June 2017

A letter from WAFarmers Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Brown Following the success of our member benefit with Puma, we have been successful in negotiating a members-only package with Caltex which allows members the ability to use one supplier and account for StarCards, Bulk Fuels and Lubricants. This will save you time and money by using one supplier for all your requirements as Caltex has the ability to supply all fuel and lubricant requirements to our members.

WAFarmers Members and members of the general public are advised of the following discussions and developments during the most recent Bees Section Meeting, on Thursday 15 June, 2017. President and meeting Chair | Leilani LeylandSenior Vice President | Michael BellmanVice President | Stephen Davies (apologies) Executive members in attendance:Mark RhodesDavid LeylandRupert Phillips Topics discussed Prescribed burning | overview of a meeting held on 29 May; anticipation of fire mitigation workshop on Friday 23 June. Industry

WAFarmers was recently asked for comment regarding eating red meat, and the effect the production of red meat has on the planet. WAFarmers President Tony York said eating beef was a personal choice. “Farmers in Australia and all over the world produced beef to meet specific quality and food safety standards demanded by consumers,” he said. “While we accept that livestock grazing production utilises natural resources, many of which are not used by other sectors

By WAFarmers President Tony York Yesterday it was announced that WA Senator Chris Back would be retiring from Federal Parliament. Next week marks his last sitting week in the Senate. Senator Back has been a strong and long-time advocate for the agricultural sector during his tenure, spurred on by his background in veterinary practice. In particular, his support for the live export industry has been second to none, and his passionate involvement during the Federal

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. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student Keely McGregor (22) opted to apply for the ICMJ team as it represented an aspect of the agricultural industry that she had not largely been exposed to, despite growing up in a small town. “I only became actively involved in the industry

Members and livestock producers are advised that changes have recently been announced by Meat and Livestock Australia and Integrity Systems regarding the Livestock Production Assurance Program (LPA). The upgrades, which will come into effect on 1 October, will strengthen LPA for the betterment of the red meat and livestock industries by ensuring Australia builds on its global reputation as a world leader in food safety, integrity and traceability. Upgrades will include: On-farm biosecurity and animal

The revelation of a commercial bailout relationship between Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and the Graziers’ Investment Company (GIC) during recent Senate estimates has prompted WAFarmers to support a call for the funds to go back to the wool grower shareholders. Established in 2001 as a successor to the Australian Wool Research and Promotion Organisation, GIC (formerly Australian Wool Services Limited) had a number of subsidiaries which were all slowly wound up over time.    

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 Rachel Cruickshank (21), who is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Animal Health with a minor in Applied Animal Production, said she did not have much interest in agriculture or livestock while growing up, despite being raised on a farm. “I didn’t

Following Western Australia’s decision to maintain state-wide regulations for Bovine Johne’s disease (BJD), WA cattle producers are encouraged to complete an industry-compliant biosecurity plan by 30 June 2017 and a herd Check Test by 1 July 2018, to ensure smooth movement of livestock in the future. WAFarmers Livestock Executive Officer Kim Haywood said the risk of cattle bringing BJD into the state had increased since the rest of the country chose to deregulate BJD management

Three south west dairy farmers whose previously extended contracts with Parmalat’s Harvey Fresh were due to expire at the end of June have had these extended by a further six months, until January 2018. The decision came off the back of an agreement by the three immediately affected suppliers who agreed to reduce their combined annual production over the winter-spring period. From January, they will be offered new contracts the same as existing suppliers whose