|
|
|
|
|
MAY BRINGS BIG WINS FOR AGRICULTURE
2017 BUDGET
A pleasing outcome from the Federal Budget for the agriculture industry. Certain points to take note are the expansions of concessional loans to assist farmers and their partners and the recognition of the importance of landcare by the investment of $1 billion into the National Landcare Program.
JD IN CATTLE UPDATE
Recently the Northern Territory (NT) announced their entry requirements for JD in cattle effective from 1 July 2017 –arriving at a minimum entry requirement of J-BAS 6. Beef Central have provided an extensive run down of the new entry requirements. The Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food have also released new information regarding the national deregulation and what it means for their state. AHA also have various articles helpful for veterinarians and producers alike for JD in Cattle. Read our lead article below for a brief summary of these changes.
LEARNING INITIATIVE
We are very excited to see the launch of VETLEARN, an E-learning course for veterinarians, hobby farmers and backyard livestock. This fantastic initiative is a collaboration between the Australian Veterinary Association, NSW Department of Primary Industries and AHA. See below for more information.
IN SHORT
Finally it was fantastic to catch up with Cassandra Meagher, our featured interview this month who shared her thoughts on biosecurity in Australia. Cassandra played an important role in the Victorian agriculture industry as Executive Director Biosecurity Agriculture Victoria and we wish her the best of luck in her new endeavours.
I hope you enjoy reading this month's edition of Animal Health Express.
|
|
|
|
|
|
An example of Johne's Disease in cattle
|
|
|
|
|
Northern Territory to reduce Johne's disease regulations whilst Western Australia releases their state plan
With the transitional arrangements for the Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS) coming to an end soon on 30 June 2017, most states have removed regulation for Johne’s disease (JD) in cattle. This is part of the new national approach to manage on-farm biosecurity risks, rather than controlling the disease through regulation.
read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your agriculture budget news for 2017
The announcement of the annual budget is always a highly anticipated time of year. For your convenience Animal Health Australia (AHA) has collated some helpful quick links for your one-stop shop to what the budget means for you:
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, said the Budget centrepieces for the sector include:
-
the establishment of a $4 billion Regional Investment Corporation;
-
delivering over $1 billion for the National Landcare Program;
-
$8.3 million to support the livestock export industry; and
-
expanding concessional loans eligibility to farmers coming off the Farm Household Allowance.
Read more on this here
The importance of landcare has also been recognised in this year's budget with the government investing more than $1 billion in the National Landcare Program (NLP)
-
In Australia, there are around 5400 Landcare groups and 100,000 active volunteers in those groups.
-
Over 80 per cent of Australian farmers are involved in Landcare.
-
The annual economic cost of managing pest animals in Australia is estimated at about $1 billion. The cost of managing weeds in Australia is four times that, at $4 billion
-
More than 80 per cent of our mammals and 90 per cent of our trees, ferns and shrubs occur nowhere else on earth.
-
The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage Site encompassing 3000 coral reefs. It is worth approximately $5.2 billion to the tourism economy alone.
Read more on this here
|
|
|
|
|
VETLEARN: E-Learning Course, Veterinarians, Hobby Farmers and Backyard Livestock
Veterinarians, hobby farmers and backyard livestock is a new e-learning course as part of a national initiative between the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Animal Health Australia and the Australian Veterinary Association. This free course is relevant to all veterinarians nationally and will earn 2 CPD or VETED points.
This course consists of an introduction, four modules and an assessment.
You must visit all modules before attempting the assessment. In order to pass the course, you will need to achieve an assessment result of 80% or higher.
You will be able to print a Certificate of Completion once the assessment is complete.
For more information click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coalition Government delivers $20 million to assist prawn farmers
The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP media release 05 May 2017
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, said that the assistance would cover owner reimbursement costs for prawn farmers affected by the outbreak, including the costs of their farms being out of action for a season as part of an agreed eradication response plan.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
Animal welfare partnership targets ground-breaking research
Meat and Livestock Australia, Media Release, 15 May 2017
In one of the largest investments in livestock welfare research to date, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), through MLA Donor Company (MDC), has collaborated with some of the country’s leading researchers in a new partnership to undertake ground-breaking projects focused on animal welfare.
