THE FUTURE
sustainable future
\nFOR SUGAR
\n●
\nCanegrowers Chairman Paul Schembri and his brother Joe have achieved Smartcane BMP accreditation for their Mackay district cane farms, joining 152 businesses which so far have the stamp of approval for sustainability, productivity and profitability.
They have been through an independent audit process for the three core modules of the industry-developed best management practice program which has Queensland Government support as a key driver for improving water quality for the Great Barrier Reef.
\n“This certificate represents confirmation of sustainable practices – showing that our crop and land management is at or above industry best practice,” Paul Schembri said. “Our industry has an impressive environmental story to tell and accreditation through Smartcane BMP is our way of demonstrating it.
\n“Smartcane BMP will ensure that our businesses will be sound contributors to the Queensland economy for many years to come satisfying our overseas sugar customers increasing call for guarantees of sustainability.”
\n65% of the sugarcane farming area in Queensland is involved in the program, either accredited or working towards it with the assistance of a network of 16 local facilitators.
\n“This shows the industry’s strong commitment to playing its part towards enhanced water quality outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef, outcomes which go hand in hand with improved business profitability and productivity,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
\n“We were celebrating 100 accreditations, now we have passed the 150 mark!
\n“And it’s important to recognise that many of these Smartcane BMP-accredited businesses represent two or three cane growers working across more than one farm. It’s a total of 43,176 hectares of accredited cane farm area.”
\nPaul and Joe said they fitted the accreditation process around their farming and CANEGROWERS responsibilities.
\n“When I first started, I thought this would be a difficult and onerous exercise and while it did take some time to complete, the more we got involved the more we could see its benefits,” Paul Schembri said. “The key to Smartcane BMP is record keeping and if you start keeping records then it can all fall into place. You know more about your business and can make better decisions.”
\nPaul said one of the myths circulating was that Smartcane BMP was only for growers who were computer or tech savvy.
\n“That is clearly not the case - Joe and I keep good records in notebooks and then we transfer the information to maps to give us a picture of what we’ve done,” he said.
\n“I urge all growers to get involved as soon as possible to demonstrate our industry’s readiness to meet world market demands for sugar, to safeguard the future of the Great Barrier Reef and confirm that we are in control of our industry’s affairs.”
\n\n
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Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":525,"y":2317,"z":106,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab07"},{"hidden":false,"z":100,"weight":1,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.92,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","h":2141,"w":470,"y":282,"x":511,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab09"},{"z":107,"version":2,"text":"Smartcane BMP facilitator John Turner
\nCanegrowers Chairman Paul Schembri
\n& Joe Schembri celebrate farm’s accreditation
","type":"text","h":52,"w":270,"y":1402,"x":617,"_id":"5823fd6c8b004b0074bf8777"},{"pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-99a39670-aed9-11e6-a1e2-9950b1176374.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-99a3e490-aed9-11e6-a1e2-9950b1176374.jpg"},"z":108,"type":"picture","h":360,"w":480,"y":1028,"x":507,"_id":"583125f9efa72b63afad01e3"}],"type":"scroll","height":2438,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-6525e520-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Sustainable Future for Sugar","num":29,"num_id":1745604,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aada"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-66d9afa0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-da5ba5a0-aee2-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-da5abb40-aee2-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab0a"},{"z":100,"y":10,"x":81,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":1525,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.96,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab0b"},{"z":101,"y":63,"x":152,"w":344,"type":"text","text":"THE FOOD
","h":39,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab0c"},{"z":102,"y":139,"x":134,"w":373,"type":"text","text":"FUTURE
\nOF VEGGIES
\nON OUR PLATES
\n●
\nBeetroot brownies, pumpkin fries and green bean omelettes may sound out of the ordinary, but the vegetable industry hopes that these unique meal options could soon be making their way onto more Australian plates.
\nFollowing research commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia that investigated opportunities for more vegetable meal occasions, the industry has been armed with a collection of meal ideas that put vegetables front and centre and range from the wholesome to the indulgent.
\n“The great thing about vegetables is their versatility – when they can be eaten raw or cooked, and they have such a wide range of flavours, it’s easy to find a quick and easy option to make everyday meals that little bit healthier by adding a serve of vegetables,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Dimi Kyriakou.
\n“There are a wide range of every-day meal options that already place vegetables in the middle of the plate, from capsicum omelettes for breakfast to carrot cake for dessert. These old favourites offer a great jumping-off point for new meal ideas.”
\nThe research performed by Horizon suggests that the best options either link new ideas for using vegetables to existing eating habits, highlight new options for eating vegetables using regular cooking techniques, or remind consumers of what they already know but may forget when they’re in the kitchen.
\n“The key to connecting with consumers is to suggest meals that combine new ideas with old habits, and show how easy it is to introduce vegetables into what they’re already eating,” said Ms Kyriakou.
\n“Some of the ideas with the most potential for increasing consumption are simple solutions, like adding grated carrot into a burger or throwing chopped broccoli into a frittata. Others bring veggies into meals where consumers might not usually consider them an option, such as beetroot brownies or capsicum sorbet.”
\n“If the industry can get these ideas to consumers at the key decision-making points of their food purchases, and arm them with the know-how to try out these recipes, this research offers a great opportunity to introduce new vegetable consumption occasions into Australian households.”
\n\n
\n
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Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab11"}],"type":"scroll","height":1548,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-66d8c540-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Future of Vegetables on Our Plates","num":19,"num_id":1745605,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aadb"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-68cc30d0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e15e7050-aec2-11e6-b02a-17dc18f8395c.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e15d37d0-aec2-11e6-b02a-17dc18f8395c.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab12"},{"z":101,"y":60,"x":183,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"the partnerships
","h":39,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab13"},{"z":100,"y":14,"x":139,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":2114,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.7,"bg_color":"000000","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab14"},{"z":102,"y":129,"x":184,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"capturING massive agricultural gains
\n●
\nThe ‘Holy Grail’ of fruit fly traps has been launched, dramatically boosting Australia’s potential for agricultural production in what is already a multi-billion dollar industry.
Griffith University and agricultural product company Agnova Technologies have collaborated to produce Fruition, the nation’s first non-toxic response to fruit flies.
\nGriffith’s Professor Dick Drew, who has dedicated his career to fruit fly research, developed the trap over 30 years of investigation.
\nBrought to market by AgNova Technologies, the trap attracts and catches female fruit flies before they lay eggs in fruit and offers the potential for a brighter future for Australia’s $4.8 billion horticulture industry.
\nThere are more than 50 major pest fruit fly species known and their worldwide economic impact on crop production, international trade and quarantine services is huge.
\nProfessor Drew, of Griffith’s International Centre for the Management of Pest Fruit Flies (ICMPFF), says the fruit fly trap and lure is unique because it contains a synthetic attractant for the first time and is being mass produced for commercial use.
\nFruition has recorded high levels of success in field trials, both in terms of the fruit flies being attracted and crop yield improvements.
\n“Other traps, primarily attracting male flies, already exist and have been used in horticulture for years. But the environmentally-conscious, commercially-effective fruit fly trap that everyone dreams about has proven elusive until now,” he says.
\nProfessor Drew says the new trap and lure cut crop losses in a Gatton mango orchard to commercially acceptable levels during trials, and even more significant results have been achieved at a nearby feijoa fruit orchard when the trap and lure were combined with an effective protein bait treatment.
\nNinety per cent of the fruit flies attracted by the trap and lure are females and ninety percent of those are mature egg-bearing fruit flies, which are the main threat and, hence, the main target.
\nGriffith has signed an exclusive license agreement with AgNova Technologies Pty Ltd following five years of work between the partners on the project.
\nProfessor Drew says that the company’s involvement was vital to the project’s underwriting and success.
\n“It is rare for companies to want to come in and give their support to turning research outcomes into commercial products”, he says.
\nAndrew Glover, business manager with AgNova Technologies, says the company believes Fruition will have a real impact on the fruit fly problem and help growers produce better, more marketable fruit.
\n“Growers are already using monitoring traps and protein baits for immature and developing flies, but there has been nothing available to protect fruit from egg-laying females seeking fruit to lay their eggs until Fruition,” he says.
\nMr Glover said the work by Griffith University was world class, backed by a strong background of knowledge in fruit fly behaviour in orchards.
\nThe Queensland fruit fly, known as Bactrocera tryoni and found across Australia’s mainland, is also seen as the greatest biosecurity hazard stopping Australian farmers accessing major international markets like China.
\nThe trap has major implications also for quarantine surveillance and detection.
\nThe agreement between the two organisations was shaped by Griffith Enterprise, the University’s commercialisation office, which facilitates a greater connection between business-led innovation and leading research, and has been doing so for several years.
","h":1870,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab15"},{"z":103,"y":2053,"x":154,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab16"},{"z":104,"y":2053,"x":294,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab17"},{"z":105,"y":1995,"x":154,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab18"},{"z":106,"y":2021,"x":154,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab19"}],"type":"scroll","height":2138,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-68cb9490-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Capturing Massive Agricultural Gains","num":11,"num_id":1745606,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aadc"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-6b546250-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-58ee4a90-aec9-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-58edae50-aec9-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":0.83,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab1a"},{"z":101,"y":46,"x":162,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE WOMEN
","h":39,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab1b"},{"z":102,"y":454,"x":161,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"LAURA PHELPS
\nwandering path
\n●
\nLaura Phelps proves that, far from being detrimental, a wandering career path can open endless opportunities.
\nHer eclectic musical tastes stretch from indie-folk band Sons of the East to Roy Orbison, so it comes as no surprise that Laura Phelps has followed a similarly unconventional road through agriculture.
\nThis wandering path is a characteristic of the Millennial Generation and, though it is sometimes frowned upon by elders, Laura is proof of its success; combining exposure to developing nations, producer groups, farming organisations and government to establish a well-rounded and exceptional young career.
\n“I don’t think I really had a choice about having a career in agriculture,” Laura jokes as she reflects on an early childhood immersed in the wide open spaces of Moree in northern New South Wales. “Dad was a vet and then an agronomy consultant and Mum is an animal scientist who had been championing Climate Change risk management research, extension and adoption since the late 80s. The apple didn’t fall far from those trees.”
\nShe remembers the farm at Moree as a place of far horizons and of storms rolling across vast plains to the Great Dividing Range, which was quite a contrast to the fettered world of a quarantine station near Melbourne to which the family moved when she was ten. But change does not daunt Laura; in fact she welcomes it and from each curve in the road she takes new experiences. “I can put a spin on anything,” she laughs” I’m the eternal optimist. It doesn’t matter if something has gone badly; I think: ‘how can we get a win out of it anyway’.”
\nLiving on a five-acre block on the outskirts of Melbourne Laura started her schooling in the city, but her parents recognised and fostered her love of agriculture and she spent the last two years of high school at Ballarat Grammar. “It had a really good agriculture program and a fantastic agriculture teacher in Dr. Ford. He just loved soil and after I got top marks in the state I was off to university to do a Bachelor of Agriculture with honours in soil science.”
\nWhile at The University of Sydney Laura’s eyes were opened to the places a career in agriculture could take her. She visited Indonesia and Laos, touring subsistence farms, community farming projects and commercial coffee plantations and educating locals on the safe use of pesticides. “The difference in agriculture was astounding and the relationship that farmers have with the land is a completely different mindset to the one that Australian farmers have. I was struck with the relationship that all people have with agriculture,” she says. “This experience was unforgettable and ignited in me the understanding that no matter the cultural or language barriers, agriculture transcends these barriers.”
\nFrom Asia Laura then found herself in the offices of NSW Farmers when she interned for a week of work experience in conjunction with her degree. “They couldn’t get rid of me after that,” she says and she has continued her involvement with the organisation, now sitting on the NSW Young Farmers committee.
\nWith experience already behind her Laura graduated from university in 2013 but struggled to find work. “Someone once told me: ‘don’t ever turn down your first job because even if you hate it, the best place to apply for another job is while you are actually working’,” she says as she describes how, with a degree in agriculture, she found herself in the Flight Centre Graduate Program. Her optimistic nature allowed her to quickly adapt to her environment and from this curve in the road she learnt valuable sales and communication skills.
\nAustralian Pork Limited picked her up next and she moved to Canberra to her first agricultural job where she talked to producers, manned the national traceability hotline and developed a deep appreciation for the humble pig. When NSW Farmers offered a sponsored position within the Young Farming Champions (YFC) program Laura jumped at the chance to spread the porcine word. “I don’t think they’d ever had a pork YFC. I really love the pork industry and I saw this as a chance to tell more of the pork story; a young person not necessarily a pork farmer but still really excited about it,” she says. And from the YFC Laura took yet more experience and skills, refining her communication and presentation techniques in a program she describes as revolutionary and brilliant.
\nThe next curve in her road saw Laura enter the world of politics and policy as she took a position with the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, at first in the animal exports team and now in trade working on non-tariff measures. One of Laura’s mentors at the YFC program, Lynne Strong, believes this step is of great significance. “Laura’s career in policy plays a pivotal role for farmers and the community as policy acts as a blueprint for trade negotiations between Australian and other nations. It also sets the standards for environmental stewardship, animal wellbeing and the safety of food from paddock to plate. Good policy means we can effectively regulate and ensure the integrity of Australian agriculture and consumers can be confident their families are getting premium food that is nutritious and affordable,” Lynne says.
\n“I enjoy what I do,” Laura says. “I quite like living in capital cities if not large regional centres. I quite like having an easy commute to work and working nine to five in an office. I was never going to be an in-field agronomist. I kill plants. I’m not good at looking after them. What really excites me is the stakeholder and communication side of agriculture and to be able get out and talk to farmers and then come back to the office.”
\nFor now it seems this millennial wanderer is settled. In her 26 years she has seen the dry western plains of NSW, the sometimes snowy hills of the Melbourne fringe, the terraced mountains of Indonesia and the rice paddies of Laos. She has worked with farming organisations, with producer groups and gained skills in an industry foreign to agriculture. She sits on committees and works with the Young Farming Champions program, and she makes an annual pilgrimage to Splendour in the Grass to expand those eclectic musical tastes.
\nAnd so where does Laura see her career going? “I have absolutely no idea,” she says. “I can see myself staying in trade for quite a while; but will always keep moving and be open to new opportunities. Plans change and there are new adventures. I have no idea what I want to do and I think that’s a good thing because you never say no to anything.” Not even to curves in the road.
\n\n
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Share
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\nPlease help us to share around all these great stories about Australian agriculture.
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THE TALK
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\nin Australian agribusiness
\n●
\nA CommBank sponsored report will help people working in agribusiness make the most of the possibilities in agtech.
\nThe report sheds light on how Australia can be a global food supplier and our farmers can be the most tech savvy in the world.
\nThe benefits are enormous but there are a number of challenges to overcome, and Commonwealth Bank is partnering with various stakeholders in the agri sector such as the National Farmers Federation and others to help drive innovation and change in the sector.
\nCommonwealth Bank’s General Manager, Regional and Agribusiness Banking NSW, Tim Harvey (pictured) said he hopes the report, Powering Growth: Realising the potential of agtech for Australia, will spark a conversation about the best ways to realise the potential in the industry.
\nThe agriculture sector already contributes $42 billion in export revenue and four per cent of Australia’s total employment. Harnessing the power of digital agricultural technology (agtech) will help the sector continue to grow into the future, according to an exciting report on the sector.
\nPowering Growth: Realising the potential of agtech for Australia, was co-authored by StartupAUS and KPMG, and proudly supported by the Commonwealth Bank and the Queensland Government.
\nThe report finds that the opportunities in agtech are enormous. In 2015, global venture capital investments alone reached $1.5 billion across agtech, up 336 per cent compared with investment in 2014.
\nDrawing from detailed discussions with agtech startups, farmers, investors and governments the report makes a number of recommendations including establishing a network of agtech hubs and a joint R&D fund with leading global agtech players.
\nThese will provide the people working in agribusiness with the tools, data and knowledge to make more informed and timely on-farm decisions, and make the most of the possibilities in agtech.
\n“Commonwealth Bank recognises that enhancing the financial wellbeing of businesses, people and communities means identifying the best practices and benefits associated with a new wave of agricultural technology,” Mr Harvey said.
\n“To do this, we must first understand the roadblocks, and determine how we can contribute to turning significant opportunity into reality.”
