News

Funded ag training places - Rural Biz Training

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:22:00 GMT

Dubbo-based training organisation RuralBiz Training have advised that there are still some funded places available for a number of courses they run including

Diploma of Agriculture
Diploma of Agribusiness Management
Physical Property Planning.

The government-funded places are particularly suited to farmers or managers but anyone can apply. Please see their website www.ruralbiztraining.com.au or call 02 6884 8812 for more details.

Feel free to pass this on if you know anyone who might be interested in any training.

Grain Gain – Technology: Sydney, 19 – 21 March 2012

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:21:00 GMT

Registrations Closing – Register now….

Grain Gain – Technology: Sydney, 19 – 21 March 2012

A joint training and development program by GrainGrowers and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). It is designed to strengthen individuals technical skills relating to grain quality and markets, and grow leadership skills. The course is open to all grains industry participants.

What will you learn:

How to really understand how and why grain quality impacts on market returns
How to measure grain quality and the tricks of the trade
Experience the impacts of different grain qualities on flour production
Sample the products and see the impact of various grain qualities
Hear experts present how we are perceived in our key export markets
See how to use this expertise and skills to grow your leadership capabilities with teams of people
Understand the consumer end of grain products and the role of cereals in the diet

Where:

Grain Growers, 1 Rivett Road, North Ryde, NSW, 2113
Accommodation (your own arrangements – suggest Quest Apartments, Delhi Road, North Ryde)

When?

Monday 19 – Wednesday 21 March, 2012
8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Course dinner on 19 March, and
Course ends 12.30 pm on Wednesday 21 March

Trainers?

Professor Gordon MacAulay, Principal Economist, GrainGrowers
Dr Ken Quail, General Manager, Technical Services, GrainGrowers
Dr Sonya Richard, Research Scientist, Asian Foods, GrainGrowers
Mr Mathew Rees, Mill Manager, GrainGrowers
Dr Ian Wesley, Principal Scientist, GrainGrowers
Robyn Murray, CEO, Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council

Cost?

Growers: $50
Non-Growers: $260

Course Registration by 5.00 pm Tuesday 13 March 2012

Contact: Katrina Dicks at (02) 8877 7832 or katrina.dicks@graingrowers.com.au

Online registration form: http://www.graingrowers.com.au/images/Documents/grain_gain_registration_11_jan.pdf

For further information on this course or any of the Grain Gain courses, please do not hesitate to contact Katrina, myself or GrainGrowers directly on 02 9888 9600.

We look forward to seeing you at the course!

Partners In Grain Spray Workshops - MARCH

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:40:00 GMT

SPRAY WORKSHOPS

Partners in grain have organised Craig Day to present two ‘Don’t be a Drifter’ spray application workshops. It is a very informative 1 and a 1/2 day workshop, with the 1st day covering all the theory with practical sessions using fluro dye and UV light to observe chemical coverage on the plants.

The 2nd 1/2 day you will be split into small groups to calibrate and test your own machines. This course is suitable for obtaining chemical accreditation or re-accreditation. The cost is $660 per person with a 65% Farmready rebate for eligible participants, which brings the cost to approx. $235 (see flier for more info)

Dates & Locations of Spray Workshops

Tues 6th & Wed 7th March – Narromine @ the Narromine Aero Club
Tues 6th & Wed 7th March – Narromine @ the Narromine Aero Club

More info -

Katrina McDougall

NSW Coordinator

nsw@partnersingrain.org.au

0403 295 554 or 02 6896 2293

Partners In Grain Officer Workshops - February

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:50:00 GMT

Partners in Grain are hosting Office Workshops presented by Jean Buegge from WA in February 2012.

The workshops will change the way you see office work, making you more efficient and more organised. Jean will equip you with new ideas to tackle office jobs, and will re-vamp your filing system making BAS’s a breeze.

Where:

Walgett – Wednesday 22^nd February

Quambone – Thursday 23^rd February

Nyngan – Friday 24^th February

Corinella – Monday 27^th February

Parkes – Tuesday 28^th February

Dubbo – Wednesday 29th February

Starts at 8.45 – 3 pm, lunch is included

Cost is $330 per person with a 65% Farmready rebate for eligible participants.

Contact Katrina McDougall for more information.

