R[0]="770"; T[0]="Understanding the China Energy Market: Trends and Opportunities"; A[0]="By ... Energy Business Reports"; Dn[0]="20060526"; Dt[0]="Friday 26 May 2006"; Acats[0]="a07a08a36"; B1[0]="      Energy Business Reports releases a comprehensive report on energy production, consumption, and trends in the world's fastest-growing economy.... "; B2[0]=" "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]="      Energy Business Reports releases a comprehensive report on energy production, consumption, and trends in the world's fastest-growing economy.
      China's "; S2[0]=" economic trajectory has driven its growing energy appetite, and it is now the world's second largest energy consumer in the world.
      China "; S3[0]=" will continue to be a major player in world energy markets, but increasing energy demands pose tremendous challenges for China's people, its environment, and its "; S4[0]=" leaders, according to a new report on China's energy industry just published by Energy Business Reports, an energy industry think tank.
      This "; S5[0]=" comprehensive report is broken up into 4 Sections:
      * Section I - Overview of China Energy Market Historical Background; Market Value; "; S6[0]=" Consumption; Production; Reserves; Export and Import; Market Segmentation; and Market Forecast.
     
      * Section II - Market Analysis PEST "; S7[0]=" Analysis; Porter's Five Forces Analysis; Socio-Economic Trends; Consumption Trends
      * Section III - Market Segments - Electricity, Oil, , Natural Gas, "; S8[0]=" Liquefied Natural Gas, Liquid Petroleum Gas, Nuclear Power, Coal, Renewables, Photo Voltaics, Wind Power, and Hydroelectric Each Market Segment details current and planned projects, and "; S9[0]=" lists participants in that sector.
     
      * Section IV - Breaking Into the Market Regulatory Framework; Methods of Market "; S10[0]=" Entry; Foreign Investment; Challenges and Government Agencies.
      Report findings include: Energy demand in China: China's energy demand has surged since the beginning "; S11[0]=" of the new millennium when a new round of investment-driven economic growth began.
      China's energy sector has enormous potential, especially the coal, "; S12[0]=" petroleum and natural gas industries, yet China is currently a net importer of oil, and imports are expected to increase to more than 900 million "; S13[0]=" barrels in 2006, against a total demand of 1.993 billion barrels per year.
      China is looking to expand its production of coal, "; S14[0]=" natural gas, and renewable energy sources such as nuclear, solar and hydroelectric power to meet the enormous appetite for energy spawned by its massive industrial "; S15[0]=" complex and consumer sectors.
      It is estimated that in 2020, China will need 2.8 billion tons of coal and 600 million tons "; S16[0]=" of crude oil, two and a half times more than in 2000.
      Given this scenario, China will need to import 250 million "; S17[0]=" tons of petroleum, about 70%, from foreign sources.
      What's more, its carbon emissions will reach 1.94 billion tons, and China will likely "; S18[0]=" overtake the US as the nation with the highest greenhouse gas emissions.
      Industrialization coupled with greater consumer energy consumption has created "; S19[0]=" an energy crisis in China, and symptoms of shortage are visible throughout the country.
      New capital and international technology will be required, "; S20[0]=" opening the door to foreign investment and market entry.
      China opens itself up to global market forces: In recent years, China has "; S21[0]=" allowed market forces to play a larger role in its economy.
      Foreign investors are being encouraged by the government to participate in "; S22[0]=" exploitation of the country's natural gas resources, energy infrastructure construction, sales of natural gas, coal mining, gas-fired power generation and the production of petrochemical products.
"; S23[0]="       Shell, Exxon Mobil and BP are jostling for positions in China's gas market, where demand is expected to quadruple to account "; S24[0]=" for 8% of China's total energy supply by 2010.
      In order to tap China's growing energy market foreign companies are making heavy "; S25[0]=" investments.
      Environment: China is one of the biggest polluters of the developing world accounting for 12% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
"; S26[0]="       In recent years, as concern about climate change and rising carbon dioxide emissions has grown, China has sent confusing signals about its "; S27[0]=" willingness to clean up its energy production plant and tackle environmental pollution.
      China was among the 141 countries that ratified the United "; S28[0]=" Nations' Kyoto Protocol on global warming, which took effect in February 2005.
      The move enabled China to portray itself as a defender "; S29[0]=" of the environment while condemning the US, which withdrew from the treaty, as irresponsible.
      Yet despite throwing its weight behind the "; S30[0]=" Kyoto treaty, China has few short-term solutions to satisfying growing energy demand beyond bringing new coal-fired power pants on line.
