R[0]="344"; T[0]="Cattle tracking to boost sustainability"; A[0]="By ... CSIRO"; Dn[0]="20060222"; Dt[0]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[0]="a02a07a09a27a72a93"; B1[0]="      To improve land management and ensure long-term sustainability, state-of-the-art satellite technology is about to help..... "; B2[0]=" "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]="      To improve land management and ensure long-term sustainability, state-of-the-art satellite technology is about to help.
      State-of-the-art satellite technology is "; S2[0]=" about to help northern beef producers improve land management and ensure long-term sustainability by better understanding the grazing behaviour of their cattle.
      "; S3[0]=" Using collars on cattle fitted with global positioning system (GPS) radio telemetry, CSIRO and Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland (DPI&F) scientists are using "; S4[0]=" satellites to track the movement of cattle in the bush.
      The aim of this new collaborative research project - being conducted at "; S5[0]=" Wambiana station, 60km south-east of Charters Towers - is to answer why cattle select some soil types and not others and how stocking rates affect "; S6[0]=" this selection process.
      This joint CSIRO/DPI&F project on grazing selectivity adds value to the major grazing trial, co-funded by DPI&F and Meat "; S7[0]=" and Livestock Australia (MLA), already in progress at Wambiana.
      Cattle by nature selectively graze different parts of the landscape, leading to overuse "; S8[0]=" and degradation of particular areas and a reduction in the land's long-term carrying capacity.
      'With the GPS collars we can remotely track "; S9[0]=" the movements of cattle without physically handling them,' says CSIRO Livestock Industries' Dr Dave Swain.
      'The collars are placed around the animal's "; S10[0]=" neck, automatically logging its position to within five or 10 metres every hour.
      Monitoring where cattle are spending the majority of their "; S11[0]=" time grazing will identify the particular soils they are attracted to and enable us to predict where they will graze in a large paddock,' he "; S12[0]=" says.
      The project at the Wambiana site - a property owned by the Lyons family - is part of a long-term DPI&F "; S13[0]=" grazing trial established in 1997.
      DPI&F's Dr Peter O'Reagain says extremely detailed biophysical data including soil type, soil fertility and pasture composition, "; S14[0]=" is being collected at Wambiana.
      'This data, together with other complementary research, will be of enormous benefit to this project.
    "; S15[0]="   The results from the study will increase our understanding of grazing behaviour and assist producers in predicting where the heaviest grazing will occur,' he "; S16[0]=" says.
      Co-funded by MLA's Northern Beef Program, the project is designed to help develop new grazing strategies to ensure the long-term ecological "; S17[0]=" sustainability and economic viability of northern savannas grazing... "; R[1]="343"; T[1]="New soybean for Queensland"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20060222"; Dt[1]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[1]="a02a08a19a21a81"; B1[1]="      Queensland sugarcane farmers have been given a valuable rotational crop, thanks to a new CSIRO Plant Industry-bred soybean variety..... "; B2[1]=" "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      Queensland sugarcane farmers have been given a valuable rotational crop, thanks to a new CSIRO Plant Industry-bred soybean variety.
      "; S2[1]=" A new CSIRO Plant Industry-bred soybean variety, 'Stuart', will give Queensland sugarcane farmers a valuable rotational crop.
      Soybean crops can both break "; S3[1]=" the disease cycle and add nitrogen to the soil for following crops.
      It can also be sown as either a grain or "; S4[1]=" green manure crop.
      Developed by CSIRO Plant Industry's Dr Andrew James, Stuart is broadly adapted to planting in both the wet and "; S5[1]=" dry season in the tropics and from South East Queensland through to North Queensland.
      'Stuart is particularly useful in these areas because "; S6[1]=" of its nematode resistance,' Dr James says.
      'It is much more resistant to most root nematodes than other soybean varieties.
    "; S7[1]="   'It also has resistance to rusts, bacterial pustule, bacterial blight, downy mildew and purple seed stain,' Dr James says.
      'No symptoms "; S8[1]=" of virus have been noted in Stuart crops or seed.' The new variety also has a light-coloured hilum (a mark on the grain where it "; S9[1]=" joins the plant), making its grain suitable for some human consumption markets.
      Dr Russell Muchow, Executive Director of the Sugar Research and "; S10[1]=" Development Corporation (SRDC), says that the SRDC was pleased to support the research which led to the release of Stuart.
      'Including soybean "; S11[1]=" in sugarcane farming systems leads to increased cane productivity and industry profitability,' Dr Muchow says... "; R[2]="338"; T[2]="Japan ready to lift ban on US beef"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20060222"; Dt[2]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[2]="a02a06a27a62"; B1[2]="      Japan has apparently signalled that it is about to lift its two-year ban on US beef..... "; B2[2]=" "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      Japan has apparently signalled that it is about to lift its two-year ban on US beef.
      The ban imposed "; S2[2]=" after an outbreak of mad cow disease in December 2003 has proved a boon for Australia's beef industry.
      US Agriculture Secretary Mike "; S3[2]=" Johanns would not give a date, but he told a farm journalists forum US efforts to re-enter Japan's market since a 2003 mad cow case "; S4[2]=" are about to pay off.
      'I really do think that the end is in sight, here.' Major industry groups predict, or say "; S5[2]=" they've been told by Japanese officials, a formal announcement will come next week.
      Even then, US Meat Export Federation spokesman Lynn Heinz "; S6[2]=" says recovery will be slow.
      'Possibly as long as four years before we return to that $US1.4 billion level of sales that "; S7[2]=" we had in 2003,' she said.
      Japan will initially allow in only US beef from cattle younger than 21 months, unlikely to "; S8[2]=" carry mad cow disease... "; R[3]="315"; T[3]="MLA research finds long-term solution to ovine Johne s disease"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20060222"; Dt[3]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[3]="a02a03a25a27a33"; B1[3]="      When it comes to effective, long term management of ovine Johne s disease (OJD), producers should focus on two preventative practices - "; B2[3]="vaccination and grazing management... "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      When it comes to effective, long term management of ovine Johne's disease (OJD), producers should focus on two preventative practices - vaccination "; S2[3]=" and grazing management.
      This was the key message presented at the recent MLA OJD Conference in Adelaide, which brought together R&D leaders "; S3[3]=" from all over Australia to discuss the results of a $10.5 million 10-year national OJD research program, co-funded by MLA.
      OJD is "; S4[3]=" a chronic wasting illness that has resulted in significant economic loss to Australia's sheep and wool industries over the past decade.
      "; S5[3]=" MLA Livestock Production Innovation general manager Dr Reuben Rose warned that OJD will continue to menace the industry unless producers can learn to manage it "; S6[3]=" effectively.
      'MLA's work into OJD has shown that a combination of grazing management and vaccination is the most effective way of controlling "; S7[3]=" OJD in the long-term.
      MLA-funded field trials found that vaccination can reduce OJD-related deaths in lambs by up to 90 per cent "; S8[3]=" but grazing management is an essential practice to prevent the spread of the disease,' Dr Rose said.
      MLA funded research found that "; S9[3]=" OJD is primarily spread when sheep graze in pastures contaminated with the manure of infected animals, supporting recommended grazing management strategies which can reduce the "; S10[3]=" level of infection within both vaccinated and non-vaccinated flocks.
      The research also found that use of the only available vaccine, Gudair, can "; S11[3]=" reduce the amount of OJD-causing bacteria found in sheep manure by 90 per cent.
      Economic losses can amount to $1/dry sheep equivalent "; S12[3]=" (DSE)/year compared to the vaccine which costs 30 cents/DSE/year.
      Rural Lands Protection Board Project Officer for the Central Tablelands in NSW, Dr "; S13[3]=" Jeff Eppleston said that the OJD field trials found that producers will benefit from the two-fold management approach.
      'With research confirming that "; S14[3]=" more than 6 per cent of adult sheep can die each year from OJD on infected farms, grazing management and vaccination is clearly the way "; S15[3]=" forward.
      We urge industry to take this practical two step solution back to the farming community,' Dr Eppleston said.
      "; S16[3]=" MLA plans to continue its world-leading research into OJD and has ongoing projects towards 2007.
      A range of fact sheets, R&D reports "; S17[3]=" and information to manage OJD are available on the MLA website: www.mla.com.au.
      Topics covered include grazing and pasture management and fact sheets "; S18[3]=" on how to identify and holistically manage the disease.
      This month's MLA ProGrazier magazine also includes detailed case studies and information on "; S19[3]=" the most effective methods to control OJD... "; R[4]="310"; T[4]="Focus on furrow irrigation options"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20060222"; Dt[4]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[4]="a01a02a24a40a72a93"; B1[4]="      A research project is underway to provide information on the alternatives to traditional furrow irrigation methods in cotton..... "; B2[4]=" "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      A research project is underway to provide information on the alternatives to traditional furrow irrigation methods in cotton.
      Called "; S2[4]=" Water use efficiency of siphon-less irrigation systems, the project is part of an on-going initiative of the Queensland Government, the Cotton Australia RWUE2 project and "; S3[4]=" the Cotton Catchment Communities CRC to study water use efficiencies in irrigated cotton.
      The Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Sustainable Irrigation Systems, "; S4[4]=" Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland Murray Darling Committee, Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Mines, "; S5[4]=" NSW Department of Primary Industries and Aquatech support the project.
      Joint project leader and consultant Sarah Hood of St George, said the "; S6[4]=" project aims to assess the water use, uniformity of application, deep drainage, labour, installation and on-going costs of a number of systems that do not "; S7[4]=" involve siphons.
      'These are overhead (lateral move), bankless channel and Blache bay (bankless head ditch) and through the bank pipes (PTB), which "; S8[4]=" will be compared with traditional siphon irrigated fields adjacent to each,' she said.
      The other project leader Emma Carrigan, a DPI&F extension "; S9[4]=" officer at Goondiwindi, said there is a lot of interest in siphon-less irrigation.
      'Irrigators are realising the need for higher precision in "; S10[4]=" water application and associated benefits of labour saving, but there is a lack of comparative information on its benefits.
      'For this reason "; S11[4]=" the project will fulfil a real need within the industry.' Miss Carrigan said two of the sites are part of another joint NR&M-RWUE2 and Cotton "; S12[4]=" Catchment Communities CRC project and so have had lysimeters installed to measure the deep drainage that is occurring.'A lysimeter is a large undisturbed soil core "; S13[4]=" into which suction drainage equipment and a logging system that measures and collects lost water are placed,' she said.
      'They are buried "; S14[4]=" 150cm below the soil surface and give researchers scientists information about how much water is lost below the root zone and data to compare various "; S15[4]=" irrigation systems to see which gives greater efficiency during irrigation.' Miss Hood said siphon-less irrigation systems have many perceived benefits: ' they save labour, are "; S16[4]=" precise and flexible ' show improved water efficiency, and ' appear to have less deep drainage.
      'As a result there has been "; S17[4]=" an increase in the number of drip irrigation and overhead systems across the industry,' she said.'More recently growers have been experimenting with siphon-less furrow irrigation "; S18[4]=" alternatives such as pipes through the bank, bank-less channels and Blache bay, and have reported similar benefits.
      'These are reduced labour requirements "; S19[4]=" (initially offset by higher development costs), and water use efficiency estimated to be similar to or better than furrow irrigation.
      'This project "; S20[4]=" aims to quantify these early observations for the benefit of the wider industry,'.. "; R[5]="307"; T[5]="Cotton trial to deliver multiple benefits"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20060222"; Dt[5]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[5]="a01a02a07a15a72"; B1[5]="      The Central Queensland cotton industry, the environment and the agricultural education system will be the major beneficiaries of a three-year $750,000 integrated "; B2[5]="cotton farming systems project... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      The Central Queensland cotton industry, the environment and the agricultural education system will be the major beneficiaries of a three-year $750,000 integrated "; S2[5]=" cotton farming systems project.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries cotton development extension officer Doug Sands who works in cooperation with the "; S3[5]=" Cotton Research and Development Corporation said three of the four assigned monthly trial plantings were up and running at the Australian Agricultural College Corporation (AACC) "; S4[5]=" Emerald campus irrigation trial site.
      Mr Sands said the extensive 30.8 hectare trial using early and late maturing varieties of genetically modified "; S5[5]=" Bollgard II cotton could lead to a reappraisal of the production barriers that limit transgenic cotton planting to a rigidly enforced 42-day window.
    "; S6[5]="   'By trialling four mid-month planting dates initiated on September 16, the project aims to determine the optimum planting time and compare potential agronomic benefits "; S7[5]=" of October-November-December Bollgard Roundup Ready (BR) plantings,' Mr Sands said.
      'This trial is using the early maturity variety Sicot 43 BR and "; S8[5]=" the full season variety Sicot 71 BR which eliminates heliothis insect pressure incurred later in the growing season as a critical management issue.
    "; S9[5]="   'We have monitored heavy heliothis egg-laying on the September 16 and October 31 planted transgenic cotton trial blocks but no grubs have survived.
  "; S10[5]="     'On November 25, another 8 hectare block was established and pre-irrigation of the planned December 19 planting is underway.
      'October-planted "; S11[5]=" conventional cotton varieties within the Emerald Irrigation Area have already been insecticide-sprayed four to five times to early December highlighting the environmental advantages of transgenic "; S12[5]=" cotton,' Mr Sands said.
      'While there is still a need to control sap-sucking insects such as mirids throughout the season, Bollgard cotton "; S13[5]=" represents at least an 80 per cent reduction in insecticide use.
      'We are now seeing an increase of beneficial predatory insects which "; S14[5]=" is now slowing the summer build up of the silver leaf whitefly population.' Mr Sands said the potential benefits from in-crop summer rain on the "; S15[5]=" later sown cotton could reduce irrigation demand leading to greater water use efficiency.
      'Later planting may lower the wet weather harvesting risk "; S16[5]=" that impacts on cotton quality.
      Flowering and boll fill will be taking place when climate conditions are beginning to cool down which "; S17[5]=" will also enhance cotton quality.
      'Our September planting has benefited from 120mm of in-crop rain and since flowering began in late November "; S18[5]=" there has been 85 per cent retention of squares and developing bolls.
      'The October plant is already one week ahead of the "; S19[5]=" September block's growth pattern and the November-sown cotton is now well out of the ground.' Mr Sands said the trial was also providing an opportunity "; S20[5]=" to review the use of PIX spray application to regulate prolific vegetative growth during periods of hot, humid weather.
      Timing of.. "; R[6]="306"; T[6]="Positive industry results for sheep feedlot trials"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20060222"; Dt[6]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[6]="a02a25a72"; B1[6]="      A major research effort investigating sorghum-based diets for finishing lambs has been completed at the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries Rosebank "; B2[6]="Research Station, south of Longreach... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      A major research effort investigating sorghum-based diets for finishing lambs has been completed at the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries' Rosebank "; S2[6]=" Research Station, south of Longreach.
      A team of DPI&F officers carried out this research at a sheep feedlot constructed on Rosebank.
  "; S3[6]="     The research was part of the Nutrition sub-program of the Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC).
      DPI&F senior "; S4[6]=" research scientist, Maree Bowen said the lamb trial, from June - September 2005, evaluated a number of sorghum-based feedlot diets, with the aim to allow "; S5[6]=" producers to confidently and profitably finish lambs.
      Dr Bowen said the desired industry outcome was for producers to benefit from the information "; S6[6]=" produced from this work when choosing finishing systems and rations for slaughter lambs.
      'Through our research we wanted to better understand the "; S7[6]=" ability of simple sorghum-based rations to achieve the lamb growth rate targets required to meet minimum carcase requirements.
