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2018 AUSTRALIAN BIOSECURITY AWARD NOMINATIONS
Nominations are now open in a variety of categories for the 2018 Australian Biosecurity Awards; and a new nomination this year supported by AHA and PHA is the Farm Biosecurity Prodcuer of the Year!
If you know a farmer who takes biosecurity seriously and goes the extra length to avoid diseases, pests and weeds coming on to their property, then nominate them for the 2018 Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year by 20 October.
SEPTEMBER MEETING WEEK
From 18 to 22 September AHA hosted its second meeting week of the year, with members and stakeholders from all around the country in attendance. Emergency animal disease training, Member, Industry and Government Forums, and research workshops were held throughout this week. It’s an exciting time for us at AHA to share our knowledge and insights with everyone through many interesting discussions. A big thankyou to all who attended and presented – we look forward to seeing you again in November. Have a look at some great photos below!
BIOSECURITY UPDATE
From 1 October several new modules will be released on LPA Learning that are a part of the accreditation for the Livestock Production Assurance program. Read more in our latest news below.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data has shown that agriculture is the biggest contributor to Australia's economy. How fantastic to be a part of Australia's fastest growing sector! Find out more below.
I hope you enjoy reading this month's edition of AHA Express
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Nominations for the 2018 Australian Biosecurity Awards now open
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, media release, 11 September 2017
Every Australian can now nominate individuals and businesses who have made outstanding contributions to the protection of our $60 billion agricultural industries and the health of our animals, plant and people through the 2018 Australian Biosecurity Awards.
Read more
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AHA and Plant Health Australia accepting the 2017 Australian Biosecurity Award for the Farm Biosecurity Project.
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Online learning tool to guide LPA producers
Murray Arnel, Stock and Land, 8 September 2017
The new modules compliment the program’s existing learning modules covering on‐farm food safety practices. The expansion supports producers in meeting the new biosecurity and animal welfare requirements which will form part of the LPA program as from 1 October, 2017.
Read more
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Farmers dux of the Aussie economy
Australian Farmers, media release, 8 September 2017
Australian farmers can take a bow with the latest national accounts figures revealing agriculture is now the nation’s biggest contributor to gross domestic product (GDP) and the fastest growing sector.
Read more
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Ms Michelle Gorman, AHA Director since 2016
Michelle is the Head of Small Business Lending Product at Westpac. Michelle joined Westpac in 2015 via the inaugural Equilibrium Program – a CEO sponsored initiative that attracts women with executive experience from industries other than banking.
Michelle spent nearly 20 years in the food and agriculture sector, predominantly at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). Her last role at MLA was General Manager, Industry Systems, responsible for the development of industry-wide programs enabling Australian livestock production to maintain world's best practice with a focus on food safety, traceability and eating quality.
During 2003 to 2006 Michelle worked as a lobbyist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, the largest farmer and rancher organisation in the United States.
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This month we caught up with Christian Mulders, Australian Lot Feeders Association CEO, about his experiences and thoughts on the industry.
You have quite the history within the industry, what inspired you to study agriculture?
I was raised in Sydney but have a country heart. I had a passion for nature, plants, animals and the Aussie bush from an early age. Plus my grandfather owned butcher shops, which gave me an understanding of the importance of food production - and the taste for a great steak. Studying Agricultural Economics at Sydney University gave me the opportunity to work for the Meat Research Corporation and then various industry roles spanning 20 years.
Read more
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Members of the AUSVETPLAN Technical Review Group.
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AUSVETPLAN heads to the Territory.
Animal Health Australia, News post, 20 September 2017
The Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) Technical Review Group (TRG) journeyed to Alice Springs last month to witness one of Australia’s busiest cattle transit sites and also gain an insight into managing livestock during outbreak times in remote areas such as the Northern Territory.
Read more
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Members, stakeholders, industry personnel and staff of AHA at the September Meeting Week 2017 Networking Night on Wednesday 20 September.
Click here for more
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Wool industries collaborate on emergency animal disease preparedness – vision underpinned by practice
Animal Health Australia, News post, 21 September 2017
AHA’s Member organisation, WoolProducers Australia, are a key participant in the Federation of Australian Wool Organisations’ Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Working Group, which is a proactive group of wool industry organisations focused on addressing challenges in EAD preparedness and response.
Read more
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The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) is improving the current agricultural export legislative framework, as part of an initiative to strengthen agricultural exports and market access.
Public consultation on the draft Export Control Bill 2017 is now open. To assist the public, DAWR are hosting a series of information sessions across the country.
To find out more or find a session near you, click here
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Be a mate, check your bait
Biosecurity Queensland, White Spot Campaign, 05 September 2017
As part of Biosecurity Queensland's white spot disease program, the new 'Check your bait mate' campaign has been launched, urging all fishers to check before they go out that their bait is Australian wild-caught from a quality supplier or bait they have caught themselves. Cricket legend Andrew Symonds explains in the video above.
For more information visit http://www.qld.gov.au/checkyourbait
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Meet our staff! - Jackie Poyser
Communications and Partnerships Manager
"The past two years have been so professionally rewarding for me - not only have I learnt so much about the depth of Australia’s agriculture industry, but I’ve been fortunate to work with and meet some remarkable champions of the Australian agriculture sector.”