\n","h":1337,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab80"},{"z":103,"y":1491,"x":582,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab81"},{"z":104,"y":1491,"x":722,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab82"},{"z":105,"y":1433,"x":582,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab83"},{"z":106,"y":1459,"x":582,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab84"},{"animation":{"loop":true,"steps":[{"speed":1,"scale":90,"acceleration":"ease-both","start_point":"bottom","start_offset":0,"from_scale":100,"use_scale":true}],"type":"scroll","UUID":1},"clickTarget":"_blank","clickLink":"https://startupaus.org/resources/agtech/","z":107,"hover-icon_raster2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-7f4f8a40-8788-11e6-a204-a7e9d5211b2c.png","hover-icon_rasterUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-7f4ec6f0-8788-11e6-a204-a7e9d5211b2c.png","icon_raster2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-7ee52fb0-8788-11e6-8fea-6382319e86dd.png","icon_rasterUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-7ee44550-8788-11e6-8fea-6382319e86dd.png","hover-icon_color_opacity":100,"hover-icon_color":"ffffff","icon_color_opacity":100,"icon_color":"ffffff","icon_pos":"left","icon_w":17,"icon_h":18,"icon_enabled":true,"hover-color-opacity":100,"hover-color":"ffffff","hover-border-color-opacity":100,"hover-border-color":"000000","hover-border-width":0,"hover-background-color-opacity":80,"hover-background-color":"000000","letter-spacing":0,"font-size":18,"color-opacity":100,"color":"ffffff","font-weight":400,"font-style":"normal","font-family":"Arial","border-color-opacity":100,"border-color":"000000","border-width":0,"border-radius":5,"background-color-opacity":100,"background-color":"000000","em_w":16,"text_h":26,"text_w":132,"transition":false,"text":"GET REPORT","form":"circle","tp":"text_and_icon","type":"button","h":196,"w":196,"y":1202,"x":221,"_id":"57eb22f29c68a744037c5224"},{"z":108,"version":2,"text":"Tim Harvey - Commonwealth Bank General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking NSW
the research
","h":39,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab53"},{"z":100,"y":9,"x":435,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":1501,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.97,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab54"},{"z":102,"y":129,"x":478,"w":393,"type":"text","text":"building blocks for better grain
\n●
\nWestern Australian researchers have catalogued the proteins found in the Wyalkatchem variety of bread wheat in an effort to better understand its biology and improve wheat production for the future.
Scientists from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology at The University of Western Australia have made the first protein map of any wheat variety, providing insights into how these proteins control its growth, yield and composition.
\nThe project is significant for the Australian wheat industry as its focus on profiling a local variety of wheat will keep Australian agriculture at the forefront of cutting-edge breeding technologies.
\n\"We commonly think of genes as the blueprints for the biochemical machines that allow plants to grow and function. This research looks beyond the blueprints and examines these machines while they are operating” said lead researcher Dr Owen Duncan (pictured).
\n“This allows us to see which parts are working well and which parts are breaking down”
\nThe project combines cutting-edge mass spectrometry tools and world-leading knowledge to enhance the development of wheat varieties better suited to the WA cropping environment. The comprehensive project examined many different protein types in over twenty wheat tissues and parts of the wheat grain.
\n“We hope to use this knowledge to adapt wheat to future climates and improve its energy use in harsh environments\" said Dr Duncan.
\nThe breakthrough study represents a major step in equipping local and global breeders with the information needed to improve wheat, beyond the selection of high yielding crosses.
\n“Through European collaborations we have already begun using our findings to refine our knowledge of the bread wheat genome” said Professor Harvey Millar, senior researcher on the project.
\n“The next era of crop improvement will see both the genes and proteins of promising cultivars being routinely characterised to identify the source of desirable agronomic traits.”
\n\"With the information generated though this research we can start to apply approaches which have previously been more commonly used in medical research to understanding the basis of crop performance and ultimately yield in wheat.\"
\nThe researchers have compiled the data into an online database which has been made publicly available to researchers around the world.
","h":1281,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab55"},{"z":103,"y":1444,"x":448,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab56"},{"z":104,"y":1444,"x":588,"w":61,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab57"},{"z":105,"y":1386,"x":448,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab58"},{"z":106,"y":1412,"x":448,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab59"}],"type":"scroll","height":1527,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-73740120-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Uncovering Building Blocks for Better Grain","num":27,"num_id":1745613,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aae3"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-756ff830-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-5efde500-8780-11e6-869d-ad1542060dfc.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-5efd96e0-8780-11e6-869d-ad1542060dfc.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":0.69,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab86"},{"h":42,"text":"THE GLOBE
Streamlining EXPORt access
\n●
\nAustralian vegetable growers looking to enter key export markets are set to save significant cost and complication after global and domestic food-safety certification requirements are combined.
\nThe initiative being delivered through Horticulture Innovation Australia – using vegetable industry levy funds and funds from the Australian Government – in partnership with AUSVEG, will have a significant impact.
\nHorticulture Innovation Australia Chief Executive John Lloyd said vegetable exporters have to implement food safety standard GLOBALG.A.P to access many key export markets in Asia and the Middle East. On top of that, to operate in the domestic market, producers have to meet a local certification – the Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Standard being the most widely used. But that dual requirement is about to change.
\n“This initiative will see the Freshcare standard benchmarked against the internationally recognised GLOBALG.A.P. standard, leading to increased efficiencies and cost savings for Australian fresh produce exporters,” he said. “Australian produce has a strong international reputation for being fresh, clean and safe, and as the horticulture industry looks to increase its presence in overseas markets, it’s vital that this reputation is backed up by an internationally recognised certification.”
\nFreshcare Executive Officer Clare Hamilton-Bate said the on-farm assurance organisation will develop a supplement to its Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Standard to achieve GLOBALG.A.P. recognition.
\n“Freshcare is the most widely adopted food safety standard in the Australian fresh produce sector, with over 5000 participating horticulture businesses using the standard to meet domestic market requirements. However, the Freshcare standard is not widely recognised in export markets. Benchmarking the Freshcare standard against GLOBALG.A.P. will allow these Australian producers to achieve regulatory and retailer compliance in export markets through an extension to their existing Freshcare certification.”
\nAUSVEG has welcomed the project and its potential to help Australian growers access the wealth of overseas markets.
\n“Evolving food safety demands could represent a barrier to trade for Australian vegetable and potato exports, and benchmarking Freshcare against the GLOBALG.A.P. standard will help keep overseas markets open to Australian growers,” AUSVEG CEO Simon Bolles said. “We hope to see this project pay real dividends into the future – not just for our vegetable and potato growers, but for the entire horticulture sector.”
\nThe GLOBALG.A.P. benchmark process is expected to be completed by mid-2017.
\n\n
\n
\n
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Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":16,"y":1447,"z":107,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab8d"},{"pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-a77116c0-8787-11e6-9659-bb6c19b1d0e8.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-6a330130-8780-11e6-ac4a-cbc24954b524.jpg"},"z":100,"type":"picture","h":558.1,"w":1022,"y":0,"x":1,"_id":"57ef1cfe378fe1006b2fa53e"}],"type":"scroll","height":1553,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-756f34e0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Streamlining Export Access","num":9,"num_id":1745614,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aae4"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-778f07a0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-64d8e610-ae03-11e6-9302-9d248cb280a2.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-64d7fbb0-ae03-11e6-9302-9d248cb280a2.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"000000","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab62"},{"z":101,"y":52,"x":286,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE TALK
","h":38,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab63"},{"z":100,"y":8,"x":239,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":2784,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.81,"bg_color":"455454","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab64"},{"z":102,"y":106,"x":283,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"Drive profitability with fertility
\n ●
Fertility is a key profit driver for the northern beef industry and the right genetics can fast track a herd’s reproductive performance and, as a result, profitability.
Tim Emery, a Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ FutureBeef Extension Officer based at Roma, took commercial producers back to the basics of how to tap into genetic potential at an MLA-supported Pastoral Profit workshop held at Bollon in south-west Queensland.
\nWhile the drought has taken its toll on Queensland’s beef herd, the silver lining is the opportunity to use the herd rebuilding phase to review genetic and management strategies.
\n\"It is well known that nutrition plays a big factor in influencing reproduction, along with health and disease, however research is showing the impact of underlying genetic control and that through selection, things such as weaning rate can be improved,\" Tim said.
\n\"Within the industry, there are bulls that are highly likely to drive your herd the right way and others that will do the opposite. It’s recommended to make use of all the tools available to you to make more informed, objective decisions. \"
\nTim said producers can take simple steps to wisely invest in genetics for their enterprise targets and business profitability.
\n- Review or develop breeding objectives for the business: Assess where your herd is at (be objective) and where you want to be. Consider your target market and environmental constraints. Have a written and attainable plan for the genetic direction of your enterprise, and ensure everyone in the business is on the same page.
\n- Identify and select for traits that actually stack up: The traits you are selecting for must be measurable, heritable, have variation in the trait and truly put dollars in your back pocket. Research projects from the Beef CRC and Beef Information Nucleus clearly demonstrate the big differences between sires’ daughters’ reproductive performance and the opportunity that exists to be selecting for superior genetics and not inferior.
\n- Make use of proven, readily available tools: Seedstock and commercial producers can use Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to estimate an animal’s genetic merit for particular traits. Using EBVs essentially removes the guesswork from the genetic direction you’re taking your herd. EBVs have demonstrated proof of profit in research and producer herds for fertility, growth and carcase traits. You can view EBVs online and use various functions, such as search/sort catalogue, to quickly identify the animals that are genetically suitable for your requirements.
\nThings to consider when looking at EBVs
\n- Selection should be based on a balance of traits and not solely focused on a single trait.
\n- Buying a bull with superior fertility traits (scrotal size and days-to-calving) can positively influence the future reproductive performance of his daughters.
\n- In buying a bull to use over maiden heifers, reduce the risk of calving difficulties by paying close attention to calving ease, gestation length and birth weight.
\n- The EBVs for the animal in question should be compared against the breed average (the average for calves born in 2014).
\n- Figures can be expressed as positive, negative or zero – negative figures don’t always mean undesirable. In the case of the days-to-calving fertility trait, a more negative figure is highly desirable.
\n- The accuracy of EBVs increases as more data is measured on the individual animal, its progeny and its relatives, and is influenced by heritability, contemporary group size and genetic correlations. Once accuracy figures are 90% plus, it’s unlikely the EBV will change much with the addition of more progeny data.
\n- To access EBVs, visit either the BREEDPLAN website or follow links on breed society websites (EBVs cannot be compared across breeds).
\nIs the bull up to the job?
\n“In purchasing a bull, you’re simply buying a package of genes,” Tim said.
\n“In order to be able to pass on these genetics though, the bull must first be fertile.”
\nTo know the level of risk associated with using a particular bull, a full evaluation is recommended for bulls prior to purchase and current sires, annually before joining. A veterinary bull breeding soundness evaluation, or BULLCHECK , identifies risk factors for a bull’s potential to be fertile in the future using a set of standards developed by the Australia Cattle Veterinarians.
\nDon't forget mum
\nWhile bulls have the biggest influence on driving the genetic direction of your herd, and ultimately profitability for the next 10 to 15 years, it’s also important to identify genetically superior females within your herd that are doing their job year in year out.
\nThis can be done by:
\n- Recording the reproductive performance of all females individually on an annual basis and culling accordingly.
\n- Retaining progeny from the superior animals so benefits flow through to the bottom line.
\n- Asking the seedstock producer to provide information about bulls such as when their mother first calved, how many calves she has had and when.
\n","h":2573,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab65"},{"z":103,"y":2720,"x":254,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab66"},{"z":104,"y":2720,"x":394,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab67"},{"z":105,"y":2662,"x":254,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab68"},{"z":106,"y":2688,"x":254,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab69"},{"z":107,"version":2,"text":"\"Producers can take simple steps to wisely invest in genetics for profitability\"
","type":"text","h":252.6,"w":291,"y":506,"x":715,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab6b"}],"type":"scroll","height":2812,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-778e4450-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","uri":"","title":"Drive Profitability with Fertility","num":7,"num_id":1745616,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aae6"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-79c6a820-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-7eefecd0-8782-11e6-9f0c-8d375d0db75d.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-7eeedb60-8782-11e6-9f0c-8d375d0db75d.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":1,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab6c"},{"h":39,"text":"THE TALK
The sheep’s back
\nproductivity key to ram home opportunity
\n●
\nAustralia’s $6.5 billion sheep industry needs 22 million more sheep just to maintain its current share of global production, according to an agricultural research paper released by ANZ.
\nThe paper, titled The Sheep’s Back, paints a positive picture for sheep farming but reveals improved productivity gains – supported by the growth of the national flock number from its near record low – are critical to realising the 21 per cent increase in global demand for meat and nine per cent rise for wool by 2040.
\nANZ Head of Agribusiness Mark Bennett said: “Economic growth in developing nations and consumption patterns give rise to optimism for sheep farming, with forecasts showing the total value of sheep meat produced could increase by 30 per cent by 2040.
\n“But in order to be competitive and take advantage of this growth opportunity, sheep farmers will need to improve productivity through increased farm size, flock size and better on-farm processes. Farm management efficiencies include better land use, improved lambing and weaning rates, reduced fattening times and more intensive management,” Mr Bennett said.
\nThe Sheep’s Back - key findings:
\n- Global demand for sheep meat could increase by 2.8 million cwt, or 21%, by 2040.
\n- In comparison, global demand for beef is forecast to rise by 22 million cwt (33%), 25.6 million cwt (23%) for pork and 15.4 million cwt (15%) for poultry.
\n- If current trends continue, the total value of sheep meat produced globally will increase by 30% by 2040 - compared to beef 34%, pork 27.5% for and chicken 9.8%.
\n- Demand will grow most strongly in Asia (including the Middle East) and Africa, but will be relatively subdued in developed economies in Europe and America.
\n- Growth in demand for wool is not likely to be as significant, but global demand is still expected to increase by 8.8%. This is substantially less than increases in demand for cotton and synthetics. Regional demand for raw wool for processing is also likely to be concentrated in Asia and weakening in America and Europe.
\n- Sheep farming in Australia is a low cost, low volatility and relatively high return on capital industry. Prices for wool and sheep meat are also less exposed to global markets than Australia’s other main agricultural exports.
\nThe paper suggests that while demand for lamb and mutton is not expected to grow at the same volume and value as beef, the percentage growth in value of global demand for sheep meat is expected to outstrip both pork and poultry.
\n“The modelling in the report shows greater demand coming from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Conversely, we’re expecting demand in other markets like America and Europe to cool,” Mr Bennett said.
\nAsia will also continue to be the number one destination for Australian wool, and with China transitioning towards a service-based economy it’s expected Vietnam and Indonesia will increase their processing capabilities.
\n“Overall demand for wool is only expected to increase slightly, but the value of global demand could also increase by as much as $1 billion by 2040,” Mr Bennett said.
\nThe report also highlights the role sheep production can play in risk management for mixed farm operations. Almost 30 per cent of farmers across the nation farm sheep, primarily as part of a mixed farming operation.
\nMr Bennett says sheep farming is a low cost and low volatility enterprise, which is less exposed to an international price than cropping, beef or dairy.
\n“While we’re unlikely to reach the flock numbers and outputs of the 1970s, sheep and wool production still accounts for approximately 11 per cent of Australia’s agricultural production and 14 per cent of agricultural exports. Therefore the opportunity for expansion is there for sheep farmers with a focus on efficiencies, innovation and value-adding.”
\nThe report concludes that the sheep industry will continue to play an important role in the mix of Australian agriculture.
\n“While we may not return to ‘riding on the sheep’s back’, Australia should take confidence from these future demand forecasts. The case for greater investment in the industry is strong,” Mr Bennett said.
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Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":14,"y":2311,"z":106,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab72"},{"hidden":false,"z":100,"y":8,"x":0,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":2402,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.99,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab73"},{"clickTarget":"_blank","clickLink":"http://anz.co/A19L304mPxa","animation":{"steps":[{"use_scale":true,"use_opacity":true,"from_scale":256,"from_opacity":0,"acceleration":"ease-out","scale":100,"opacity":100,"duration":0.8}],"type":"load","UUID":2},"z":107,"hover-icon_raster2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e3905330-853b-11e6-9aba-71a079b9ab1f.png","hover-icon_rasterUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e38f68d0-853b-11e6-9aba-71a079b9ab1f.png","icon_raster2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e39164a0-853b-11e6-aaf9-69179205450c.png","icon_rasterUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e3911680-853b-11e6-aaf9-69179205450c.png","hover-icon_color_opacity":100,"hover-icon_color":"ffffff","icon_color_opacity":100,"icon_color":"ffffff","icon_pos":"left","icon_w":17,"icon_h":18,"icon_enabled":true,"hover-color-opacity":100,"hover-color":"ffffff","hover-border-color-opacity":100,"hover-border-color":"000000","hover-border-width":0,"hover-background-color-opacity":80,"hover-background-color":"574ad3","letter-spacing":0,"font-size":18,"color-opacity":100,"color":"ffffff","font-weight":400,"font-style":"normal","font-family":"Arial","border-color-opacity":100,"border-color":"000000","border-width":0,"border-radius":5,"background-color-opacity":100,"background-color":"574ad3","em_w":16,"text_h":26,"text_w":132,"transition":false,"text":"GET REPORT","form":"circle","tp":"text_and_icon","type":"button","h":223,"w":223,"y":688,"x":461,"_id":"57eb5413e404dc9f4aa6fd7c"}],"type":"scroll","height":2429,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-79c5bdc0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"The Sheep's Back","num":5,"num_id":1745617,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aae7"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-7ba245f0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-43742990-aace-11e6-9ae2-f56d930d3264.jpg","url":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-43742990-aace-11e6-9ae2-f56d930d3264.jpg","poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-9ebc3190-aacd-11e6-8f0a-b7ef5c60492c.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-43742990-aace-11e6-9ae2-f56d930d3264.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab76"},{"z":101,"y":38,"x":327,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE GLOBE
","h":39,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab77"},{"z":100,"y":8,"x":286,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":1963,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.96,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab78"},{"z":102,"y":101,"x":330,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"new export channeL for
\n AUSsie WINE
●
\nA flagship Australian wine online store supported by Wine Australia has launched on Alibaba Group’s business to consumer platform, Tmall.com, providing a further avenue for Chinese consumers to purchase Australian wines.