      This means achieving a "; S8[6]=" carcase weight of 18 kg, by increasing live weight by 10 kg in six to eight weeks, from approximately 35 to 45 kg,' she said.
"; S9[6]="       In Queensland, sorghum grain is often a cheaper alternative to other cereal grains but its use and nutritional value in sheep feeding "; S10[6]=" systems is not well understood.
      In addition to sorghum, protein supplements based on cottonseed are normally readily available but have not been "; S11[6]=" as commonly used in sheep feeding systems.
      A total of 348 Poll Dorset x Merino wethers were sourced from a Western Queensland "; S12[6]=" property for the experiment.
      At feedlot entry the lambs recorded an initial average live weight of 35.7 kg (15.0 kg carcase weight).
"; S13[6]="       The lambs had been weaned and shorn three-and-a-half months prior to feedlot entry.
      To give baseline carcase data, a "; S14[6]=" total of nine lambs were randomly selected on stratified weight for an initial slaughter group.
      The remaining 339 lambs were allocated to "; S15[6]=" one of 18 pens, and were given one of six sorghum-based diets.
      After six and eight weeks on feed, two lambs from "; S16[6]=" every pen (36 lambs) were sent to Miles for slaughter.
      The remaining lambs were sent to slaughter in September, after 11 weeks "; S17[6]=" on feed.
      Dr Bowen said the first experimental objective was to determine whether processing sorghum grain, by cracking or heat treatment, would "; S18[6]=" improve growth rates.
      'Secondly, we wanted to determine whether substituting sources of true protein (from either whole cottonseed or cottonseed meal) for "; S19[6]=" urea and ammonium sulphate in sorghum-based rations would increase lamb growth rate,' she said.
      'Six treatment diets were investigated with all being "; S20[6]=" very simple sorghum-based diets designed to be prepared and mixed on-farm with minimal requirement for infrastructure.' Dr Bowen said results indicated that carcase weight gain.. "; R[7]="305"; T[7]="Leading Sheep producers explore climatology tools"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20060222"; Dt[7]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[7]="a02a25a89"; B1[7]="      Investigating how to use climate trends and climatology tools to make management decisions was the subject of two pilot tele-workshops recently run "; B2[7]="by the southern inland Leading Sheep group... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      Investigating how to use climate trends and climatology tools to make management decisions was the subject of two pilot tele-workshops recently run "; S2[7]=" by the southern inland Leading Sheep group.
      About 50 percent of western Queensland producers already use some form of seasonal forecasting information "; S3[7]=" as a basis for making decisions according to workshop presenter David Cobon, Principal Scientist with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
      "; S4[7]=" Mr Cobon said the way in which tele-workshop participant, producer Duncan Banks from 'Dunwold' at Dirranbandi, is using climate tools to guide his stocking rates "; S5[7]=" is an excellent example of how these tools can be employed to make informed management decisions.
      Mr Banks outlined how he divides "; S6[7]=" his sheep into a core flock of ewes and a trading flock that enables him to consume more or less pasture depending on availability.
  "; S7[7]="     If summer rainfall is dramatically below average, Mr Banks waits until the May/June SOI (Southern Oscillation Index) and El Nino figures are released "; S8[7]=" and if they are predicted to remain negative he then opts not to join the ewes and dramatically destock.
      'The SOI and "; S9[7]=" other climate indicators (eg central Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures) in May/June are reasonable predictors of rainfall for the forthcoming 6-9 months and adopting a "; S10[7]=" responsive 'trading strategy' enables producers to make the best possible decisions,' Mr Cobon said.
      He said that in south-east Queensland there has "; S11[7]=" been an overall downward trend in winter and summer rainfall during the past 30-50 years, although it is still uncertain if this is due to "; S12[7]=" natural variability or climate change.
      However temperature trends are upwards and there has been a huge increase in CO2 levels in the "; S13[7]=" past 100 years which has a definite climatic influence.
      Producers involved in the free Leading Sheep tele-workshops were able to dial up "; S14[7]=" to participate in the lunchtime sessions which were supported by emailed, CD or hardcopy powerpoint maps and diagrams developed by the presenter and supplied by "; S15[7]=" the project.
      Leading Sheep southern inland regional coordinator Emily Martin said the workshops aimed to provide producers with affordable, specialist comment and "; S16[7]=" an opportunity to build knowledge and skills.
      Leading Sheep is an Australian Wool Innovation Limited initiative in partnership with the Department of "; S17[7]=" Primary Industries and Fisheries and supported by AgForce, which targets the adoption of new technologies and practices to increase the productivity and profitability of the "; S18[7]=" Queensland sheep and wool industry... "; R[8]="304"; T[8]="Producers explore sheepmeat and wool options and opportunities"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20060222"; Dt[8]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[8]="a02a08a25"; B1[8]="      About 50 sheep producers attended wool and sheepmeat marketing forums in south-east and southern inland Queensland last week to hear top-level speakers "; B2[8]="discuss sheepmeat and wool marketing opportunities... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      About 50 sheep producers attended wool and sheepmeat marketing forums in south-east and southern inland Queensland last week to hear top-level speakers "; S2[8]=" discuss sheepmeat and wool marketing opportunities.
      The forums were organised by Leading Sheep, which is an innovative grassroots project that is bringing "; S3[8]=" new technologies, information and skills to Queensland producers with the aim of increasing the profitability and productivity of the industry.
      The Leading "; S4[8]=" Sheep project is an Australian Wool Innovation Limited initiative in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and supported by AgForce.
    "; S5[8]="   Successful wool marketer, Eric Hutchinson from Roberts Ltd in Tasmania, told producers at the Goondiwindi (November 17) and St George (November 18) forums about "; S6[8]=" opportunities to market the Queensland clip in the same way Tasmanian wool is being marketed as a 'brand'.
      Mr Hutchinson said industry "; S7[8]=" needed to establish a brand identity that could be marketed to retailers with a justifiable value proposition and then actively manage the supply chain route.
"; S8[8]="       He said the wool auction system served as a clearing house at the lowest possible price and the wool chain served as "; S9[8]=" a transactional pipeline unless owners of the wool took control.
      'Producers can hold ownership of wool further down the pipeline if they "; S10[8]=" source volumes of wool then secure orders for garments or tops to get the ball rolling,' Mr Hutchinson said.
      At the Goondiwindi "; S11[8]=" forum, Sam Gill from Sheep Genetics Australia discussed selecting Merinos for wool and meat traits and having a breeding objective consistent with market demand.
  "; S12[8]="     Mr Gill said that genetic effects are cumulative and the investment is permanent, but the genetic potential of sheep flocks is maximised by "; S13[8]=" producers successfully managing the feed and husbandry required to bring out the best in them.
      Department of Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries "; S14[8]=" senior extension officer Lloyd Dunlop told St George producers that despite perceptions to the contrary, sheep have consistently outperformed cattle in gross margin terms in "; S15[8]=" recent years.
      Mr Dunlop said all sheep enterprises from prime lambs to pure Merinos and new breeds have routinely generated better gross "; S16[8]=" margins per dry sheep equivalent (DSE) than cattle... "; R[9]="302"; T[9]="Environmentally friendly spray treatments"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20060222"; Dt[9]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[9]="a02a03a08a24a42a86"; B1[9]="      A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries bean research project at Gympie has achieved good yields in trials using fewer more environmentally "; B2[9]="friendly spray applications which helped maintain beneficial insect populations... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries bean research project at Gympie has achieved good yields in trials using fewer more environmentally "; S2[9]=" friendly spray applications which helped maintain beneficial insect populations.
      DPI&F entomologist John Duff said the bean field day was held to mark "; S3[9]=" the end of trials at Martin Wilson's Lagoon Pocket property which were studying best management practices to reduce chemical sprays, promote beneficial insect populations and "; S4[9]=" most importantly, ensure good yields.
      He said Queensland produces about 40 percent of Australia's $60 million bean production with significant annual cropping "; S5[9]=" in Cooloola Shire.
      'DPI&F researchers were able to advise about 40 field day participants that using more environmentally friendly spray treatments that "; S6[9]=" have minimal impact on beneficial insects led to good bean yields and significant savings in spray treatments, grower labour and machinery operating costs,' Mr Duff "; S7[9]=" said.
      He said the trials found that applying 'Confidor' insecticide with seed during planting ensured bean plants were given early protection from "; S8[9]=" insect pests such as bean fly and silverleaf whitefly while control of jassid bugs was also good.
      'We found that the best "; S9[9]=" management option (BMO) trial maintained yields and provided good beneficial insect populations.
      'This was achieved through the use of both softer chemical "; S10[9]=" sprays and reduced spray applications, compared to bean crops which were given standard grower treatments including in the latest crop up to four applications of "; S11[9]=" insecticides plus several fungicide applications for rust control,' Mr Duff said.
      The field day was halted when a severe storm which cut "; S12[9]=" a swathe through the Mary Valley devastated sections of Mr Wilson's crop in the midst of harvesting... "; R[10]="300"; T[10]="Grazing Package launch for mulga lands"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20060222"; Dt[10]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[10]="a02a24a66a72"; B1[10]="      The EDGEnetwork Grazing Land Management (GLM) education package designed for property managers in the mulga lands to assess, understand and develop grazing "; B2[10]="management strategies is now available for South West Queensland producers... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      The EDGEnetwork Grazing Land Management (GLM) education package designed for property managers in the mulga lands to assess, understand and develop grazing "; S2[10]=" management strategies is now available for South West Queensland producers.
      The first Mulga GLM workshop was delivered in Quilpie earlier this month "; S3[10]=" and today the Mulga GLM project was officially launched in Charleville as part of the South West NRM (SWNRM) information Exchange Day.
      "; S4[10]=" Targeting the extensive mulga lands encompassing the shires of Murweh, Quilpie, Paroo, Booringa, Bulloo and parts of Balonne, the Mulga GLM education package is an "; S5[10]=" initiative of Meat and Livestock Australia's (MLA) EDGEnetwork, in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries and SWNRM.
      This GLM "; S6[10]=" education package was specifically customised for the mulga lands during the past 12 months, as one of the regional GLM education packages being developed across "; S7[10]=" northern Australia to service cattle and sheep grazing properties in Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
      DPI&F Charleville extension officer (Grazing Lands) "; S8[10]=" Jane Hamilton said Mulga GLM was developed after extensive consultation with industry to assist sheep and cattle producers understand and resolve a host of management "; S9[10]=" issues, such as assessing paddock condition and improving carrying capacity.
      'By putting a GLM plan into place, graziers can answer many of "; S10[10]=" the often-asked management issues relating to effective use of fire, achieving the right balance of trees and grass, potential pasture restoration options and management of "; S11[10]=" weeds,' Ms Hamilton said.
      'In essence, landholders gain an understanding of the grazing ecosystem to enable them to meet target markets while "; S12[10]=" remaining sustainable and profitable in the long term.' Ms Hamilton said the launch of Mulga GLM demonstrated the strong partnership the Department was fostering with "; S13[10]=" the regional body South West NRM.
      'Many Mulga GLM workshops will be run in conjunction with South West NRM PLANSCAPES, which is "; S14[10]=" a sub-catchment planning process.
      The combined workshop processes enable graziers the best available grazing land management information and facilitated planning processes at "; S15[10]=" both the property and sub-catchment level,' she said.
      'The workshop and extension program allows for delivery of best available local information, understanding "; S16[10]=" of sound ecological processes and relationships underlying grazing land management.
      Most importantly it allows for a forum for exchange of local knowledge "; S17[10]=" and experience and motivation between graziers'.
      The first Mulga GLM workshop in Quilpie was well received amongst the participating grazing businesses.
  "; S18[10]="     'The GLM workshops presented over four days are designed to help producers to assess paddock condition and improve carrying capacity,' Ms Hamilton said.
"; S19[10]="       'Using a mix of local knowledge and experience, the workshops explore different management paths to determine the financial impact of the various "; S20[10]=" grazing management options to suit the individual enterprise.
      The workshop is an excellent forum for graziers to re-focus on the bigger picture.. "; R[11]="299"; T[11]="Better communication improves profitability for farmers"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20060222"; Dt[11]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[11]="a02a20a46a47a72"; B1[11]="      Tully cane farming families and partnerships will have the opportunity to learn how to maximise the benefits of planning and decision-making through "; B2[11]="better communication... "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      Tully cane farming families and partnerships will have the opportunity to learn how to maximise the benefits of planning and decision-making through "; S2[11]=" better communication.
      Too often members of a family business assume that all is well when in reality there is some underlying dissatisfaction.
"; S3[11]="       Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries FutureCane project is hosting a workshop in Tully this month to help farmers use communication to "; S4[11]=" make the most of their business prospects.
      FutureCane business development officer Terry Reid said the workshop, entitled Improving profitability through communication, aimed "; S5[11]=" to help farmers tackle such difficult issues as talking with wives, brothers, sons, daughters and husbands about planning for the future and making significant changes "; S6[11]=" in their business.
      The workshop presenter, Lyn Sykes, a rural family communication specialist, will conduct the workshop in the Tully Mill Hall "; S7[11]=" on Thursday, November 24, 9am to 3:30pm.
      Issues she will cover include: ' Decision making -where it can go wrong, how to "; S8[11]=" make it better.
      ' Principles of good communication like listening.
      ' Separating family and business issues ' How to "; S9[11]=" maximise family members contributions to the business ' Appreciating different roles within the family ' Increasing income through enhanced communication skills Ms Sykes, who is "; S10[11]=" based in Dubbo, New South Wales, works with producers throughout rural and regional Australia in developing effective communication, especially in relation to the family business.
"; S11[11]="       She is often in demand for her practical, educational and humorous speeches among private and government organisations.
      'Ms Sykes "; S12[11]=" will give you insight and ideas on how to make your family life and business life move together in a positive direction,' Mr Reid said.
"; S13[11]="       'If you are interested in improving the profitability of your farm business or planning the intergenerational transfer of your farm assets and "; S14[11]=" business, then this workshop will be important to you.' Numbers are limited and registration is required to ensure sponsorship through the FarmBis program.
    "; S15[11]="   To secure your place please RSVP by November 21 to Gwen Arcidiacono on 4068 2214 or Tully Canegrowers on 4068 1077.
      "; S16[11]=" Cost of the workshop is $35 per business, conditional on FarmBis Group Training Grant eligibility.
      FutureCane is hosting the workshop in partnership "; S17[11]=" with FarmBis, Tully Canegrowers, FNQ ACC Small Business Answers, Centacare, Relationship Australia and local businesses... "; R[12]="298"; T[12]="Rust risk for 2006"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20060222"; Dt[12]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[12]="a02a03a22a33"; B1[12]="      Mild end-of-season conditions and frost damaged crops have contributed to a higher risk of stripe rust for most of the grainbelt next "; B2[12]="season... "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      Mild end-of-season conditions and frost damaged crops have contributed to a higher risk of stripe rust for most of the grainbelt next "; S2[12]=" season.
      Department of Agriculture plant pathologist Geoff Thomas said the risk of stripe rust, and potentially stem rust, coming out of the "; S3[12]=" 2005 season was greater than at the same stage in 2004.
      Mr Thomas said the stripe rust risk in the northern agricultural "; S4[12]=" region should be lower than other areas of WA, and similar to recent seasons, unless summer and autumn rainfall activity directly affects the region.
  "; S5[12]="     The potential for rust outbreaks in 2006 should be considered as part of overall variety choice in conjunction with strategic pre-season fungicide use.
