May 2017

The 2017 Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Competition is coming up next month, with WAFarmers once again supporting the contest through the sponsorship of the Murdoch University ICMJ team. Teammate Bridie Luers (21), who will complete her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the end of next year, said she had developed a particular passion for cattle production since beginning her studies. “Having grown up on a sheep and cropping farm east of Kellerberrin, I

Members are advised that the WAFarmers Beekeepers Section Executive Council has changed, following the section’s Annual General Meeting on Friday 12 May. Leilani Leyland will retain the position of President for a further term. The role of Senior Vice President will be filled by Michael Bellman, while Stephen Davies will step into the role of Vice President. Rupert Phillips, Mark Rhodes and David Leyland will be the council’s Executive Members. WAFarmers congratulates the Executive Council,

WAFarmers will once again support the Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Competition for the 2017 contest through the sponsorship of the Murdoch University ICMJ team. The Murdoch team, comprising of 10 students, will travel to Wagga Wagga in early July to represent their university, and will gain practical experience in the evaluation of carcasses, primals and retail cuts. Team member Lauren Oakden (21) said her fascination with agriculture and livestock stemmed from family trips as they

By WAFarmers President, Tony York Following a recent situation in which I found myself in the middle of an internet scam which will likely cost me over $20,000, I urge members, the wider agricultural community and anyone who pays invoices to remain vigilant to this unscrupulous behaviour. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my experience, in the hope that you can avoid similar situations. We regularly deal with suppliers via

WAFarmers will continue to support the Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Competition in 2017 through sponsorship of the Murdoch University team, as part of a three-year partnership. Following the resounding success of the tertiary team at last year’s competition, during which Murdoch University placed third overall in addition to two other team awards plus individual accolades, 10 students will again compete on a national platform in Wagga Wagga in early July. Beneficial for the participating students,

WAFarmers has called on meat processors across the country to take up new objective carcase measurement technology that would increase productivity, efficiency and would hit market specifications. Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has developed dual energy x-ray absorptionmetry (DEXA) technology which provides scientific measurements of meat yield, fat and bone and offered it to every abattoir in the country, however the majority of processors have resisted the free installation. WAFarmers Livestock Section President David Slade

WAFarmers congratulates Harvey local Jessica Andony who was announced as the winner of the inaugural Agriculture Award at the 2017 WA Young Achiever Awards earlier this evening. Jessica (24), who could not attend the ceremony due to prior commitments, was represented on the night by her mother who accepted the award on her behalf, with a pre-recorded video of Jessica aired after the announcement. Since graduating with honours from Murdoch University in 2014, Jessica has

Australia’s agricultural industry was once again delivered a modest and mostly positive Federal Budget, though bigger rewards could have been delivered for Western Australian agriculture, according to WAFarmers President Tony York. Key agricultural highlights included the establishment of a $4 billion Regional Investment Corporation; $1.1 billion over seven years for the National Landcare Program; $8.3 million over four years to support the implementation of the Livestock Global Assurance Program; and the retention of $20,000 immediate

On behalf of members and the wider agricultural industry, WAFarmers has been asked to consult with the Department of Agriculture and Food WA regarding the state’s Restricted Chemical Permit process. WAFarmers Livestock Council member Scott Pickering, who is also the WAFarmers Wild Dog Representative on the National Wild Dog Action Plan Consultative Committee, said a number of issues had been raised with the Council about the process. “In addition to the application process being often

Consultations between the dairy industry and the Minister for Agriculture have taken place, following the rejection of a proposal by Harvey Fresh suppliers which would keep three producers in contract. WAFarmers Dairy Section President Michael Partridge, who met with Minister Alannah MacTiernan yesterday as part of her series of meetings, said the problem was simple, but the solution was not. “We, as well as the Minister, understand there is a need to balance supply and