The Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee has recommended that the current contribution rates continue in 2014/15 to fund programs to control skeleton weed and eradicate three-horned bedstraw. Funding Scheme chairman Barry Large said contributions to the Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme were made on the sale of produce which meant the funding available to address the priority biosecurity issues was dependent on the amount of produce sold each year.

WAFarmers President Dale Park A million dollar legal battle – GWN7 (VIDEO) The Federal Government has given the green light to live sheep exports to Iran – ABC News Radio (AUDIO) GM farmer’s court win is not end of matter, WA Farmers Federation says – ABC Sheep exports to Iran reopened – Farm Online Call to move DAFWA to Northam – Farm Weekly Rural counsellor concern – The West Australian   Dairy Section President Phil

Registrations are now open for the Sheep CRC Conference, Concept to Impact, on July 9 in Adelaide. The conference program includes topics such as: new opportunities in genetics resulting from genomics, applying new knowledge of meat science and consumer eating quality, improving sheep and their management and ongoing benefits of education and training. Click here for more information.  

Animal Health Australia has launched a new publication for sheep, cattle, goat and alpaca producers. Stock Health Monitor will replace the current JD News. See the first publication here. Future editions will be available from the Animal Health Australia website.

WAFarmers President Dale Park this week attended a meeting for the review of State Planning Policy 4.1 – State Industrial Buffer Policy and State Planning Policy 4.3 – Poultry Farms Policy, where a Draft Issues Paper was circulated. Any suitably qualified or interested members who would like to make a contribution regarding the issues paper are urged to contact WAFarmers reception on (08) 9486 2100 and asked to leave their details for further consultation.

WAFarmers is concerned with the level of ignorance among regional road users to significant legislative changes which will apply to all farm businesses later this year. New Chain of Responsibility legislation was passed by WA Parliament in 2012 and work to finalise supporting regulation is expected to be completed later this year. Main Roads WA, the Department of Transport and WA Police are working together to implement the legislation. The legislation works to recognise the

Western Australia’s peak agricultural lobby group, WAFarmers, welcomes the signing of a health protocol agreement paving the way for the reopening of the live animal trade with Iran. Meat Section President Jeff Murray said the reopening of the market would be a win for both producers and animal welfare standards. “Any country Australia exports live animals to benefits from implementing our world class animal welfare standards through the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System and our

Biennial sheep and lamb conference Lambex will be held in South Australia at the Adelaide Showgrounds from July 9 -11. LambEx is a joint initiative of producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, researchers and service providers. It is a truly national event, attracting international speakers and passionate industry participants from all over Australia. The two-day program includes presentations and issues that are challenging, thought-provoking, innovative and inspiring, as well as food that celebrates all that is tasty

Earlier this week, WAFarmers President Dale Park represented the Agrifood Alliance at a hearing for the review of Australia’s visa system. WAFarmers has also contributed to a written submission by the Alliance to the review. The review, announced earlier this year, aims to provide recommendations on how to maintain the integrity of the 457 visa programme, while not placing unnecessary administrative burdens on business. WAFarmers has previously voice its concerns that the current visa system

WAFarmers would like to congratulate the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC) for winning two major research awards and being shortlisted for a third at the 2014 CRC Association Awards this week. WAFarmers Meat Section President Jeff Murray attended the awards ceremony in Perth and said it was excellent to see the Sheep CRC recognised for the brilliant work it continues to do to increase the productivity and profitability of the meat