June 2015

Farmsafe WA will continue to play an important role in promoting farm safety in Western Australia with the recent appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. Maree Gooch, of Belay Consulting, has taken on the role of Farmsafe WA CEO and is passionate about farm safety. “I am excited to be working for Farmsafe WA on a number of projects. “You cannot underestimate the importance of employees and their safety on the farm through good work practices and

The Rural Focus show, produced by RadioWest, is holding a Golf Day in support of Princess Margaret Hospital and regional people who travel to Perth for treatment. The golf day is on Friday, 3 July at Narrogin Golf Club. There will be a 4 Person Ambrose competition as well as novelties, auctions and raffles. The day is $30 per person and includes lunch and dinner. To register, call RadioWest Narrogin on 9881 4000 or email

WAFarmers is seeking urgent feedback from its members about wild dogs in WA, particularly with regard to the scope of the problem, the impact of the problem, how it is currently being managed and what the final outcomes should be. It would be greatly appreciated if members could answer any or all of the questions below and return them to Kim Haywood at [email protected]. Your answers will help guide the WA Wild Dog Action Plan

The Office of Road Safety has launched a Wheatbelt Highway Safety Review which will include in-depth analysis of a travel route’s road crash history, technical consideration and consultation with local stakeholders.People who live in the Wheatbelt are encouraged to participate in the consultation process.  Comments are sought on three routes: The Great Eastern Highway The Great Southern Highway Toodyay Road You can provide feedback on these routes using an interactive mapping website.  It will allow

The Federal Government has today unveiled its plans for Northern Australia with the release of its long awaited White Paper.   Western Australia’s peak agricultural advocacy group, WAFarmers, has cautiously welcomed its release, recognising that the developmental blueprint is a good start.   WAFarmers President Dale Park said it is pleasing to see that infrastructure will receive significant funding.   “Agriculture is an intrinsic part of Northern Australia but it will require a lot of

Farms are among the most dangerous workplaces in Australia. Statistics show that 8 out of every 100 farm employees are injured at work each year. A not insignifcant proportion of those injuries are associated with the activity of shearing sheep and arise predominantly within the confines of a shearing shed. The following guides have been produced to raise awareness of legislative requirements for employers and employees, to help farmers minimise risk potential on their properties

WAFarmers is maintaining an agistment and feed supply register.  If you have agistment facilities or feed available for purchase, please contact the WAFarmers office on (08) 9486 2100 or email [email protected]. Similarly, if you are looking for agistment or feed, please contact the office.

Producers are reminded that lamb marking time is a good opportunity to vaccinate against Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD). Vaccination is an effective way to manage disease on an infected property, but may also be part of a risk management strategy for properties not yet known to be infected. At risk properties include: Properties in a high rainfall zone Properties with an infected neighbour Properties which are at the bottom of a water catchment or have

The State Government recently announced that it has established a scheme to assist farm and pastoral businesses to settle disputes with their finance providers. Access to the scheme can be initiated by either the farm or pastoral business or the financial institution, and although not mandatory, all parties are encouraged to participate.  The Farm Debt Mediation Scheme will be administered by the Rural Business Development Corporation at the Department of Agriculture and Food, with mediation