CATTLE numbers are dwindling at sales across the state, causing a flurry of buyers at last week’s VLE Leongatha store sale and a subsequent jump in prices. Agents are anticipating lower numbers for most of winter, which could see prices hold steady in the lead up to spring. SEJ livestock agent Terry Johnston said the […]
DAIRY farmers are awaiting the outcome of a 12 month review of the industry’s voluntary code of practice by the Australian Dairy Industry Council, 12 months after its introduction. Dumbalk dairy farmer Damian Murphy said after the events of April 2016, something needed to be done to rebuild trust and relationships between farmers and processors. […]
FARMLAND values in Bass Coast and South Gippsland continued to increase in 2017, a trend replicated across most of the state. Last year in Bass Coast Shire, the median price per hectare was $16,144, nearly $2000 up on the three year average of $14,164. There was an estimated 26 farm sales in Bass Coast in […]
WOOLAMAI dairy farmer Paul Kent said when he was approached by Sallie Jones from Gippsland Jersey to be involved in a calendar addressing mental health issues, it was a “no brainer”. “I’ll do near anything to get the mental health awareness out there,” he said. The calendar, launched at Farm World in April, tells the […]
THE pressures of running a farm make it hard to take time out to learn about new methods and ideas, but for Foster farmer David Hall, it’s an essential part of his business. Amongst the large number of local farmers who have been involved in the Healthy Soils Sustainable Farms program, West Gippsland Catchment Management […]
ANTICIPATION is building in the dairy industry, as farmers expect opening season milk prices to be unveiled soon. Burra Foods and Fonterra Australia have declared they will announce their opening prices shortly. Burra Foods, of Korumburra, yesterday (Monday) announced it is offering farmers the chance to lock in a percentage of their milk at a […]
DAIRY farmers are calling for a simpler and fairer milk payment system, with more emphasis on the value of milk solids. Two reports commissioned by Jersey Australia, funded by Farming Together, had shown pricing systems don’t necessarily represent the current market value of milk components, to the disadvantage of higher component farmers. Jersey Australia said […]
AN INFORMATION session was held at Outtrim on Sunday, to help farmers and farm businesses learn ways to become more energy efficient. Bob Davie from Phillip Island shared his experience and vision to see a zero emissions beef industry. Kate Chard from SC Group gave participants a chance to ride the EcoCharger electric quadbike, and […]
There were approximately 1600 export cattle of which 1000 were cows and 300 young cattle penned representing an increase of 420 head week on week. The usual buying group was present but not all operating fully in a mixed market. Quality declined in the grown cattle while there was a better selection of grass finished […]
THE Australian dairy industry could benefit from the management structures employed by dairy farms in New Zealand, according to a young South Gippslander. Rhiannon Parry of Wonthaggi North took part in a New Zealand Study Tour organised by the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) and funded by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation. The dairy farmer was […]