involvement in agriculture, as well as a commitment to working in the industry in the future. Secondary students (years 10-12) and those enrolled in

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) invites public comment on the draft ‘Guide for Safe Design of Livestock Loading Ramps and Forcing Yards’. The voluntary guide has been created to promote safer workplaces for people in contact with livestock loading facilities and to improve animal welfare outcomes. The guide is a tool to assist in the assessment of existing facilities and aid in the design of proposed new facilities.  It summarises the potential hazards

The Sheepmeat Council of Australia (SCA) is developing the Sheepmeat Industry Strategic (SISP) to provide a vision for the sheep industry for 2015-2020 and support the continued growth of the industry. The plan will articulate industry priorities to guide levy investments over the next five years. SCA asks producers and others involved to complete a short online survey to provide feedback on investment priorities. To participate in the survey please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sisp For more information about

The appointment of a voluntary administrator to the Superfert Dongbu Company serves as a timely reminder to farmers about the risks associated with paying for goods and services in advance. The fertiliser company recently went into voluntary administration and the situation has left many farmers out of pocket. WAFarmers CEO Stephen Brown said the unfortunate situation is a cautionary tale for other farmers. “Payment as a deposit or payment in advance potentially leaves the payer

Following invitations to over 20 State and Federal politicians, Grains President Duncan Young and Grains Senior Vice President Michael Fels have met with a number of them recently. The meeting on 13 May included Minister Ken Baston MLC, Hon. Jim Chown, and Hon. Brian Ellis. Similar meetings previously held include Hon. Dave Grills MLC, Hon. Martin Aldridge, Senator Chris Back, and Hon. Nigel Hallet. Meetings that will be conducted in the coming months include Hon.

Small landholder information, together with education and career activities, will be on display at the Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day, this Sunday (24 May). The Department of Agriculture and Food’s Small Landholder Information Service (SLIS) will be providing up to date information to landholders on property management. Department development officer Landy Jones said for those interested in learning more about land management, livestock, water use and owning a small property, SLIS free factsheets would be

Farmers looking to diversify their enterprise can now access information on appropriate options. which they may not have previously known about or considered. The Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) launched www.farmdiversity.com.au last year and the website allows farmers to research and shortlist industries that may be viable in their region – simply by entering their postcode. The website is a helpful resource for farmers investigating their options for diversifying and strengthening their businesses. The

WAFarmers asks its members to please report any incidents it may have with Western Power or their contractors, first and foremost, to the Western power incident hotline and then to the WAFarmers office.   Incidents or problems can include contractors accessing your property without notice, damaging your property or not following newly introduced measures to minimise biosecurity concerns.   We are working to resolve these issues and your input would be beneficial. Please note down

The WA College of Agriculture in Narrogin will be holding a ‘Try Out Camp’ on Thursday and Friday, 28 – 29 May, 2015.  If you know of any prospective students who may like to come along and see what life as an Ag college student could be like, please ask them to contact Julie Armstrong by Tuesday, 19 May,  on 9881 9700 or email [email protected]