      China is "; R[1]="753"; T[1]="Finance warning for farm group"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20060526"; Dt[1]="Friday 26 May 2006"; Acats[1]="a04a07"; B1[1]="      The main body representing SA farmers is considering selling its headquarters after a financial review warned it faces an uncertain future.... "; B2[1]=" "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      The main body representing SA farmers is considering selling its headquarters after a financial review warned it faces an uncertain future.
  "; S2[1]="     A potential $3 million from the sale of the South Australian Farmers Federation's city headquarters would strengthen the federation's financial situation, help it "; S3[1]=" refocus as a lobby group and rejoin the National Farmers' Federation.
      A 20-year review of SAFF's finances has warned that unless "; S4[1]=" it secured a way to produce consistent surpluses, it faced an uncertain future.
      'SAFF has continuously spent more than it has "; S5[1]=" earned for most of the past 20 years,' the review said.
      The review by general manager Carol Vincent and business management "; S6[1]=" consultant Peter Murdock said the trend was towards falling farm numbers, declining membership and diminishing returns.
      Ms Vincent said: 'The review "; S7[1]=" will ensure that, while there is agriculture in this state, farming and farmers will have a strong lobbying voice.
      'I see "; S8[1]=" the whole review as really positive.' She said that with the reorganisation and management of debt, the federation had an excellent future and a "; S9[1]=" crucial role in helping the metropolitan population understand the important economic role played by farmers... "; R[2]="752"; T[2]="Swiss take Uncle Tobys"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20060524"; Dt[2]="Wednesday 24 May 2006"; Acats[2]="a07a08a51"; B1[2]="      Another slice of the nation's food industry has fallen into foreign hands, with Swiss giant Nestle paying $890 million for the Uncle "; B2[2]="Tobys snack foods and cereals business... "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      Another slice of the nation's food industry has fallen into foreign hands, with Swiss giant Nestle paying $890 million for the Uncle "; S2[2]=" Tobys snack foods and cereals business.
      The deal, struck yesterday, means brands such as Vita Brits, Uncle Tobys Oats, Uncle Tobys Muesli "; S3[2]=" Bars, Rollups, Le Snak and Country Cup soups, have fallen under Nestle's control as it moves to expand its global range of healthier foods.
  "; S4[2]="     The company has a history of buying up Australian food companies.
      In 1995, it paid $570 million for the ice-cream "; S5[2]=" and chilled dairy business of the ailing conglomerate Pacific Dunlop.
      The move brought Australian brands such as Yoplait yoghurt, Peters Ice Cream "; S6[2]=" and Vitari under its ever-expanding corporate wing.
      With Uncle Tobys now in the Nestle fold, the food giant will sell about $2.5 "; S7[2]=" billion worth of products a year to Australian consumers.
      Nestle will become No2 in the cereal market with a 30 per cent "; S8[2]=" share, second only to Kelloggs, at 34 per cent.
      Uncle Tobys was once part of the Goodman Fielder empire, which was refloated "; S9[2]=" on the stock exchange last year.
      The seller yesterday was Burns Philp, whose majority shareholder is New Zealand's richest man, the reclusive "; S10[2]=" Graeme Hart.
      Mr Hart, however, could reverse the flow of local businesses going into foreign hands.
      With the Uncle "; S11[2]=" Tobys sale, Burns Philp will have $3 billion to play with, and the company is looking to invest in food and other businesses in North "; S12[2]=" America and Britain, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
      Burns Philp chief executive Tom Degnan said yesterday the company could "; S13[2]=" afford to spend more than $6.5 billion on the right deal... "; R[3]="733"; T[3]="Producers eye profitability following Tasmania dairy study tour"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20060518"; Dt[3]="Thursday 18 May 2006"; Acats[3]="a07a26a53"; B1[3]="      Key lessons on business management and profitability are being evaluated by Queensland dairyfarmers who took part in a 2005 Dairy Water Use "; B2[3]="for Profit project study tour of Tasmanian industries... "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      Key lessons on business management and profitability are being evaluated by Queensland dairyfarmers who took part in a 2005 Dairy Water Use "; S2[3]=" for Profit project study tour of Tasmanian industries.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries dairy extension officer Greg Stanley said enthusiasm and "; S3[3]=" a positive outlook towards their businesses were two major outcomes given by the 30 Queensland producers who attended the successful tour.
      'While "; S4[3]=" weather conditions are vastly different to those in Queensland, aspects of dairy farming such as business management and profitability remain important for all milk producers.