The online store, constructed and operated by Vinehoo.com, one of China’s leading online wine retailers, will initially stock 10 brands from 8 wine regions, including Brokenwood, Coriole, John Duval, Pikes and Voyager Estate. Vinehoo.com will support the venture, facilitating fulfilment of all orders on the Australian wine flagship store on Tmall. It will also provide a platform to build the profile of Australian wines and regions amongst Chinese consumers. A further 20 brands are to be listed.
\nA key driver for the opening of the Australian store is the launch of the inaugural Tmall 9.9 Global Wine and Spirits Festival, an online Alibaba Group event held on 9 September 2016 to celebrate the increasing popularity of imported wines and spirits among Chinese consumers, especially the younger generation. Over 100,000 types of international, high-quality wines and spirits from more than 50 countries will be participating to create more opportunities for brands to directly market and engage with Chinese consumers.
\nAndreas Clark, CEO of Wine Australia said, ‘The opening of the store is a landmark moment that builds on a year of strong growth for Australian wine in the Chinese export market. It opens up another commercial opportunity for Australian wineries to tap in to China’s growing appreciation for our fine wines.’
\nChinese mainland is now Australia’s second most valuable export market, up 50 per cent to $419 million.
\nMr Clark attributes some of this growth to China’s expanding middle class and the positive impact of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement which came in to force in late 2015.
\n‘The food and wine culture in China continues to evolve, and there is increased demand from Chinese consumers for premium quality products online. Our support of Tmall’s flagship Australian wine store helps us capitalise on this growing interest in Australian wine and gives us the opportunity to further reinforce the message with consumers that wines of Australian provenance are of the highest quality.’
\nOverall, Australian wine exports have grown to $2.1 billion per year. The global trend of increased demand for Australia’s finest wines was reflected on the Chinese mainland, with exports priced A$10 or more per litre increasing by 71 per cent to $169 million.
\nCommenting on the store opening, Maggie Zhou, Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand for Alibaba said, ‘The partnership between Tmall and Wine Australia will allow local winemakers to access the 434 million active consumers on our China retail marketplaces. As the domestic wine sector in China is still developing and Australian wines are considered world-class and come at varied price points, the opportunity to sell to China’s burgeoning middle class is significant.’
\n‘Beyond established, well-recognised Australian wine brands, there is also strong potential for smaller producers to gain traction internationally. With the opening of Alibaba’s Australian office in late 2016, our local team will be helping winemakers of all sizes effectively market their products, navigate distribution channels and align to overseas preferences,’ Ms Zhou said.
\nAccording to the \"Global Wines and Spirits Consumption Report\" released jointly by Tmall and CBNData, 47 percent of wine consumers in China have purchased imported red wines online. From 2013 to 2015, Alibaba's Tmall platform saw a 5 times increase in the number of active buyers in the wines and spirits category, reaching more than 10 million consumers. The report also showed increasing popularity of imported wines and spirits among the twentysomething age group, as well as in non-tier one cities.
\n","h":1746,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab79"},{"z":103,"y":1895,"x":305,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab7a"},{"z":104,"y":1895,"x":445,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab7b"},{"z":105,"y":1837,"x":305,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab7c"},{"z":106,"y":1863,"x":305,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab7d"}],"type":"scroll","height":1987,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-7ba182a0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"New Export Channel for Aussie Wine","num":10,"num_id":1745618,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aae8"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-7d83b020-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e17e00b0-877a-11e6-b7c1-6fac51cec3b6.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e17d8b80-877a-11e6-b7c1-6fac51cec3b6.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":1,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab99"},{"h":39,"text":"THE Food
Consumers tryING new cooking for fresh veg
\n●
\nAustralians are broadening their horizons without leaving their kitchens, with research revealing that consumers are experimenting with a range of styles of cooking that highlight the natural flavours and textures of fresh vegetables.
\nA report from the Project Harvest study, commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia to track the attitudes of Australian consumers to fresh vegetable purchases, has found that over 2016, there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of consumers trying a range of cooking styles, such as stir-frying, steaming and roasting.
\nLeading vegetable industry body AUSVEG said that the results reflect Australians’ increasing willingness to experiment with cooking styles that enhance the natural attributes of vegetables, such as their texture, taste and colour.
\n“The fact that consumers are trying a range of different cooking styles like stir-frying or steaming in the kitchen shows a growing appreciation for techniques that can play off the natural qualities of fresh vegetables or accentuate particular aspects,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Shaun Lindhe.
\n“This is reinforced by the fact that nearly a quarter of consumers say they’re increasingly eating their vegetables raw – which we think is an incredible testimonial to the natural taste, texture and overall quality of Australian vegetables.”
\n“Other cooking styles on the rise include roasting or grilling, which add extra flavour and texture elements that complement a vegetable’s nutritional qualities. For example, the most commonly grilled vegetable is capsicum, with consumers enhancing the sweetness of capsicum with the smokiness from grilling.”
\n“On the other end of the scale, consumers are moving away from more transformational cooking styles, such as mashing or juicing, which breaks down vegetables and can reduce their great natural taste and nutritional value,” said Mr Lindhe.
\n“Australians are extremely lucky to have a wide variety of delicious, high-quality and fresh vegetables produced by local Australian growers, and we encourage consumers to experiment with different cooking styles for their vegetables to find new and exciting ways to enjoy the great tastes, textures and health benefits that fresh vegetables have to offer.”
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Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":218,"y":1529,"z":106,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ab9f"},{"hidden":false,"bg_color":"000000","bg_opacity":0.54,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","weight":1,"z":100,"h":1618,"w":470,"y":10,"x":204,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aba0"}],"type":"scroll","height":1640,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-7d8313e0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","uri":"","title":"Consumers Trying New Cooking for Fresh Vegetables","num":20,"num_id":1745621,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaeb"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-7f53dc40-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-d10b10a0-aed1-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-d10a4d50-aed1-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":1,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aba1"},{"h":39,"text":"THE Research
","type":"text","w":385,"x":107,"y":46,"z":106,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aba2"},{"bg_color":"000000","bg_opacity":0.64,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":1632,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","w":470,"weight":1,"x":63,"y":6,"z":100,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aba3"},{"h":1382,"text":"next
\ngeneration food crops
\n●
\nResearch led by The Australian National University (ANU) is helping to develop food crops with bigger yields and greater ability to cope with drought compared with today’s plants.
\nCrops such as sorghum and millet produce much more yield and are better at resisting drought and other extreme conditions compared to wheat and rice, and this research will help explain why by studying the role of a key enzyme in the process.
\nOne of the lead researchers Dr Hugo Alonso-Cantabrana said sorghum, sugarcane, millet and maize used a form of photosynthesis called C4 that made them more efficient at transforming carbon dioxide, light and water into sugars.
\n“They do this by taking up carbon dioxide from the air and concentrating it in specialised cells deep in the leaf,” said Dr Alsonso-Cantabrana from the Research School of Biology and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis at ANU.
\nCo-researcher Hannah Osborn, an ANU PhD student, said wheat and rice, known as C3 plants, used the oldest form of photosynthesis, while plants using C4 photosynthesis had an advantage in conditions with high temperatures and low rainfall.
\n“C4 plants can capture carbon dioxide from the air while losing less water from their leaves, but little is known about what determines the efficiency of this process,” said Ms Osborn, from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis and the Research School of Biology at ANU.
\nTo investigate the process, the team studied the role of carbonic anhydrase (CA), the first enzyme that carbon dioxide encounters in the leaf of a model C4 plant Setaria viridis, which is also known as green millet.
\n“This enzyme is vital for C4 photosynthesis as it helps carbon dioxide from the air to dissolve quickly into the liquid of the cell,” Ms Osborn said.
\n“This is the first time that we have been able to transform this model C4 plant to have less of the CA enzyme and look at the effects on photosynthesis and water loss.
\n“We think that under adverse conditions such as drought or high temperatures, having a lot of this enzyme could be advantageous for the plant.”
\nThe team will continue the research to test the role of the enzyme under extreme environmental conditions.
\nThe research is co-led by ANU professors Susanne von Caemmerer and Robert Furbank with support from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis.
\nBackground Image By: Phil Savory, UQ
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","type":"text","w":112,"x":79,"y":1532.4,"z":105,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aba8"},{"z":107,"version":2,"type":"text","h":360,"w":480,"y":961,"x":-164,"_id":"5831198aa6eb8300653c84a8"},{"pictures":[{"num":2,"thumbUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-c10c41f0-aed2-11e6-a1e2-9950b1176374.jpg","url":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-c10ba5b0-aed2-11e6-a1e2-9950b1176374.jpg","type":"jpg","id":"78072ea7-0d85-40d2-8097-dcaae0c18a68","text":"Hannah Osborn and Dr Hugo Alonso-Cantab\nImage By: ARC COE for Translational Photosynthesis"},{"num":1,"thumbUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-30714180-aed3-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg","url":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-3070f360-aed3-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg","type":"jpg","id":"1f6be8cb-c6d1-4e28-8c45-6d9eb6c3c4c0","text":"Setaria (or green millet)\nImage By: ARC COE for Translational Photosynthesis"}],"z":108,"text_style":{"size-leading-ratio":1.25,"size-leading-linked":true,"vertical-align":"baseline","text-transform":"none","text-decoration":"none","text-align":"center","opacity":100,"line-height":18,"letter-spacing":0,"font-weight":"400","font-style":"italic","font-size":14,"font-family":"Arial","color":"ffffff"},"theme_data":{"background_opacity":1,"background_color":"000000","controls_opacity":1,"controls_color":"ffffff","autoplay":true,"fill":true,"counters":true,"thumbnails":false,"fullscreen":false},"current_theme":"theme_captions","images_h":366,"captions_h":76,"type":"slideshow","h":466,"w":503,"y":290,"x":520,"_id":"58311a4f684e81005f5f70e4"},{"z":109,"stroke":"solid","weight":10,"sides":3,"radius":0,"borders":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"000000","tp":"line","type":"shape","h":24,"w":1006,"y":274,"x":520,"_id":"583122e0684e81005f5f73f8"}],"type":"scroll","height":1654,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-7f534000-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Next-Generation Food Crops","num":26,"num_id":1745622,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaec"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-81b2b3d0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-d22b7910-aad1-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-d22ab5c0-aad1-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abe0"},{"z":106,"y":79,"x":47,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE INNOVATION
","h":39,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abe1"},{"z":101,"y":161,"x":48,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"TOP GONG FOR
Kitchen-sharing platform
●
\nFood tech start-up Sprout Kitchens has been awarded the top honour at FoodBytes!, a dynamic food and ag pitch competition bringing together food and agri tech entrepreneurs alongside potential investors and industry thought leaders.
Held as part of Rabobank’s Farm2Fork Summit at Cockatoo Island in Sydney, the FoodBytes! event saw eight finalists chosen from a field of international applicants pitch their business idea on the main Summit stage to more than the 1000 delegates in attendance.
\nEstablished in the United States in 2015, this was the first FoodBytes! event to be held in Australia.
\nAs the Judges’ Choice Award winner, Sprout Kitchens were singled out for their industry creativity, sustainable practices, growth potential and social innovation. They were also congratulated by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Maxima of The Netherlands who attended some of the Summit as part of a State Visit to Australia and New Zealand.
\nSprout Kitchens co-founder James Jordan is excited about the win and has big plans for the popular platform that has only been running for six months.
\n“What started as a concept earlier in 2016 and was launched to the market 12 weeks later, has already received good traction in the marketplace,” Mr Jordan said.
\n“We’re basically a marketplace for kitchen space, which sees us find cafés and kitchens with underutilised space to rent out to other food businesses looking for commercial kitchens.”
\nThe concept came to Mr Jordan through a previous business start-up.
\n“I started a business delivering on-demand burritos around Sydney,” he said, “and the way we were doing that was by renting out café kitchens at night time to manage the logistics of that business.
\n“We came to realise that the café space was really the most valuable part of our business so we decided to build a platform where we could aggregate that kitchen space and then other people could build their own food businesses off our platform.”
\nManuel Gonzalez, Rabobank North America Head of Start-Up Innovation and Founder of FoodBytes! said the entrepreneurial multiplying effect of Sprout Kitchens was an aspect that appealed to the judges.
\n“What Sprout Kitchens will be able to do with their platform is enable new entrepreneurs to find a way of developing their product in a professional and safe environment,” Mr Gonzalez said.
\n“Currently there are food businesses developing their product at home without the equipment they need, but with this service they can hire a kitchen, even for a few hours if they need it.
\n“There is a need around the world for services like this, where there is better use of assets and I see plenty of opportunities for scalability of this product.”
\nThe Sprout Kitchens team is also excited about the future Mr Jordan said, and has been focussing on strategic partnerships to help.
\n“Finding available kitchen space has not proved difficult, particularly when we explain our process of vetting customers and providing insurance,” he said, “and we currently have 45 kitchens signed-up with plenty of opportunity for more.
\n“Our challenge now is to reach people who want to use our space so we have started to partner with Deliveroo and other similar business that can help us in a one-to-many strategy to reach these businesses in a meaningful way.
\n“We hope to have a presence across the east coast of Australia and we will then look to expand globally.”
\nAs the Judges’ Choice Award winner Sprout Kitchens receive a six-month mentoring program facilitated by McCarthy Mentoring.
\n\n
\n
","h":1786,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abe2"},{"hidden":false,"z":102,"y":1979,"x":17,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abe3"},{"hidden":false,"z":103,"y":1979,"x":157,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abe4"},{"hidden":false,"z":104,"y":1921,"x":17,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abe5"},{"hidden":false,"z":105,"y":1947,"x":17,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abe6"},{"hidden":false,"z":100,"y":37,"x":0,"weight":1,"w":476,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":2012,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.71,"bg_color":"000000","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abe7"}],"type":"scroll","height":2068,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-81b1f080-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Top Gong for Kitchen Sharing Platform","num":22,"num_id":1745624,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaee"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-84cf8430-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e74a82b0-af85-11e6-955d-9528a44041f3.jpg","url":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e74a82b0-af85-11e6-955d-9528a44041f3.jpg","poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-ff634ae0-af84-11e6-998f-5d955da1f8b8.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-e74a82b0-af85-11e6-955d-9528a44041f3.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":1,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abbb"},{"h":39,"text":"THE GLOBE
Australian wagyu world's best
\n●
\nAustralia's Jack’s Creek Wagyu beef has taken out the award for world’s best steak for the 2nd year in a row.
\nAnnounced at the second annual World Steak Challenge in London, Jack’s Creek beat 82 entries from 16 countries to be named the best in the business, wowing the judges with its flavour, tenderness and consistent eating quality.
\nThere were nine gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals awarded. Australian entries dominated the gold taking three gold standard awards. Gold medals also went to JBS Australia's JBS Royal brand (120 day grainfed Angus cross) and Australian Agricultural Company's Darling Downs brand (300+ days grainfed Wagyu).
\nJack’s Creek Managing Director Patrick Warmoll said he was overwhelmed with the achievement.
\n“I can’t believe we’ve managed to win again. We thought we might be at the pointy end of the competition but to win two years in a row is just unbelievable,\" he said.
\n“We’ve always been confident in producing good beef, but this award really cements the fact that we are on to a winning formula.”
\nPatrick said the award was not only great for Jack’s Creek, but the overall perception of Australian beef and reinforced the industry's reputation on a global stage.
\n\"The key for us has always been consistency. We’ve always felt like the underdogs but it just goes to show when you’re on to a good thing you stick to it,\" he said
\nMLA International Business Manager for Europe and Russia Josh Anderson, who was also a competition judge, said the 2016 entries reached new heights of quality and taste.
