Discussing the importance of fodder crops to the northern cattle export supply chain is Berrimah Livestock’s Brendon Lewis, Senator Sam McMahon, NTLEA CEO Tom Dawkins and Minister David Littleproud at the Berrimah Export Yards.

DARWIN’S Berrimah Export Yards, a modern centrepiece of the northern cattle export supply chain, provided a pertinent backdrop for the launch of a new northern agricultural supply chain research project last Thursday.

The project, launched by Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud in collaboration with the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) and NT Farmers, will culminate in a report which will provide recommendations on supply chains and opportunities for Northern Territory agriculture.

Standing in one of the Berrimah Export Yards’ two Entegra Ridgeback sheds developed as part of a major upgrade in 2018, Minister Littleproud said the project would provide a blueprint for government and industry on how export and domestic supply chains can further support the development of the Northern Territory’s agricultural industries.

“The CRCNA and NT Farmers have done a great job bringing the key industry players and supply chain stakeholders to the table and working to develop an R&D venture which will build on the knowledge and opportunity we know is already here and deliver a strong platform to deliver economic outcomes for the north,” Minister Littleproud said.

NT Farmers CEO Paul Burke said the project would draw upon the experience of long-established export supply chains in the north, like those of the live cattle trade.

“We will generate a report at the end of the study which will provide recommendations on supply chains and opportunities for agriculture. We will work closely with government and industry to fully incorporate the recommendations for the benefit of producers and Territorians,” he said.

NT Farmers CEO Paul Burke at the Berrimah Export Yards.

NT Livestock Exporters Association CEO Tom Dawkins said the NTLEA-owned export yards at Berrimah was a symbolic setting for the Minister’s announcement.

“Our Berrimah facility already showcases what modern agricultural infrastructure and investment in innovation can achieve, so we were delighted to welcome the Minister and our friends from across other rural sectors to the yards on Thursday,” Mr Dawkins said.

“The growth of NT horticulture, agriculture and other emerging farm industries will complement and enhance the northern cattle industry. We’re very pleased to share our experiences in operating in comparatively mature export-focused supply chains to support this project and the ongoing development of rural industries in northern Australia.”

The Berrimah Export Yards were upgraded with the construction of two Entegra Ridgeback sheds in 2018, thanks to the support of the NT Government, which means the undercover site can now hold 4000 cattle in pre-export quarantine just minutes from the Darwin Port wharf.

Applications open for scholarship

The Kenneth Rayner Scholarship, which is sponsored by Entegra and NT Farmers gives a final year university student studying agriculture or horticulture up to $11,000, as well as industry mentorship, work experience opportunities and a gateway to potential full-time employment with Entegra.

Applications for this year’s Kenneth Rayner Scholarship are now open until September 30

More details here: https://www.careerharvest.com.au/scholarship/kenneth-rayner-scholarship/