"; S5[3]="       This was vitally so for Tasmanian dairyfarmers with most farms inspected showing a return on capital of 8 to 12 percent.' The "; S6[3]=" tour group met with and learned valuable lessons from some of the most progressive and skilled managers in Tasmania while visiting a cross-section of dairy "; S7[3]=" farms with milking herds ranging from 200 to 700 cows.
      'Most irrigation in Tasmania takes place during a four month period over "; S8[3]=" summer with most rainfall during the winter months.
      Most tour group interest was on the island's use of low-pressure irrigation systems such "; S9[3]=" as centre pivots, solid sets and booms but the scale of some irrigation infrastructure also drew keen attention as less water is used by the "; S10[3]=" southern dairy farms,' 'Sustainable farming systems and managing the environmental impact of primary production were areas investigated on the tour.
      It was "; S11[3]=" revealed that as funding for Landcare and environmental issues is made available to Tasmanian producers there was significant allocation of funds on fencing waterways and "; S12[3]=" drainage works,' Mr Stanley said.
      He said similarly to Queensland, some of the farms visited had good effluent systems with owners realising "; S13[3]=" the benefits of effectively utilising this resource.
      Some farms inspected used travelling effluent irrigators to apply liquid wastes to pastures.
    "; S14[3]="   Mr Stanley said the high Tasmanian rainfall created challenges for managing laneways with some farms using woodchips on livestock high use areas which was "; S15[3]=" expensive to implement, but effective in reducing bogging and cow hoof problems.
      'Labour management was a major focus on some Tasmanian farms.
"; S16[3]="       On one property a 38 hour week was imposed for all labour, including managers and owners, in recognition that all staff performed "; S17[3]=" much better when not exposed to extended working hours and with reduced and improved hours they were able to think clearer and have more drive.
"; S18[3]="       'As well as touring leading dairy operations, the tour group also visited aquaculture, food processing operations and forestry businesses and through exploring "; S19[3]=" management, profitability, market focus, labour issues, throughput and efficiency of these industries they were able to gain an understanding of the challenges and identify common "; S20[3]=" issues and solutions that may be incorporated into their own farm management practices in Queensland,' Mr Stanley said.
      He said there was "; S21[3]=" significant optimism in the Tasmanian dairy industry with many farmers relatively young, progressive and enthusiastic.
      They take business management seriously and closely "; S22[3]=" monitor the cost of production to ensure they operate profitable and sustainable businesses... "; R[4]="732"; T[4]="Farmers keen to learn benefits of Grain Futures"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20060518"; Dt[4]="Thursday 18 May 2006"; Acats[4]="a07a08a22"; B1[4]="      Burnett farmers have shown keen interest in learning the benefits of trading in grain futures to provide better income security and ultimately "; B2[4]="improve the profitability of their farming businesses... "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      Burnett farmers have shown keen interest in learning the benefits of trading in grain futures to provide better income security and ultimately "; S2[4]=" improve the profitability of their farming businesses.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior extension officer Jim Barnes said two recent workshops "; S3[4]=" held at Kingaroy and Coalston Lakes assisted growers and other agribusiness personnel to gain a basic understanding of how grain futures work.
      "; S4[4]=" 'Dougal Hunter from the Australian Stock Exchange in Sydney addressed the groups and briefed them on the benefits of hedging on the grain futures exchange.
"; S5[4]="       Despite it being mid harvest, some 30 growers and agribusiness staff attended the meetings.' Mr Hunter said while it is early "; S6[4]=" days the potential for the Australian Stock Exchange could be to trade some six times the underlying physical crop size, which would equate to annual "; S7[4]=" volume of approximately 90 million tonnes.
      Mr Hunter's visit was organised by Mr Barnes and Nambour based principal agricultural economist Bill Johnston "; S8[4]=" following grower requests as part of the Red Soil Farming Systems project funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
      Mr "; S9[4]=" Hunter explained to growers how it was possible to use grain futures to remove exposure to low prices or price 'troughs', but still be able "; S10[4]=" to take advantage of higher grain prices when they occur.
      He said while there was some risk involved, growers already face "; S11[4]=" substantial climatic and financial risk, such as drought and fluctuating grain prices .
      Mr Hunter said once the products are understood any "; S12[4]=" risks involved with trading derivatives can be managed.
      The aim of hedging is to reduce risk and this is achieved through the "; S13[4]=" use of either futures or options or a combination of both.
      Mr Barnes said growers indicated they were keen were keen to "; S14[4]=" attend a series of future more detailed grain futures workshops to a cost of $110 (including GST).