\n“I was looking for a combination of tenderness, juiciness, flavour and just the right amount of marbling. Tasting that number of steaks in one day, you have to be fully committed to judging each mouthful so it was the small differences from entry to entry that made the winning steak truly stand out,” he said.
\n\"Our industry works hard to produce some of the finest beef in the world. My job in Europe is to put the spotlight on Australian beef as a premium product, and, through competitions like this, reinforce the benefits of beef as an important protein that can be celebrated and enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.”
\nThe World Steak Challenge competition is organised by William Reed Business Media. The event was launched in 2015 to offer producers the chance to benchmark their products against their competitors.
\nFourteen industry experts, including producers, butchers and meat scientists did initial tastings followed by a consumer-based judging panel of chefs, food writers, bloggers and industry specialists, who awarded the best steak.
\nEach entrant submitted a whole striploin portioned into sirloin cuts. The competition awarded nine gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals for individual cuts, as well as the World's Best Steak. Entries were up 20% up on 2015 and an additional seven countries were involved. Entries came from England, Ireland, Holland, Finland, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, France, the US and Japan and dominated with Wagyu-cross breeds.
","type":"text","w":385,"x":630,"y":205,"z":102,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abbe"},{"current_type":"type_like_button","h":20,"type":"facebook","type_like_button":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","layout":"button_count","share_button":true,"show_faces":false,"theme":"light"},"w":124,"x":628,"y":2192,"z":103,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abbf"},{"current_type":"type_tweet","h":20,"type":"twitter","type_tweet":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","show_count":true,"large_button":false},"w":60,"x":768,"y":2192,"z":104,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abc0"},{"bg_color":"c1c1c1","bg_opacity":1,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":24,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"line","type":"shape","w":387,"weight":1,"x":628,"y":2134,"z":105,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abc1"},{"h":25,"text":"Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":628,"y":2160,"z":106,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abc2"},{"pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-48e2cb40-af86-11e6-81c4-6f9bd8c9ceac.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-5a027dd0-af86-11e6-b1d4-fdcc2c9f7a35.jpg"},"z":107,"type":"picture","h":272,"w":408,"y":1209,"x":615,"_id":"583247ca6f55ab5beb4352cd"}],"type":"scroll","height":2277,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-84ce72c0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Australian Wagyu World's Best","num":8,"num_id":1745625,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaef"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-878db9d0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-49271730-8779-11e6-81ce-9343ac26ece7.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-492605c0-8779-11e6-81ce-9343ac26ece7.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":0.81,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abc4"},{"h":39,"text":"THE BIOSECURITY
Feral photo winners
\n●
\nThe winning photos and video footage in the 2016 Feral Photos competition highlight why pest animals are an ongoing threat to Australia’s pristine environment and multi-billion dollar agriculture sector.
\nIn 2016, the winning image of a ‘fox attacking a native egret’ was taken by Mary-Anne Addington, while visiting the Hunter Wetlands Centre in NSW.
\n“I was shocked to see in broad-daylight, a fox attacking and killing a native Eastern great egret. Even looking back at the image, I still find it confronting,” Ms Addington said.
\nMs Addington always has her camera handy and decided to take some photos so she could document what she was seeing and bring it to the attention of the Hunter Wetlands Centre staff.
\n“The staff were extremely concerned by the images and since viewing them have undertaken further fox control and predator proofing within the wetlands,” Ms Addington said.
\nOther prize winners included an image of feral goats in full fight, taken by Sue Stelzer in western Queensland, an up close and personal image of a single ‘carp egg,’ taken by Danswell Starrs in Canberra and a series of remote camera images showcasing the devastating impact of feral cats on the endangered Malleefowl, taken by Ashleigh Harris in Western Australia.
\nJessica Marsh, the Invasive Animals CRC National Natural Resource Management Facilitator, who manages the competition each year, was amazed by the more than 150 entrants who entered a total 309 images and 23 videos.
\n“The competition always showcases the mantra that ‘a picture paints a thousand words’, and 2016 was no different with the calibre and quality of entries from all over Australia impressing our judging panel and I’d like to thank all those who entered the competition,” Ms Marsh said.
\nFor the first time, the competition also had a ‘best video category’, which was awarded to Parks Victoria with footage of a wallowing Sambar deer in the Victorian Alpine National Park.
\nDaniel Brown, Parks Victoria’s Acting Manager of Regional Operations for Eastern Victoria, said deer cause significant environmental damage through grazing, trampling and forming wallows in drainage lines.
\n“Introduced deer are expanding into Victoria’s protected alpine environments and the video footage clearly highlights the detrimental impact these species have on fragile ecosystems which are already suffering a number of threats,” Mr Brown said.
\nThe Alpine peatlands in Victoria are endangered ecological communities and provide critical habitat for many rare and threatened species. Parks Victoria, in partnership with multiple stakeholders, are working to protect these peatlands from deer impacts through a trial deer control program.
\n\n","type":"text","w":385,"x":40,"y":473,"z":103,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abc6"},{"current_type":"type_like_button","h":20,"type":"facebook","type_like_button":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","layout":"button_count","share_button":true,"show_faces":false,"theme":"light"},"w":129,"x":36,"y":1913,"z":104,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abc7"},{"current_type":"type_tweet","h":20,"type":"twitter","type_tweet":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","show_count":true,"large_button":false},"w":60,"x":176,"y":1913,"z":105,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abc8"},{"bg_color":"c1c1c1","bg_opacity":1,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":24,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"line","type":"shape","w":405,"weight":1,"x":36,"y":1855,"z":106,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abc9"},{"h":25,"text":"Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":36,"y":1881,"z":107,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abca"},{"hidden":false,"bg_color":"000000","bg_opacity":0.63,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":1640,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","w":470,"weight":1,"x":2,"y":338,"z":101,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abcb"},{"pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-04f6e220-8779-11e6-ac4a-cbc24954b524.jpg"},"z":100,"type":"picture","h":781.63,"w":1027,"y":-3,"x":-1,"_id":"57ef158232950c0075bd39aa"},{"z":108,"version":2,"text":"Feral Photo 1st place winner: Mary-Anne Addington's image 'Fox Attacking Egret' (NSW)
","type":"text","h":83,"w":480,"y":779,"x":545,"_id":"588ab56b50ca99410a2c1907"}],"type":"scroll","height":1993,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-878bbe00-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Feral Winners","num":28,"num_id":1745626,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaf0"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-892f5be0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-67672840-8786-11e6-ac4a-cbc24954b524.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-67663de0-8786-11e6-ac4a-cbc24954b524.jpg"},"video":{"title":"","thumbnail_url":"","provider_name":"","video_id":"","url":""},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":0.81,"mute":false,"loop":false,"color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abcc"},{"z":101,"y":466,"x":596,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE MARKETING
","h":38,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abcd"},{"z":100,"y":421,"x":549,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":1446,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.54,"bg_color":"000000","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abce"},{"z":102,"y":519,"x":594,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"Hamish McLachlan
\njoins the Fibre of Football
\n●
\nHigh profile Channel 7 sports presenter Hamish McLachlan features in the Fibre of Football video produced in-house by AWI.
\nThe video of Hamish and his father Angus on the family's woolgrowing property in the eastern Adelaide Hills in South Australia is the latest in a series of videos highlighting the many great stories behind wool and its link with Australian football.
\nFrom a family long associated with growing wool, Hamish was keen to be involved in AWI's Fibre of Football campaign that has significantly lifted the profile and sales of wool amongst the millions of AFL supporters across Australia.
\nThe campaign has enjoyed another stellar year with sales of men's, women's and children's woollen jumpers, scarves, beanies and gloves exceeding expectations. All AFL clubs have got behind the campaign, which celebrates the great connection between Australia's native game and our wonderful natural fibre. Shop AFL woolen range.
\nIn the video, Hamish and his father Angus talk of the opportunities, freedoms and responsibilities that come with growing up on a farm and the importance of sheep and wool to the McLachlan family.
\n\"This is the one place where I truly feel at home,\" Hamish says. \"We often speak about how Australia used to ride on the sheep's back and that's what our family has been lucky to do. Sheep and wool is an important part of our family.\"
\nThe latest drone technology was used to capture footage of Merino ewes and lambs amongst gum tree lined creeks and granite outcrops that are typical of the landscape of the Adelaide Hills.
\nThere is clearly a strong bond between the two as they recount the years of the four boys growing up; the trials, tribulations and humour of family life on a farm.
\nHamish at one stage referencing the day his brother Gillon, now CEO of the AFL, locked him in a cattle crush: \"Do you think you'd be allowed to lock your brother in a cattle crush for eight hours these days?\" he asks.
\n\"Well, marginally exaggerated at eight hours, we heard your squealing after about eight minutes,\" laughs Angus.
\n","h":1279,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abcf"},{"z":103,"y":1812,"x":558,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abd0"},{"z":104,"y":1812,"x":698,"w":61,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abd1"},{"z":105,"y":1754,"x":558,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abd2"},{"z":106,"y":1780,"x":558,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abd3"},{"color":"3ab9ff","theme":"dark","mute":false,"loop":false,"autoplay":false,"title":"Fibre of Football - Hamish McLachlan","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rnJ4zO3fBDI/hqdefault.jpg","provider_name":"YouTube","video_id":"rnJ4zO3fBDI","url":"https://youtu.be/rnJ4zO3fBDI","hidden":false,"info":false,"z":107,"type":"video","h":372,"w":592,"y":520,"x":-2,"_id":"57ef2c5ef41552055bab4277"},{"z":108,"stroke":"solid","weight":10,"sides":3,"radius":0,"borders":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"000000","tp":"line","type":"shape","h":24,"w":1225,"y":503,"x":-635,"_id":"57ef2c7cf41552055bab427b"}],"type":"scroll","height":1881,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-892ebfa0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"The Cover - Hamish McLachlan Joins The Fibre of Football","num":3,"num_id":1745627,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaf1"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-8ab6bf30-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"color":"626868","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":1,"selectedType":"color","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abd6"},{"h":39,"text":"","type":"text","w":385,"x":554.5,"y":102,"z":100,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abd7"},{"h":133,"text":"
\n
","type":"text","w":172,"x":297,"y":1323,"z":101,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abd8"},{"h":321,"text":"
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication, the publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions or any consequences of reliance on this publication. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers.
\n\n
Unless otherwise attributed, articles contained herein are property of the publisher and are covered under the Copyright Act 1968. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material for your personal, teaching and non-commercial use without prior permission. You must attribute any reproductions or derivatives arriving from said work to Leading Agriculture. The publisher reserves the right to revoke such permissions at any time. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be directed in the first instance to: editor@leadingagriculture.com.au
","type":"text","w":253,"x":14,"y":886,"z":102,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abd9"},{"h":52,"text":"ISSUE twenty
","type":"text","w":259,"x":5,"y":130,"z":104,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abda"},{"h":34.29,"text":"Proudly Sponsored by:
LEADING AGRICULTURE
\n\n
Publisher
\nAustralian Farming's Future Pty Ltd
\nSuite 7, 330 Wattle Street
\nUltimo New South Wales 2007
\nPh: 02 8315 7077
\n
Editor
\nSherrie Mazur
\neditor@leadingagriculture.com.au
","type":"text","w":252,"x":15,"y":554,"z":106,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abde"},{"border_color":"232828","border_size":1,"border_radius_max":false,"clickTarget":"_blank","clickLink":"http://www.pacificseeds.com.au","pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/578997/upload-0ca18c10-7251-11e6-9ea7-b581c3d98d99.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/578997/upload-58c6cd80-7251-11e6-8cc1-b30fc75b6a51.jpg"},"z":108,"type":"picture","h":1066,"w":745,"y":148,"x":279,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abdf"},{"endpoint_url":{"enabled":false},"endpoint_mailchimp":{"enabled":false},"endpoint_google":{"enabled":false},"endpoint_email":{"enabled":true},"z":109,"style-underlined-button-hover":{"transition":false,"text-opacity":"inherit","text-color":"inherit","border-opacity":"inherit","border-color":"inherit","border-width":"inherit","opacity":80,"color":"inherit"},"style-underlined-button-default":{"letter-spacing":"inherit","font-size":"inherit","text-opacity":100,"text-color":"ffffff","font-weight":"inherit","font-style":"inherit","font-family":"inherit","border-opacity":100,"border-color":"000000","border-width":0,"border-radius":0,"opacity":100,"color":"000000","gutter":0},"style-underlined-fields":{"letter-spacing":0,"font-size":18,"text-opacity":100,"text-color":"000000","font-weight":400,"font-style":"normal","font-family":"Roboto","underline-opacity":100,"underline-color":"000000","underline-width":1,"gutter":20},"style-outlined-button-hover":{"transition":false,"text-opacity":80,"text-color":"inherit","border-opacity":"inherit","border-color":"inherit","border-width":"inherit","opacity":90,"color":"inherit"},"style-outlined-button-default":{"letter-spacing":"inherit","font-size":"inherit","text-opacity":60,"text-color":"000000","font-weight":"inherit","font-style":"inherit","font-family":"inherit","border-opacity":100,"border-color":"000000","border-width":0,"border-radius":"inherit","opacity":60,"color":"e8e8e8","gutter":0},"style-outlined-fields":{"letter-spacing":0,"font-size":18,"text-opacity":100,"text-color":"000000","font-weight":400,"font-style":"normal","font-family":"Roboto","border-opacity":100,"border-color":"e5e5e5","border-width":1,"border-radius":0,"opacity":0,"color":"ffffff","gutter":20},"style-colored-button-hover":{"transition":false,"text-opacity":"inherit","text-color":"inherit","border-opacity":"inherit","border-color":"inherit","border-width":"inherit","opacity":90,"color":"inherit"},"style-colored-button-default":{"letter-spacing":"inherit","font-size":"inherit","text-opacity":100,"text-color":"ffffff","font-weight":"inherit","font-style":"inherit","font-family":"inherit","border-opacity":100,"border-color":"000000","border-width":0,"border-radius":"inherit","opacity":100,"color":"4c4c4c","gutter":0},"style-colored-fields":{"letter-spacing":0,"font-size":18,"text-opacity":100,"text-color":"000000","font-weight":400,"font-style":"normal","font-family":"Roboto","border-opacity":100,"border-color":"000000","border-width":0,"border-radius":0,"opacity":100,"color":"f7f7f7","gutter":20},"fields":[{"tp":"name","caption":"Name","optional":false,"sort":0},{"tp":"email","caption":"Email","optional":false,"sort":1}],"button-caption":"SUBSCRIBE","style":"colored","layout":"vertical","type":"form","h":184,"w":264,"y":340,"x":10,"_id":"57ec75b6a239c9009f5fbd48"}],"type":"scroll","height":1215,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-8ab315b0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Our Sponsors Issue Twenty","num":2,"num_id":1745628,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaf2"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-8d6f0160-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-8f698be0-ae04-11e6-8f0a-b7ef5c60492c.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-8f687a70-ae04-11e6-8f0a-b7ef5c60492c.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":1,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac0d"},{"h":39,"text":"THE TALENT
Follow
\nthe wool
\n●
\nWith assistance from the wool industry, two Young Farming Champions have followed the wool supply chain overseas.
\nLittle lambs are cute and shearing is entrenched in our culture, but in Australia the story of this remarkable fibre often ends with greasy wool at the wharves.
\nGaining an understanding of the complete supply chain from the sheep’s back to yarn and wool products requires overseas experience. Dione Howard and Chloe Dutschke are two Young Farming Champions who have taken opportunities to follow the wool to China and Hong Kong.
\nThe story of wool begins on properties across Australia, from the rich Riverina region where Dione (22) grew up, to the vast outback stations of South Australia where Chloe (23) works as a jillaroo. The first steps in the supply chain relate to animal health and production including all aspects of sheep husbandry, genetics and nutrition; and the intricate relationship this has with the land. Once grown, the fleeces are removed in shearing sheds and the greasy wool sold in auction houses to a dominantly export market. Wool then begins its journey overseas to be cleaned, spun, weaved and processed and China, in particular, is a dominant player. Once processed the yarn is made into garments and wool products, which are retailed around the world.
\nChloe completed a Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of Adelaide in 2014 and chose to begin her career in wool at the very start of the supply chain. “I was offered a job as a jillaroo with Bendleby Pastoral in the Flinders Ranges and I thought I’d try it out for a year. But a year has led to 18 months and I am loving it,” she says. She has experienced mustering, lamb marking, crutching, shearing and wool handling and seen the sheep raised from lambs.
\nDione is studying veterinary science at Charles Stuart University and is determined to learn all she can about wool’s supply chain. “What many people seem to forget is agriculture is integrated,” she says of her holiday job working with grains for Agfarm. “Even as vets, my peers and I have to know about plants and grains because nutrition is critical to animal production.”
\nDione is also involved with the National Merino Challenge, both as a participant and as a volunteer. “It is the event for young people in the Merino world,” she says enthusiastically. “It allows not only for competition but networking and gives young people exposure to all aspects of the supply chain in Australia including wool handling and valuing, condition scoring of animals and feed budgeting.”