NSW Partners in Grain
02 6896 2293
0403 295 554
melrosejk@harboursat.com.au

Young Farmers Forum - The Future of Irrigation II

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:57:00 GMT

YOUNG FARMERS FORUM

“The Future of Irrigation II”

The NSW Irrigators’ Council (NSWIC) is hosting a two day forum in Canberra, ACT on 15 & 16 March 2012, specifically designed for young farmers.

This Federally funded program is open to all young famers in Australia, both men and women, between the ages of 18 to 30 who are involved in farming / irrigation. The two day forum will provide participants with information and opportunities to continue developing their skills and knowledge in areas which are vital to their success and that of the industry.

This forum is targeted at business-related issues, climate and carbon issues, commodity and water trading opportunities, government engagement information and personal development skills, among others. We will also be attending a session of Question Time at Parliament House on the Thursday afternoon.

Costs of attending the forum (accommodation, meals and forum materials) are all included. We are also hoping to organize ground transportation to and from the event from certain locations or reimbursing a portion of airline costs. Details will be advised.

As the final details of the forum are not yet set, we are asking for an expression of interest in participating at this time. There is no commitment entered into by returning this form, it simply means we keep you updated on the forum as it develops and the final details are confirmed.

The official registration will begin in January and will be on a “first come first served” basis, with those who registered their interest with this form being advised first.

We look forward to you joining us in Canberra, March 2012!

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Young Farmers Canberra Forum - 15 & 16 March, 2012
==========================================================================
* Would you be able to attend both days of the forum?
* First Name:
* Last Name:
* Email Address:
* Your Home Address:
* Best Contact Number:
* How would you get to and from this forum in Canberra?

Please send these details to the attention of Mark Moore –
mark@nswic.org.au / Fax: (02) 9251 8477 / Tel: (02) 9251 8466

Helping farmers cash in on Australia's clean energy future

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:32:00 GMT

Landholders take Action on the Ground

29 November 2011
DAFF11/262L

Source: http://daff.gov.au/ludwig/media_office/media_releases/media_releases/2011/november/landholders_take_action_on_the_ground

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has today announced the first round of the $99 million Action on the Ground program to help farmers cash in on Australia’s clean energy future.

Action on the Ground is funding to help farmers over the next six years to trial and demonstrate on-farm practices and technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and nitrous oxide or increase soil carbon.

Minister Ludwig, who visited an on-farm demonstration site near Mildura today, said the program will provide landholders, researchers, industry, government and non-government groups with funding to address the sources of agricultural emissions.

“Action on the Ground will provide farmers with support to develop the tools to mitigate the impact of climate change and help Australia meet its emission reduction targets,” Minister Ludwig said.

“The first funding round of competitive grants will commit up to $25 million between now and 2015.”

The program is a part of the Carbon Farming Futures Fund under the government’s $1.7 billion Land Sector Package.

Funding can be used to help reduce methane emissions from farmed animals and their waste; improve fertiliser use to reduce nitrous oxide emissions; and the planting and rotation of crops and grazing practices to reduce emissions from soils or increase carbon stored in soil.

“Today I visited a demonstration site near Mildura, managed by Mallee Sustainable Farming in partnership with the Birchip Cropping Group,” Minister Ludwig said.

“This is one of the many on-farm demonstration sites that have been established as part of the National Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative, a $9.5 million partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

“The work on display here in Mildura is a preview of the great things to come for the agriculture industry thanks to funding programs such as Action on the Ground.

“Anyone interested in reducing on-farm greenhouse gas emission from the agricultural sector or increasing carbon stored in soils should make the most of this funding opportunity.”

To find out more about eligibility and how to apply for the first round of funding, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website at www.daff.gov.au/climatechange/carbonfarmingfutures/action-on-the-ground.

Grants to realise big ideas from young rural innovators

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:46:00 GMT

Grant applications are now open for the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. If you’re 18-35, this is your chance to apply for up to $22,000 to fund your project on an innovative or emerging scientific issue to benefit Australia’s primary industries.

The Awards aim to encourage science, innovation and technology in rural industries and help to advance the careers of young scientists through national recognition of their research ideas. Project recipients can undertake groundbreaking research and innovation with the objective of keeping Australia’s rural industries sustainable and profitable. The Awards have already helped more than 150 young Australians make their ideas a reality and showcase their talent to the world.

There are twelve Award categories open for applications: cotton, dairy, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry, grains, viticulture and oenology, animal welfare, red meat processing, pork, new and emerging rural industries, meat and livestock and horticulture. Each category includes a grant of up to $22,000 for the nominated project.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Award provides an additional $33,000 to one recipient of the industry Awards to extend their project.