Jackie came to AHA with over 10 years’ communications and membership experience in the private health sector, with a strong focus on rural health issues. She also has many years of experience in event management, which has her well placed to manage AHA’s event facilities.
She is part of a dynamic communications team, responsible for driving AHA’s communication and engagement strategies.
Jackie is also an Executive Committee Member of the National Rural Press Club – a cohort of agriculture communications specialists who are looking to highlight issues affecting rural and regional Australia.
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Lamb. The meat more people can eat
MLA, You never lamb alone campaign, 04 September 2017
MLA have launched their latest lamb marketing campaign.
Following on from the 'You never lamb alone' campaign, the latest campaign continues with the theme that lamb is the dish that brings everyone together.
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Feedback sought on horse identification
NSW Department of Primary Industries, media release, 04 September
Horseowners are being asked to have their say about the possible introduction of mandatory identification for all horses in NSW.
NSW DPI is seeking feedback via a short online survey to gauge interest and support for a simple NSW horse identification scheme
“DPI is prepared to take the initiative forward but we would need the support of the horse industry.
I invite horseowners to participate as their feedback will help mould the future of the equine industry." said DPI Director Biosecurity & Food Safety Compliance, Peter Day.
Read more
To complete the survey, click here
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Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA, Animal Health Surveillance in WA, 18 September 2017
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in WA has just launched a four-minute video about the benefits of the animal health surveillance system to WA producers and the WA livestock industries.
Find out more here
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FARM BIOSECURITY NEWSLETTER
The September edition of the Farm Biosecurity e-newsletter is now available. This month features the following articles:
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Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Level 4, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4072
For more information click here
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University of New England, Education Building (E007), Armidale, NSW
For more information click here
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Flash us your best feral photos and videos
PestSmart, media Release, 21 September 2017
The Annual PestSmart Feral Photo and Video Competition is back for its seventh year, again with great prizes on offer and new categories to enter, including weed infestations.
This year the competition is offering 5 prizes each worth $300, for the winner of the following special categories, which include:
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Best invasive animal image which showcases impact.
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Best weed image which showcases impact.
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Best image showcasing community collaboration in pest animal management.
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The people’s choice – favourite image.
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Best video footage showcasing invasive animal or weed impacts.
To find out more or to enter, click here
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Australian Food Awards: Australian Honey Products claims trophy
Roger Hanson, The Weekly Times, 15 September 2017
A Tasmanian honey producer has been left buzzing after taking home the champion trophy for best exhibit at the Australian Food Awards last week.
Read more
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Celebrating and inspiring the next generation of female leaders across Australia.
The Award acknowledges and supports the essential role women play in rural businesses, industries and communities.
Apply now if you want to create impact, innovate and enhance the prosperity of rural and regional Australia. State and territory winners receive a $10,000 bursary, professional development opportunities and access to a thriving alumni network.
Read more or apply here
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Bat experts study flowering gums and infectious diseases link in Qld
Tony Moore, Brisbane Times, 17 September 2017
International bat ecologists have arrived in Queensland to study the impact of changes in flowering eucalypts on bat populations and the emergence of infectious diseases such as SARS, Hendra virus and Ebola throughout the world.
Read more
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Online survey for sheep producers
Charles Sturt University, media release, 14 September 2017
There's a call for sheep producers to take part in a survey as part of research to better understand and improve animal health and biosecurity practices.
Read more
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Cuddles with camels as dromedary dairy branches out into agritourism
Jennifer Nichols, ABC Rural, 15 September 2017
It was a sliding door moment when Wayne Morris and his wife Melanie Fitzgibbon sat down three years ago to watch a Landline program on milking camels.
Within a week they'd bought 11, going on to establish a purpose-built dromedary dairy on a leased hilltop at Scrubby Creek near Gympie.
Read more
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Women on farms must own their contribution
Fiona Simson, Australian Farmers blog post, 13 September 2017
The parents of my children are farmers. It is true — it says it on their birth certificate.
I remember it like it was yesterday. Searching for the right occupation when filling out the birth register form and my decision to say that, like my husband, I was a farmer.
Read more
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Urban beekeeping trending in Sydney as spring warms hives and bees get active
Sarina Locke, ABC Rural, 02 September
Urban beekeeping is trending in Sydney with hives at the airport, Rookwood Cemetery, the botanic gardens and on the rooftops of several plush inner-city hotels.
Read more
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Australian pearl industry certified sustainable by Marine Stewardship Council
Richard Hudson, ABC Rural, 06 September 2017
Announced today in Perth after an 18-month third-party assessment, it is the first time the MSC has certified a wild pearl fishery as sustainable.
Read more
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Northern Victorian piggery taps into its manure for energy
Stephanie Corsetti and Erin Delahunty, ABC Rural, 20 September 2017
A family-owned piggery in northern Victoria is about to unplug from the grid and rely on a $1 million biogas system for all its power.
Read more
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Keep up to date by following us on social media.
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Office location: Level 2, 95 Northbourne Ave, Turner ACT 2612
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