\nWhile Chloe and Dione had both developed a sound understanding of wool’s journey in Australia this is where their knowledge ended. So industry stepped in.
\nFlinders Merino is a woolgrowers group that sponsors an annual fashion award at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The award brings a student to Australia to learn about wool’s origins. In 2016 Chloe was selected by Flinders Merino to travel to Hong Kong to co-present the award and learn about the other end of the supply chain. “As well as the fashion show and presentation at the university I visited the AWI headquarters for research and development of wool products, went to Novotex where every year and every season they design wool to meet the market and spoke with one of their saleswomen for the hobby market,” she says. “They all helped my understanding of what the consumer is looking for.
\n“I would like to get back to Hong Kong sooner rather than later,” Chloe says as she reflects on her overseas experience. “I’ve been to the paddock and I’ve been to the shelves but I’d like to see the processing side and fill those gaps in the supply chain.”
\nDione’s overseas experience was as part of an AWI pilot program called the Young Wool Grower Study Tour, which spent 10 days in China and Hong Kong watching wool go from bales to garments. 16 young people saw cleaning, weaving and dyeing of wool through to the final products on the shelves. “The fashion market is consumer driven and trends and styles change from one season to the next,” Dione says. “Animal production can’t keep up with these changes so it is important that in Australia we continue to produce a consistent, biosecure, clean and green product – and that’s where my career as a vet will be important.”
\nDespite the falling production of wool in Australia, Chloe is upbeat. “I think my future lies in wool,” she says. “The industry has a lot of room for growth and I feel there will be a breakthrough in consumer attitudes when they realise wool’s versatility. It can be a summer or a winter garment, can be used for sports and studies are suggesting it can even help children with eczema.”
\nDione’s veterinary aspirations are to eventually specialise in sheep. “I may not be a traditional vet but rather one who gives advice to producers with healthy animals. It is a niche I would like to explore. I love the fact we don’t know all the answers but can work hard to find them out and then optimise the sheep’s growth and output to produce a quality fibre.”
\nDione and Chloe are keen to share the lessons they have learnt from their industry sponsored tours and will find this expression through Art4Agriculture’s Young Farming Champions and The Archibull Prize. “The Archibull will let us tell the story of the wool supply chain to a new audience,” Dione says.
\nThe wool industry in Australia, both at a producer level and through Australian Wool Innovation, has been instrumental in giving opportunities to young people such as Dione and Chloe so they may gain a holistic understanding of the wool supply chain. In return these future stakeholders in the industry will enhance their career prospects and, through programs such as The Merino Challenge and The Archibull Prize, will share their knowledge and experience. It is a smart investment in wool’s future.
\n\n
\n
\n
","type":"text","w":385,"x":54,"y":133,"z":102,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac0f"},{"current_type":"type_like_button","h":20,"type":"facebook","type_like_button":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","layout":"button_count","share_button":true,"show_faces":false,"theme":"light"},"w":124,"x":45,"y":2914,"z":103,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac10"},{"current_type":"type_tweet","h":20,"type":"twitter","type_tweet":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","show_count":true,"large_button":false},"w":60,"x":185,"y":2914,"z":104,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac11"},{"bg_color":"c1c1c1","bg_opacity":1,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":24,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"line","type":"shape","w":405,"weight":1,"x":45,"y":2856,"z":105,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac12"},{"h":25,"text":"
Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":45,"y":2882,"z":106,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac13"},{"hidden":false,"bg_color":"000000","bg_opacity":0.77,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":2971,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","w":470,"weight":1,"x":12,"y":16,"z":100,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac14"},{"z":107,"version":2,"text":"Dione Howard
\nYoung Farming Champion
","type":"text","h":74,"w":322,"y":618,"x":687,"_id":"582fc0db8db6f70050ee1cf9"},{"pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-f3309b50-ae04-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-f3313790-ae04-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg"},"z":108,"type":"picture","h":360,"w":480,"y":1052,"x":7,"_id":"582fc14beb459500461e9436"},{"z":109,"version":2,"text":"Chloe Dutschke
THE Talent
","h":39,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abfc"},{"z":102,"y":135,"x":88,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"Daniel Kahl
\nNuffield Scholar
\n●
\nDaniel Kahl from Wee Waa in the Namoi Valley in North-West New South Wales receives a 2017 Nuffield Scholarship supported by Cotton Australia and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation.
Daniel will investigate where the next generation of farm managers will come from and how quality candidates can be attracted to a career in farming.
\nHe is employed as Business Manager of his family owned and operated company, Merced Farming. Its operations cover 7,500ha with 3,500ha developed for irrigation, 800ha for dry land cropping and 2,200ha natural and improved pastures for livestock. In a full production scenario, the company produces 20,000 bales of cotton a year in addition to other rotation crops.
\nDaniel is responsible for commodity marketing, budgeting and cashflow monitoring, logistics, business administration and helping with on farm activities. Having returned to the farm in 2014 and taking up this role in the business, he is concerned that skilled labour is not making it onto the farm.
\n“We can readily access labour to operate machinery and carry out cropping activities. But it is the roles at middle management level such as farm supervisors, those who can manage a team of plant operators or irrigation across a whole farm, that we struggle to fill.
\n“The challenge of attracting skilled labour is present across the wider agricultural industry. Is the answer to develop staff and help them to acquire the necessary skills to step-up and fill that role? Or is it to provide a more attractive opportunity to those who have gone away to further education and encourage them to return?”
\nThis is a real and imminent challenge for Merced Farming. Having doubled in size through the purchase of additional property, the business is in a consolidation phase.
\n“We are readying ourselves and our team for when full production is upon us. It is only with a good team in place that full production can be a reality.”
\nDaniel plans to travel to Europe, North America and New Zealand and study the human resources practises of corporate and family farming operations as well as what programs may be in place at an industry level to develop a skilled agricultural workforce.
","h":1222,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abfd"},{"z":103,"y":1399,"x":64,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abfe"},{"z":104,"y":1399,"x":204,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116abff"},{"z":105,"y":1341,"x":64,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac00"},{"z":106,"y":1367,"x":64,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac01"}],"type":"scroll","height":1493,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-8f9ae210-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Daniel Kahl - Nuffield Scholar","num":15,"num_id":1745632,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaf6"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-91bb2a00-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-9f3f7ef0-8779-11e6-869d-ad1542060dfc.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-9f3e9490-8779-11e6-869d-ad1542060dfc.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac04"},{"z":101,"y":49,"x":476,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE DIVERSITY
","h":39,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac05"},{"z":100,"y":9,"x":435,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":1965,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.97,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac06"},{"z":102,"y":129,"x":478,"w":393,"type":"text","text":"Southampton Homestead
\nHOLISTIC MANAGEMENT
\n●
\nSouthampton Farm's philosophy recognises it’s all alive, it’s all intelligent, and it’s all connected.
The farm grows pastureraised poultry and a small dairy herd using Holistic Management - a practice based on managed grazing to mimic the behaviour of wild herbivores in grassland ecosystems. Additionally, owners Jeff Pow and Michelle McManus, are part of a leading trend in farming – “reclaiming the Terms of Trade” - taking responsibility for the growing and the processing of all poultry in an on-farm micro-abattoir, and selling their produce directly to the community.
\nSouthampton Homestead is the first regenerative, pasture-based poultry operation in Western Australia, producing over 12,000 birds per year. The farm was first regenerated from a pine plantation in 2006, when Jeff bought the Blackwood Valley farm and began the slow process of restoring the pastures. Then, a catastrophic bushfire in 2013 destroyed the farm, and the regeneration process began again in earnest a few short months later.
\nThe approach is modelled on leading practices, particularly those from Polyface Farm in the USA and the work of Allan Savory and the Savory Institute in Holistic Management. This is a radical departure from the way chicken is typically produced in intensive shed-based operations (some with free-to-range options for the birds). Their system does not use chemical fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides, or antibiotics or other inputs and is based on the highest welfare standards. All biological matter and water from the abattoir are recycled through composting on-farm.
\nThe carefully managed ‘cell’ grazing of cows bio-mimics natural herd behaviour, with chickens and ducks following. This strategically impacts the grasses, applies manure throughout the property, increases water storage and carbon, and enables strong plant recovery. The diverse perennial pasture and insect species meet much of the dietary requirements of the birds and helps to develop strong immune systems. The soil-based approach significantly reduces biosecurity risks.
\nSouthampton Homestead runs a volunteer Farm Residency program, where aspiring farmers are invited to live and study on-farm for three months and receive detailed training, business coaching and knowledge-sharing, plus external field trips and seminars to deepen their learning. They aim to help prepare farmers to start their own food and farming ventures, whilst improving degraded landscapes. They participate in numerous forms of advocacy and awareness-raising for smallscale farming, including the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance and direct lobbying of members of Parliament.
\nIn collaboration with the South West Catchments Council (SWCC) and their Regional Landcare Facilitator program, in 2015 they held a farm Open Day and a two-day intensive workshop on the Regrarian Platform with Darren Doherty of Regrarians. They also co-hosted a Soil Health workshop with the University of WA, again in partnership with SWCC. In 2016 they hosted a screening of the ‘Polyfaces’ documentary in Fremantle, and with the Peel Harvey Catchment Council arranged for Darren Doherty of Regrarians to come to WA for a two-day ‘After the Fire’ workshop, to assist farmers affected by the devastating Yarloop fires of February 2016.
\nSouthampton Homestead is working with Sommerlads Poultry and are licenced breeders of the Sommerlad chicken. A key challenge they are working on is sourcing organic grain-based protein and alternative protein sources. They are collaborating with a group of Southwest pastured egg producers to collectively contract organic grain growers for their needs, and with a company trialling the use of Black Soldier Fly larvae and mealworms for protein.
\nLandcare is a grassroots movement that harnesses individuals and groups to protect, restore and sustainably manage Australia’s natural environment and its productivity. Groups that fall under the Landcare umbrella work on a diverse range of environmental projects and include farmers embracing sustainable farm management and any community group that partakes in volunteer environmental activities.
\n\n
\n
","h":1739,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac07"},{"z":103,"y":1913,"x":448,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac08"},{"z":104,"y":1913,"x":588,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac09"},{"z":105,"y":1855,"x":448,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac0a"},{"z":106,"y":1881,"x":448,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac0b"}],"type":"scroll","height":1989,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-91b9ca70-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Southampton Homestead","num":33,"num_id":1745633,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaf7"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-937c6200-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-7b0b21a0-aecb-11e6-b680-677f00834de5.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-7b0a3740-aecb-11e6-b680-677f00834de5.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":0.75,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac15"},{"z":106,"y":51,"x":97,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE RESEARCH
","h":39,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac16"},{"z":101,"y":133,"x":98,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"Triple C: Course China and Caliper
\n●
\nBy Pork CRC CEO, Dr Roger Campbell
\nThe annual Roseworthy Pig Course, The Science and Practice of Pig Production, is not far off.
\nIn 2017 the course will run at Roseworthy in SA from January 30 to February 10. The course has been career changing for many and covers the basics and the latest developments in pork production, from reproduction to marketing, with visits to mills and abattoirs and much more. If you want to understand the industry and learn the latest from the best then register now.
\nPork CRC covers travel and other costs for the first 20 production based personnel to register for the course, so discuss it with those you need to in your organisation and lodge your registration.
\nDetails are on our website or can be obtained from Rebecca Smith at Pork CRC, email rebecca.smith@porkcrc.com.au or course co-ordinator Dr William van Wettere at School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, email william.vanwettere@adelaide.edu.au.
\nChina challenge
\nI spent five days in China in mid-October at a very large technical meeting attended by 600 people, including nutritionists, production and technical staff from pork businesses and company owners.
\nI didn’t hear much on the technical or research side we didn’t already know, but I learned a little about the Chinese pork industry.
\nThe industry is very profitable at the moment, with average cost of production around $3.70 AUD/kg carcass weight and average price at $5.10 AUD/kg carcass weight. Average carcass weight is around 79 kg, but everything is sold and priced on live weight. The larger companies have a lower cost of production than the average and some have made billions in the past 12 months.
\nThere is tremendous expansion and consolidation occurring across the industry, with the government closing down smaller producers and moving pigs away from the people.
\nThe government is also introducing a lot more regulations to reduce the water and air pollution associated with pork production.
\nWhere it all ends up remains unknown, but it will be different and it is likely China will import 5-10% of its needs. This equates to 32-65 million pigs annually and is likely to initially cause disruption to global pork markets and, ultimately, longer term supply contracts.
\nTo give you a feel for the size of China’s industry and how it is changing, the biggest production company in China has permits for and is in the process of expanding its production by 20 million pigs.
\nSow caliper
\nA sow body condition caliper caught my interest when in Canada in September, hence below is an outline of what I heard and how I think you might make use of it.
\nHearing an interesting presentation on the use of a caliper developed by Dr Mark Knauer, Assistant Professor and Extension Swine Specialist at North Carolina State University, to objectively measure body composition of sows certainly sparked my interest. Use of the caliper on commercial herds has considerably reduced feed cost in gestation and it appears that reproduction is optimised over a narrow caliper range. Talking to the inventor, there seems no doubt that sows classified as fat have smaller litters and wean fewer pigs. We have always known this, but the caliper makes it easier to assess and control body condition than visual body condition scoring. All the figures included in my column have been taken from reports by Mark Knauer.
\nThe caliper is easy to use and there is a video on how to use it.
\n\n
The caliper score seems independent of parity and has generated a lot of interest and use in the US.
\nSows are assessed at mating and every 5-6 weeks as needed and their feed intake adjusted accordingly.
\nI have a standard operating plan on use of the caliper and feeding levels developed by Hanor Farms and I’m happy to send you a copy, but Australian producers will need to work out intakes for our conditions and probably start by relating caliper score to visual body condition score. Nevertheless, there is something in this and you should give it a go.
\nThe caliper costs $200 USD and can be ordered direct
\nfrom Mark, email mtknauer@gmail.com
\n\n","h":2489,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac17"},{"hidden":false,"z":102,"y":2653,"x":65,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac18"},{"hidden":false,"z":103,"y":2653,"x":205,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac19"},{"hidden":false,"z":104,"y":2595,"x":65,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"ffffff","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac1a"},{"hidden":false,"z":105,"y":2621,"x":65,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac1b"},{"hidden":false,"z":100,"y":9,"x":50,"weight":1,"w":476,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":2717,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.71,"bg_color":"000000","_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116ac1c"},{"color":"3ab9ff","theme":"dark","mute":false,"loop":false,"autoplay":false,"title":"Using the Sow Body Condition Caliper","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YgxQEIzkjbQ/hqdefault.jpg","provider_name":"YouTube","video_id":"YgxQEIzkjbQ","url":"https://youtu.be/YgxQEIzkjbQ","info":false,"z":107,"type":"video","h":360,"w":480,"y":1821,"x":49,"_id":"58310d8e8b004b0074c513bd"},{"z":108,"version":2,"text":"Happy students and teachers at completion
\nof 2016Roseworthy Pig Course.
\nRegistration is now open for 2017 course.
","type":"text","h":83,"w":360,"y":555,"x":547,"_id":"58310e828db6f70050eea8f6"}],"type":"scroll","height":2743,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-937bc5c0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Course China and Caliper","num":25,"num_id":1745634,"_id":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aaf8"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-95772090-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-151f8150-aec7-11e6-a1e2-9950b1176374.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-151f3330-aec7-11e6-a1e2-9950b1176374.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"582553aeb0fb0b1006bc06c1"},{"z":100,"y":10,"x":34,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":2663,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","_id":"582553aeb0fb0b1006bc06c2"},{"z":101,"y":63,"x":105,"w":344,"type":"text","text":"THE INNOVATION
","h":39,"_id":"582553aeb0fb0b1006bc06c3"},{"z":102,"y":139,"x":87,"w":373,"type":"text","text":"agriculture INNOVATORS
\n●
\nAs Australasian agriculture faces mounting pressure to enhance operations, 25 agricultural professionals have been recognised for their innovative work towards improving the industry.
\nAs testament to their significant contributions, 25 growers and advisers across Australia and New Zealand have been selected as Regional Winners in the 2016 Syngenta Growth Awards.
\nThe Syngenta Growth Awards champion growers and agricultural advisers who lead the way in their profession.
\n“There’s a pressure to do more with less and the top 25 are developing innovative ways to overcome challenges of modern day farming, such as water availability and pest management,” said Paul Luxton, Territory Head – Australasia, Syngenta.
\n“They are constantly challenging themselves to stay abreast of new technology and incorporating trial and research data into their everyday operations to increase productivity and sustainability.
