April 2018

WAFarmers has welcomed the ACCC’s recognition of imbalances in the dairy industry marketplace, following the release of the final report from its dairy inquiry. The 240-page report acknowledged two main concerns from dairy farmers; the lack of transparency about contract and pricing practices and the power this gave to processors, and the impact of $1 per litre milk within the dairy industry. WAFarmers Dairy Section President Michael Partridge said the implementation of a code of

As required under its Constitution (rules 25.2, 27.2 & 28.1), The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) hereby notifies all members, delegates, Dairy Section Council and Zones that the Dairy Sector Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday 26 July 2018 at the Abbey Beach Resort, Busselton WA 6280. WAFarmers hereby calls for nominations and motions to be submitted by 5.00pm on Monday 25 June. Nominations are open for the following positions: President Senior Vice

WAFarmers President Tony York has described the State Government’s plan to cut Community Resource Centre (CRC) funding by 40 per cent as being a “massive disservice” to regional communities. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will undertake an internal departmental evaluation on how the funding cuts will be applied across WA’s 105-centre strong CRC program, with an options paper to be delivered to Minister for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan on 30 June. It

A delegation from WAFarmers, supported by the National Farmers’ Federation, has today met with Hon. Sussan Ley MP to discuss the future of the live export trade. WAFarmers President Tony York said the group, comprising of himself, WAFarmers Livestock Section President David Slade, Chief Executive Officer Trent Kensett-Smith, and NFF Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar, delivered the latest industry data to Ms Ley, ahead of her planned private member’s bill to Parliament. “In this meeting

WAFarmers President Tony York has expressed disappointment about statements made over the reported findings from State Government inspectors while on board the MV Maysora vessel in Fremantle. At the invitation of the ship’s operator Livestock Shipping Services (LSS), Mr York visited the ship with Pastoralists and Graziers Association President Tony Seabrook on 11 April, after the government’s inspection was conducted. Mr York said there was no indication from the ship’s owners or operator that the

A new report on the live export trade prepared by Mecardo has refuted some information in a recent report prepared by Pegasus Economics, with the financial implications of the live export ban being particularly different. Commissioned by WAFarmers with support from Sheep Producers Australia, the report was prepared as an independent view of the economic impact of the live sheep trade in WA, given its importance to the state economy and its producers. WAFarmers President

WA Young Achiever Awards Agriculture Award finalist Madlen Kratz sees the study of honey bees as crucial to the future of not only Australian but international agricultural industries, and wants to make a positive difference towards industry sustainability. Madlen (26) got involved in research related to bee health in her first semester as an undergraduate. Since then she has completed her Honours thesis, and is now studying for a PhD in “The effects of nutrition

The State Government has this morning announced the development of a Rural Fire Division as part of a $128.5 million investment towards fire and emergency services, a move welcomed by industry. In addition to the Rural Fire Division, one of four command structures within the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, an $18 million Bushfire Centre of Excellence will be created, and bushfire mitigation efforts will be bolstered by $34.6 million. WAFarmers President Tony York

Nominations for the WAFarmers Beekeepers Executive Committee and motions are to be submitted by 5.00pm on Friday 11 May. Nominations are open for the following positions: President Senior Vice President Vice President Executive member How to submit a nominationOne financial member is required to sign the nomination form.Nominations require acceptance by the Nominee in writing and must be sent to the WAFarmers Bees Executive Officer Shannen Barrett by email, post, fax or in person by