The Strategic Partnership for Animal Welfare Research, Development and Adoption (RD&A) has been launched by the group of organisations with a shared commitment to improving the Australian livestock industry’s already world-class animal welfare practices.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr Bruce Christie, Director since 2012
Bruce is the Deputy Director General Biosecurity and Food Safety, NSW Department of Primary Industries responsible for biosecurity and food safety strategy and policy development and implementation within NSW.
Bruce has over 30 years of experience working in biosecurity, initially as a veterinarian dealing with animal health and production issues and then across the broader biosecurity spectrum of animal and plant pests, diseases and weeds.
As NSW Chief Veterinary Officer he led responses to a number of exotic disease incursions, including the successful eradication of Equine Influenza (EI) from NSW and Australia.
Since 2004, when he was appointed to the position of Director Animal and Plant Biosecurity, Bruce has driven a cross-sectoral agenda aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of biosecurity systems for animals and plants in NSW and across Australia. He represents NSW on the National Biosecurity Committee and has been a key driver in the development of the national Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB) and the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA).
|
|
|
|
|
|
This month we caught up with Cassandra Meagher to chat about her previous role as Executive Director Biosecurity at Agriculture Victoria and her thoughts on biosecurity in Australia.
What did your role at Agriculture Victoria involve?
My role as Executive Director of Biosecurity involved leading on market access, animal health and welfare, plant pest diseases and invasive species strategy, policy and regulation for Victoria. I have been a member or chair of six state based agriculture committees and also represented Victoria on the National Biosecurity Committee.
Read More
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the first time ever, Australia’s aquatic industry was the focus of the annual Rapid Response Team (RRT) professional development activity.
This unique RRT activity, which took place from the 8 to 12 May, was hosted by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) and Animal Health Australia (AHA). The activity scenario focused around a fictitious outbreak of abalone viral ganglioneuritis in Tasmania.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
Biosecurity help just a phone call away for WA cattle farmers
WA cattle producers now have ready access to biosecurity and extension support with the appointment of Frances Gartrell to the position of a Livestock Biosecurity Network’s (LBN) Biosecurity and Extensions Manager.
Frances’ key role will be raising awareness about on‐farm biosecurity and emergency animal disease
processes, as well as providing general information on animal welfare and surveillance issues, said LBN Chairman Mr James Kellaway.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
In conjunction with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF), Poultry CRC and exhibition poultry groups, a new video offering practical advice for managing poultry at shows to minimise risk and keep exhibition poultry free from disease.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
Scientists jumping over obstacles for horse breeding in new initiative from Harness Racing Australia
In a world first, scientists from the University of Newcastle have developed a method which will allow horse sperm to survive longer, which, in turn will open the gate for more chances of success in overseas breeding programs.
This method will allow the sperm to survive for up to two weeks, instead of three days as it currently stands. This is because new nutrient-rich liquid will allow the sperm to survive at an ambient temperature, instead of the traditional chilling method which can damage the cells.
Read More
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sheepmeat Council of Australia, Future Flock Forum | St George
An opportunity for Queensland and Northern NSW sheep producers to hear from industry experts on key production and advocacy topics as producers rebuild the region’s sheep flock. Watch their highlights here!
|
|
|
|
|
Australian veterinarians in public health (AVPH)
This workshop will provide veterinary practitioners with skills and resources to help develop their capacity to provide services to smallholder farmers (particularly in peri-urban areas). The workshop will involve seminars as well as hands-on practical components.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beekeeping experiencing a boom in popularity
Amy McCosker, ABC Rural, 03 May 2017
Apiarist Steven Black has welcomed the renewed interest in beekeeping from the community, and has decided to start a beekeeping club in Rockhampton in response to enquiries from interested locals.
"The demand is growing and questions are being asked all the time, [like] how to get started, how to build a successful hive, and just the beginner stages," he said.
Australian Honey Bee Industry Council executive director Trevor Weatherhead said learning how to keep bees through clubs was the best way for beginners.