Applications in each category Award and the Minister’s Award are assessed by a judging panel of industry representatives, convened by the Award sponsor to assess applications.

Applications close 5pm AEDT Friday 18 November 2011.

Application documents

2012 Information for applicants
2012 Application form Word [305kb]

Tips and information

Questions? Try the frequently asked questions.
Read the 2011 Award winners’ booklet PDF [1.5mb] – it provides a great overview of the types of projects that have been funded previously.
Visit the relevant sponsor’s website – you can find out about their current areas of research and determine the uniqueness of your ideas. There’s a list of sponsors below and sponsors have also provided an overview for you.
Write in plain English and avoid technical jargon – ask a non-scientist to read your application and check its clarity.
Read What happens if I win a Science Award? and the sample DAFF short form funding deed.

2012 Science Award partners

We thank these organisations for their support and commitment to the 2012 Awards

Australian Animal Welfare Strategy
Australian Meat Processor Corporation
Australian Pork Limited
Cotton Research and Development Corporation
Dairy Australia
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Forest & Wood Products Australia
Grains Research and Development Corporation
Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation
Horticulture Australia
Meat and Livestock Australia
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

Questions?

Contact the Science Awards team
Phone: 02 6272 2260 or 02 6272 2303
Email: Science Awards

Stewardship for late season application of herbicides in winter crops

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:04:00 GMT

Stewardship for late season application of herbicides in winter crops

The responsibility to avoid herbicide residues in delivered cereal, pulse and oilseed
grains sits squarely with grain growers and their advisers.

The application of herbicides late in the season to prevent weeds setting seed or to desiccate crops must be carried out with caution and in line with herbicide label recommendations.

It is essential to check if these practices are acceptable to buyers, as in some situations markets have extremely low or even zero tolerance to some pesticide and herbicide residues.

Late season herbicide use

There are three reasons to apply non-selective herbicides late in the season:

-    just prior to harvest to manage late season weeds;
-    in-crop spray topping of annual ryegrass to prevent seed set; and
-    for pre-harvest desiccation of the crop to accelerate or even up ripening
     to assist with harvest.

Click here (1,212KB, PDF) to download the fact sheet.

GRDC Back Pocket Guides for Diseases

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:49:00 GMT

These guides will help you identify diseases that cause damage to crops across Australia.

Some of the diseases can be initially identified from paddock symptoms whilst others require a more careful inspection of the root, lower stems or leaves.

Patches, or otherwise poorly performing crops, can also be caused by other factors such as poor nutrition, soil problems, insect pests or environmental stresses that are not covered in these guides.

The following back pocket guides for diseases are available in PDF for you to download:

Click here to download Canola Diseases: The Back Pocket Guide (1.7MB, PDF).

Click here to download Cereal Root and Crown Diseases: The Back Pocket Guide (1.8MB, PDF).

Click here to download Managing Blackleg and Sclerotinia in Canola: The Back Pocket Guide (922K, PDF).

Click here to download Wheat Rust: The Back Pocket Guide (965K, PDF).

Click here to download Wheat and Barley Leaf Symptoms: The Back Pocket Guide (826K, PDF).

A hard copy of each publication is available for purchase from the GRDC Ground Cover Direct Bookshop. Click here for more details on how to order.

Send to a Friend | Unsubscribe from GRDC Disease emails | Unsubscribe from all GRDC emails

Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC)
PO Box 5367 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Australia
Level 1, 40 Blackall Street, BARTON ACT 2600 Australia
Telephone: (02) 6166 4500 Fax: (02) 6166 4599

2011 RAS Field Crop Competition and ASC Wheat Crop Competition

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:13:00 GMT

Congratulations to local growers and Agrigrain clients on their success.

‘Exceptional’ year for wheat

http://www.narrominenewsonline.com.au/news/local/news/rural/exceptional-year-for-wheat/2344732.aspx

The 2011 RAS Field Crop Competition and ASC Wheat Crop Competition for the Narromine district were held last month. The field crop tour consisted of individual crops, which included Wheat, Chickpeas and Canola, from one side of the district to the other.

All of the various types of crops, such as Hyola 502RR Canola, 46Y83 Canola, Flipper Chickpeas were being assessed and judged during the tour for management that was mainly focused on nutrition, weed management (rotation of chemistry) and gross margin.

MPAC agronomist Ryan Pratten was thrilled with the crops on show.