      He said to qualify for "; S15[4]=" a Farmbis subsidy $250 would have to be charged, so the course was good value.
      Mr Hunter said he would be happy "; S16[4]=" to run a series of future workshops during winter and be able to provide much more information than at the initial meetings.
      "; S17[4]=" Details on future meetings will be released when they are available.
      Producers interested in attending forthcoming grain futures workshops later this winter "; S18[4]=" can register their details by contacting Jim Barnes on 41 600 724... "; R[5]="724"; T[5]="Foster's close to selling two wineries - report"; A[5]="By ... just-drinks.com"; Dn[5]="20060518"; Dt[5]="Thursday 18 May 2006"; Acats[5]="a07a13"; B1[5]="      Australian beer and wine combine Foster's Group is reported to be close to completing the sale of two wineries, Jamieson's Run and "; B2[5]="Rothbury Estate... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      Australian beer and wine combine Foster's Group is reported to be close to completing the sale of two wineries, Jamieson's Run and "; S2[5]=" Rothbury Estate.
      The sell-off, expected to yield around A$20m (US$15m), is part of a winery rationalisation programme following the acquisition of "; S3[5]=" Southcorp, the Australian Financial Review said today (15 May).
      Further asset sales are expected as a review of the group's wine "; S4[5]=" operations comes to a conclusion.
      The company acquired 16 wineries in the takeover and is looking to cut costs at its Southcorp "; S5[5]=" operations.
      Jamieson's Run, in the Coonawarra region of South Australia, and Rothbury Estate, which is in the Hunter Valley in New "; S6[5]=" South Wales, were originally put up for sale last August.
      The Jamieson's Run winery has the capacity to crush 12,000 tonnes "; S7[5]=" of grapes, while the Rothbury winery has a crushing capacity of around 4,000 tonnes.
      However, while it is selling the wineries, Foster's "; S8[5]=" is reportedly intending to retain the rights to the brands.
      At present, it is not clear who the buyers for the two "; S9[5]=" facilities are.
      It had been reported that a consortium, including James Yates who operates the Chardonnay Lodge resort in Coonawarra, had tabled "; S10[5]=" a bid of A$10m for Jamieson's Run but no further details have emerged.
      Hunter Valley winery Arrowfield was in negotiations to buy "; S11[5]=" Rothbury Estate but talks were thought to have stalled a couple of months ago.
      Foster's is also looking to slash the number "; S12[5]=" of warehouses and distribution centres it operates, from 41 to 14, according to the report... "; R[6]="673"; T[6]="Vegetable growers incomes similar to other farmers"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20060423"; Dt[6]="Sunday 23 April 2006"; Acats[6]="a07a17"; B1[6]="      A new ABARE report, International competitiveness of the Australian vegetable production sector, was released today by Ms Karen Schneider, Deputy Executive Director "; B2[6]="of ABARE... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      A new ABARE report, International competitiveness of the Australian vegetable production sector, was released today by Ms Karen Schneider, Deputy Executive Director "; S2[6]=" of ABARE.
      The report examines production, trade and retail data, and includes a survey of vegetable growers' production costs and financial performance.
"; S3[6]="       'The study found that in 2004-05, vegetable growers' financial performance was close to that of broadacre farmers,' said Ms Schneider.
    "; S4[6]="   'In 2004-05, vegetable growers achieved average farm cash incomes of $123 000 and an average rate of return of 3.1 per cent.
    "; S5[6]="   In the three years 2002-03 to 2004-05, broadacre crop farmers recorded average farm cash incomes of $107 000, with an average rate of return "; S6[6]=" of 2.2 per cent.' The study found that the scale of operations is a key factor in the financial performance of vegetable farms.
    "; S7[6]="   In 2004-05, larger vegetable farms recorded significantly better rates of return and profitability than smaller farms, and were responsible for the majority of vegetable "; S8[6]=" production.
      The third of growers who have the largest farms, contributed 74 per cent of production.
      Ms Schneider noted "; S9[6]=" that there is significant variation in production costs among Australian vegetable growers.
      Compared with the lower cost producers, higher cost growers' operations "; S10[6]=" tend to be smaller, and generate less profit and lower rates of return.
      On the trade side, import penetration is largely confined "; S11[6]=" to the processed vegetable market.
      In value terms, processed vegetable imports are equivalent to around 16 per cent of Australia's processed vegetable "; S12[6]=" production.
      In contrast, imports of fresh vegetables are equivalent to around 1 per cent of domestic production.