"; S6[12]="       'Continuing cool and damp conditions during October-November have prolonged the growing season in many areas of the wheatbelt,' Mr Thomas said.
  "; S7[12]="     'These conditions have allowed continued infection by cereal rust diseases, including stripe rust.
      As a result, despite a delayed appearance, "; S8[12]=" late stripe rust infection was widespread and ongoing late into the season, providing a background of inoculum for the 2006 season.
      'In "; S9[12]=" general, seasons with soft finishes followed by summer or autumn rain will favour the survival of rust inoculum and increase risks associated with early widespread "; S10[12]=" rust infection in the following season.
      The presence of late rust infection, can provide opportunities for greenbridge carry-over of rust if we "; S11[12]=" get summer and autumn rainfall.' Mr Thomas said the start to the 2005 season was characterised by a long dry period over summer, lasting from "; S12[12]=" the early finish to the 2004 season through to the end of March this year.
      As predicted this long dry spell was "; S13[12]=" unfavourable for carry-over of rust diseases and consequently rust occurrence in 2005 was around six weeks later than 2004.
      By that stage "; S14[12]=" most crops that became infected were after flag leaf emergence, when adult plant resistance of intermediate varieties was developing.
      Mr Thomas said "; S15[12]=" this season's frost damaged crops could also increase the risk from rust survival in summer.
      'In some areas frost affected crops have "; S16[12]=" re-shot, producing late green host plants for rust to survive on into the start of summer,' he said.
      'Growers can address some "; S17[12]=" of the risks by reducing plantings of very-susceptible and susceptible varieties to minimise the early incidence of infection, the rate of epidemic development and yield "; S18[12]=" losses from outbreaks next season.
      'Where possible, very susceptible varieties should be avoided or at the very least managed with preventative strategies "; S19[12]=" to address rust risk.
      These include use of appropriate seed dressing or in-furrow fungicides which have been proven to delay the onset "; S20[12]=" of rust infection.
      'The majority of initial stripe rust reports during recent seasons and in 2005 came from the most susceptible varieties.. "; R[13]="282"; T[13]="Piggery software makes US debut"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20060222"; Dt[13]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[13]="a02a29a46a72a92"; B1[13]="      Queensland developed piggery management software is being trialed in the United States to see if it has commercial potential in that country..... "; B2[13]=" "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      Queensland developed piggery management software is being trialed in the United States to see if it has commercial potential in that country.
"; S2[13]="       Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal extension officer Peter Cook said several major piggery operators were interested in the Queensland-developed PrimePulse "; S3[13]=" and E-Piggery software.
      He said the US trial involved 100,000 sows, with management changes being implemented to evaluate production responses.
    "; S4[13]="   Mr Cook said during a visit to the US several major piggery operators indicated they were keen to see if the software had benefits "; S5[13]=" not available in locally developed products.
      He said the acceptance of the software in the US would provide opportunities for Australian piggery "; S6[13]=" operators.
      'There could be an opportunity to incorporate US piggery management software and PrimePulse, providing the best of both worlds.
    "; S7[13]="   'The other issue is that overseas sales generate the income that all Australian software developers need to continually improve their products for domestic clients,' "; S8[13]=" he said.
      Mr Cook said he expects the US trials to last about six months and generate a list of development requests "; S9[13]=" next year.
      He said PrimePulse detects and reports changes in pig production data, saving time and effort involved in manually searching and "; S10[13]=" analysing the vast amount of data in production records.
      E-Piggery is a 'what-if' program that sets up a virtual piggery so the "; S11[13]=" user can evaluate the impact of planned changes on production and profitability.
      The DPI&F developed the software with industry input, and it "; S12[13]=" is now available for use in large piggeries and by private consultants throughout Australia, he said... "; R[14]="281"; T[14]="Forage oat yields exciting"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20060222"; Dt[14]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[14]="a02a09a24a93"; B1[14]="      This year s impressive yields from new forage oat varieties in a breeding program look set to improve the bottom lines of "; B2[14]="the Queensland and NSW grazing industries in the near future... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      This year's impressive yields from new forage oat varieties in a breeding program look set to improve the bottom lines of the "; S2[14]=" Queensland and NSW grazing industries in the near future.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries plant breeder Bruce Winter and research technician "; S3[14]=" Richard Uebergang run the forage oat-breeding program from the Leslie Research Centre, Toowoomba.
      Mr Winter said the team is excited by the "; S4[14]=" performance of these new varieties, which are yielding 10-15 per cent more forage than the current ones.
      'This high yield has been "; S5[14]=" consistent in both higher rainfall areas and under tougher low rainfall conditions.
      'Because the varieties are bred locally, they are well adapted "; S6[14]=" to local growing conditions and so perform well,' he said.
      Mr Winter said growers had the opportunity to inspect these new lines "; S7[14]=" at a series of farm walks held at Biloela, Roma and Warwick over the past few months.
      'We will continue these trials "; S8[14]=" every year, so growers should take the opportunity to inspect the new varieties side by side with the current varieties,' he said.
      "; S9[14]=" 'In these demonstration trials, the new lines performed extremely well when compared with the older superseded varieties such as Coolabah and Mortlock, and more recent "; S10[14]=" commercial varieties such as Volta, Nugene and Taipan,' he said.
      'Several new lines are on track for release over the next few "; S11[14]=" years, and the first variety should be commercially available to farmers in 2007.
      'The breeding program receives funding support from Meat and "; S12[14]=" Livestock Australia and Heritage Seeds, and all varieties released by the program are marketed by Heritage Seeds,' Mr Winter said.
      The project "; S13[14]=" aims is to release commercial varieties with durable resistance to leaf rust, the main disease of forage oats, and high forage yield combined with good "; S14[14]=" early vigour and late maturity.
      'Leaf rust can be a very aggressive disease in wetter seasons, and it has readily overcome the "; S15[14]=" single resistance genes present in many older varieties.
      'Our aim is to release varieties with durable resistance that will last for many "; S16[14]=" years.' He said all forage varieties are thoroughly tested by the breeding program before release.
      Leaf rust screening nurseries are conducted every "; S17[14]=" year as part of the breeding program.
      All breeding and material is exposed to high levels of the leaf rust pathogen, and "; S18[14]=" only the most resistant material is carried forward into the next stage, he said.
      'All released forage varieties are also tested in "; S19[14]=" small plot cutting trials to select the highest yielding lines,' Mr Winter said.
      'The plots are cut using a scaled down version "; S20[14]=" of a forage harvester purchased several years ago from Kingaroy Engineering Works.
      'The.. "; R[15]="272"; T[15]="Export markets for wheaten hay"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20060222"; Dt[15]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[15]="a02a07a08a22a24a72"; B1[15]="      Australian hay growers will benefit from new export opportunities as a result of a $10,000 innovation award to South Australian agricultural consultant "; B2[15]="Patrick Redden... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      Australian hay growers will benefit from new export opportunities as a result of a $10,000 innovation award to South Australian agricultural consultant "; S2[15]=" Patrick Redden.
      The RIRDC-sponsored award was presented to Mr Redden for his project developing a specialised wheaten hay export industry.
    "; S3[15]="   Mr Redden, of Clare, SA, will use the award to examine the market potential for a specialised wheaten hay variety, compare the yield and "; S4[15]=" quality of selected hay against competing hay types, and use the results to develop an agronomic management package to assist hay growers to integrate the "; S5[15]=" specialised hay type into their farming systems... "; R[16]="267"; T[16]="Hot grading - better grading more quickly and cheaply"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20060222"; Dt[16]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[16]="a02a08a25a27"; B1[16]="      Results released today by Meat Standards Australia (MSA) have shown a number of productivity and cost saving benefits as a result of "; B2[16]="meat processing plants taking on the new hot grading method of carcase grading... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      Results released today by Meat Standards Australia (MSA) have shown a number of productivity and cost saving benefits as a result of "; S2[16]=" meat processing plants taking on the new 'hot grading' method of carcase grading.
      The results were from the Brisbane-based Australian Country Choice "; S3[16]=" (ACC) meat processing plant, the first company to implement the hot grading process.
      Hot grading is the latest initiative of MSA, which "; S4[16]=" is a beef grading program that labels beef with a guaranteed grade and recommended cooking method to identify beef eating quality according to consumers' perceptions.
"; S5[16]="       Hot grading allows carcases to be partially graded on the slaughter floor instead of wholly in the chiller.
      Processors "; S6[16]=" who are using the hot grading method are saving time with data collection, reducing labour costs and increasing their carcase grading output.
      "; S7[16]=" MSA Manager Cameron Dart said to date there are six processing plants in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia at various stages of implementing "; S8[16]=" the hot grading process.
      'This development is the next step for the MSA program - it offers processors a greater choice of "; S9[16]=" options to grade guaranteed eating quality beef, in a way which suits their enterprise,' Mr Dart said.
      'Results from ACC, the first "; S10[16]=" approved hot grading site, indicated grading cost savings that averaged around 14 per cent for each carcase graded.
      'This is what MSA "; S11[16]=" R&D is all about - to explore ways of reducing costs throughout the supply chain while still maintaining guaranteed eating quality beef for consumers.' ACC "; S12[16]=" CEO David Foote said his company was constantly looking at improving their manufacturing process to identify and implement cost reductions without negatively impacting on quality "; S13[16]=" parameters.
      'By applying the hot grading method we have been able to further improve our competitive advantage by reducing our operating costs "; S14[16]=" for grading, but importantly we've maintained detailed carcase quality feedback to our Colestock producers for their continuous livestock production improvement programs,' Mr Foote said.
  "; S15[16]="     'ACC uses MSA technology as one of our key tools to measure and assist in quality control and quality assurances to maintain the "; S16[16]=" required consistent quality of beef products to our customers every time.' Grading numbers remain strong since the introduction of MSA in 1999 when only 83,500 "; S17[16]=" cattle were graded.
      This year it is forecast an additional 80,000 cattle will be graded - an increase of 25 per cent "; S18[16]=" from 2004-05 to a total of over 780,000 head.
      'MSA is contributing to consumer confidence in beef quality and strong domestic demand.
"; S19[16]="       The hot grading method is the next step in the evolution of beef grading in Australia,' Mr Dart said... "; R[17]="242"; T[17]="Downs sheep breeder sold on sulla"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20060222"; Dt[17]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[17]="a02a06a25a66"; B1[17]="      An eastern Darling Downs Poll Dorset breeder is sold on the potential of the new pasture and crop rotation legume, sulla, to "; B2[17]="fill the autumn to early summer feed gap in his enterprise... "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      An eastern Darling Downs Poll Dorset breeder is sold on the potential of the new pasture and crop rotation legume, sulla, to "; S2[17]=" fill the autumn to early summer feed gap in his enterprise.
      Trimac Poll Dorset stud master Chris Rubie of Oakey planted 1.6 "; S3[17]=" ha to the New Zealand sulla cultivar Aokou, as part of a national demonstration project organised by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and "; S4[17]=" supported by the Grains Research Development Corporation and Australian Wool Innovations.
      Mr Rubie said his experiences from a May plant followed by "; S5[17]=" sparse rainfall convinced him that sulla is 'a serious replacement for oats', based on the legume's drought resistance, production pattern, soil improving benefits and lower "; S6[17]=" production costs by eliminating nitrogen fertiliser.
      'It also provides high quality feed during autumn to early summer, which is a traditionally difficult "; S7[17]=" time,' he said.
      He said the Aokou was estimated to have produced 10 tonnes of dry matter per hectare for its first "; S8[17]=" grazing, with a higher yield likely in the second production year.
      'I'm all for it.
      Growing high quality feed "; S9[17]=" naturally, without fertiliser, is a big plus,' he said.
      'Unlike lucerne, it doesn't cause bloat, which can be a problem in sheep "; S10[17]=" as well as cattle, and is thought to reduce worm problems.' He said the Aokou is flowering and setting seed, which is necessary to ensure "; S11[17]=" its persistence.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal pasture agronomist David Lloyd said Aokou would be superseded by new Australian cultivars "; S12[17]=" that are better for than others for both seed and dry matter production.
      He said seed increase is underway of two Australian "; S13[17]=" cultivars Wilpena and Moonbi, with the first commercial quantities available in 2007.
      'The new cultivars flower earlier than Aokou, have a longer "; S14[17]=" production cycle and yield more dry matter, up to 20 tonnes/ha in their second year.' He said the new species would be ideal for alkaline, "; S15[17]=" calcareous soils and could be used for short-term (two or three years) rotations, fodder production and grazing throughout southern Queensland.
      'They also "; S16[17]=" may have a role in controlling outbreaks of dryland soil salinity, providing another environmental benefit as well as their soil fertility and structure improvement,' he "; S17[17]=" said.
      Mr Lloyd said sulla is a temperate biennial legume which has no equivalent because of its very high production in autumn "; S18[17]=" to spring.
      'Lucerne has a three to five year phase and had that winter production role, but its production is not as "; S19[17]=" high as that of sulla.
      Sulla originated in the Mediterranean and had been grown in New Zealand for 30 years, he said.
"; S20[17]="       Mr Lloyd said staff from the DPI&F, NSW Department of Primary Industries and South Australian Research and Development Institute worked together on.. "; R[18]="240"; T[18]="Four oat varieties to be removed from the milling stack"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20060222"; Dt[18]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[18]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[18]="      The WA oat industry is working towards achieving a premium, internationally recognised oat stack..... "; B2[18]=" "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      The WA oat industry is working towards achieving a premium, internationally recognised oat stack.
      Since its inception, the Western "; S2[18]=" Oat Alliance has been reviewing varieties accepted into the segregation, fundamentally to enhance the integrity of quality to supply international demands.
      Western "; S3[18]=" Oat Alliance Chairman Ray Marshall said, 'Based on the past fives years records, the four lowest performing milling varieties will be removed after the 2005/06 "; S4[18]=" harvest.' 'The Western Oat Alliance has decided to remove Yilgarn, Murray, Toodyay and Euro from the milling segregation from 2006/07.
      These varieties "; S5[18]=" will still be accepted into the feed segregation,' Mr Marshall said.
      Western Oat Alliance members include milling oat marketers Quaker Oats and "; S6[18]=" AgraCorp who also fully endorse the decision to remove these varieties from the milling oat stack.
      Jason Craig, Marketing Manager at AgraCorp "; S7[18]=" said, 'This is a positive step for the Western Australian Oat Industry to continue to improve the quality of the Milling segregation ensuring Western Australian "; S8[18]=" farmers attain a premium in the market.' The removal of these varieties will leave five varieties (Carrolup, Mortlock, Hotham, Coomallo and Pallinup) in the milling "; S9[18]=" segregation.
      This will also leave room for the possible inclusion of new dwarf varieties Kojonup and Possum which will undergo milling tests "; S10[18]=" in early 2006.
      Mr Marshall said Yilgarn, Murray, Toodyay and Euro combined only accounted for 5.3 per cent of the area sown "; S11[18]=" for delivery in 2004/05.
      In the milling segregation Carrolup accounted for 34 per cent and Pallinup 17 per cent with Wandering 16 "; S12[18]=" per cent and Dalyup 8 per cent being dominant varieties in the feed segregation.
      'By maintaining a premium oat stack, the WA "; S13[18]=" oat industry will be able to maintain a competitive advantage over other states and countries providing oat varieties for human consumption,' Mr Marshall said.