“We would like to thank all of the growers who participated in the competition this year,” Mr Pratten said.

“It is a real credit to their agronomic management in producing such economical, high yielding crops.’’

The stand out crops and commendable farmers who took out the top places were:

RAS Field Crop Competition-

1st: Barry Dugan ‘Toobaroo West’ with a crop of Canola.

2nd: Rob McCutcheon ‘Mullah’ with a crop of Canola.

3rd: Allan Gadsby of ‘Milo’, with a crop of Wheat.

ASC Wheat Crop Competition-

o 1st: John Tuck, with a crop of EGA Gregory, grown at ‘Backwater’.

o 2nd: S J McCutcheon and Sons, with a crop of Sunbri, grown at ‘Nungar’.

o 3rd: Pat White, with a crop of EGA Gregory, grown at ‘Alvaholme’.

Mr Pratten said a special mention must be made of Leigh Jenkins from NSW DPI who was the judge of the ASC Wheat Crop Competition.

“Given the tough start to the year all Wheat crops were exceptional,” Miss Jenkins commented.

“The Field Crop Competition tour day was deemed a success for all those involved, for most it was a very worthwhile opportunity to assess which farming practices were able to make the most of a trying season,” Mr Pratten added.

Harvest Casual Work Available - Narromine

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:19:00 GMT

Agrigrain are now recruiting harvest casuals for November - December 2011.

Positions available include

Yard labourers
Sample stand attendants
Weighbridge operators
Trade assistant

Experience in any of the above would be highly regarded. Please call the office for more details or email agrigrain@agrigrain.com with your CV and the role you are interested in.

GRDC mouse control information kit

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:16:00 GMT

Missed GRDC's emergency internet broadcast to discuss mouse control? Or want a refresher on what was said?

The full broadcast, including all questions put to the panel, is now available online.

To view the broadcast go to the GRDC website (www.grdc.com.au/pestlinks) or click on: http://vioca.st/GRDC_Mouse_Control_Broadcast and select low, medium, or high quality "Launch Webcast".

The broadcast featured a panel discussion with key experts:

Dr Rohan Rainbow, Manager Crop Protection, Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC)
Dr Simon Humphrys, Commercialisation Manager, Invasive Animals CRC
Andrew Polkinghorne, farmer and Grain Producers Australia
Alan Norden, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)

Further information on mouse control is available on the webcast site to view or download, or you can go to www.grdc.com.au/pestlinks.

You can also have a mouse control information kit mailed to you by contacting Kate Leahy on 02 8204 3818 or katel@coxinall.com.au.

Partners In Grain (PInG) Quarterly Newsletter

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:52:00 GMT

Please click on the link to access the Partners In Grain (PInG) Quarterly Newsletter. Agrigrain were proud to support the PInG Grain Marketing Forums held in the region.

PinG are looking for interested parties for their Office Workshops. See website for details.

http://www.partnersingrain.org.au/AccountData/32/content/docs/NSWOctNews11.pdf.pdf

Master of Agriculture - Commonwealth Supported Places at The University of Sydney

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:49:00 GMT

The Master of Agriculture is focused on providing you with the expertise necessary to tackle and create solutions in areas such as food security, climate change, managing carbon, water and the environment within the changing complexity of global markets and world economics.

For more information about the Master of Agriculture and the Commonwealth Supported Places available in the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources please visit: www.sydney.edu.au/agriculture/future_postgraduates/masters_agriculture

2011 bcu Bill Ussher Agricultural Farming Grant

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:18:00 GMT

2011 bcu Bill Ussher Agricultural Farming Grant

If the land is your living, bcu is offering you a chance to boost your business with the launch of the 2011 bcu Bill Ussher Agricultural Grant.

Developed by bcu to support and grow success, innovation and employment in agricultural pursuits, the grant worth $11,000 is presented each year to two primary producers, farmers or growers.

The winner of this year’s grant will receive $7,700, with the runner up receiving $3,300.

Grant recipients are encouraged to use the funds to improve business practice, access new markets, introduce new stock or species or to further their agricultural or business education.

Past recipients of the grant include a fodder crop producer, sugar cane farmer, hydroponic vegetable grower, lychee producer, tomato grower and a beef producer.

Application forms and details are available at www.bcu.com.au or at any bcu branch.

Applications close December 9, 2011. The winners will be announced in February 2012.

For more information, call 1300 228 228 or email Danielle Callaghan at dcallaghan@bcu.com.au