Read more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New invasive species research centre to maintain momentum
PestSmart, media release, 10 May 2017
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, has officially announced $20 million dollars of Australian Government funding towards a new invasive species research centre, called the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions.
The new research centre will build on the success of the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre’s (IA CRC) decade long track record of providing solutions to some of Australia’s most challenging and complex national problems, and continue to maintain strong collaborations between the Australian and state and territory governments’, industry and research agencies.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
Intensive animal husbandry ruling overkill, landholders protest
Alex Sampson, The Weekly Times, 10 May 2017
Victorian properties that plan to run more than five horses could be classified as intensive animal operations if a precedent is set by one rural council.
Greater Shepparton City Council is the first Victorian shire to insist on permission for intensive animal husbandry for a property planning to run more than five horses.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthrax outbreak: Biosecurity response tested
Lyndal Reading, The Weekly Times, 11 May 2017
Several cases of anthrax in sheep in the Mallee have tested Victoria’s biosecurity response.
Agriculture Victoria chief veterinary officer Dr Charles Milne said he was confident the state could handle a major livestock disease outbreak, following the anthrax cases near Swan Hill.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maggots dine on restaurant scraps before becoming fish food in aquaculture shake-up
Pamela Medlen, ABC Rural, 15 May 2017
A West Australian company hopes to use hundreds of tonnes of food scraps to feed maggots, which will then be turned into a food source for farmed fish.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
'Farmecco' – potential to transform financial literacy across the beef industry
Cattle Council of Australia, Media release, 09 May 2017
A new financial literacy tool specifically designed for Australian agriculture has the potential to transform how Australian beef producers operate their businesses.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FARM BIOSECURITY NEWSLETTER
The May edition of the Farm Biosecurity e-newsletter is now available. This month features the following articles:
|
|
|
|
|
Quiet achiever of beef industry awarded
Beef Central, 02 May 2017
One of Australia’s earliest Wagyu industry pioneers was honoured for his contribution to the breed’s spectacular development in this country during the opening stages of the 2017 Australian Wagyu Association Conference at Albury earlier today.
Read more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New techs exciting pest control potential
Mike Foley, The Land, 09 May 2017
CAPE YORK’S feral pigs sound like an unusual target market for personal fitness monitoring devices.
But a trial of a new monitoring system offers potential to not just increase the effectiveness of control measures, but create new commercial opportunities as well.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do you have what it takes to ace the Alpaca handling school?
Kallee Buchanan, ABC Rural, 16 May 2017
An alpaca farmer has revved-up a handling workshop to encourage more people to get involved in an industry which she says is especially good for children.
Louise Lazarus hosted her alpaca handling course in Queensland's Bundaberg where primary school students were introduced to the animals.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future certified as beef week steps back in time
Kevin Hogan MP, Media release, 15 May 2017
The Coalition Government has guaranteed $1 million to support delivery of the annual Casino Beef Week events from 2017 to 2020 in recognition of the central role the beef industry plays in the local region and across the nation.
Read more
|
|
|
Farmer of the year awards
Farming Ahead, 2017
The Australian Farmer of the Year Awards are designed to celebrate and applaud the outstanding achievements of those individuals and families making a significant contribution to Australian Agriculture.
Read more
|
|
|
Laura Meachim, Kalgoorlie Miner, 10 May 2017
Western Australia will adopt national livestock welfare standards, with the State Government making amendments to the Animal Welfare Act 2002 to bring WA in line with the rest of the country.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funding grants for Women's Leadership Development
Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across Australia’s agriculture sector.
The initiative is providing women with grants of between $3,000 and $8,000 to enable participation in a range of leadership development programs.
The leadership development programs are part-time and delivered nationally via WLA’s blended learning model. Scholarship funding is strictly limited and has to be allocated prior to the end of this financial year (June 30).
Expressions of Interest
Find out more and register your interest by completing the Expression of Interest form here prior to June 16, 2017: http://www.wla.edu.au/assoc-june17.html
|
|
|
|
|
Keep up to date by following us on social media.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office location: Level 2, 95 Northbourne Ave, Turner ACT 2612
|
|
|
|
 |