\n“Across all 25 Regional Winners, we are seeing incredible efforts in research and development. Some are partnering with industry groups such as the GRDC to carry out field trials, while others are conducting their own, independent trials,” Mr Luxton said.
\nRegardless of what trials they conduct, there is a shared mentality amongst the top 25 that cooperation across the whole industry is imperative to remain viable.
\n“I’m inspired by the dedication shown by the Regional Winners and their sense of community and social responsibility,” Mr Luxton said.
\nThe Syngenta Growth Awards are presented in partnership with Case IH and Fairfax Agricultural Media and have three nomination categories: Productivity; Sustainability; and Community and People.
\nThe 25 Regional Winners have been chosen based on a rigorous selection criteria for each category and will advance to the next stage of the Awards.
\n“Selecting the top 25 was challenging because we had such a competitive pool of nominees. But we are proud to announce the Regional Winners and showcase their contributions towards increasing productivity, innovation and camaraderie throughout our industry,” Mr Luxton said.
\nSeven Australasian winners will be selected by an independent judging panel and announced at the Growth Awards gala dinner. The winners will then have the opportunity to participate in a study tour to the UK and Europe in 2017.
\n“The Awards have become a mainstay in the industry and as testament to this, we have an extremely high caliber of finalists moving into the next stage of the Awards,” Mr Luxton said.
\nThe 25 Regional Winners are:
\nNew South Wales
\n- Graeme Callaghan: Coonamble, NSW: Adviser
\n- Jim Cronin: Forbes, NSW: Adviser
\n- Colin Arnold: Berrigan, NSW: Grower
\n- Dean Salvestro: Benerembah, NSW: Grower
\nQueensland
\n- Richard Daniel: Toowoomba, QLD: Adviser
\n- Tommy Le: Glenore Grove, QLD: Adviser
\n- Simon Chapman: Gumlu, QLD: Grower
\n- Nigel Corish: Goondiwindi, QLD: Grower
\n- Trevor & Wendy Cross: Bundaberg, QLD: Grower
\nSouth Australia
\n- Peter Boutsalis: Prospect, SA: Adviser
\n- Richard Porter: Newton, SA: Adviser
\n- Naresh Singh: Virginia, SA: Grower
\n- Randall Wilksch: Yeelanna, SA: Grower
\nTasmania
\n- Stuart Millwood: Launceston, TAS: Adviser
\nVictoria
\n- James Dickson: Werribee South, VIC: Grower
\n- Andrew McMahen: Manangatang, VIC: Adviser
\nWestern Australia
\n- David Cameron: Moora, WA: Adviser
\n- Geoff Fosbery: Northam, WA: Adviser
\n- Duc Nguyen: Carnarvon, WA: Grower
\n- Michael Fels: Esperance, WA: Grower
\n- Michael Nixon: North Plantations, WA: Grower
\nNew Zealand
\n- Howard Clarke: Gore, NZ: Adviser
\n- Tayah Ryan: Katikati, NZ: Adviser
\n- Allan Fong: Pukekohe, NZ: Grower
\n- Craig Whiteside: Otago, NZ: Grower
\n\n
\n
\n
","h":2434,"_id":"582553aeb0fb0b1006bc06c4"},{"z":103,"y":2611,"x":48,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"582553aeb0fb0b1006bc06c5"},{"z":104,"y":2611,"x":188,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"582553aeb0fb0b1006bc06c6"},{"z":105,"y":2553,"x":48,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"582553aeb0fb0b1006bc06c7"},{"z":106,"y":2579,"x":48,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"582553aeb0fb0b1006bc06c8"},{"z":107,"version":2,"text":"Tommy Le: Glenore Grove, Queensland
THE Families
THE READS
\nDNA Flock Profile
\nINNOVATORS
\n●
\nBreaking down a perception-driven market with objective genetic data was the impetus for sheep breeders Andrew and Barbara Read to conceive an idea which has now been realised in the form of the Sheep CRC’s DNA Flock Profile test.
\nThe Reads, from \"Oak Hills\", Nangus, NSW, first approached Sheep CRC chief executive James Rowe at a producer field day with the idea of developing a DNA test to profile the genetic merit of a commercial ewe flock.
\n“We had been buying high index Merino rams in the top 5% bracket, but it became clear that there was no way to market the quality of their progeny to other people,” Mr Read said.
\n“The store markets were operating on reputation and hearsay and wishful thinking, and we found that people didn’t chase our stock because we were new players. And as a buyer on the store market I had found how flukey it was to get stock of verifiable genetic quality.
\n“With all of those vagaries, we simply put two and two together and said to the CRC, ‘If you can DNA test rams, why can’t you test a commercial ewe flock as well so we can verify in the market place the quality of our stock?’”
\nThe Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC), operates as part of the Federal Department of Industry, Innovation and Science’s CRC program. It is a collaboration of more than 40 organisations from across industry, government and the commercial sector, and includes producer groups, farm advisers, universities and research organisations, meat processors and retailers.
\nIt has developed a range of DNA tests to drive faster and more affordable genetic improvement, with the DNA Flock Profiler its most recent product. It is currently in the final stages of field trials ahead of an anticipated full commercial release to Merino breeders in 2017.
\nThe Flock Profiler prediction involves randomly sampling 20 young ewes for DNA testing. By identifying genetic linkages with animals of known breeding values from the Information Nucleus database, the Flock Profiling Test will provide commercial producers with a prediction of their flock's average breeding values scaled to Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) for major Merino traits, such as yearling weight, fleece weight and fibre diameter and well as the indexes for Fibre Production, Merino Production and Dual Purpose.
\n“I believe the genomic breeding values generated by the Flock Profile test will provide authentication of breeding claims by commercial producers which is an entirely new thing, only previously obtainable in long relationship business connections,” Mr Read said.
\nHe hopes the influence of DNA testing will be felt not just in store markets, but flow right through the supply chain to the consumer with breeders to be rewarded for selecting for traits like meat eating quality.
\nMr Read spent his working life in a range of farm-related jobs, while his wife holds a doctorate in genetic biology and worked in barley breeding – a background which came in useful when selecting the right genetics to improve their flock.
\nThe couple, now in their 70s, retired 16 years ago to a 580-hectare block with only basic infrastructure, with the goal of running a 1200 ewe self-replacing flock. They have since put 250ha into environmental stewardship, and run around 850 ewes plus followers, as well as backgrounding weaner cattle over winter/spring.
\nTheir lambing percent has been as high as 120% but in 2016 it was only 103% due to the extreme windy and wet weather over the lambing period.
\n“We try for a compressed spring lambing with a short single oestrous cycle joining of 20 days. We cull dry ewes and try to sell our wether lambs off their mothers, weaned and started on hay and grain at about 28kg,” Mr Read said.
\n“Due to the challenges of the seasons over the last 10 years there has been minimal culling of the ewe flock, meaning we have made most of our progress via ram selection. In particular we are seeking a lighter earlier maturing ewe so, in addition to wool characteristics, we have been looking at body weight and fat cover.
\n“Genetically our ewes seem to be running about four years behind the trajectory established for yearling weight (YWT) and fleece weight (YCFW) by CentrePlus, which has been our main ram source. This is to be expected as it takes time for genetic improvement to flow through the age structure of the flock.”
\nThe Reads were among the first producers to trial the Flock Profile DNA test, with their detailed records of all rams purchased over the last 10 years, including their ASBVs and what years they were used, being useful in verifying the accuracy of the genomic predictions generated by the test.
\n“Although we have those ram team records, what we didn’t know was which rams had been most active and exerted the most influence on our flock and if you don’t know your starting point it’s hard to select the rams you need to go forward,” Mr Read said.
\nThis history of selecting animals using ASBVs and exerting selection pressure on the traits most important to their business showed through in the Flock Profile results, which placed their sheep in the top 15% of the Dual Purpose Index database.
\n“I feel that for a commercial flock to have arrived at the 15th percentile for DP after at most 10 years of focussed breeding is not too bad,” he said. “It will be interesting to see where other commercial flocks come in.”
\n“It does take some work to record your ram teams but the new ram team manager feature on RamSelect Plus makes that process quite simple. Most commercial flocks don't seem to have ram history readily available so the genomic breeding values generated by the Flock Profile test will provide a valuable starting benchmark for an upgrade program.”
\nMr Read said it was vital for the Merino industry to embrace innovation if it wanted to succeed.
\n“I think there’s a lot of things in the Merino industry that should be happening but aren’t – compared to the grains industry, where I started farming, the pace of innovation has been much slower,” Mr Read said.
\n“I’m in my 70s and as a farmer I need innovations. I want to keep going and keep improving; what the CRC is doing for the sheep industry might be compared to what CIMMYT and Wagga Agricultural Research Institute started for the wheat industry in the 1970s – they’re helping the industry move into a whole new era and doing a fantastic job of it.
\n“I’m particularly impressed that the CRC listened to an idea for flock profiling, assessed it, and had it up and running so quickly.”
\n\n
\n
","type":"text","w":385,"x":594,"y":133,"z":102,"_id":"582e6778690b5e19ff429e29"},{"current_type":"type_like_button","h":20,"type":"facebook","type_like_button":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","layout":"button_count","share_button":true,"show_faces":false,"theme":"light"},"w":124,"x":584,"y":3139,"z":103,"_id":"582e6778690b5e19ff429e2a"},{"current_type":"type_tweet","h":20,"type":"twitter","type_tweet":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","show_count":true,"large_button":false},"w":60,"x":724,"y":3139,"z":104,"_id":"582e6778690b5e19ff429e2b"},{"bg_color":"c1c1c1","bg_opacity":1,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":24,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"line","type":"shape","w":405,"weight":1,"x":584,"y":3081,"z":105,"_id":"582e6778690b5e19ff429e2c"},{"h":25,"text":"
Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":584,"y":3107,"z":106,"_id":"582e6778690b5e19ff429e2d"},{"hidden":false,"bg_color":"000000","bg_opacity":0.77,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":3198,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","w":470,"weight":1,"x":552,"y":17,"z":100,"_id":"582e6778690b5e19ff429e2e"}],"type":"scroll","height":3227,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"black","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-974c07a0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"The Reads - DNA Flock Profile Innovators","num":30,"num_id":1895598,"_id":"582e6778690b5e19ff429e26"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-99096f10-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-fb81fed0-aed0-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-fb813b80-aed0-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"582e68857a6bc218bd242525"},{"z":101,"y":46,"x":602,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE Technology
","h":39,"_id":"582e68857a6bc218bd242526"},{"z":102,"y":105,"x":603,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"Technology answers to soil health
\n●
\nGrowcom's Hort360 program has developed a case study video highlighting how technology is being used on-farm to tackle drainage and soil health.
\nStrawberry and ginger grower, John Allen, grows around 600 000 strawberry plants and 28 hectares (70 acres) of ginger annually in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast.
\n\"Our terrain is flat and the soil is a sandy Wallum-type soil, inherently poorly drained and inherently infertile,\" John said.
\nThe significant challenges presented by this soil type have prompted John to turn to technology for solutions.
\nJohn is now using EM38 technology to generate maps which give a good analysis of the state of his soil.
\n\"The EM38 soil mapping is an electromagnetic survey of the soil profile,\" John said.
\n\"We went down to a depth of 1.5 meters which told us the EC of the soil - this is influenced by the amount of clay in the soil and also the amount of water.\"
\nJohn Allen is also working with Growcom to generate NDVI data for his property, mapping levels of vegetation across the farm.
\nWhen the NDVI data was overlayed with the EM38 soil profile information, it was clear there was a link between the state of the soil and the amount of crop produced.
\nThe clear message coming from the NDVI and EM38 work is the importance of soil health, with John Allen already putting in place plans to look after his biggest asset.
\n\"Particularly with our ginger crop, our concentration is on soil health. It's all about the microbial content of our soil,\" John said.
\n\"We will be moving towards higher carbon soils, more green manures, more carbon-based fertilisers, less chemical fertilisers and hopefully that's going to reflect on the run-off from the farm, and the nutritional leaching from the farm.\"
\nJohn said the technology, which has given him a better understanding of the limitation of his soil, will also allow him to make better management decisions around nutrition, irrigation and even drainage.
\n\"I think there is good potential there,\" John said. \"It gives us another layer of information and another method of surveying our crop. I expect that we will use the information to vary our nutrition program, to vary maybe irrigation; certainly the NDVI will help us with that.\"
\n\n
\n
","h":1322,"_id":"582e68857a6bc218bd242527"},{"hidden":false,"z":100,"weight":1,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.82,"bg_color":"ffffff","h":1533,"w":470,"y":11,"x":554,"_id":"582e68857a6bc218bd242528"},{"hidden":false,"z":103,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","current_type":"type_like_button","h":20,"w":124,"y":1478,"x":569,"_id":"582e68857a6bc218bd24252a"},{"hidden":false,"z":104,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","current_type":"type_tweet","h":20,"w":60,"y":1478,"x":709,"_id":"582e68857a6bc218bd24252b"},{"hidden":false,"z":105,"weight":1,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","h":24,"w":442,"y":1420,"x":569,"_id":"582e68857a6bc218bd24252c"},{"hidden":false,"z":106,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"w":112,"y":1446,"x":569,"_id":"582e68857a6bc218bd24252d"},{"color":"3ab9ff","theme":"dark","mute":false,"loop":false,"autoplay":false,"title":"Hort360 Case Study - John Allen, Oaklands Farms","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kjCLbrMbItQ/hqdefault.jpg","provider_name":"YouTube","video_id":"kjCLbrMbItQ","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjCLbrMbItQ","info":false,"z":107,"type":"video","h":360,"w":480,"y":579,"x":104,"_id":"583116be684e81005f5f6f71"},{"z":108,"stroke":"solid","weight":10,"sides":3,"radius":0,"borders":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"000000","tp":"line","type":"shape","h":24,"w":1010,"y":562,"x":-426,"_id":"583116e66f55ab5beb42cff7"}],"type":"scroll","height":1559,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-9908d2d0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Technology Answers to Soil Health","num":24,"num_id":1895601,"_id":"582e68857a6bc218bd242524"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-9b165610-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-5f102410-ad49-11e6-8b33-8500270ac5be.jpg","url":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-5f102410-ad49-11e6-8b33-8500270ac5be.jpg","poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-421a5a60-ad49-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-5f102410-ad49-11e6-8b33-8500270ac5be.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"582e85db684e81005f5e4c3d"},{"z":101,"y":60,"x":43,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE FOOD
","h":39,"_id":"582e85db684e81005f5e4c3e"},{"z":100,"y":14,"x":-1,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":1755,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.7,"bg_color":"000000","_id":"582e85db684e81005f5e4c3f"},{"z":102,"y":129,"x":44,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"Salt tolerant genes improve productivity
\n●
\nRice is a staple food for over half of the world’s population, yet it is also the most salt-sensitive cereal crop, putting it at risk to future environmental challenges.
Researchers have used high-throughput non-invasive phenotyping to investigate the early responses of rice plants to moderately-saline conditions.
\nProject lead, Professor Mark Tester from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), supervised PhD student Nadia Al-Tamini’s project which grew 297 indica and 256 aus rice varieties under low and high salinity. Moving on conveyer belts, the plants were imaged daily using digital cameras to monitor biomass and shoot development, and weighed to carefully measure transpiration levels (water use).
\nThe results revealed new salt-tolerant genetic loci which could prove useful for breeding programs aimed at increasing rice production and addressing future global food shortages.
\n“Using The Plant Accelerator® research facility at the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus allowed us to analyse numerous aspects of the growth of multiple plants simultaneously,” says Professor Tester.
\nUsing the facility’s cutting-edge technology, the researchers were able to show some genes, for example those connected with signaling processes, were important to plant growth in the first two to six days after salt application, while other genes became prominent later.
\n“This is perhaps the most astonishing aspect of this work – we can now obtain genetic details daily, pinpointing exactly when each locus comes into play in response to salinity,” says Professor Tester.
\n“Our unique infrastructure at The Plant Accelerator® allowed us to screen hundreds of rice plants under controlled conditions. This was key to identifying novel genes contributing to salt tolerance in rice,” says Dr Bettina Berger, the facility’s Scientific Director.
\n“Providing high-quality research infrastructure, such as The Plan Accelerator®, enables scientists in Australia and around the world to study novel aspects of crop tolerance to stress, which often require measurements over time instead of single time points,” says Dr Berger.
\nThe researchers made no assumptions about plant growth in their analysis, using unbiased statistical methods to explore their results. They found that growth rate diminished in salt-treated soils, with a rapid slowing of growth immediately after salt addition. The indica lines fared better than aus leading the team to uncover significant genetic differences between the varieties. By combining data on relative growth rate, transpiration rate and transpiration use efficiency (TUE) with a genome-wide association analysis, the researchers could search for genetic loci related to specific plant traits.
\nThe Plant Accelerator®, Australian Plant Phenomics Facility, is funded under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). It provides the ability to grow thousands of plants and generate quantitative data on a large scale using high-throughput non-invasive phenotyping.