  "; S14[18]="     The Western Oat Alliance will continue to monitor these changes over the next two years, while also closely monitoring the performance of new "; S15[18]=" dwarf milling varieties, particularly Kojonup which has seen grower interest already exceed seed supplies for 2006... "; R[19]="235"; T[19]="Solid platform for red meat industry growth"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20060222"; Dt[19]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[19]="a02a07a08a10a25a27"; B1[19]="      Meat & Livestock Australia s continued solid performance in the areas of marketing, research and development and market access have provided the "; B2[19]="red meat industry with a solid platform to tackle the challenges ahead, according to MLA s managing director Mark Spurr... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      Meat & Livestock Australia's continued solid performance in the areas of marketing, research and development and market access have provided the red "; S2[19]=" meat industry with a solid platform to tackle the challenges ahead, according to MLA's managing director Mark Spurr.
      In his address to "; S3[19]=" the MLA AGM in Melbourne today Mr Spurr outlined the key programs and initiatives MLA will be carrying out during the 2005-06 financial year.
  "; S4[19]="     'MLA had a solid year which has provided a solid foundation that will allow the industry continued access to markets, the opportunity to "; S5[19]=" build demand in those markets and the ability to supply differentiated and competitive products to customers,' Mr Spurr said.
      'One of MLA's "; S6[19]=" key challenges will be to maintain the high level of consumer expenditure in the domestic market and we will be attempting to increase red meat "; S7[19]=" meal frequency by continuing to address attitudinal barriers to consumption,' Mr Spurr said.
      'In our international markets, our marketing programs will be "; S8[19]=" bolstered as we strive to maintain our share of north Asian markets and increase share in other markets.
      We will pilot category "; S9[19]=" management with major retailers, along with conducting product segmentation studies in the US and Japan to migrate product to higher value positions.
      "; S10[19]=" 'In relation to developing competitive advantage we will be increasing carcase value by developing low value cuts and co-products.
      We will also "; S11[19]=" ensure continued productivity improvements through programs such as Sheep Genetics Australia, which delivers robust analysis to improve genetics across the whole sheep industry.
    "; S12[19]="   'We will also continue to represent the industry on market access issues through playing an active role in the Doha round of World Trade "; S13[19]=" Organisation (WTO) negotiations.
      'MLA has worked together with all sectors of the industry, and we have laid a foundation for continued success "; S14[19]=" in meeting future challenges and opportunities.' Mr Spurr also reported on the strong operational performance of Meat & Livestock Australia over the past year, with "; S15[19]=" a solid financial result during the past year and the continuation of effective corporate governance procedures, according to MLA managing director Mark Spurr.
    "; S16[19]="   'MLA members can feel very confident that their company is in great shape and is performing well,' Mr Spurr said.
      'There "; S17[19]=" is a $15 billion industry at stake and MLA has the programs and operational procedures in place that ensure we are getting optimum efficiency and "; S18[19]=" value for money out of the transaction levies and industry and government funds that we administer.' MLA's income for the 2004-05 financial year was $140.2 "; S19[19]=" million, while expenditure was $139.7 million, resulting in a surplus of $500,000.
      'During the year we undertook an extensive review of our "; S20[19]=" corporate governance and aligned our procedures with the Australian Stock Exchange's best practice principles.
      We also undertook a risk management assessment and.. "; R[20]="234"; T[20]="Red meat industry in solid shape for challenging times ahead"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20060222"; Dt[20]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[20]="a02a07a08a10a25a26a27"; B1[20]="      In his last address as Meat & Livestock Australia chairman David Crombie today congratulated the Australian red meat industry on its resilience "; B2[20]="and ability to continually meet customer demands, but warned against complacency in the face of the challenges that lie ahead... "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      In his last address as Meat & Livestock Australia chairman David Crombie today congratulated the Australian red meat industry on its resilience "; S2[20]=" and ability to continually meet customer demands, but warned against complacency in the face of the challenges that lie ahead.
      Addressing the "; S3[20]=" MLA annual general meeting in Melbourne, Mr Crombie said the red meat industry is in good shape and is well placed to strongly take on "; S4[20]=" the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the months and years ahead.
      'Our red meat and livestock industry is a mature "; S5[20]=" and adaptable industry that has really led the way in a number of areas, ranging from R&D, product marketing and market access,' Mr Crombie said.
"; S6[20]="       'During the past 10 years, since MLA was formed, there have been remarkable gains in all of these areas and MLA has "; S7[20]=" played an important role in this.
      'In 1995 red meat production was valued at $7.84 billion.
      Today it is "; S8[20]=" worth $14.03 billion - an increase of 79 per cent - with this increase in value driven by both domestic and export markets.
    "; S9[20]="   'Over the last ten years industry has invested heavily in eating quality research and today it is possible to buy cuts by cooking method "; S10[20]=" with an assured outcome.
      'Ten years ago there was a food safety cloud hanging over red meats .Now over 70 per cent "; S11[20]=" of consumers agree the red meat industry is ethical and trustworthy.' In highlighting the success of MLA's marketing initiatives in key markets Mr Crombie said "; S12[20]=" exports to Japan during 2004-05 had reached record levels, worth approximately $2.45 billion, up $696 million on last year.
      'Our Aussie Beef "; S13[20]=" Brand in Japan now has 97 per cent consumer brand awareness and this is a result of MLA's positioning of the Aussie Beef symbol,' Mr "; S14[20]=" Crombie said.
      'Our beef exports to Korea rose 48 per cent this year, reaching $524 million.
      This reflects a "; S15[20]=" 21 per cent increase in the volume of beef sent to this valuable market.
      'Domestic expenditure on lamb has grown by 70 "; S16[20]=" per cent between 1997-98 and 2004-05 to a record $1.7 billion, while domestic beef expenditure has grown by $1.9 billion, or 47 per cent, between "; S17[20]=" 2000-01 and 2004-05 to a record $6 billion.' Despite the industry's current strong position Mr Crombie urged all in the industry to ensure its long "; S18[20]=" term viability and success by continuing to make improvements throughout the production chain.
      'We are facing a raft of real threats and "; S19[20]=" challenges in the months and years ahead - maybe more than we have ever encountered,' Mr Crombie said.
      'We cannot sit still "; S20[20]=" - change will continually be in our face and we need to constantly improve what we do to satisfy our consumers and to be better.. "; R[21]="233"; T[21]="Simpler on-farm QA program launched for livestock industry"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20060222"; Dt[21]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[21]="a02a25a26a27"; B1[21]="      A new on-farm livestock quality assurance (QA) program, which incorporates existing Cattlecare and Flockcare QA schemes, was launched today at the Meat "; B2[21]="& Livestock Australia producer forum in Melbourne... "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      A new on-farm livestock quality assurance (QA) program, which incorporates existing Cattlecare and Flockcare QA schemes, was launched today at the Meat "; S2[21]=" & Livestock Australia producer forum in Melbourne.
      The new, simpler program is called Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) QA and will provide Australia's "; S3[21]=" livestock producers with a single, voluntary QA scheme.
      MLA general manager Industry Systems Allan Bloxsom said LPA QA will supplement the existing "; S4[21]=" LPA food safety program (Level 1 LPA) and will be implemented on 1 January 2006.
      'LPA QA consolidates the red meat industry's "; S5[21]=" existing on-farm QA schemes into one and will include commercial, country and industry specific modules,' Mr Bloxsom said.
      'LPA QA will be "; S6[21]=" an important tool for Australia's livestock producers to enable them to strengthen their quality production claims with both domestic and overseas customers.' LPA QA will "; S7[21]=" consist of three core modules, with additional optional market-specific modules also being available for livestock producers.
      In order to meet the requirements "; S8[21]=" of LPA QA producers must undertake the three core modules.
      The three core modules consist of: - Food Safety Management (the existing "; S9[21]=" LPA Food Safety Program) - Systems Management - Livestock Management The additional market specific modules are yet to be finalised, but are likely to be "; S10[21]=" programs that can meet commercial brand needs (supermarket programs), country specific needs (such as the Japanese Agricultural Standard) and industry generic programs (for example environmental "; S11[21]=" management systems).
      All programs will relate to the three core modules as a standard.
      Mr Bloxsom said the existing "; S12[21]=" Cattlecare and Flockcare QA schemes remain unchanged and all current members of these schemes will gain automatic entry into LPA QA.
      'The "; S13[21]=" three core elements of LPA QA are covered by the existing Cattlecare and Flockcare programs, so for participants in these programs it is simply business "; S14[21]=" as usual,' Mr Bloxsom said.
      'The Cattlecare and Flockcare brands will remain and can continue to be used by those currently participating "; S15[21]=" in these programs.
      The only change is that these programs have been rolled into the new LPA QA scheme, managed by MLA.
"; S16[21]="       'The main benefit of this new program is the ability to encourage companies to endorse programs like Cattlecare and Flockcare by adding "; S17[21]=" their own specific module on top of the core modules.
      This provides the opportunity for a farm to be audited for a "; S18[21]=" number of different programs on the one day, leading to the 'one farm-one audit' system industry has been looking for.'.. "; R[22]="231"; T[22]="Global issues and opportunities in year ahead"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20060222"; Dt[22]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[22]="a02a05a07a08a25a27a57"; B1[22]="      Australia is at the top of the price cycle for both sheepmeat and beef, and cattle prices in particular are predicted to "; B2[22]="ease in 2006 from their recent highs... "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      Australia is at the top of the price cycle for both sheepmeat and beef, and cattle prices in particular are predicted to "; S2[22]=" ease in 2006 from their recent highs.
      This was the forecast from MLA Economic Planning and Market Services general manager Dr Peter "; S3[22]=" Barnard at MLA's producer forum in Melbourne today.
      'The industry has been travelling strongly, but prices will start slipping next year,' Dr "; S4[22]=" Barnard said.
      'The return of the US to global markets, a lift in US cattle production and the slowing of growth in "; S5[22]=" demand is set to force Australian cattle prices down over the next five to 10 years.
      'Also impacting the Australian cattle industry "; S6[22]=" will be the continued growth of Brazilian exports, which are currently limited by trade restrictions as a result of their FMD problems.
      "; S7[22]=" 'We're also likely to see lamb and sheepmeat prices ease as domestic supply increases as producers come out of the drought.' MLA International Marketing general "; S8[22]=" manager Hugh Amoyal also addressed the forum and outlined some of the global opportunities expected and the range of new marketing campaigns to be undertaken "; S9[22]=" by MLA in key overseas markets.
      Mr Amoyal said that knowing what consumers want and being able to adjust to their changing "; S10[22]=" needs was the key to long-term sustainability.
      'Clearly the world for red meat is changing.
      Australia's competitors are circling "; S11[22]=" our customers and buyers are demanding more in terms of service, delivery, presentation, quality and value for money,' said Mr Amoyal.
      'MLA "; S12[22]=" marketing strategies are helping Australia stay on the right course by fostering a better understanding of consumer needs clearly differentiating Australian red meat and aggressively "; S13[22]=" promoting our product.
      'MLA's goal is to seek, secure and defend markets that deliver sustained, profitable growth for Australian producers and we "; S14[22]=" have a range of programs in place overseas involving branding, consumer research and category management campaigns aimed at assuring customer loyalty to the Australian industry.
"; S15[22]="       'The global consolidation and increasing sophistication of retailers has elevated their interest in meat retailing so the Australian industry has an opportunity "; S16[22]=" to consolidate its position by using its world leading understanding of consumers to help them increase sales and profits of their entire red meat category.
"; S17[22]="       'The category management approach seeks to develop a deeper relationship between suppliers and retailers, with the aim of increasing sales and improving "; S18[22]=" profitability.
      'We have already begun a pilot program in Korea with a global retail chain.
      Building this capability will "; S19[22]=" take time and commitment.
      'It is about process innovation and developing commercial key performance indicators and understanding the consumer all the way "; S20[22]=" back down the supply chain.
      Rewards can be significant for retailers, suppliers, the Australian red meat industry and indeed.. "; R[23]="222"; T[23]="Bull traits may be key to female reproductive performance"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20060222"; Dt[23]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[23]="a02a09a26a27a93"; B1[23]="      A decade of improved female reproductive performance genetic research data is now being used to develop early life predictors to improve bull "; B2[23]="fertility and performance... "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      A decade of improved female reproductive performance genetic research data is now being used to develop early life predictors to improve bull "; S2[23]=" fertility and performance.
      Rockhampton-based Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal scientist Dr Dick Holroyd is leading the study to identify male "; S3[23]=" fertility traits contributing to improved female reproductive performance.
      Funded through the Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies (Beef CRC), Dr Holroyd "; S4[23]=" said the six year project initiated in May last year will involve the detailed assessment of bull progeny from the CRC breeding herds to be "; S5[23]=" completed in November 2011.
      Dr Holroyd said the rationale behind the project was that identifying early life predictors of fertility would greatly "; S6[23]=" improve the efficiency of sire selection for both male and female reproductive performance in beef herds.
      'It may be possible to identify "; S7[23]=" predictors of lifetime fertility in blood or seminal fluid,' Dr Holroyd said.
      'If this study can identify bulls at 6-12 months of "; S8[23]=" age that can produce more fertile daughters, then there is scope to identify gene markers for commercial application,' Dr Holroyd said.
      'Previous "; S9[23]=" research has linked larger scrotal size with early puberty in female progeny but there is little other genetic information on male reproductive traits such as "; S10[23]=" semen quality and their association with female fertility.
      'The intention is to examine and assess some 3500 bulls from weaning through to "; S11[23]=" 24 months of age.
      'They will be subjected to liveweight and scrotal circumference measurements at three monthly intervals with bull breeding soundness "; S12[23]=" examinations conducted at 12, 18 and 24 months,' Dr Holroyd said.
      Traits such as sperm morphology have been related to calf output "; S13[23]=" in multiple sire herds in northern Australia.
      'Identifying early life predictors of an individual's fertility has the potential to reduce the number "; S14[23]=" of breeding bulls required by up to 50 per cent.
      'Using these identified fertility traits will open up opportunities to increase the "; S15[23]=" rate of genetic improvement and boost the impact of using genetically superior bulls.
      Dr Holroyd said Brahman and composite bulls from the "; S16[23]=" CRCII project were currently held at the DPI&F Brigalow Research Station (Theodore) or at Belmont Research Station (Rockhampton).
      'We have 180 rising "; S17[23]=" two-year-old bulls and 380 yearling bulls at Brigalow and will have an intake of a further 650 weaner bulls in May next year from the "; S18[23]=" CRC breeding herds at Toorak Research Station (Julia Creek), Swans Lagoon Research Station (Millaroo) and Brian Pastures Research Station (Gayndah).
      'Each soundness "; S19[23]=" evaluation will involve a physical assessment and collection of semen for morphology examination.
      Blood and seminal plasma samples will also be collected "; S20[23]=" and stored for future hormonal analysis in the quest for genetic indicators,' Dr Holroyd said... "; R[24]="220"; T[24]="Be on the lookout for toxic meadow hay"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20060222"; Dt[24]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[24]="a02a03a24a33a72a85"; B1[24]="      The Department of Agriculture has advised WA livestock owners that meadow hay has the potential to cause annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) in "; B2[24]="livestock if it contains substantial quantities of ryegrass... "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      The Department of Agriculture has advised WA livestock owners that meadow hay has the potential to cause annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) in "; S2[24]=" livestock if it contains substantial quantities of ryegrass.
      The warning coincides with the period that the current season's meadow hay is being "; S3[24]=" cut and baled, and the detection of yellow slime on ryegrass in some areas of the coastal strip.
      Department principal veterinary toxicologist "; S4[24]=" Jeremy Allen said that the presence of yellow slime indicated that the organisms that cause ARGT were present in the ryegrass and it may develop "; S5[24]=" toxicity.
