Census backs Rocky’s beef capital status

The Fitzroy Natural Resource Management (NRM) region of Queensland maintained the mantle of the largest cattle region in Australia, according to Meat & Livestock Australia. Drawing on results from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2011 national census, the Fitzroy region surrounding Rockhampton had 2.7 million cattle as at June 30, 2011, the most cattle of any NRM region in Australia. The Northern Territory, which is classified as a single NRM region, was the next largest with 2.1 million head, followed by another four Queensland NRM regions: Desert Channels (1.7 million head), Southern Gulf (1.59 million head), Burdekin (1.43 million head) and Border Rivers and Maranoa Balonne (1.2 million head). Across the other states, the largest cattle region for WA was the massive Rangelands (1.06 million head), which covers around 90% of WA. In NSW, the largest cattle numbers were in the Northern Rivers (941,324 head), while Glenelg Hopkins (928,242 head – south west Victoria) region was the largest in Victoria. For the Australian sheep flock, the Lachlan region of central NSW surrounding Forbes was the largest with 6.16 million head, followed by the Glenelg Hopkins (5.49 million head) region of Victoria, the NSW Central West (5.12 million head), Murrumbidgee (4.78 million head – centred on Wagga Wagga) and the South West of WA (4.3 million head).To view map showing the distribution of cattle by NRM region in Australia click here

US net farm income forecast to decline in 2012

Net farm income in the United States in 2012 is forecast to decline by almost $4 billion from its all-time high in 2011, according to the USDA’s 2012 farm income forecast released this week. Net cash income is expected to decline almost $2 billion. While the projected overall value of US agricultural production is expected to increase in 2012, the gains will be more than offset by increases in purchased inputs and payments to stakeholders. In particular, feed expenses are forecast to increase almost $10 billion in 2012. Farm equity is projected to achieve a new record high in 2012 as expected growth in farm assets exceeds the expected increase in farm debt. Debt repayment capacity utilization (DRCU)–a measure of farm exposure to financial risk–is forecast to tick upward while remaining at a near-historic low level. For further information click here

Independent Expert Scientific Committee to CSG and Coal announced

Federal environment minister Tony Burke has announced the membership of the new Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development. The group will review coal seam gas proposals and large coal mining developments and their potential impact on water resources when referred by the Commonwealth and state regulators. "The work of this committee will give communities reason to be confident that future decisions about coal seam gas and large coal mining development are informed by the best possible science,” Mr Burke said. "The committee will advise me on research priorities that address critical gaps in scientific understanding of the actual and potential water related impacts associated with coal seam gas and large coal mining activities, and scope what research is needed to reduce these knowledge gaps." The members of the group are: Ms Lisa Corbyn (Chair);  Professor Craig Simmons;  Emeritus Professor Angela Arthington; Ms Jane Coram; Dr Andrew Johnson; Mr Jim McDonald; Professor Dayanthi Nugegoda; and Emeritus Professor Peter Flood . For further information and biographical profiles on each member click here

New APVMA advisory board 

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has welcomed a new advisory board for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). The new board will support the APVMA, which is responsible for the assessment, registration and ongoing quality of agricultural and veterinary chemical products. The advisory board will provide expert advice and recommendations to the APVMA’s chief executive officer relating to the performance of a function or the exercise of a power.  DAFF First Assistant Secretary, Agricultural Productivity Division, Matt Koval said the board is made up of individuals that meet seven specific areas of expertise, together with an additional member who provides complementary expertise. The Department acknowledged outgoing chair Mr Mark Allison, and members Mr Wayne Cornish, Mr Claude Gauchat, Ms Jenni Mack, Professor Michael Moore and Dr Simon Robinson for their service to the authority. APVMA advisory board appointees are:

• Associate Professor Dr Lyn Fragar AO, Chair (NSW) – Public health and occupational health and safety
• Mr Roger Toffolon (NSW) and Dr Sandra Baxendell PSM (QLD) – Regulation, under State or Territory law, of chemical products (two members)
• Mr Selwyn Snell (NSW) – Agricultural chemical industry
• Dr Lisa Wade (NSW) – Veterinary chemical industry
• Mr John Hassell (WA) – Primary production
• Dr Gordon Reidy (NSW) – Environmental toxicology, including knowledge of the effect of chemical in ecosystems
• Mr David Lawson (QLD) – Protecting consumer interests
• Ms Bronwyn Capanna (NSW) – Optional additional member with experience in a field relevant to the APVMA’s functions

Ludwig launches new climate change strategy

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig has launched a revised Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CCRSPI) which he says will help build a sustainable, strong and viable future for Australia’s primary industries. Minister Ludwig said the strategy is designed to identify and help to mitigate the impacts of climate change through a wide range of research, development and extension. It supports a number of existing programs and policies including the $429 million Carbon Farming Futures Program, which helps farmers reduce on-farm emissions and enhance productivity. Mr Ludwig said up to $50 million in competitive grants are available under the latest round of the Filling the Research Gap Program, while a $64 million Extension and Outreach Program was helping primary producers make sense of carbon farming opportunities, and participate in the Carbon Farming Initiative. More information is available on the CCRSPI website www.ccrspi.org.au.

Help on way for Indian couch grass invasion

Queensland’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is bringing pasture management experts Stuart Buck and Brian Johnson to the Burdekin district to help local graziers battle an Indian couch invasion. Indian couch is outcompeting improved pasture species in some areas, predominantly Buffel grass, and has the ability to adversely affect productivity. DAFF FutureBeef extension officer Lauren Williams said it was a symptom of pasture rundown and the two workshops will detail the causes and symptoms of rundown and management practices to bring back desirable species and improve pastures. The workshops will give graziers an in-paddock view of degraded pasture, and then some practical solutions. The free "Improve Pasture Management and Give Couch the Boot" workshops will be held on December 4 at Alpha Golf Club, Alpha and on December 5 at Lancewood Station, Nebo-Mt Coolon Road. Both workshops will run from 8am to lunchtime.  To register for the workshops, or for more information, contact Lauren Williams on 49 67 07 32 or email Lauren.Williams@daff.qld.gov.au