\n\n
\n
\n
","h":1504,"_id":"582e85db684e81005f5e4c40"},{"z":103,"y":1690,"x":14,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"582e85db684e81005f5e4c41"},{"z":104,"y":1690,"x":154,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"582e85db684e81005f5e4c42"},{"z":105,"y":1632,"x":14,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"582e85db684e81005f5e4c43"},{"z":106,"y":1658,"x":14,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"582e85db684e81005f5e4c44"}],"type":"scroll","height":1789,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-9b156bb0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Salt Tolerent Genes Improve Productivity","num":18,"num_id":1895669,"_id":"582e85db684e81005f5e4c3c"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-9ceac7f0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"color":"000000","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":0.69,"selectedType":"color","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"582e91f6a6eb8300653b66bd"},{"h":39,"text":"THE FUTURE
Iconic TasSIE brand backs brighter future for ag
\n●
\nTasmanian boot brand Blundstone will provide $120,000 to support students undertaking new associate degrees in agribusiness in 2017.
\nEnrolments are open to the first intake of the courses conducted by the University of Tasmania University College (UC) and will start on February 1 2017.
\nThe Blundstone scholarships will provide support for the entire first crop of students to fund travel to workshops and industry placements that will make up part of the associate degree structure.
\nUniversity Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen thanked the company for its support, saying it was a clear and important symbol.
\n“The University College has been established to improve Tasmania’s educational attainment and retention, which has been described as a social ill for our island,” Professor Rathjen said.
\n“Over the next 10 years many thousands of people will access higher levels of education through these associate degrees.
\n“A firm which is iconically Tasmanian, is giving significantly to demonstrate that it shares this vision for our community and economy – that this new approach to higher education is a transformative opportunity for the State.”
\nUC Principal Professor Janelle Allison said Blundstone’s initiative was the sort of strong industry engagement that the college model would be built upon.
\n“The University College will provide graduates who are tailored to meet the needs of regional industries – industries which are currently constrained by a lack of skilled workers,” Professor Allison said.
\n“The associate degree courses will effectively build a bridge between communities of high unemployment and industries in desperate need of workers.
\n“Agriculture is a very good example of this and it sits right at the heart of communities and economies in regional Tasmania.
\n“The Blundstone gift will support 30 Tasmanians in 2017, helping defray another barrier to education which is cost.
\n“This gift will make a real impact in the lives of our students.”
\nBlundstone CEO Steve Gunn said the business sought out opportunities to support its local community in powerful ways.
\nThe announcement follows another in June of three new scholarships worth $30,000 each, designed to encourage young people from the North and North-West to study agriculture.
\n“We’re now a global brand with growing sales and production capacity, and our heritage and sense of place have shaped who we are,” Mr Gunn said. “As a heritage brand with our roots firmly in Tasmania our past is extremely important to us and our farming heartland is at the centre of that.
\n“These scholarships allow us to give back to a community that has supported us for many years.”
\nAssociate degrees in agribusiness and applied business will be launched at the start of 2017.
\nThey will be structured so that students emerge with an associate degree after two years, or articulate through to a bachelor degree with credit.
\n“The experience in the United States is up to 40 per cent of students will carry onto bachelor programs,” Professor Allison said.
\n“Either way, University College students will be graduating with qualifications which are first rate and highly relevant to their regions.”
\n\n
\n
","type":"text","w":385,"x":597,"y":127,"z":102,"_id":"582e91f6a6eb8300653b66bf"},{"current_type":"type_like_button","h":20,"type":"facebook","type_like_button":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","layout":"button_count","share_button":true,"show_faces":false,"theme":"light"},"w":124,"x":581,"y":1943,"z":103,"_id":"582e91f6a6eb8300653b66c0"},{"current_type":"type_tweet","h":20,"type":"twitter","type_tweet":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","show_count":true,"large_button":false},"w":60,"x":721,"y":1943,"z":104,"_id":"582e91f6a6eb8300653b66c1"},{"bg_color":"c1c1c1","bg_opacity":1,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":24,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"line","type":"shape","w":442,"weight":1,"x":581,"y":1885,"z":105,"_id":"582e91f6a6eb8300653b66c2"},{"h":25,"text":"
Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":581,"y":1911,"z":106,"_id":"582e91f6a6eb8300653b66c3"},{"hidden":false,"bg_color":"000000","bg_opacity":1,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","weight":1,"z":100,"h":1588,"w":470,"y":9,"x":555,"_id":"582e91f6a6eb8300653b66c4"},{"z":107,"version":2,"text":"Blundstone CEO Steve Gunn
\nUniversity College Principal Professor Janelle Allison
\nand University Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen
","type":"text","h":88,"w":480,"y":571,"x":47,"_id":"583258466323255cc335d725"},{"pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-a2457b00-af91-11e6-b80d-679b9e46dc41.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-774e9950-af90-11e6-87ab-1778b2b32d0b.jpg"},"z":108,"type":"picture","h":500,"w":576,"y":62,"x":0,"_id":"583258b010ce9a241eb1986b"},{"z":109,"stroke":"solid","weight":10,"sides":3,"radius":0,"borders":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"ffffff","tp":"line","type":"shape","h":24,"w":1010,"y":46,"x":-434,"_id":"58325905a6eb8300653d0d07"}],"type":"scroll","height":2008,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-9ce9dd90-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Iconic Tassie Brand Backs Future of Agriculture","num":34,"num_id":1895700,"_id":"582e91f6a6eb8300653b66bc"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-9ed002b0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-4a533c80-aec8-11e6-b82f-8b4ea320c07f.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-4a51dcf0-aec8-11e6-b82f-8b4ea320c07f.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":1,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"582e939dbdee1e007edbfe6d"},{"h":39,"text":"THE TECHNOLOGY
Winegrape app goes global
\n●
\nGrape growers and winemakers around the world will be able to easily assess powdery mildew in the field with the help of a mobile application released globally.
\nPMapp, which supports decisions about grape quality, has been developed by the University of Adelaide in close collaboration with the Australian grape and wine sector, and supported by Wine Australia.
\n“Powdery mildew is a serious disease that affects grapevines worldwide and can cause off flavours and aromas in wine if it is not controlled,” says project leader Eileen Scott, Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Adelaide’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine.
\n“It’s a costly disease for wine sectors across the world through loss of yield and cost of control and, because of the serious quality issues for wine, there is little tolerance of powdery mildew in the winery. But it’s hard to assess – the symptoms can be hard to distinguish from dust or spray residue.
\n“PMapp is a simple tool that facilitates efficient assessment and recording of the severity and incidence of powdery mildew.”
\nA local version of PMapp was released in Australia in December 2015 and proved its worth for the grape and wine community during the 2016 Australian vintage. It has now been made available to download outside Australia.
\nPowdery mildew is assessed in the vineyard as the percentage surface area of grape bunches affected, which gives a measure of disease severity. PMapp allows the user to visually assess the severity by matching it with computer-generated images.
\nThe app allows assessors to enter disease data quickly in the vineyard, email the results and then analyse the resulting spreadsheet, which records GPS coordinates and other details of the assessment.
\nThere is also a suite of online resources to support PMapp. This can be used to train or up-skill wine sector personnel and students to recognise powdery mildew symptoms and estimate disease severity.
\nWine Australia’s General Manager Research, Development and Extension Dr Liz Waters says that PMapp is a valuable tool for the grape and wine community. “The PMapp and training website developers have taken the findings of this comprehensive research project funded by Wine Australia and produced two useable tools for the wine sector,” Dr Waters says.
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\n
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Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":585,"y":1478,"z":106,"_id":"582e939dbdee1e007edbfe73"},{"hidden":false,"bg_color":"000000","bg_opacity":0.77,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":1546,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","w":470,"weight":1,"x":552,"y":17,"z":100,"_id":"582e939dbdee1e007edbfe74"}],"type":"scroll","height":1580,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"black","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-9ecf1850-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Winegrape App Goes Global","num":23,"num_id":1895703,"_id":"582e939dbdee1e007edbfe6c"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-a0ac15b0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-dcc59930-aec0-11e6-9275-d785c3aa43f2.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-dcc4aed0-aec0-11e6-9275-d785c3aa43f2.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"582e95c4ac1b33005f9914be"},{"z":101,"y":49,"x":40,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE partnerships
","h":39,"_id":"582e95c4ac1b33005f9914bf"},{"z":100,"y":9,"x":-1,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":1569,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.97,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","_id":"582e95c4ac1b33005f9914c0"},{"z":102,"y":129,"x":42,"w":393,"type":"text","text":"Rethinking
\nthe source and remaking the space
\n●
\nBrasserie Bread is rising to new heights with their fresh brand image, flagship cafe refurbishment and commitment to continuing single origin, sustainable farming partnerships.
By developing and maintaining strong relationships with Australian farmers, Brasserie Bread have achieved an un-matched product offering of single-origin sourced wheat and untainted ingredients. Brasserie Bread is proud to be the only bakery in Australia offering an entire bread range that is single origin produced.
\nMichael Klausen, co-founder of Brasserie Bread prides himself in artisan baking and aligning with the highest quality producers for his ingredients. They are working directly with farmers from renowned wheat-growing regions such as the Southern Flinders Ranges and Gwydir Shire, to craft a milled flour perfect for sourdough.
\n“We’ve found the success in our offering is the fact that we have a strong understanding of our inputs and we are very strict about what we put into our produce.
\n“I searched for five years looking for the best wheat to use in the bread that we bake. Working with single origin farmers has resonated in our customers’ appreciation for our high quality, consistency and taste,” said Klausen.
\nAndrew Byerlee is one of the farmers from Flinders Ranges Premium Grain, who has found the single origin farming relationship with Brasserie Bread a mutually beneficial one that has matched with ideals.
\n“By working with Michael, I’m able to carry on traditional farming and new sustainable farming techniques, which has minimum impact on farming. This is a priority over profits. I want to leave the farm in better form than when I first started farming on it,” said Byerlee.
\nThe Brasserie Bread menu features all single origin grain breads which carry unique tastes – all because of the region the wheat has been grown.
\n“By continuing our strong relationships with the wheat farmers and working with them to deliver the best products that we can, we will endeavour to create food with uncompromisingly high standards and tastes that can be pinpointed to our ingredient selection. Like the farmers we source our wheat from, we are balancing traditional methods with technological advances to make the finest quality bread possible. We need everybody to be a part of this change, this movement: farmers, artisan bakers, scientists, millers, seed breeders, and consumers,” said Klausen.
\n\n
","h":1331,"_id":"582e95c4ac1b33005f9914c1"},{"z":103,"y":1506,"x":11,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"582e95c4ac1b33005f9914c2"},{"z":104,"y":1506,"x":151,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"582e95c4ac1b33005f9914c3"},{"z":105,"y":1448,"x":11,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"582e95c4ac1b33005f9914c4"},{"z":106,"y":1474,"x":11,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"582e95c4ac1b33005f9914c5"},{"z":108,"version":2,"text":"Andrew Byerlee, Flinders Ranges Premium Grain
\nand Michael Klausen, co-founder of Brasserie Bread
","type":"text","h":65,"w":480,"y":641,"x":481,"_id":"5830fc1de00fbc52ac7605cf"},{"z":107,"stroke":"solid","weight":1,"sides":3,"radius":0,"borders":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","bg_opacity":0.7,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","h":82,"w":480,"y":624,"x":483,"_id":"5830fcd7bdee1e007edd0e9d"}],"type":"scroll","height":1595,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-a0ab7970-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Rethinking the Source and Remaking the Space","num":12,"num_id":1895727,"_id":"582e95c4ac1b33005f9914bd"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-a27d7a50-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-65c6c450-ae0a-11e6-9302-9d248cb280a2.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-65c60100-ae0a-11e6-9302-9d248cb280a2.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"582fc88feb459500461e96aa"},{"z":101,"y":48,"x":476,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE talk
","h":39,"_id":"582fc88feb459500461e96ab"},{"z":100,"y":9,"x":435,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":2867,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.97,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","_id":"582fc88feb459500461e96ac"},{"z":102,"y":129,"x":478,"w":393,"type":"text","text":"Why family businesses have competitive advantage
\n●
\nBy: Dominic Pelligana - KPMG
\nDoing business with family can be difficult, but family businesses have unique opportunities compared to other companies – once they have proper structures in place.
It isn’t a secret that some of the most successful businesses in the world were started by families. BMW, Cargill and Johnson & Johnson are just some of the bigger names that are either owned in part or have a family presence to this day.
\nIn Australia, family businesses range from local shops to large operations such as Linfox and Visy. In fact, family businesses represent about two thirds of the overall Australian business community.
\nKPMG Enterprise Partner Dominic Pelligana, who is actively involved with Family Business Australia, says running a family business is complex – but it has strong competitive advantages.
\n“I always say the family business system is the optimal model for running a business – but it comes with an asterisk,” he says. “That asterisk is making sure you have a strategic plan for the business – and the family.\"
\nEmbedded values make a stronger culture
\nThink about what it takes to get a traditional business up and running. It requires a core set of values – a principle to rally behind and a shared vision to strive for. In a traditional business, the founders often deal with a number of partners, or investors, who all want a say. With a family business, the values and ethos are embedded from the start.
\n“They’re usually genuine values, and the purpose isn’t just to make money – it’s to solve a problem or fill a niche. It’s almost like their intent is stronger,” Pelligana says.
\nThe KPMG Family Business Survey 2015 recorded a rise in the number of family owned small-to-medium enterprises using Family Constitutions to document their values. This effort means family businesses are able to play the long game, integrating two powerful systems – family and business.
\n“They’re more willing to invest in ‘patient capital’ – that is, spending that takes a while to realise value – and take long-term views,” Pelligana says.
\nBringing the family on board
\nWhen it comes to handing over a family business to a new generation, some tension can arise. This is often due to different approaches to strategy and risk.
\nThe KPMG survey revealed 49 percent of first generation founders are ‘prospectors’ and more willing to take on necessary risks. However, it also found 50 percent of those in the second through to fourth generations are ‘defenders’. They want to protect the business, and introduce more advanced and professional systems and processes. The founder of the business can be resistant to that change.
\nHowever, that generational shift can also be an advantage. Handling customer accounts takes on a new life, as sons and daughters continue the legacy set down by the previous generation.
\n“People who work in the family business could get a higher salary elsewhere. But they understand the money is going back into the business, creating a legacy for their family. When customers see that loyalty, they know they’re in good hands,” Pelligana says.
\nFamily tension is normal
\nOften, people in family business can mix emotion with their work – perhaps feeling as though they aren’t running things correctly – leading to tensions.
\n“This is exacerbated when you overlay the family lifecycle (generational change and attitudes) with a normal business lifecycle (growing pains and the need to reinvigorate strategy),” he says.
\nThe KPMG Family Business Survey 2015 found that CEO performance worsens when they reach over 70 years of age. However, the founder may find it difficult to hand over control.
\nBut this tension can be advantageous. When the second generation attempts to improve the business with systems, processes and governance, they’re not working from step one. They understand the business, that perfection is made over time, and the improvements are brought by a team who have been close to the business for years.
\nIt is the second generation and its ability to professionalise the business and family which can set a smooth transition to the third and future generations.
\nA lasting legacy
\nAnother key advantage family businesses can embrace is legacy knowledge.
\n“Often in a corporate business, the same mistakes are made twice because the people in charge leave and knowledge isn’t passed down. The clear advantage of a traditional family business with multiple generations is that this knowledge ‘stays in the family’,” Pelligana says.
\nIt’s important to remember there is no secret formula to a family business. Each family business is unique in its needs. Therefore, having a solid business structure and strategy, ensuring proper governance and guidance, and giving each family member a part to play means family businesses can harness their competitive advantage.
\nGet the basics right, and family businesses can not only thrive – they could sustainably outpace the competition.