      'However, in many cases ryegrass becomes toxic without the production of yellow slime, so not seeing it doesn't mean the ryegrass "; S6[24]=" is safe,' he said.
      Dr Allen said ARGT was a serious and usually fatal disease of livestock caused by the consumption of "; S7[24]=" annual ryegrass seed heads infected with a toxin-producing bacterium.
      'Although ARGT occurs mainly in spring when stock are grazed on pasture with "; S8[24]=" infected ryegrass seedheads, outbreaks can occur any time of the year from meadow hay containing the toxic seedheads.
      'Signs of poisoning may "; S9[24]=" include periods of weakness, loss of coordination, staggering, collapse, severe convulsions and eventual death.
      Occasionally animals may die before symptoms are noticed.' "; S10[24]=" The toxin is cumulative and signs do not appear until a near fatal dose is ingested.
      The time taken for clinical signs "; S11[24]=" to appear depends on the amount of hay or pasture being consumed and the amount of toxin present in the seedheads.
      Neil "; S12[24]=" Guise, the Department's district manager at Waroona, reminded landholders that several horses had died in this district from ARGT during 2005 following the feeding of "; S13[24]=" locally produced meadow hay.
      'I cannot stress enough to all landholders the risk of feeding meadow hay that contains ryegrass infected with "; S14[24]=" the toxin-producing bacterium.
      The safety of hay can be easily determined by a quick and cheap test and I strongly recommend that "; S15[24]=" this be done,' he said.
      Mr Guise advised that ryegrass/hay sampling and submission kits could be obtained from Department of Agriculture offices.
"; S16[24]="       There is a 50 per cent subsidy on the cost of testing any samples submitted via these kits before 18 November, due "; S17[24]=" to support from Meat and Livestock Australia.
      For more information on ARGT, or testing of ryegrass and hay, contact your local Department "; S18[24]=" of Agriculture office, the Department's Animal Health Laboratories in South Perth on 9368 3351 or the Small Landholder Information Service on 9733 7777... "; R[25]="206"; T[25]="Compost trials may help move a mountain"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20060222"; Dt[25]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[25]="a02a24a48a72"; B1[25]="      Early trial results pointing to a cost recovery response from applying compost to Lockyer Valley vegetable crops have sparked subdued optimism about "; B2[25]="finding a valuable use for a mountain of plant material collected from Brisbane residents... "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      Early trial results pointing to a cost recovery response from applying compost to Lockyer Valley vegetable crops have sparked subdued optimism about "; S2[25]=" finding a valuable use for a mountain of plant material collected from Brisbane residents.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior research "; S3[25]=" scientist at Gatton Steve Harper said in the first year in one of the three compost trials there was an average 10 per cent yield "; S4[25]=" increase in vegetable crops as well as subtle changes in soil health.
      Mr Harper said if the yield increase was consistent, the "; S5[25]=" financial return from increased yield in just the first year of application would be enough to cover the cost of buying, transporting and spreading the "; S6[25]=" compost.
      He said a cumulative and continued direct effect from the compost through yield and quality responses in second year trials would "; S7[25]=" lift the viability of the practice.
      This year's trials were on farms at Forest Hill, Tent Hill, Kalbar and at the Gatton "; S8[25]=" Research Station in crops of lettuce, potatoes and beetroot.
      The compost was applied at six rates from 0 to 48 tonnes per "; S9[25]=" hectare.
      Results showed a 24t/ha application rate to be the optimum this year, with the highest rate showing yields similar to the "; S10[25]=" 0t/ha treatment.
      He said the compost lifted yields by up to 14 per cent.
      Speaking at a field day "; S11[25]=" at the Gatton Research Station, Mr Harper said next year's research in the three-year project would include glasshouse experiments to eliminate weather-induced variability of results, "; S12[25]=" studies of the compost composition, and a continuation of field trials to measure crop responses.
      Brisbane City Council's waste management program officer "; S13[25]=" Elisha Keighly said 50,000 tonnes a year of plant material was being delivered to the city's transfer stations.
      'We're planning to start "; S14[25]=" a green kerbside collection service in January and our experience suggests the collection will increase by about 20 per cent during the first six months,' "; S15[25]=" she said.
      Ms Keighly said that as part of a project named Returning the favour, Council was keen to ensure the sustainability "; S16[25]=" of agricultural areas adjacent to the city, from both food production and water quality perspectives, She said council saw financially supporting research into the use "; S17[25]=" of compost on adjacent farmlands as one way of doing this.
      Ms Keighly said the council had contracted three commercial specialists to "; S18[25]=" process the collected plant materials to meet the stringent Australian Standard specifying quality and content.
      Also at the field day, DPI&F nematologist "; S19[25]=" Tony Pattison outlined the soil health turnaround that had been possible in North Queensland banana areas by adopting soil management systems based on improved organic "; S20[25]=" carbon management.
      He said a kit that farmers could use to measure soil health had been developed.. "; R[26]="205"; T[26]="Wide support for sustainable ponded pasture management"; A[26]="By ... Editor"; Dn[26]="20060222"; Dt[26]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[26]="a02a40a42a43a72"; B1[26]="      Central Coast cattle producers with established ponded pasture country or intending to build pondage banks are currently contributing toward the development of "; B2[26]="revised management guidelines that will ensure sustainable productivity... "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      Central Coast cattle producers with established ponded pasture country or intending to build pondage banks are currently contributing toward the development of "; S2[26]=" revised management guidelines that will ensure sustainable productivity.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries extension officer Dave Hickey is leading a 12 "; S3[26]=" month project involving 14 graziers in the St Lawrence to Marlborough districts that will deliver ponded pasture grazing land recommendations by July 2007.
    "; S4[26]="   Mr Hickey said the project named 'Managing coastal grazing systems incorporating ponded pasture' was part of the Sustainable Coastal Agricultural Systems initiative funded by "; S5[26]=" the Natural Heritage Trust.
      Based on research undertaken during the past 15 years, a policy paper was released in June 2001 outlining "; S6[26]=" the legislation and regulatory requirements for ponded pasture covering an estimated 26,000 hectares in Broadsound and Livingstone Shires.
      Mr Hickey said the "; S7[26]=" three-page policy paper made a recommendation that the cattle grazing industry take responsibility to develop a set of ponded pasture management guidelines with a focus "; S8[26]=" on sustainable and profitable productivity.
      'Our task now is to summarise the range of relevant ponded pasture legislation to ensure all landholders "; S9[26]=" fully appreciate their responsibilities,' Mr Hickey said.
      'We can then progress toward drafting best practice management guidelines for adoption by coastal landholders "; S10[26]=" in the St Lawrence and Marlborough districts.
      'With support from Fitzroy River and Coastal Catchments Incorporated - a sub-group of the Fitzroy "; S11[26]=" Basin Association - our ponded pastures project will also investigate the design and construction of 'fish friendly' fish passage devices.
      'Plans are "; S12[26]=" in hand for future field days to launch the best practice guidelines and to showcase the construction of one or two pilot fishway systems at "; S13[26]=" ponded pasture sites provided by participating landholders.' Mr Hickey said with the Code of Practice in place, the Central region project will communicate to the "; S14[26]=" broader community and government agencies that ponded pasture systems deliver productivity gains through sustainable management.
      He said the best practice management would "; S15[26]=" also contribute toward enhanced regional fisheries production, endorse the responsible use of plant species, identify sensitive tidal lands and associated protected plants and even provide "; S16[26]=" an understanding of migratory bird species frequenting the Central Coast... "; R[27]="180"; T[27]="Customer focus adds value to Australian beef winner"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20060222"; Dt[27]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[27]="a02a27"; B1[27]="      With a strong focus on the needs of domestic and international beef end-users, the Australian Agricultural Company Limited was the recipient of "; B2[27]="the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Value-Adding Award at last night s 2005 Rabobank Agribusiness Awards for Excellence Ceremony in Melbourne... "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      With a strong focus on the needs of domestic and international beef end-users, the Australian Agricultural Company Limited was the recipient of "; S2[27]=" the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Value-Adding Award at last night's 2005 Rabobank Agribusiness Awards for Excellence Ceremony in Melbourne.
      "; S3[27]=" 'Innovative value-adding, driven by a clear understanding of consumer needs, is a critical part of our vision for a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable "; S4[27]=" rural sector,' said Dr Peter O'Brien, RIRDC Managing Director.
      'The Australian Agricultural Company has demonstrated how integrating a strong customer focus into "; S5[27]=" rural production can make this vision a reality, and we are delighted to present them with this award.' 'Value-adding plays an important role for our "; S6[27]=" rural industries, maximising returns to Australian farmers and establishing long-term markets for our products,' Dr O'Brien said.
      The Australian Agricultural Company Limited "; S7[27]=" (AACo) is one of Australian largest landholders, with stewardship of 8 million hectares over 26 properties in northern Australia.
      The company has "; S8[27]=" shifted its focus from traditional commodity beef production - selling beef on a whole carcase basis - to providing market-specific products tailored to customer needs.
"; S9[27]="       Their product range includes: o Wagyu and shortfed beef cuts, as well as frozen take-home western style steak for the Korean market "; S10[27]=" o High marble score Wagyu for the 5-star hotel market in Hong Kong o Specific Waggyu and shortfed cuts for the Japanese markets o Developing "; S11[27]=" new Wagyu and shortfed brands for US golf resort restaurants o '1824' brand beef, aged for maximum tenderness, and named after the year the company "; S12[27]=" was formed.
      The Australian Agricultural Company's value-adding success has been achieved through the implementation of innovation in production and marketing, and best "; S13[27]=" practise in land management.
      The other finalists for the RIRDC Value-Adding Award were Bayer Corp Science Pty Ltd, B.-d.
      "; S14[27]=" Farm Paris Creek Pty Ltd, Lobster Australia and Top Cut Foods.
      RIRDC manages research and development investments for the Australian Government and "; S15[27]=" rural industries.
      As the most diverse of the R&D Corporations, RIRDC invests in new rural industries, selected established industries and national rural "; S16[27]=" issues... "; R[28]="177"; T[28]="New survey approach may revolutionise land management data"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20060222"; Dt[28]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[28]="a02a37a42a72"; B1[28]="      A new approach by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to surveying natural resource management practices could revolutionise the future collection of "; B2[28]="land management information... "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      A new approach by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to surveying natural resource management practices could revolutionise the future collection of "; S2[28]=" land management information.
      The approach uses land ownership information and digital land boundaries to determine who should be surveyed.
      "; S3[28]=" When these are combined it is possible to tailor accurate coverage for both large and small areas.
      This is a new way "; S4[28]=" of collecting data on natural resources management.
      The approach was successfully trialled in the Eurobodalla Shire (NSW) and the results were released "; S5[28]=" today.
      The survey involved about 1,000 people and provides an important insight into land management in the Eurobodalla Shire.
      "; S6[28]=" The survey covered 71,300 rural hectares of the Shire, with data provided for each of the four river basins within the Shire.
      "; S7[28]=" Of the 2,327 rural landholders in the Shire, 1,084 rural landholders (47%) reported having issues with the water.
      Water availability was the "; S8[28]=" biggest issue, with 934 rural landholders saying this was a concern for them.
      A further test of the new methodology is continuing "; S9[28]=" in the Fitzroy catchment in Queensland.
      The Fitzroy results are looking very promising and will be available early in 2006... "; R[29]="162"; T[29]="Field day highlights compost and soil health"; A[29]="By ... Editor"; Dn[29]="20060222"; Dt[29]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[29]="a01a02a72"; B1[29]="      The effects of compost on soil health in vegetable crops will be the focus of Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries field "; B2[29]="day at the Gatton Research Station on Wednesday, November 16, from 3pm... "; B3[29]=" "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      The effects of compost on soil health in vegetable crops will be the focus of Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries field "; S2[29]=" day at the Gatton Research Station on Wednesday, November 16, from 3pm.
      DPI&F senior research scientist Steve Harper said the field day "; S3[29]=" will focus on research initiated by the Brisbane City Council and the DPI&F to find whether the sustainability and soil health of intensive vegetable farming "; S4[29]=" systems is improved by using composted green garden waste fromBrisbane.
      Mr Harper said the research will assist Brisbane City Council determine the "; S5[29]=" effectiveness of compost application and its commercial value should a kerbside collection service be provided for ratepayers.
      'The project offers benefits to "; S6[29]=" vegetable growers, the environment, ratepayers and consumers,' he said.
      He said Elisha Keighley from Brisbane City Council's Natural Environment & Sustainability section "; S7[29]=" will outline the significance of the research to the council.
      'Using the composted organics in the greater Brisbane River Catchment will potentially "; S8[29]=" improve soil quality, reduce sediment loading in the Brisbane River and allow sustainable cost effective waste management,' Mr Harper said.
      'The "; S9[29]=" compost will also help sustain and protect the regions intensive farming systems that provide significant regional employment and high quality vegetables to the rapidly growing "; S10[29]=" South-East Queensland region.
      Mr Harper said the three-year research program involves a series of replicated trials across the region to identify the "; S11[29]=" benefits of applying composted garden organics to intensively managed vegetable growing soils of the upper Brisbane River catchment.
      He would present the "; S12[29]=" results from the first year's trials at the field day, he said.
      'DPI&F nematologist Tony Pattison has conducted considerable research in soil "; S13[29]=" health improvement in banana systems of north Queensland and has developed a grower friendly soil health kit.
      'At the field day, "; S14[29]=" Tony will demonstrate how the kit can be used to monitor important soil health indicators in the field and outline how his research on soil "; S15[29]=" organic amendments have improved soil health,' Mr Harper said... "; R[30]="155"; T[30]="Field day highlights compost and soil health"; A[30]="By ... Editor"; Dn[30]="20060222"; Dt[30]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[30]="a02a53a72"; B1[30]="      The effects of compost on soil health in vegetable crops will be the focus of Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries field "; B2[30]="day at the Gatton Research Station on Wednesday, November 16, from 3pm... "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      The effects of compost on soil health in vegetable crops will be the focus of Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries field "; S2[30]=" day at the Gatton Research Station on Wednesday, November 16, from 3pm.
      DPI&F senior research scientist Steve Harper said the field day "; S3[30]=" will focus on research initiated by the Brisbane City Council and the DPI&F to find whether the sustainability and soil health of intensive vegetable farming "; S4[30]=" systems is improved by using composted green garden waste fromBrisbane.
      Mr Harper said the research will assist Brisbane City Council determine the "; S5[30]=" effectiveness of compost application and its commercial value should a kerbside collection service be provided for ratepayers.
      'The project offers benefits to "; S6[30]=" vegetable growers, the environment, ratepayers and consumers,' he said.
      He said Elisha Keighley from Brisbane City Council's Natural Environment & Sustainability section "; S7[30]=" will outline the significance of the research to the council.
      'Using the composted organics in the greater Brisbane River Catchment will potentially "; S8[30]=" improve soil quality, reduce sediment loading in the Brisbane River and allow sustainable cost effective waste management,' Mr Harper said.
      'The "; S9[30]=" compost will also help sustain and protect the regions intensive farming systems that provide significant regional employment and high quality vegetables to the rapidly growing "; S10[30]=" South-East Queensland region.
      Mr Harper said the three-year research program involves a series of replicated trials across the region to identify the "; S11[30]=" benefits of applying composted garden organics to intensively managed vegetable growing soils of the upper Brisbane River catchment.
      He would present the "; S12[30]=" results from the first year's trials at the field day, he said.
      'DPI&F nematologist Tony Pattison has conducted considerable research in soil "; S13[30]=" health improvement in banana systems of north Queensland and has developed a grower friendly soil health kit.
