The second round of applications under the Farm Finance Concessional Loans Scheme (the scheme) for Western Australia is now open. Farm Finance is an Australian Government initiative that aims to build the ongoing financial resilience of farm businesses. In Western Australia, the scheme assists farm businesses that are experiencing some debt servicing difficulties but are considered commercially viable in the longer term, by providing loans to undertake productivity enhancement activities. The scheme is funded by

WA Farmers is making two submissions and is seeking council advice on the following: The “Initial experiences and effectiveness of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) in delivering welfare outcomes and facilitating trade” due on the 9th of July, addressing any or all of the following points: Is ESCAS effective in delivering animal welfare and facilitating trade? Provide practical examples of how ESCAS been implemented for different markets? What are the achievements and areas

A convoy of trucks headed by WAFarmers and the Wheatbelt Railway Retention Alliance drove through parts of Perth today to demonstrate their opposition to the closure of Tier 3 rail lines. As part of the demonstration, WAFarmers and WRRA have called on the State government and Brookfield Rail, which leases the lines from the government, to act swiftly to reopen the lines, which cart grain from areas such as Quairading, Kulin and Narembeen. The extra

President Dale Park WAFarmers to build ties at China meeting – Farm Weekly Study into live trade media coverage – Countryman Wool Council President Ed Rogister Call for AWI levy reform – The Land Dairy Council President Phil Depiazzi WA export heifers make premium prices – Farm Weekly New milk incentive is good, but late – Farm Weekly

WAFarmers is very pleased with the outcomes relating to honey from the ACCC this week. See the below statement from AHBIC: The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) is pleased that the results of its complaints to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have resulted in the fining of the distributors of Victoria Honey. See the press release from ACCC below. AHBIC first complained back in September, 2012 about the labelling and in 2013,

Sheep Updates, the premier event for the State’s sheep meat and wool industries, will provide participants with the latest research and extension tools and address current production and industry issues. Department of Agriculture and Food Acting Sheep Leader Mandy Curnow said the event would provide up-to-date information targeted at sheep producers and breeders, agricultural advisors and consultants. “Conference sessions will cover the opportunities provided by genetic research, tools to make the most of genetic information,

Mobile technology and sheep extension have combined to create an early version of the Lifetime Ewe Management Application for Apple iPhone. Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Rural Industries Skill Training (RIST) have developed the prototype application for the popular Lifetime Ewe Management (LTEM) course. LTEM has now involved more than 2000 sheep producers managing over 20 per cent of the nation’s ewe flock or 8 million ewes. The two-year nationally accredited course involves small groups

Planning Minister John Day has announced a review of the State’s decade-old telecommunications infrastructure policy and is asking all West Australians to contribute. State Planning Policy 5.2 – Telecommunications Infrastructure provides guidance to local governments on the location, design and installation of mobile towers across the State. Mr Day said the review would examine whether changes were needed to support our increased reliance on mobile communications, particularly in emergency situations. “Technology and the demand for

The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) invites you to participate in one of the focus groups being held in Albany, Northam and Geraldton with six to eight other RRR Network members and/or RIRDC Rural Women’s Award recipients. The focus groups will be facilitated by a consultant from a third party researcher (Painted Dog Research). The group discussion will take around 90 minutes, be confidential, and your personal and individual business information will remain anonymous in the final results.