More signs of price recovery on AuctionsPlus

Another big line of weaners sold on AuctionsPlus on Friday provided further evidence of renewed confidence in the young cattle market. Arthur and Sandra Cox and family of Speriby North Angus, in NSW’s New England district, offered their annual draft of 240 EU-accredited weaner heifers. The heifers were sire-identified and performance recorded, and drafted into eight separate lots to allow the opportunity for buyers to compete regardless of herd size. And compete they did, with 16 individual bidders lodging bids in an effort to secure their share of the high quality draft. The lots sold from $575 to $775 per head, averaging 217c/kg liveweight, with a top price equivalent of 224c. Both the vendors and selling agent Ben Sharpe of Ray White Rural Tenterfield were surprised and delighted with the result. Speriby North is rapidly gaining a reputation for producing Angus cattle with the commercial attributes required by both grass fatteners and lotfeeders alike. Inquiries were received from as far north as Blackall in western Queensland and south to Victorian and Southern NSW producers, along with local support. The eight lots were ultimately purchased by four repeat-buyers, all familiar with the performance of the Speriby North cattle.

Carbon tax to add $500m to transport costs from 2014

The Australian Trucking Association has estimated that the transport industry will be hit with more than $500m in additional costs if the Carbon Tax is applied to transport on July 1 next year, as per Gillard Government plans. The ATA estimates the move will add around seven cents a litre to the cost of fuel for heavy transport. The new tax is scheduled to begin from 1 July 2014 although the Government is yet to introduce the legislation. The Transport Workers Union says the tax will add $200 a week to a truck driver’s fuel costs. Opposition transport spokesman Warren Truss said that if the the Coalition is elected to Government in September, legislation to scrap the Carbon Tax will be the first legislation to be introduced to the new Parliament.

Police investigating WQ property thefts

Queensland stock and rural crime investigators are seeking public assistance to help locate a number of stolen items in western Queensland. Between June 6-7, several items were stolen from Portland Downs on the Isisford Ilfracombe Rd at Isisford including a 2013 Yellow Suzuki DRZ400, a 2012 Red Honda TRX500 Quad Bike, four Kent stock saddles and a caged silver generator with red Honda motor. A trailer which contained the 4-in-1 generator was towed out along the station track and the generator was removed and the trailer was set on fire. Police are appealing for public assistance with investigations relating to reports of fraud and the theft of machinery in South West Queensland. Police allege that between April 2013 and June 2013, a man stayed in various hotels and motels in Roma, St George, Cunnamulla, Charleville and Thargomindah and left without for his accommodation and meals, and they believe the incidents may be linked to the theft of a Yellow DAF Tip Truck with Queensland registration 839SWW and a yellow Caterpillar Front End Loader. The tip truck and loader may be on a rural property in Cunnamulla or St George. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Longreach Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad on 4652 5203 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333000.

2013 AgForce State Conference in Townsville

Production, Partnerships and Profitability will be the theme of the 2013 AgForce State Conference to be held in Townsville on September 17-19.  Speakers include  Peter Pontikis – Economist, Private Wealth Service, Westpac; Troy Setter, Chief Operating Officer, AA Co;  John Durkin, Merchandise Director, Coles; Scott Hansen, Managing Director, Meat and Livestock Australia; Steve de Kruijff, Vice President, Queensland Resources Council; Phil Holmes, Holmes and Co; Professor Glen Coleman, Heat of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland; and  Malcolm Dix, Comedian and Event Master of Ceremonies. The conference will also include a range of forums on AgForce policy and issues. The conference will be held at Rydges Southbank, Townsville from Tuesday, September 17 to Thursday, September 19. For registrations, programs and information go to www.agforceqld.org.au>Events>Conference2013. Early bird discounts expire on August 2, 2013.

NSW Farmers welcome native veg changes

NSW Farmers has welcomed NSW Government moves to reform current native vegetation laws, but says reforms should be more targeted. The changes include reforms to routine agricultural management activities and the introduction of self-assessable codes for certain activities that will take effect next year. The NSW Government will adopt all 40 recommendations from the Joe Lane Review with plans to undertake a more comprehensive review of the Act in future. NSW Farmers president Fiona Simson said balance was desperately needed in NSW veg management legislation. “Every day that goes by with the current native vegetation framework in place is another day that affects farmers’ productivity with no environmental benefit being delivered,” she said. “We welcome a complete overhaul of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 which is what has been announced today and is long overdue. But the opportunity should have been taken to make targeted amendments to what is a broken and flawed Act whilst this comprehensive and lengthy review process is undertaken.” NSW Farmers also wants the NSW Government to follow the Qld Government’s lead and suspend all current native vegetation prosecutions while the reform process takes place.

CSG Workshop seminars extended

Coal Seam Gas Information Workshops coordinated by AgForce will continue beyond the December expiration date after funds were secured through a five-way partnership with industry and government to maintain the project. The workshops were first established in late 2010 following the introduction of the Land Access Framework in Queensland and were designed to allay confusion surrounding landholder rights and responsibilities when negotiating with CSG companies.  Since that time, more than 2500 landholders have accessed the workshops throughout the Surat, Galilee and Bowen Basins. The new funding and delivery partnership includes Qld DAFF, DNRM, Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, GasFields Commission Qld and AgForce. Over the course of 2013-2014, 35 information sessions will be rolled out across all basins providing information pertaining to legal and land access frameworks, the rights and responsibilities of both parties, the process for assessing impacts on property using mapping products and a number of other important negotiation elements. Additionally, nine water and technical field days will be held and include information from independent hydrology and geology experts, CSG company representatives, Government representatives, the GasFields Commission and a range of other presenters to discuss a variety of technical issues including water and brine management.