      'At the field day, "; S14[30]=" Tony will demonstrate how the kit can be used to monitor important soil health indicators in the field and outline how his research on soil "; S15[30]=" organic amendments have improved soil health,' Mr Harper said... "; R[31]="148"; T[31]="Online tool to help producers predict rainfall and pasture growth"; A[31]="By ... Editor"; Dn[31]="20060222"; Dt[31]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[31]="a02a07a27a46a72a92"; B1[31]="      Meat & Livestock Australia today unveiled a ground-breaking tool to help Australia s southern livestock producers more reliably predict rainfall and pasture "; B2[31]="growth... "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      Meat & Livestock Australia today unveiled a ground-breaking tool to help Australia's southern livestock producers more reliably predict rainfall and pasture growth.
"; S2[31]="       The MLA Rainfall and Pasture Growth Outlook Tool is now available online and was developed by the Australian Government's Bureau of Regional "; S3[31]=" Sciences (BRS) on behalf of MLA.
      MLA Manager, Strategic Science Dr Hutton Oddy said the tool is a key resource for Australia's "; S4[31]=" livestock producers which will enable them to assess rainfall patterns, climatic conditions and potential pasture growth for the coming season.
      'This tool "; S5[31]=" is the first of its kind in Australia and has been designed with Australia's livestock producers in mind.
      Throughout the whole development "; S6[31]=" process we have worked closely with producers to ensure the tool is not only easy to use, but also contains the information they need,' Dr "; S7[31]=" Oddy said.
      'The tool collects rainfall information from over 3,000 weather stations throughout southern Australia and combines this with weather forecasts up "; S8[31]=" to 13 weeks in advance from the Bureau of Meteorology.
      'This means that livestock producers can combine what has happened in the "; S9[31]=" past with predictions of future rainfall to make more informed decisions about such things as calving, weaning and the number and type of stock to "; S10[31]=" be running on the property at a particular time.' The tool has been developed as part of the MLA More Beef from Pastures program, which "; S11[31]=" encourages best practise pasture management in order to produce the optimal amount of beef in the most productive and sustainable way.
      'The "; S12[31]=" key to animal productivity and better beef production is pasture growth, and the things that drive pasture growth are soil moisture and temperature.
    "; S13[31]="   This tool will enable producers to put all of these pieces together, which will ultimately lead to better decisions being made,' Dr Oddy said.
"; S14[31]="       The MLA Rainfall to Pasture Growth Outlook Tool can be accessed online via both the BRS and MLA websites at: ' http://www.brs.gov.au/mlatool/ "; S15[31]=" ' http://www.mla.com.au/growthoutlooktool/.. "; R[32]="145"; T[32]="MLA and states come together on R&D"; A[32]="By ... Editor"; Dn[32]="20060222"; Dt[32]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[32]="a02a09a26a27a93"; B1[32]="      In an industry-first meeting, Meat & Livestock Australia and all Australian state departments of primary industries came together late last week to "; B2[32]="discuss the way forward for research and extension in the red meat industry... "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      In an industry-first meeting, Meat & Livestock Australia and all Australian state departments of primary industries came together late last week to "; S2[32]=" discuss the way forward for research and extension in the red meat industry.
      The Sydney forum was convened by MLA with the "; S3[32]=" purpose of identifying the best approaches to collaborating on research and development and ensuring the outcomes of this R&D are utilised by as many of "; S4[32]=" Australia's livestock producers as possible.
      MLA Managing Director Mark Spurr said that with increasing emphasis being placed on producing more cost effective "; S5[32]=" R&D outcomes, the meeting was an important step in a better coordinated approach to on-farm R&D in Australia.
      'We have to ensure "; S6[32]=" that the resources we allocate to our R&D and extension work are optimised,' Mr Spurr said.
      'The most efficient and productive way "; S7[32]=" to do this is to get all of the involved parties working more collaboratively and working to a common plan with shared goals.
    "; S8[32]="   This meeting between MLA and state DPI's was a key part in ensuring this happens.
      'We can produce the best R&D "; S9[32]=" in the world, but most importantly we must focus on outcomes which can be adopted by Australia's livestock producers on-farm to make their enterprises more "; S10[32]=" productive and sustainable.' MLA general manager Livestock Production Innovation Dr Reuben Rose, who chaired the forum, said a key outcome of the meeting was an "; S11[32]=" agreement by all state DPI's that MLA's strategic R&D investment priorities for the next five years were targeted at the right areas.
      "; S12[32]=" 'Having the states agree that our strategic plan for R&D is on the right track is vitally important because that means everyone involved is reading "; S13[32]=" from the same road map, which enables better planning and means everyone's resources are directed towards the same goals,' Dr Rose said.
      "; S14[32]=" 'This forum with the state departments was one of several industry consultations where MLA has sought feedback on our on-farm R&D strategic plan - producer "; S15[32]=" peak councils are also amongst the key industry groups we are working with.
      'Everyone benefits from this type of collaboration - MLA, "; S16[32]=" the state departments and most importantly Australia's livestock producers.
      'It simply makes sense for us to pool our resources in this way "; S17[32]=" and MLA looks forward to further strengthening the ties we have with our R&D and extension partners.'.. "; R[33]="134"; T[33]="Genetic progress comes at a cost"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20060222"; Dt[33]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[33]="a02a27"; B1[33]="      New cattle breeding genetic selection technology can identify DNA gene markers that indicate which bulls carry superior traits such as beef tenderness "; B2[33]="but the technology comes at a cost... "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      New cattle breeding genetic selection technology can identify DNA gene markers that indicate which bulls carry superior traits such as beef tenderness "; S2[33]=" but the technology comes at a cost.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal research scientist at Rockhampton, Dr Brian Burns, said "; S3[33]=" that while the DNA marker technology certainly has merit, commercial adoption will not be a viable reality until producers can be remunerated through an equitable "; S4[33]=" value-based marketing system.
      Dr Burns said that was the underlying message being delivered at three genetic technology satellite seminars held at Rockhampton, "; S5[33]=" Longreach and Toowoomba.
      These country seminars, a followup to the 16th Biennial Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding "; S6[33]=" and Genetics (AAABG) held at Noosa on September 25-28, attracted 150 participants representing a mix of seed stock and commercial cattle producers, feedlot operators, processors "; S7[33]=" and retailers.
      Dr Burns said the extended time lapse of anything up to 12 to 15 years before new genetic improvement technology "; S8[33]=" was actually commercially adopted by cattle producers was an internationally acknowledged industry issue.
      Leading international geneticist and invited keynote speaker at the "; S9[33]=" AAABG seminar series Dr John Pollak, a professor of animal breeding at Cornell University (US), said there was scope to incorporate leading edge DNA testing "; S10[33]=" with systems such as BREEDPLAN EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values).
      Dr Burns said Cornell University had taken their genetic improvement DNA technology to "; S11[33]=" Bell Ranch, a 4500 cow breeding operation in New Mexico .
      The enterprise included a 400-cow composite seed stock replacement bull breeding "; S12[33]=" cow herd joined to identify and select genetically superior replacement sires.
      'They DNA tested the male progeny from this seed stock herd "; S13[33]=" by taking hair follicle samples of the male progeny during the branding process to identify the individual sires,' Dr Burns said.
      'DNA "; S14[33]=" markers in the progeny immediately identify the sires carrying the in-demand characteristics to fast track the genetic selection process.' Dr Burns said the DNA test "; S15[33]=" currently cost producers about $18 a head.
      While this test will not replace EBVs, the technology increases the accuracy of securing the "; S16[33]=" genetically superior bull at an early age.
      Dr Burns said the newly approved seven year Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Technologies program "; S17[33]=" (CRC3) for North Australia's cattle industry was targeting improved bull and female reproductive performance and seeking additional genetic markers to select for both carcase and "; S18[33]=" reproductive traits.
      'CRC3 researchers intend to package their interim trial outcomes on a regional basis to accelerate adoption practices across the cattle "; S19[33]=" industry through the DPI&F extension team,' Dr Burns said.
      Dr Burns reaffirmed that use of DNA technology would need to be pushed "; S20[33]=" by consumer demand for a consistently tender beef product that would then pressure the processing sector to pay top value to producers... "; R[34]="130"; T[34]="High quality hay in good time"; A[34]="By ... Case IH"; Dn[34]="20060222"; Dt[34]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[34]="a01a02a24"; B1[34]="      Contractors keen to deliver high quality hay in good time can rely on the Case IH range of fast cutting, high quality "; B2[34]="conditioning, rotary disc and sicklebar mower conditioners... "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      Contractors keen to deliver high quality hay in good time can rely on the Case IH range of fast cutting, high quality "; S2[34]=" conditioning, rotary disc and sicklebar mower conditioners.
      The range is easily adaptable to varying conditions and crops and contractors can make changes "; S3[34]=" in-field fast without tools - further boosting productivity and performance.
      'Both the rotary disc and sicklebar models are designed to help contractors "; S4[34]=" make the most of their time which is important in the contracting game where time is money,' said Geoff Rendell Case IH product manager for "; S5[34]=" hay and silage products.
      'A range of cutting widths is available to match acreage needs, including wide centre pivot models which give "; S6[34]=" contractors the maneuverability and capacity of a self propelled machine.' Versatility is a key feature of both the rotary disc and sicklebar range, which deliver "; S7[34]=" optimum drydown time in a range of crop and weather conditions.
      'The Case IH conditioning system applies equal force to the upper "; S8[34]=" conditioning roll arms for uniform conditioning regardless of crop thickness giving contractors the ability to take on a broad range of jobs,' Geoff said.
  "; S9[34]="     'Roll pressure is easily changed without tools through a simple crank adjustment and heavy slugs of material can easily pass through without plugging "; S10[34]=" or stopping as the system releases pressure when the upper roll reaches its maximum opening.' Contractors can custom build the windrow or swath they need.
"; S11[34]="       'They can spread the crop out in a wide, fast drying swath or form it into a narrow, fluffy windrow ready for "; S12[34]=" baling or chopping depending on what the customer requires.' Adjustments to the swathboards, windrow shields and fluffing baffle can be made quickly without tools.
  "; S13[34]="     The three models in the DCX rotary disc range will perform in a wide range of crops - from lush alfalfa to tough "; S14[34]=" cane.
      Intermeshing spiral rubber-on-rubber or long life steel-on-steel conditioning rolls are available in 2.6m cuts to deliver superior crimping and crushing action "; S15[34]=" - resulting in faster drydown.
      Minimum maintenance is guaranteed with independent disc modules making service, repair or replacement easy.
      "; S16[34]=" 'The bearings, gears and lubricant for each disc are sealed, so that damage to one disc doesn't spread to another,' explained Geoff.
      "; S17[34]=" With standard hydraulic header tilt, the DCX range allows contractors to use the maximum cutting angle for lodged crops.
      The minimum angle "; S18[34]=" can be changed in rocky areas and the no tools adjustment of the swathboard and windrow allows contractors to lay down a swath as wide "; S19[34]=" as 2.4m or a windrow as narrow as 0.9m.
      The two models in the SCX sicklebar range feature rugged, 5-bat all-steel reels "; S20[34]=" that feed crops smoothly into the knives and provide uniform crop flow across the conditioning rolls.
      'With full lateral flotation,.. "; R[35]="125"; T[35]="Pigs at your finger tips"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20060222"; Dt[35]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[35]="a02a29"; B1[35]="      The 2005 edition of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries popular PigTech notes is now available on CD..... "; B2[35]=" "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      The 2005 edition of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries popular PigTech notes is now available on CD.
      "; S2[35]=" DPI&F principal extension officer Alison Spencer said the CD was a national collection of fact sheets on pig production, with authors from government, private and "; S3[35]=" commercial sectors in most Australian states.
      Australian Pork Limited has provided a financial contribution to the production of the PigTech notes CD.
"; S4[35]="       'The CD has 149 notes providing an easily accessible information resource, especially for areas with limited internet access,' Ms Spencer said.
  "; S5[35]="     'Most notes are also available on or via links on the DPI&F website.
      'The contributors' contact details and their website "; S6[35]=" links are given to enable easy access to additional information.' Ms Spencer said the CD included high quality and relevant information ranging from basic to "; S7[35]=" very technical, and was written in an easily understandable way.
      'The PigTech notes are regarded as a valuable first point of reference "; S8[35]=" by those involved in pig husbandry and performance, piggery management and training, consultants and extension providers, suppliers of goods and services, as well as agricultural "; S9[35]=" students and lecturers,' she said.
      'Topics include breeding and genetics, care and husbandry, environmental management, feeds and feeding, health, housing, management, reproduction, "; S10[35]=" soils and water, and workplace health and safety.' Ms Spencer said the latest edition included 23 new fact sheets.
      'New notes include "; S11[35]=" topics on estimated breeding values, genetic evaluation systems for pigs in Australia, stomach tubing, grain aeration, phase feeding, biosecurity, free-range production and eating quality' she "; S12[35]=" said.
      There have also been some major updates in existing notes on registered chemicals, nutrition, some disease topics and alliances.
    "; S13[35]="   The notes can be located by search, topic area such as feeding, or by unit of competency, and links within the notes take users "; S14[35]=" directly to other relevant fact sheets.
      Ms Spencer said CDs were being distributed to Australian Pork Limited members and were also available "; S15[35]=" directly from APL (phone 02 6285 2200) or from the DPI&F Call Centre on 13 25 23 within Queensland, 07 3404 6999 elsewhere in Australian, "; S16[35]=" or fax 07 3404 6900... "; R[36]="120"; T[36]="Export trial signals potential profits for cane growers"; A[36]="By ... Editor"; Dn[36]="20060222"; Dt[36]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[36]="a02a19a20a72a81"; B1[36]="      A trial shipment of Burdekin-grown soybeans to Indonesia could signal a lucrative complementary crop for Queensland cane growers..... "; B2[36]=" "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      A trial shipment of Burdekin-grown soybeans to Indonesia could signal a lucrative complementary crop for Queensland cane growers.
      The "; S2[36]=" 22-tonne trial soybean shipment leaves from the Port of Townsville this Friday (October 14) bound for the Indonesian food market.
      The Department "; S3[36]=" of Primary Industries and Fisheries' FutureCane project encourages cane growers to use a fallow legume crop, such as soybeans, as part of an integrated farming "; S4[36]=" system.
      Up until now, the benefits of growing soybeans have been realised through supply of organic matter and nitrogen following cane crops, "; S5[36]=" enhanced soil health and the breaking of monoculture disease cycles.
      In addition, grain crops have been, up until now, marketed to the "; S6[36]=" domestic market.
      With domestic transport costs rising, securing an export market for the soybean crop could mean a diversified income stream for "; S7[36]=" growers.
      'Having an export option for a fallow crop illustrates an ability to value add to implementation of a complementary farm enterprise "; S8[36]=" with cane that diversifies income streams and manages business risks for growers,' Burdekin cane grower Tom Lashmar, who has grown the trial shipment, said.
  "; S9[36]="     Mr Lashmar said the export of the trial shipment of a container of the soybeans, all loaded into separate one tonne bags, marked "; S10[36]=" the end of five months of negotiations with an export agent that included input from shipping agents John Swire and Sons, the Townsville Port Authority, "; S11[36]=" the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and the regional DPI&F FutureCane team.
      'The process from initial contact with an export agent to "; S12[36]=" where we are today, has been a process of give and take on both sides, but the end result has been rewarding.