      Ms Schneider "; S13[6]=" commented that competitive pressure in some fresh vegetable export markets is increasing.
      'For example, since 2002, China has increased its share of "; S14[6]=" Malaysia's cauliflower imports at the expense of Australian growers,' Ms Schneider said... "; R[7]="636"; T[7]="Fresh Futures - careers in agriculture"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20060324"; Dt[7]="Friday 24 March 2006"; Acats[7]="a06a07a54a66"; B1[7]="      A Western Queensland initiative showcasing the diversity of careers in Queensland's primary industries sector will be a highlight of this month's Primary "; B2[7]="Industries Week (PIW) activities... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      A Western Queensland initiative showcasing the diversity of careers in Queensland's primary industries sector will be a highlight of this month's Primary "; S2[7]=" Industries Week (PIW) activities.
      The Fresh Futures - Careers in Agriculture panel schedule is on Monday 27 March at the Charleville State "; S3[7]=" School and Tuesday 28 March at the Cunnamulla State School.
      The Fresh Futures initiative is a partnership between the Department of "; S4[7]=" Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and south west Queensland schools.
      "; S5[7]=" DPI&F Charleville extension "; S6[7]=" officer, Guy Newell, said that employment and propsperity within the rural sector were integral to the State's economic growth.
      'This initiative "; S7[7]=" will promote the diversity of careers in agriculture and some of the exciting and rewarding jobs in rural industries that school students may not even "; S8[7]=" be aware of,' he said.
      Mr Newell said these interactive sessions were targeted at senior school students.
      'I "; S9[7]=" will be chairing these interactive sessions.
      I will pose several key questions to a panel of young dynamic speakers and invite questions "; S10[7]=" from the student audience that will explore the potential benefits and challenges of choosing an agricultural career.
      'Many students in western Queensland "; S11[7]=" do not realise that there are jobs out here that provide interesting work, good working conditions and flexible working environments with good career pathways' Mr "; S12[7]=" Newell said.
      'The panel speakers, who work in a cross-section of agricultural related careers, will be talking about their jobs, how they "; S13[7]=" got to where they are, why they like what they do, and any challenges and rewards - all with the aim of raising an awareness "; S14[7]=" of what's out there in the rural job field for students.' The speakers are DPI&F Charleville extension officer, Jane Hamilton; Suncorp Charleville Agribusiness Officer, "; S15[7]=" Angela Lube; Devine Agribusiness Charleville Agribusiness Consultant, Tom Marland, and Natural Resources, Mines and Water Charleville Assistant Valuer Brendon Smith.
      PIW "; S16[7]=" 2006 will be held from Saturday 25 March to Saturday 1 April and several events and initiatives are being planned throughout the State.
    "; S17[7]="   Since 1996, PIW has recognised excellence and innovation within our primary industries sector.
      PIW has raised the profile of Queensland's primary "; S18[7]=" industries among the urban community and key decision-makers in public and private sectors.
      PIW is an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution "; S19[7]=" that Queensland's primary industries make to the State's prosperity and the quality of life for all Queenslanders.
      To find out more about "; S20[7]=" the planned activities and initiatives for PIW 2006, phone: 0427 733 515... "; R[8]="630"; T[8]="Seeking sustainable, profitable primary industries"; A[8]="By ... DPI"; Dn[8]="20060317"; Dt[8]="Friday 17 March 2006"; Acats[8]="a07a66a81"; B1[8]="      Queensland's Food, Fibre and Agribusiness Council will be debating the role of government agricultural agencies in driving sustainable and profitable primary industries "; B2[8]="into the future at its first business meeting for the year... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      Queensland's Food, Fibre and Agribusiness Council will be debating the role of government agricultural agencies in driving sustainable and profitable primary industries "; S2[8]=" into the future at its first business meeting for the year.
      The March 17 meeting will be held in the Department of "; S3[8]=" Primary Industries and Fisheries head office in Brisbane with invited DPI&F staff from throughout the state participating over video links.
      Keynote speaker "; S4[8]=" will be Professor Jonathan West of the University of Tasmania, who is collaborating with several Australian universities to establish a new research organisation, the Australian "; S5[8]=" Innovation Research Institute.
      This new institute will contribute rigorous empirical research and fresh conceptual approaches to debate about Australia's innovation performance and "; S6[8]=" technological capability.
      At the QFFAC meeting, Professor West will set scenarios for major challenges and drivers for sustainable primary industries into the "; S7[8]=" next century.