","h":2667,"_id":"582fc88feb459500461e96ad"},{"z":103,"y":2808,"x":450,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"582fc88feb459500461e96ae"},{"z":104,"y":2808,"x":590,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"582fc88feb459500461e96af"},{"z":105,"y":2750,"x":450,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"582fc88feb459500461e96b0"},{"z":106,"y":2776,"x":450,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"Share
","h":25,"_id":"582fc88feb459500461e96b1"},{"border_color":"f4f4f4","border_size":6,"border_radius_max":true,"pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-92ee3710-ae0a-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-92eefa60-ae0a-11e6-8e10-5b9774f68a73.jpg"},"z":107,"type":"picture","h":501,"w":496,"y":93,"x":1,"_id":"582fc9f67a6bc218bd24c922"},{"z":108,"version":2,"text":"\"Get the basics right and family businesses can not only thrive – they could sustainably outpace the competition\"
","type":"text","h":226,"w":297,"y":916,"x":68,"_id":"582fcb3ebdee1e007edc8d25"}],"type":"scroll","height":2893,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-a27a1ef0-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Why Family Businesses Have Competitive Advantage","num":6,"num_id":1898499,"_id":"582fc88feb459500461e96a9"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-a42b7870-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-a8862c40-aec3-11e6-998f-5d955da1f8b8.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-a88541e0-aec3-11e6-998f-5d955da1f8b8.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":1,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"58310081684e81005f5f6827"},{"z":101,"y":49,"x":587,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE TALENT
","h":39,"_id":"58310081684e81005f5f6828"},{"z":100,"y":9,"x":546,"weight":1,"w":470,"type":"shape","tp":"rectangle","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":1752,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":0.97,"bg_color":"f4f4f4","_id":"58310081684e81005f5f6829"},{"z":102,"y":128,"x":589,"w":393,"type":"text","text":"World’s best winemaker
\nfor
\nhistory-making 4th time
\n●
\nAustralian winemaker crowned International Winemaker of the Year for a history-making fourth time - McGuigan Wines becomes the first winery in history to win the Award four times.
The world’s best winemaker was named at the 2016 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London, with Australian winery McGuigan Wines being crowned International Winemaker of the Year – and in doing so became the only winery in the Competition’s history to win the title four times.
\nHaving won the title in 2009, 2011 and 2012, McGuigan Wines saw off competition from the world’s wine producing nations including France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the USA to become the first winemaker in the world - let alone an Australian one - to receive the award four times. The win not only reinforces, but enhances, Australia’s reputation as a world-class wine producing country.
\nCompleting an outstanding evening for McGuigan Wines, the winery was also awarded the coveted Australian Producer of the Year title for ‘Australia’s best winemaker’ and as a result became the first winery to win the Australian title four times.
\nChief Winemaker for McGuigan Wines, Neil McGuigan, said; “To be the only winery crowned International Winemaker of the Year four times is extremely humbling. I am immensely proud of this achievement and what this award means for Australia and McGuigan Wines. These awards are as much for the Australian wine industry as they are for us. Every time an Australian wine or producer is acknowledged at an international wine competition it puts our products on the map and forces people to sit up and take notice. We continue to be incredibly honoured to represent Australia on the world stage.
\n“Every day you need to have the ambition to craft beautiful, quality wine and make it the hero. This award - and our trophies - is vindication and recognition of this vision. We have a long-standing association with Hunter Valley Semillon, and we’re incredibly proud of it, but we’re now gaining recognition for our super-premium reds thanks to their incredible flavour, lightness, elegance and longevity - which is something I’ve championed for years.”
\nThe International Winemaker of the Year and Australian Producer of the Year awards follow McGuigan Wines’ outstanding IWSC success. Two trophies from a Competition total of 16 were awarded to McGuigan Wines for the 2003 McGuigan BIN 9000 Semillon (Semillon Trophy) and the 2007 McGuigan Hand Made Shiraz (Syrah Trophy). This is the sixth year in a row McGuigan Wines has been awarded the Semillon Trophy.
\nIn total, McGuigan Wines received two Trophies, three Gold Outstanding; one Gold, six Silver Outstanding, twenty-four Silver and twelve Bronze at the IWSC.
\nThe 2003 McGuigan BIN 9000 Semillon and the 2007 McGuigan Handmade Shiraz are available in limited quantities at the McGuigan Cellar Door in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
\n","h":1514,"_id":"58310081684e81005f5f682a"},{"z":103,"y":1683,"x":561,"w":124,"type_like_button":{"theme":"light","show_faces":false,"share_button":true,"layout":"button_count","use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"facebook","h":20,"current_type":"type_like_button","_id":"58310081684e81005f5f682b"},{"z":104,"y":1683,"x":701,"w":60,"type_tweet":{"large_button":false,"show_count":true,"use_own_url":"mag","url":""},"type":"twitter","h":20,"current_type":"type_tweet","_id":"58310081684e81005f5f682c"},{"z":105,"y":1625,"x":561,"weight":1,"w":442,"type":"shape","tp":"line","stroke":"solid","sides":3,"radius":0,"opacity":1,"h":24,"color":"ffffff","borders":0,"bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"c1c1c1","_id":"58310081684e81005f5f682d"},{"z":106,"y":1651,"x":561,"w":112,"type":"text","text":"
Share
","h":25,"_id":"58310081684e81005f5f682e"},{"color":"3ab9ff","theme":"dark","mute":false,"loop":false,"autoplay":false,"title":"AUSTRALIAN WINEMAKER WORLD’S BEST FOR HISTORY-MAKING 4TH TIME","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Rc3fdA6_Kbc/hqdefault.jpg","provider_name":"YouTube","video_id":"Rc3fdA6_Kbc","url":"https://youtu.be/Rc3fdA6_Kbc","info":false,"z":107,"type":"video","h":364,"w":568,"y":416,"x":1,"_id":"5831039aeb459500461f1f5f"},{"z":108,"stroke":"solid","weight":10,"sides":3,"radius":0,"borders":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"000000","tp":"line","type":"shape","h":24,"w":1012,"y":399,"x":-443,"_id":"583103b36f55ab5beb42ca64"}],"type":"scroll","height":1779,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-a42ab520-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"World's Best Winemaker","num":13,"num_id":1899679,"_id":"58310081684e81005f5f6826"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-a6d71070-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-f412f2b0-aecd-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-f4122f60-aecd-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":1,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"583112806f55ab5beb42ce93"},{"h":39,"text":"THE FUTURE
","type":"text","w":385,"x":324,"y":58,"z":106,"_id":"583112806f55ab5beb42ce94"},{"bg_color":"000000","bg_opacity":0.77,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":1709,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","w":470,"weight":1,"x":280,"y":17,"z":100,"_id":"583112806f55ab5beb42ce95"},{"h":1463,"text":"OPPORTUNITY
\nFOR YOUNG AG LEADERS
\n●
\nAgainst a backdrop of increasing disconnection between young people and farming, and a world population that is forecast to soar to tenbillion by 2050, visionary thinking, a long-term approach, and creativity are urgently needed to develop solutions to enable the next generation of food producers to face global farming challenges.
\nBayer together with two Belgian young farmers associations, Groene Kring and Fédération des Jeunes Agriculteurs, are inviting young thought leaders from around the world to apply to attend the third Global Youth Agriculture Summit in Brussels, Belgium, from October 9 to 13, 2017.
\nApproximately 100 young delegates from around the world will share ideas, develop solutions and engage in an open discussion on one of the world’s most challenging questions: How do we feed a hungry planet sustainably?
\nTo apply, young people aged 18 to 25 are asked to submit an essay on the underlying causes of food insecurity and the effect it can have on a growing population. The essay question is based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
\nAbility to demonstrate original ideas and passion to help shape the future will be the key selection criteria for the Youth Ag-Summit.
\nEssay applications will be accepted online and close on January 13, 2017.
\nIn 2015, delegates from 33 countries delivered the Canberra Youth Ag-Declaration, an action-oriented plan with recommendations on how youth can have the maximum impact on global food security, which was tabled at the United Nations Committee on World Food Security in Rome afterwards.
\n“The Youth Ag-Summit was packed with actionable outcomes for all attendees and has resulted in a very supportive alumni group who continue to collaborate and support each a year on from the Summit in Canberra,” said Laura Grubb, 2015 alumni delegate from Australia, who was selected to present the declaration to the UN.
\n“After entering the workforce earlier this year, I found that YAS was well received by people in the industry and the prestige of this event will only continue to grow,” continued Laura.
\n“YAS has allowed me to take home many new ideas and initiatives on food security and sustainability and I would encourage all young Aussies who are passionate about feeding a hungry planet to apply!”
\nFuture Farmers Network Australia partnered with Bayer in 2015 to host the second Youth Ag-Summit in Canberra.
\n“FFN understands the very real need to nurture leaders to ensure we can address the challenges facing agriculture both locally and globally, which is why it is so important organisations like Bayer provide young Australian thought leaders the opportunity to have their voice heard,” said Toby Locke, FFN Executive Officer.
\n“We’re looking forward to the movement continuing in the European capital in 2017,” continued Toby.
\n","type":"text","w":385,"x":326,"y":139,"z":101,"_id":"583112806f55ab5beb42ce96"},{"current_type":"type_like_button","h":20,"type":"facebook","type_like_button":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","layout":"button_count","share_button":true,"show_faces":false,"theme":"light"},"w":124,"x":294,"y":1650,"z":102,"_id":"583112806f55ab5beb42ce97"},{"current_type":"type_tweet","h":20,"type":"twitter","type_tweet":{"url":"","use_own_url":"mag","show_count":true,"large_button":false},"w":60,"x":434,"y":1650,"z":103,"_id":"583112806f55ab5beb42ce98"},{"bg_color":"c1c1c1","bg_opacity":1,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":24,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"line","type":"shape","w":442,"weight":1,"x":294,"y":1592,"z":104,"_id":"583112806f55ab5beb42ce99"},{"h":25,"text":"
Share
","type":"text","w":112,"x":294,"y":1618,"z":105,"_id":"583112806f55ab5beb42ce9a"}],"type":"scroll","height":1742,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-a6d62610-fe06-11e6-b16d-2d87ef885c03_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Opportunity for Young Ag Leaders","num":32,"num_id":1899711,"_id":"583112806f55ab5beb42ce92"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-a892a320-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-26720c40-aede-11e6-ae62-3f2d8b3f83ca.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-267121e0-aede-11e6-ae62-3f2d8b3f83ca.jpg"},"videoopacity":1,"type":"background","selectedType":"picture","opacity":0.61,"mute":true,"loop":true,"color":"ffffff","_id":"58312da6eb459500461f2d86"},{"z":101,"y":46,"x":592,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"THE ADVICE
","h":39,"_id":"58312da6eb459500461f2d87"},{"z":102,"y":452,"x":591,"w":385,"type":"text","text":"BUDGET INCENTIVE ENCOURAGED FARMERS TO CLAIM DEPRECIATION
\n●
Provider of tax depreciation schedules, BMT Tax Depreciation, has seen an increase in the number of agricultural property owners seeking depreciation advice after incentives were implemented during the May 2015 federal budget.
\nFrom May 2015, farmers were encouraged to make additional claims in the form of instant deductions for fencing and water facilities such as dams, tanks, bores, irrigation channels, pumps, water towers and windmills.
\nThese changes, plus alterations to the effective lives of plant and equipment assets such as silos and tanks, could explain an increase in the number of schedules provided during the past two financial years according to Bradley Beer, BMT Tax Depreciation’s Chief Executive Officer (pictured).
\n“The demand for agricultural depreciation schedules increased by 36 per cent during the 2014-2015 financial year and 51 per cent during the 2015-2016 financial year,” said Mr Beer.
\n“The additional incentives outlined in the 2015 federal budget and the publicity around available tax breaks for farmers have had an influence on the increased demand experienced by BMT.
\n“A tractor valued at $92,000 could see an investor claim $13,800 in depreciation deductions in the first financial year alone while a dam valued at $63,500 can be claimed in full in the first financial year thanks to the incentives implemented during the 2015 federal budget,” said Mr Beer.
\nOwners of any properties used for primary production such as dairy farms, livestock producers, orchards, crop production and even vineyards are encouraged to obtain a tax depreciation schedule from a quantity surveyor.
\nQuantity surveyors are qualified under Tax Ruling 97/25 as one of a few select professionals with the expertise necessary to calculate building costs for the purposes of tax depreciation.
\nA depreciation schedule will outline the deductions available for the wear and tear that occurs over time to the structure of the building and any plant and equipment assets in any property which is used to produce income.
\n“For farmers who might be struggling with cash flow, depreciation deductions can provide additional income to help with day to day expenses and business operations,” said Mr Beer.
\n\n
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Share
","h":25,"w":112,"y":1733,"x":559,"_id":"58312da6eb459500461f2d8d"},{"border_radius_max":true,"border_size":10,"pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"final2xUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-5435e800-af8c-11e6-81c4-6f9bd8c9ceac.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-54363620-af8c-11e6-81c4-6f9bd8c9ceac.jpg"},"z":107,"type":"picture","h":360,"w":360,"y":82,"x":597,"_id":"58312da6eb459500461f2d8e"},{"color":"3ab9ff","theme":"dark","mute":false,"loop":false,"autoplay":false,"title":"Property depreciation explained | BMT Tax Depreciation","thumbnail_url":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/l1Iq8tuiTlU/hqdefault.jpg","provider_name":"YouTube","video_id":"l1Iq8tuiTlU","url":"https://youtu.be/l1Iq8tuiTlU","info":false,"z":108,"type":"video","h":431,"w":576,"y":585.6,"x":-1,"_id":"58312e41a6eb8300653c8caf"},{"z":109,"stroke":"solid","weight":10,"sides":3,"radius":0,"borders":0,"opacity":1,"color":"ffffff","bg_opacity":1,"bg_color":"000000","tp":"line","type":"shape","h":24,"w":1009,"y":569.6,"x":-434,"_id":"58312f99b0fb0b1006c124b8"}],"type":"scroll","height":1853,"hidden":false,"sectionscroll":false,"arrows_color":"white","screenshot":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/screenshot-a89206e0-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252_readyscr.jpg","mid":"57e8ad04eae587dc1116aad7","title":"Budget Incentive Encouraged Farmers","num":17,"num_id":1899756,"_id":"58312da6eb459500461f2d85"},{"htmlUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/body-aa47cd30-fe06-11e6-9496-1f2fce1c3252.html","wids":[{"picture":{"poorUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-b329fec0-aee0-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg","finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-b3298990-aee0-11e6-8340-511f45652dbe.jpg"},"color":"ffffff","loop":true,"mute":true,"opacity":1,"selectedType":"picture","type":"background","videoopacity":1,"_id":"5831319510ce9a241eb119bf"},{"h":39,"text":"THE EMPLOYMENT
Tassie farmers creating jobs
\n●
\nThe proportion of Tasmanian farmers intending to hire more staff is double the national average.
\nResearch, part of Commonwealth Bank’s bi-annual Agri Insights survey, finds six per cent of Tasmanian farmers intend to hire more staff in 2017, compared to a national average of just three per cent.
The latest Agri Insights Index for Tasmania, measuring overall investment intentions across the state, is 2.6 points ahead of the national index at 12.8.
\nDarryl Mohr, General Manager, Regional and Agribusiness Banking Tasmania, Commonwealth Bank, says the research results reflect solid outlooks across many key sectors.
\n“The strong index is a result of positive intentions across most areas of farm operation, particularly around the physical aspects of infrastructure and equipment, as farmers continue to invest in their ongoing productivity and efficiency. The index reflects a positive view of the future for Tasmanian farmers,” Mr Mohr said.
\nTasmanian farmers are also showing a strong appetite for technology investment, with 24 per cent of them saying they will increase their investment in technology.
\nAbout two thirds (66 per cent) say digital tech adds significant value to their operations and 57 per cent share their farm production data with their peers.
\n“Digital technology is beginning to really change the agri landscape and it’s encouraging to see that farmers in the state are using technology to collect data that not only supports them in their own business but helps support growth in the Tasmanian agriculture more broadly,” Mr Mohr said.
\nAcross the country, 19 per cent of horticulturists say they will increase production in 2017, as do 14 per cent of both lamb and beef producers and four per cent of wool producers. Just one per cent of dairy farmers say they will scale up in the 12 months ahead.
\n“Intentions around lamb, wool and beef enterprises are all very sound, and horticulture investment intentions in particular have really picked up, and this is offsetting some of the softening we’ve seen in dairy intentions.
\n“In horticulture in particular, there’s a real shift as global demand continues to grow and export markets open up. We’re also seeing a lot of interest in proteins, especially in prime lamb thanks to strong global demand, high prices and consistent profit margins, and the synergies gained from irrigated cropping and prime lamb enterprises,” Mr Mohr said.
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","type":"text","w":112,"x":585,"y":1590,"z":107,"_id":"5831319510ce9a241eb119c5"},{"hidden":false,"bg_color":"000000","bg_opacity":1,"borders":0,"color":"ffffff","h":1677,"opacity":1,"radius":0,"sides":3,"stroke":"solid","tp":"rectangle","type":"shape","w":470,"weight":1,"x":552,"y":16,"z":101,"_id":"5831319510ce9a241eb119c6"},{"pic_opacity":1,"picture":{"finalUrl":"https://d3n32ilufxuvd1.cloudfront.net/53ba40ecd943628738aad3bb/611834/upload-da68fe00-aee0-11e6-87ab-1778b2b32d0b.jpg"},"z":100,"type":"picture","h":902,"w":600,"y":17,"x":-1,"_id":"5831323f690b5e19ff43da8e"},{"z":108,"version":2,"text":"Darryl Mohr, General Manager, Regional and Agribusiness Banking Tasmania, Commonwealth Bank
\"Digital technology is beginning to really change the agri landscape\"
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