      "; S13[36]=" I have realised the importance of negotiation and supply chain relationships, but also the reward in achieving another soybean trading option to manage my business "; S14[36]=" risk.' DPI&F FutureCane trade and business officer Stephen Sinclair said cane growers in the Burdekin are capable of growing commercial soybean grain crops, and the "; S15[36]=" FutureCane team were keen to build on the trial shipment.
      'This trial export shipment has created much interest that can only be "; S16[36]=" seen as positive for cane growers looking at income diversification,' Mr Sinclair said.
      'Ultimately an ideal mix of domestic and export market "; S17[36]=" options for soybean grain from the Burdekin is our aim, so as to ensure that cane growers are making use of their fallow legume cropping "; S18[36]=" systems to optimise financial returns.' Ron McLean, chairman of the Townsville Port Authority, said: 'The Townsville Port Authority is committed to ensuring our port continues "; S19[36]=" to nurture and expand the local exporting community by providing an efficient and effective avenue for exports.
      I believe the region has "; S20[36]=" immense economic potential, and support all initiatives that foster this potential.' Growers interested in finding out more about the export chain initiative for soybeans.. "; R[37]="107"; T[37]="New breeding facility for Wongan Hills"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20060222"; Dt[37]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[37]="a02a07a08a09a22a79a82a93"; B1[37]="      Western Australia s crop breeding effort has been bolstered with the completion of new state-of-the-art seed handling and storage facilities at the "; B2[37]="Department of Agriculture s Wongan Hills Research Station... "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      Western Australia's crop breeding effort has been bolstered with the completion of new state-of-the-art seed handling and storage facilities at the Department "; S2[37]=" of Agriculture's Wongan Hills Research Station.
      Local grain growers were invited to examine the new $1.5 million facilities, officially opened today at "; S3[37]=" the Research Station's 80th annual field day.
      Acting Director General Rob Delane said the Wongan Hills Research Station formed an integral part "; S4[37]=" of the Department's overall crop breeding program which had developed 80 per cent of wheat varieties currently grown in WA.
      Mr Delane "; S5[37]=" said the breeding programs co-funded by grain growers through the Grains Research and Development Corporation and royalties underpinned the success of the State's grain industry "; S6[37]=" exports.
      'Wongan Hills is the operational base for much of the Department's crop breeding field research, pure seed production activities and related "; S7[37]=" research support,' he said.
      'The new seed handling and storage capacity incorporates facilities such as new cool room storage, processing and work "; S8[37]=" areas to improve operational efficiencies and research capability.
      'Further investment has also been made in the development of new sheep handling areas, "; S9[37]=" the construction of a fertiliser storage shed and machinery shed, modifications to existing sheds and road and earth works.' Mr Delane said crop breeding was "; S10[37]=" a vital part of the Department's extensive research and development program, which aimed to improve the marketability, productivity and sustainability of the State's grains industry.
"; S11[37]="       Field testing on the research station and the storage, assessment, preparation and distribution of new crop breeding lines forms a critically important "; S12[37]=" component of the breeding effort.
      The Wongan Hills Research Station has about 1000 hectares of land under crop rotations each year, with "; S13[37]=" approximately 500 hectares used for crop breeding, crop seed production and crop agronomy experimentation.
      The field day provided industry with an opportunity "; S14[37]=" to view the new and improved facilities and to discuss the latest research and development activities, including the performance of new crop varieties... "; R[38]="95"; T[38]="MLA AGM resolutions announced"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20060222"; Dt[38]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[38]="a02a07a08a22a24a25a27a79a82"; B1[38]="      Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) today announced the 11 resolutions to be voted on by MLA members at the upcoming Annual General "; B2[38]="Meeting (AGM) in Melbourne on 16 November... "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) today announced the 11 resolutions to be voted on by MLA members at the upcoming Annual General "; S2[38]=" Meeting (AGM) in Melbourne on 16 November.
      Among the resolutions to be voted on will be the selection of three nominated Board "; S3[38]=" directors.
      Current MLA Board director and company deputy chairman Don Heatley will be seeking re-selection along with first-time nominees Peter Boyden and "; S4[38]=" Jay Simms.
      Don Heatley has served on the MLA Board since 1998 and owns and operates two north Queensland properties that carry "; S5[38]=" 9,000 head of cattle which supply the Japanese, US and live export markets.
      Mr Heatley has served on the Queensland Government's Livestock "; S6[38]=" Export Advisory Committee, as well as having held positions with the Cattle Council of Australia and the North Queensland Beef Research Committee.
      "; S7[38]=" Peter Boyden has more than 30 years marketing experience in both the domestic and international food industries, having served locally as Marketing Director of Unifoods "; S8[38]=" Australasia and Managing Director of Foods, Unilever Australasia.
      Mr Boyden is currently a director of Food Standards Australia New Zealand and previously "; S9[38]=" was a director of the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Unilever Australasia.
      Jay Simms is a Queensland cattle producer with over "; S10[38]=" 37 years experience in livestock production across northern Australia.
      Mr Simms has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from New Mexico State University, "; S11[38]=" specialising in livestock production.
      Mr Simms has owned and operated properties in northern Western Australia and Queensland and has held positions with "; S12[38]=" the Kimberley Pastoral Industry Advisory Committee and the Northern Beef Production Industry Committee.
      Four additional resolutions have been put forward by MLA: "; S13[38]=" - Changes to the definition of 'producer' in MLA's constitution to broaden the eligibility for MLA membership along with a change to the timing provisions "; S14[38]=" in MLA's constitution to enable the return date for members' levies notices to occur after the date on which members' resolutions are due.
    "; S15[38]="   - Three resolutions for the selection of cattle, sheep and feedlot producer representatives to the MLA Board selection committee.
      The remaining "; S16[38]=" four resolutions to be voted on were put forward by MLA members and include: - The removal from office of MLA Board director, Don Heatley.
"; S17[38]="       - An amendment to the MLA constitution to remove the peak council class of membership.
      - An amendment to "; S18[38]=" the MLA constitution that will allow a change to the level of livestock transaction levies to be proposed by 200 members of a livestock class "; S19[38]=" (grassfed cattle, grainfed cattle, sheep or goat) or 20 per cent of that class - whichever is the lesser number.
      - A "; S20[38]=" change to the MLA constitution that would enable the direct election of up to six MLA directors, with four MLA Board member positions.. "; R[39]="94"; T[39]="Live export forum to welcome global meat marketing expert"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20060222"; Dt[39]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[39]="a02a03a25a27a31"; B1[39]="      If the Australian red meat and livestock industry is to maintain the current level of global consumer confidence, it has to be "; B2[39]="in a position to meet the growing demands of its customers, particularly in South East Asia... "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      If the Australian red meat and livestock industry is to maintain the current level of global consumer confidence, it has to be "; S2[39]=" in a position to meet the growing demands of its customers, particularly in South East Asia.
      This is the advice of international "; S3[39]=" food marketing expert Dr David Hughes who is the keynote speaker at the MLA/LiveCorp Livestock Export Forum being held in Darwin on Wednesday 12 October.
"; S4[39]="       Dr Hughes, who is a Professor of Food Marketing at the Imperial College in London, will be presenting on the positive outlook "; S5[39]=" for meat demand, especially in South East Asia, and what this means for the Australian red meat and livestock export industry.
      'The "; S6[39]=" consumer is king - ignore them at your peril.
      Everyone in the live export trade must realise they are producing food, and "; S7[39]=" not just trading cattle,' Dr Hughes said.
      Dr Hughes will also provide invaluable research findings into current global consumer trends and the "; S8[39]=" growing demand for red meat internationally.
      The Livestock Export Forum is a key event on the calendar for those working in the "; S9[39]=" live export industry and for livestock producers supplying the live trade.
      The forum will also feature other keynote speakers who will provide "; S10[39]=" perspectives on the future of the live cattle trade, including a focus on the Indonesian market and the opportunities available to producers who supply livestock "; S11[39]=" for the South East Asian region.
      MLA Managing Director Mark Spurr said that the opportunity to listen to Dr Hughes was one "; S12[39]=" that shouldn't be missed.
      'This is a rare opportunity for Australia's livestock producers and live exporters to hear from one of the "; S13[39]=" world's most respected marketing experts,' Mr Spurr said.
      'A lot can be learnt from what's currently happening in the rest of the "; S14[39]=" world, as well as looking at what's around the corner.
      I urge live exporters and livestock producers to attend this forum.' Registration "; S15[39]=" for the forum can be made calling MLA on (02) 9463 9254.
      The forum is being held at the Crowne Plaza Darwin "; S16[39]=" between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
      The LiveCorp AGM will follow the forum, beginning at 1.30pm... "; R[40]="90"; T[40]="NLIS has successful track record in South East Queensland"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20060222"; Dt[40]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[40]="a02a06a25a27a66"; B1[40]="      The new livestock tracing scheme, National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is achieving very high compliance rates and few teething problems according to "; B2[40]="the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F)... "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      The new livestock tracing scheme, National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is achieving very high compliance rates and few teething problems according to "; S2[40]=" the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F).
      DPI&F Burnett-based senior stock inspector Phil Day said there had been very few problems "; S3[40]=" recorded throughout the region following the introduction of NLIS on 1 July this year.
      'Most saleyards operators have reported that reading and "; S4[40]=" scanning of electronic NLIS tags is working very well with near 100 percent data capture and upload of the animal's identification numbers,' Mr Day said.
"; S5[40]="       'Most cattle producers were also doing a good job in tagging their livestock.
      'There had been less than a "; S6[40]=" handful of faulty or non-reading tags over the eight sales held in the South Burnett area since the system was introduced.' Mr Day said that "; S7[40]=" producers should adopt a management plan to ensure that their sale-cattle are tagged well before they are sent to the yards.
      'This "; S8[40]=" will ensure that the producer has the NLIS tags needed well in advance of stock moving to sale.
      High demand on tags "; S9[40]=" continues to placing pressures on time of supply from tag manufacturers.
      'From a management perspective, tagging cattle early will also mean that "; S10[40]=" the cattle are in the best condition at time of sale to capitalise on high markets.
      DPI&F QUICKTAGS are available for emergencies "; S11[40]=" only, but strict conditions apply.
      QUICKTAGS will only be supplied to producers that have placed an order for NLIS devices over 2 "; S12[40]=" weeks previously.
      The message is simple, order normal NLIS tags early or risk missing out on selling or moving cattle at the "; S13[40]=" best times to suit buoyant markets or other management requirements.' Mr Day said that producers should ensure that all approved NLIS devices are only placed "; S14[40]=" in the animal's right ear (the off-side ear).
      'The reason that the off-side ear is a legal requirement is because all saleyards "; S15[40]=" across Australia have adopted the national practice so their permanent reading panels are set up for off-side ear reading.
      'The odd animal "; S16[40]=" with the NLIS tag in the wrong ear slows down saleyard operations and should be avoided,' Mr Day said... "; R[41]="88"; T[41]="GLA announces latest decisions"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20060222"; Dt[41]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[41]="a02a07a08a22a24a74a79a82"; B1[41]="      Chairman of the Grain Licensing Authority Colin Mann today announced approval of 125,000 tonnes of feed barley to the Middle East..... "; B2[41]=" "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      Chairman of the Grain Licensing Authority Colin Mann today announced decisions which included approval of 125,000 tonnes of feed barley to the "; S2[41]=" Middle East and the declining of a applications to export a further 125,000 tonnes of feed barley to the Middle East.
      An "; S3[41]=" application for 60,000 tonnes of malting barley to China and 38,000 tonnes of canola toJapan were also declined.
      Mr Mann said licences "; S4[41]=" issued to date will ensure wide competition and marketing options to producers for prescribed grains.
      However, volumes granted to 'core markets' of "; S5[41]=" the main licence holder Grain Pool Pty Ltd are now reaching a level that could begin to impact on their marketing strategies and or the "; S6[41]=" State's reputation as a reliable grain exporter.
      'All applications to 'core markets' or clearly established customers of the main licence holder will "; S7[41]=" continue to be subjected to very rigorous scrutiny and assessment and new market opportunities will receive priority,' said Mr Mann.
      'However, exporters "; S8[41]=" are not denied access to any market because they can also still buy grain for their customers through the Grain Pool Pty Ltd and if "; S9[41]=" it is in the best interests of producers I am sure negotiations can prove positive,' Mr Mann said.
      Effectively this provides a "; S10[41]=" power of veto over increased quantities to 'core markets' unless grain exporters can substantiate benefit to producers and the State.
      The Grain "; S11[41]=" Licensing Authority will continue to operate within the parameters of the Legislation and base its decisions on the merits of each application and the evidence "; S12[41]=" presented about each market or market segment... "; R[42]="82"; T[42]="New NLIS on-line training package"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20060222"; Dt[42]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[42]="a02a25a26a27"; B1[42]="      On-line training is now available to those in the cattle industry who wish to hone their skills on the practical and legal "; B2[42]="requirements of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS)... "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      On-line training is now available to those in the cattle industry who wish to hone their skills on the practical and legal "; S2[42]=" requirements of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) animal biosecurity general manager Ron Glanville said "; S3[42]=" that the on-line training package will appeal to all people, no matter what their role is in beef production, livestock selling or meat processing.
  "; S4[42]="     'Agents, saleyards operators, small country processors and producers wishing to move cattle from one property to another will definitely benefit from taking the "; S5[42]=" time to do this on-line course,' Mr Glanville said.
      'It is also a valuable refresher for those working as fee-for-service NLIS service "; S6[42]=" providers who have already attended the training courses held around the state.' DPI&F is also having discussions with agricultural colleges, universities and agricultural high school "; S7[42]=" teachers to make the NLIS training resources available for educational use.
      'It is ideal for formal education use as it contains interactive "; S8[42]=" multimedia activities, multi-choice questions, examples and scenarios to help guide the user through the learning process.
      'The package contains nine topics that "; S9[42]=" cover such things as who has the responsibility for tagging cattle for NLIS, obtaining devices, applying devices, who is responsible for notifying the NLIS database "; S10[42]=" and how to interact with it,' Mr Glanville said.
      The NLIS online training package is free to use and can be accessed "; S11[42]=" at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/NLIS on the DPI&F NLIS website... "; R[43]="80"; T[43]="Agents praise NLIS QuickTag s $43m success"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20060222"; Dt[43]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[43]="a02a25a26a27"; B1[43]="      NLIS QuickTags have helped Queensland s saleyards capture a $43 million dollar share of cattle transactions since the introduction of the National "; B2[43]="Livestock Identification System on 1 July this year... "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      NLIS QuickTags have helped Queensland's saleyards capture a $43 million dollar share of cattle transactions since the introduction of the National Livestock "; S2[43]=" Identification System on 1 July this year.
      Chairman of the northern region of the Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association Noel Grant, "; S3[43]=" reported that the QuickTag system introduced by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has been a phenomenal success.
      'The DPI&F "; S4[43]=" NLIS QuickTag system has allowed 63,000 cattle valued at $43 million to be sold in saleyards across the state during the last three months and "; S5[43]=" a further 10,000 tags supplied for property-to-property movements,' Mr Grant said.
      'Without QuickTags, the numbers of cattle going through saleyards would have "; S6[43]=" been reduced as producers would have opted for either direct consignment to abattoirs or waiting for their own orders of NLIS tags to be delivered,' "; S7[43]=" he said.
      DPI&F NLIS QuickTags were introduced as an emergency measure because many producers failed to place orders for tags early enough "; S8[43]=" and this resulted in high demand that could not be met by tag manufacturers.