      Council chairman, DPI&F Director-General Jim Varghese, said the 14-member council and invited participants will discuss how Queensland can successfully compete "; S8[8]=" in the commodity market, and the potential for value-adding and alternative products.
      'The council will also talk about developing and marketing DPI&F's "; S9[8]=" knowledge of tropical and subtropical primary industries; the level of private enterprise and government investment in primary industries and fisheries; and whether the investment industry "; S10[8]=" regards such investment as profitable.
      'The QFFAC meeting will also draw on Professor West's global experience of biology and technologies, and the "; S11[8]=" impact of China on world production and world trade, to investigate long-term directions for the council as an advisory voice to government, research and development, "; S12[8]=" primary industries and fisheries, and the community,' Mr Varghese said.
      During his brief visit to Brisbane, Jonathan West will meet with Primary "; S13[8]=" Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin on March 16.
      That night, Mr Mulherin will also attend a dinner meeting of QFFAC and "; S14[8]=" invited industry guests at which Professor West will speak on 'Biotechnology, innovation and sustainability: the future of agribusiness'.
      Professor West returned in "; S15[8]=" 2005 to his home in Tasmania after 18 years at Harvard University as Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Business Management where he taught "; S16[8]=" in the fields of innovation, operations and business strategy.
      His research aims to understand the roots of comparative national performance innovation systems, "; S17[8]=" particularly in the fields of agribusiness, the life sciences, and biotechnology... "; R[9]="625"; T[9]="Record Australian lamb exports to US"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20060317"; Dt[9]="Friday 17 March 2006"; Acats[9]="a07a08a25a60"; B1[9]="      Australian lamb exporters shipped a record 4,294 tonnes to the US during February - 11% above year ago levels.
      "; B2[9]="The high tonnage is mainly in response to this year's late Easter (14-17 April)... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      Australian lamb exporters shipped a record 4,294 tonnes to the US during February - 11% above year ago levels.
      "; S2[9]=" The high tonnage is mainly in response to this year's late Easter (14-17 April).
      This year, exports could be concentrated in "; S3[9]=" the month of February (rather than divided between the second half of January and the first half of February) and still arrive on US shelves "; S4[9]=" prior to the high lamb consumption period of Easter.
      Australian exports to the US in the first two months of 2006 are "; S5[9]=" roughly on par with year ago levels, at 6,880 tonnes sw.
      Following last year's record lamb exports to the US - "; S6[9]=" up 27% on 2004 levels, to reach 40,700 tonnes sw - export growth in 2006 is expected to be moderate.
      MLA has "; S7[9]=" forecast that shipments will increase 6% in 2006, to reach 43,000 tonnes sw.
      The expectation of slower export growth in 2006 is "; S8[9]=" due to three main reasons: little expansion in Australian lamb supplies; increased competition from NZ in the US; and a likely reduction in prices for "; S9[9]=" imported lamb in the US (due to higher NZ and US supplies and the increasing disparity between lamb prices and other meats in the US).
"; S10[9]="       Another factor that could further impact on Australian exports in the coming year is the prevailing drought conditions in Texas (containing "; S11[9]=" 17% of the US sheep flock) and surrounding states.
      If conditions fail to improve, US lamb production has the potential to increase "; S12[9]=" prematurely, thwarting efforts of producers in drought affected areas to rebuild flocks... "; R[10]="617"; T[10]="Boosting dairy farm profits by producing improved Summer milk"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20060310"; Dt[10]="Friday 10 March 2006"; Acats[10]="a07a08a26"; B1[10]="      A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries project is studying ways to reduce variations in milk composition brought about by high summer "; B2[10]="temperatures or nutritional changes in livestock feeds... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries project is studying ways to reduce variations in milk composition brought about by high summer "; S2[10]=" temperatures or nutritional changes in livestock feeds.
      DPI&F research scientist David Barber said the project supported by Dairy Australia, is studying the "; S3[10]=" impact of summer heat on dairy cattle and through reductions in feed or changes in feed quality 'The seasonal decline in milk protein during summer "; S4[10]=" in northern Australia shows that milk composition and its suitability for further processing are the result of not only heat, but changes in feed quality, "; S5[10]=" a reduction in dry matter intake by cattle and the physiological changes to livestock brought about by both heat and high humidity.
      "; S6[10]=" 'What we are investigating is what variations in milk composition and processing qualities can be minimised on-farm through manipulating the nutritional management of dairy cows "; S7[10]=" and introducing new farm management practices,' Mr Barber said.
      Australia's dairy industry is the third most important rural industry with a farmgate "; S8[10]=" value of $2.8 billion in 2002-03.