      Mr Grant said that NLIS QuickTags system has "; S9[43]=" allowed producers to capitalise on the present buoyant cattle market fuelled by unprecedented levels of competition in saleyards over the past 3 months.
    "; S10[43]="   'I acknowledge the tremendous cooperation that the DPI&F has provided in the development and on-going management of the QuickTag system.
      'DPI&F "; S11[43]=" director-general Jim Varghese and animal biosecurity general manager Ron Glanville realised that tag supply was going to be a major bottleneck and would limit the "; S12[43]=" supply of cattle through saleyards.
      'Both Jim and Ron met with a delegation of agents and saleyard operators and within 24 hours "; S13[43]=" managed to get the QuickTag system operational.' 'The Queensland NLIS QuickTag system is far better than the emergency tail tags used in others states in "; S14[43]=" my opinion,' Mr Grant said.
      'It means that tags are supplied to the livestock owner and cattle are presented to the saleyards "; S15[43]=" ready for reading ID numbers.
      'For agents there is less work and it makes data handling easier for saleyard operators while ensuring "; S16[43]=" that electronic traceability of stock is not compromised.
      'Saleyards operators and agents are indebted to the DPI&F for this quality solution to "; S17[43]=" a difficult problem.' Mr Grant said that both QuickTags and NLIS as a whole, are working extremely well in Queensland and the DPI&F, saleyard operators "; S18[43]=" and agents should be congratulated on the way that they have all worked together to make NLIS a success in Queensland... "; R[44]="74"; T[44]="SA biodynamic producers to share their skills"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20060222"; Dt[44]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[44]="a02a11"; B1[44]="      South Australian primary producers will be sharing their biodynamic farming techniques during the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) World Congress "; B2[44]="in Adelaide September 20-23 to encourage more growers to take up this unique form of sustainable farming... "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      South Australian primary producers will be sharing their biodynamic farming techniques during the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) World Congress "; S2[44]=" in Adelaide September 20-23 to encourage more growers to take up this unique form of sustainable farming.
      Based on Austrian Rudolf Steiner's "; S3[44]=" approach to farming, biodynamics is a method of agriculture which seeks to actively work with nature.
      Predating organic agriculture, biodynamics is the "; S4[44]=" oldest non-chemical agricultural movement.
      Adelaide Hills producers are keen to share their biodynamic skills and experiences, having attended a series of biodynamic "; S5[44]=" agriculture workshops, funded by FarmBis.
      Providing a basic introduction into biodynamics, the on-farm workshops have been very popular with producers wanting to "; S6[44]=" take a holistic approach to farming.
      The workshops are conducted by Education Officer, Cheryl Kemp and Course Facilitator, Hamish Mackay of Biodynamic "; S7[44]=" Agriculture Australia, but would not have the attendance they achieve without FarmBis support.
      According to Cheryl, the workshop teaches farmers interested in "; S8[44]=" converting to a sustainable land management system how to develop natural soil fertility, improve water use, biodiversity, biodynamic sprays and planting programs.Learning outcomes of the "; S9[44]=" course includes increased water holding capacity, tilth and humus of soils, risk management assessment plans for insects and crop diseases and the implementation of sustainable "; S10[44]=" horticultural practices.
      'People are seeing things go wrong on their properties such as a drop in yield or out of control weeds "; S11[44]=" and often come to the biodynamic agriculture workshop to learn about a different method of tackling these problems,' Cheryl said.
      During a "; S12[44]=" tour of a local farm, participants of the workshop get to enjoy a hands-on approach to learning by creating their own compost.
      "; S13[44]=" 'Compost is important for soil fertility and there are many simple ways in which compost can be made from materials on farms and we encourage "; S14[44]=" everyone to own cows on their property for the recycling of nutrients,' Cheryl said.
      A planting calendar using the movements of the "; S15[44]=" planets and the stars may sound more akin to astronomy than agriculture, but Cheryl said a planting calendar is vital for climate risk assessment and "; S16[44]=" management.
      'We teach farmers how to use precautionary measures to determine times to spray or plant and this results in much healthier "; S17[44]=" crops,' she said.
      Anton van Klopper employs biodynamic agricultural techniques on his Basket Range farm and also works on Ngeringa Vineyards, owned "; S18[44]=" by close friend Erinn Klein at Mount Barker, which was the site of the last biodynamics agriculture workshop in May this year.
      "; S19[44]=" 'Decades of experience with biodynamic methods using homeopathic remedies, have shown that soil qualities can be promoted and degradation reversed by the correct application of "; S20[44]=" biodynamic techniques,' Anton said.
      'Biodynamic agriculture gives the earth a face-lift by building humus in.. "; R[45]="73"; T[45]="Move to require folate in flour"; A[45]="By ... Editor"; Dn[45]="20060222"; Dt[45]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[45]="a02a22"; B1[45]="      The Federal Government is considering making flour fortified with folic acid mandatory to prevent hundreds of babies being born each year with "; B2[45]="spina bifida and to reduce the number of late-term abortions... "; B3[45]=" "; B4[45]=" "; B5[45]=" "; S1[45]="      The Federal Government is considering making flour fortified with folic acid mandatory to prevent hundreds of babies being born each year with "; S2[45]=" spina bifida and to reduce the number of late-term abortions.
      Former Australian of the Year Fiona Stanley says adding folic acid to "; S3[45]=" flour could have prevented up to 70 per cent of the 5000 cases of spina bifida that occurred in Australia in the past decade.
  "; S4[45]="     The worst of the defect is when babies are born with water in their brain, which can lead to severe cognitive dysfunction and "; S5[45]=" require surgery to drain the fluid.
      Others have a severely deformed spine that leaves them paralysed.
      Screening can pick "; S6[45]=" up the condition 18 weeks into pregnancy and parents may choose to have a late termination.
      The Government has asked Food Standards "; S7[45]=" Australia New Zealand to investigate whether folate fortification can be done.
      Parliamentary secretary for health Christopher Pyne said the industry was happy "; S8[45]=" to pursue it voluntarily.
      'I think anything we can do to assist women to have healthy babies is overall positive,' he said.
"; S9[45]="       Professor Stanley, director of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research at the University of Western Australia, said spina bifida accounted for "; S10[45]=" more late terminations than Down syndrome.
      'If we could prevent spina bifida by getting women to eat folate at the right time, "; S11[45]=" we would get rid of the need for most of the late terminations of pregnancy in Australia,' she said.
      'The challenge is "; S12[45]=" we have to make sure that all the fertile population have adequate levels of folic acid before they conceive.'.. "; R[46]="71"; T[46]="New research data will help producers select better bulls"; A[46]="By ... Editor"; Dn[46]="20060222"; Dt[46]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[46]="a02a26a27a93"; B1[46]="      Buying the right bull for your herd production systems is important because reproduction rate is the biggest profit driver in our northern "; B2[46]="beef breeding properties... "; B3[46]=" "; B4[46]=" "; B5[46]=" "; S1[46]="      Buying the right bull for your herd production systems is important because reproduction rate is the biggest profit driver in our northern "; S2[46]=" beef breeding properties.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers will conduct two bull selection workshops in Georgetown and Mareeba next month "; S3[46]=" to provide information to help beef producers select bulls which produce more and better quality calves.
      The Georgetown workshop on Wednesday, October "; S4[46]=" 12, will start at the Town Hall for theory and discussion with the practical session to be carried out at the local rodeo grounds.
  "; S5[46]="     The Mareeba workshop on October 13 will be held at Mareeba DPI&F in Peters Street and later at the local saleyards.
    "; S6[46]="   DPI&F beef extension officer Bernie English said bull selection workshops had been conducted throughout the State for some 15 years, but new information and "; S7[46]=" research data would interest beef producers.
      The workshop will cover the following subjects:
      * Selecting bulls for structural soundness.
"; S8[46]="       * Selection for fertility.
      * Bull prices impact on calf cost.
      * Selection for growth and "; S9[46]=" carcass attributes
      * Interpreting a veterinary breeding soundness certificate
      * Practical session in the yard with bulls.
    "; S10[46]="  
      * Results of latest genetic research.
      'Workshop participants will learn to use fertility, growth and carcase trait "; S11[46]=" information to choose bulls with the genetic makeup to meet breeding objectives and market requirements,' Mr English said.
      'The workshops will provide "; S12[46]=" information on new technologies resulting from CRC research and other research.' 'Sound bull selection combines all available objective and visual information into a breeding program "; S13[46]=" that meets breeding objectives, and satisfies the on-property herd performance and market specifications.
      'Making the right bull selection decisions will improve the "; S14[46]=" herd's ability to remain profitable.' The workshop will cover disease issues that affect bull fertility and calving rates.
      The workshop on each "; S15[46]=" day will run from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
      The cost to attend a workshop is $330 (including GST) for up to two people "; S16[46]=" per business.
      Participants must have Farmbis approval before the workshop to be eligible for the 50 per cent subsidy.
      "; S17[46]=" Registrations are essential.
      Please contact Bernie English at Mareeba DPI&F on 4048 4627 or Jane Tincknell of Northern Gulf Resource Management Group "; S18[46]=" on 4062 1330... "; R[47]="68"; T[47]="Western Oat Alliance"; A[47]="By ... Editor"; Dn[47]="20060222"; Dt[47]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[47]="a02a24"; B1[47]="      A huge amount of interest has been shown by growers for Kojonup since its release at Dowerin Field Days..... "; B2[47]=" "; B3[47]=" "; B4[47]=" "; B5[47]=" "; S1[47]="      A huge amount of interest has been shown by growers for Kojonup since its release at Dowerin Field Days.
      "; S2[47]=" Western Oat Alliance Chairman Ray Marshall said that it has been almost seven years since the last WA variety (Wandering) was released.
      "; S3[47]=" 'With the potential to become the first dwarf milling variety in WA, the WOA sees great potential for Kojonup for WA farmers,' said Mr Marshall.
"; S4[47]="       'Kojonup is likely to be the last line bred by Robyn McLean and the Department's oat breeding team, as new work has "; S5[47]=" been coordinated through the national Oat Breeding Program.' Mr Marshall said the WOA strongly supports the national Oat Breeding Program and is working closely to "; S6[47]=" ensure varieties are developed to meet the requirements of the milling, feed and export hay markets as well as growers in WA.
      "; S7[47]=" 'The WOA has received GRDC funding for growers to visit the Oat Breeding Program in South Australia and attend the Hart Field Day.
    "; S8[47]="   This will enable growers to gain a better understanding of the program and identify areas the WOA can further support the program,' Mr Marshall "; S9[47]=" said.
      The Western Oat Alliance with AgraCorp will officially launch Kojonup to the WA oat industry at the first inaugural WOA Field "; S10[47]=" Day.
      The Field Day, to be opened by Mr Terry Enright, GRDC Chairman, will be held at Ashley and Jo Wiese's property "; S11[47]=" at Highbury from 1:00pm on Wednesday 28 September.
      'This will be a good opportunity for oat growers (hay and grain) to see "; S12[47]=" the progress of new initiatives formulated by the advent of an entire value chain concept,' Mr Marshall said.
      'Growers will also be "; S13[47]=" able to inspect Kojonup in Department of Agriculture oat grain and hay agronomy trials.' Whilst the oat industry is small by comparison to other crops "; S14[47]=" such as wheat, it is an important part of most farming enterprises.
      The WOA has many initiatives planned to enhance the sustainability "; S15[47]=" and profitability of Western Australian farmers growing oat crops.
      To get to the field day follow the signs on Great Southern Highway, "; S16[47]=" 1.5 km south of Highbury... "; R[48]="62"; T[48]="Opening of Major Expansion at Ruston s Roses"; A[48]="By ... Editor"; Dn[48]="20060222"; Dt[48]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[48]="a02a24"; B1[48]="      Ruston s Roses at Renmark, one of the biggest, most diverse and important collections of roses in the world, has undergone a "; B2[48]="major upgrade of its facilities and attractions... "; B3[48]=" "; B4[48]=" "; B5[48]=" "; S1[48]="      Ruston's Roses at Renmark, one of the biggest, most diverse and important collections of roses in the world, has undergone a major "; S2[48]=" upgrade of its facilities and attractions.
      It is one of the Riverland's premier tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors from around the "; S3[48]=" world each year.
      That number is expected to increase dramatically with the opening at 2.00 pm on Sunday, October 16, of a "; S4[48]=" new 600 square meter tourist and rose information centre and historic car museum on the property.
      Established nearly 80 years ago as "; S5[48]=" a display garden, the property has evolved into a commercial enterprise and is now the largest outdoor cut rose garden in Australia.
      "; S6[48]=" Each year the property supplies more than 40,000 dozen roses (480,000 stems) to florists in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth as well as some "; S7[48]=" 400,000 buds of grafting wood to Australia's nursery industry.
      The Riverland's unique climate is a major contributor to the prolific production of "; S8[48]=" strong, full-headed blooms harvested from the garden... "; R[49]="56"; T[49]="New yards for CRC Beef researchers"; A[49]="By ... Editor"; Dn[49]="20060222"; Dt[49]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[49]="a02a09a27a93"; B1[49]="      Attention to detail has been a priority for the design and construction of a new 500-head capacity steel cattle yard complex at "; B2[49]="Theodore district s Brigalow Research Station... "; B3[49]=" "; B4[49]=" "; B5[49]=" "; S1[49]="      Attention to detail has been a priority for the design and construction of a new 500-head capacity steel cattle yard complex at "; S2[49]=" Theodore district's Brigalow Research Station.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries cattle researchers will again play a significant role in the renewed "; S3[49]=" Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Beef Genetic Technologies with Brigalow Research Station ear-marked to carry 600 trial cattle annually for the seven-year period (2005-2012).
  "; S4[49]="     Research Station manager Tony Barnes took on the task of designing a practical yard complex that would meet the long-term intensive stock handling "; S5[49]=" demands of beef researchers with minimum stress on personnel and animals.
      Mr Barnes said the existing wooden yard system that had served "; S6[49]=" the 3500 hectare research station for three decades had reached its use-by date and was becoming unsafe for both the cattle and livestock handlers.
  "; S7[49]="     'The focus of the CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies at Brigalow relates to identifying traits in bulls that could be used as indicator "; S8[49]=" traits for early life fertility in both males and females,' Mr Barnes said.
      'This work will involve a considerable amount of semen "; S9[49]=" collection and blood sampling for gene mapping of bulls.
      'Providing operators with safe stock handling facilities and meeting stringent animal welfare requirements "; S10[49]=" are a major yard design considerations, particularly when working with bulls.' The 20-week construction project costed at $140,000 is in the capable hands of Gracemere "; S11[49]=" yard building contractor Geoff Fraser, principal of Onsite Fabrications.
      Mr Fraser said he was on target to finish the task by late "; S12[49]=" October.
      Mr Barnes said the yards were based on 65mm diameter NB galvanised steel piping with 8mm cattle cable used around the "; S13[49]=" perimeter fencing.
      Steel posts were set in elevated cement footings.
      Mr Barnes said he opted for the round piping "; S14[49]=" to reduce the noise factor.
      'The yard design is a bugle system where the cattle move out of the holding yard into "; S15[49]=" a circular raceway to double back to a forcing pen entering a 6-way compressed air-operated drafting pound,' Mr Barnes said.
      'There is "; S16[49]=" an adjoining 5-way crush drafting system linked to two Warwick vet crushes all located under a 15m by 7m roof to provide shade and shelter.' "; S17[49]=" Mr Barnes said the existing plunge dip in the centre of the new yards had been retained as all newly introduced cattle were dipped and "; S18[49]=" vaccinated against tick fever as a precautionary management procedure... ";