      The processed output of milk products is worth an estimated $8.5 billion while the dairy industry "; S9[10]=" employs some 200,000 people, mostly in rural areas.
      Mr Barber said ensuring a consistent supply of milk to processors and manufacturers would "; S10[10]=" mean that products could be manufactured more efficiently throughout the whole year, reducing the costs and the need for processors to add protein to milk "; S11[10]=" to meet the required composition and processing standards.
      Researchers at DPI&F's Mutdapilly research station are conducting a series of trials on dairy "; S12[10]=" cattle to investigate the effect of heat and changing nutrition on milk protein concentration and composition.
      Project worker and Phd student Frances "; S13[10]=" Cowley said the affect of heat and humidity stress on the levels of milk protein and the impact of a nutritional management on cattle performance "; S14[10]=" is being evaluated.
      'As well the study will look at the changes in the milk casein, which is the main milk protein "; S15[10]=" that can affect processing properties of a range of dairy products being made.
      The level and composition of casein can affect products "; S16[10]=" such as Mozzarella cheese with changes to texture, colour, melt and stretch,' Mrs Cowley said.
      Mr Barber said it is expected project "; S17[10]=" results will assist Queensland dairy industries to identify management options that minimise variations in milk composition, milk processing properties and the range of dairy products.
"; S18[10]="       He said outcomes from the project could assist dairyfarmers to adjust their farm management nutrition practices and to produce milk of consistent "; S19[10]=" composition and quality.
      They could also allow processors to manufacture more products with greater efficiency over an extended manufacturing season,boosting their business "; S20[10]=" returns... "; R[11]="607"; T[11]="CSIRO builds smart electricity meter system"; A[11]="By ... CSIRO"; Dn[11]="20060310"; Dt[11]="Friday 10 March 2006"; Acats[11]="a07a36"; B1[11]="      CSIRO technology will help to reduce black-outs and improve the reliability and efficiency of the electricity grid while reducing greenhouse emissions.... "; B2[11]=" "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      CSIRO technology will help to reduce black-outs and improve the reliability and efficiency of the electricity grid while reducing greenhouse emissions.
  "; S2[11]="     CSIRO technology to complement smart electricity meters promises consumers more choice and control over their usage.
      The technology will also "; S3[11]=" help to reduce black-outs and improve the reliability and efficiency of the electricity grid while reducing greenhouse emissions.
      Researchers at the Energy "; S4[11]=" Transformed National Research Flagship aim to solve problems associated with demand peaks, price volatility and network security.
      'Our goal is to democratise "; S5[11]=" the electricity market with user-friendly technology that allows consumers to manage their energy usage according to their preferences and needs,' says Dr Geoff James of "; S6[11]=" the CSIRO ICT Centre.
      'For example one consumer may prefer to only run their air-conditioner when energy is below a certain price "; S7[11]=" but to make an exception if the temperature rises to a certain level.
      Another consumer may wish to switch off energy hungry "; S8[11]=" appliances during demand peaks in return for price reductions.
      'Similarly, industrial users can tailor their demand profile to take maximum advantage of "; S9[11]=" fluctuations in price and availability of energy.
      'The installation of smart meters in homes and businesses is currently being discussed and this "; S10[11]=" technology allows consumers to get maximum benefit from them.' The system features intelligent sensors and agents which monitor generation and demand, communicate with each other, "; S11[11]=" and make control decisions based on parameters set by generators, distributors and consumers.
      Intelligent software agents capture consumer preferences and interact with "; S12[11]=" smart meters and other agents to act on them.
      CSIRO is currently running a prototype energy management system at its Newcastle Energy "; S13[11]=" Centre.
      Dr Glenn Platt of CSIRO Energy Technology says that the system is effectively a mini electricity grid incorporating a micro-gas turbine "; S14[11]=" generator, photovoltaic arrays, a wind generator, a weather station, cool rooms and part of the building's climate system - all under agent control.
    "; S15[11]="   'The sensor and agent technologies coordinate supply and demand, controlling generation and loads intelligently as the market changes,' says Dr Platt.
      "; S16[11]=" The system is also being trialled by a major Australian utility company... "; R[12]="579"; T[12]="DPI&F recommends farm profitability workshops in FNQ"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20060303"; Dt[12]="Friday 3 March 2006"; Acats[12]="a05a07a54"; B1[12]="      Talking and succession planning can help avoid conflict within farming families.... "; B2[12]=" "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      Talking and succession planning can help avoid conflict within farming families.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' FutureCane business "; S2[12]=" development officer, Terry Reid, said family disputes could impact badly on farm profitability.
      'Farmers need to discuss the future of the farm "; S3[12]=" business and property assets with their adult children,' Mr Reid said.
      'To help farmers to avoid conflict, DPI&F is facilitating three workshops "; S4[12]=" in far north Queensland this month.' Workshop facilitator, the high-profile succession and asset transfer specialist Lyn Sykes, will use her renowned informative and entertaining style "; S5[12]=" to help families in business improve profitability or business returns through communication and planning.
      Mr Reid said the workshops would help farmers "; S6[12]=" better communicate with business partners or family members when planning for the future and making changes to their businesses.
      The full-day workshops "; S7[12]=" will be held at Georgetown on Thursday, March 9; DPI&F South Johnstone Research Station, Monday, March 13; and Malanda, Tuesday, March 14.
      "; S8[12]=" Issues to be discussed at each workshop include: Succession planning Asset transfer Rural family communication Separating family and business issues How "; S9[12]=" to maximise family members' contributions to the business Appreciating different roles within the family Increasing business returns through enhanced communication skills Family "; S10[12]=" meetings that work.
      Mt Garnet beef producer Greg Brown recommends Lyn Sykes's workshops.
      'She uses humour to engage participants "; S11[12]=" and to drive home some important and perhaps tough messages,' Mr Brown said.
      'I know from other graziers that her commonsense approach "; S12[12]=" has been beneficial to them.
      'The point is that if you feel you don't need her advice at the present time, you "; S13[12]=" may well need it sometime in the future.
      'Lyn Sykes is an outstanding personality and is an excellent communicator.' Numbers for the "; S14[12]=" workshops are limited and registration is required to ensure sponsorship through the FarmBis program.
      People interested in attending are invited to contact "; S15[12]=" Terry Reid on 4044 1658 or Joe Rolfe on 4091 8724.
      'While in the far north, Ms Sykes will meet with individual "; S16[12]=" farm business teams to facilitate discussion on planning for intergeneration transfer of farm businesses and their management,' Mr Reid said.
      Costs of "; S17[12]=" each workshop are supported by FarmBis and local businesses... "; R[13]="559"; T[13]="Bilateral free trade agreements reinforce WTO negotiations"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20060302"; Dt[13]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[13]="a07a08"; B1[13]="      Australia's bilateral and regional trade agenda is ambitious and involves the pursuit of trade liberalisation objectives not immediately available through the multilateral "; B2[13]="system, Mr Michael Mugliston, Head of the Asia Trade Task Force, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said at the OUTLOOK 2006 conference... "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      Australia's bilateral and regional trade agenda is ambitious and involves the pursuit of trade liberalisation objectives not immediately available through the multilateral "; S2[13]=" system, Mr Michael Mugliston, Head of the Asia Trade Task Force, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said at the OUTLOOK 2006 conference.
    "; S3[13]="   Australia's simultaneous pursuit of WTO trade reforms and bilateral free trade agreements (FTA) is mutually reinforcing.
      Comprehensive trade creating bilateral agreements "; S4[13]=" deliver access gains faster to key markets and can act as building blocks for WTO trade liberalisation, Mr Mugliston added.
      Macquarie Street "; S5[13]=" Barton ACT 2600 Australia's four existing FTAs, with New Zealand, Singapore, the United States and Thailand, cover 24 per cent of Australia's current two-way trade "; S6[13]=" in goods and services.
      Current negotiations with the countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a group, China, "; S7[13]=" Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates will provide coverage for a further 19 per cent of Australia's total twoway trade, Mr Mugliston told the conference.
"; S8[13]="       Discussing developments in Chinese agriculture and the implications for Australia's trade with China, Dr Bin Lu, Manager, Market Development China, Victorian Department "; S9[13]=" of Primary Industries, informed OUTLOOK delegates that Australia has significant advantages in meeting growing demand in China for food products, particularly for beef, dairy products "; S10[13]=" and wine.
      'China's rapid economic growth and urbanisation are bringing about profound changes in demand for agricultural products; as a result the "; S11[13]=" country has, for the first time, become a net food importer in 2004,' Dr Bin Lu told the conference.
      Dr Bin Lu "; S12[13]=" added that robust Chinese vegetable and fruit industries will be challenging competitors for Australia's industries particularly after a FTA with China, however the limited arable "; S13[13]=" land in China and increasing domestic demand will reduce this challenge within a decade.
      John Wainio from the Economic Research Service of "; S14[13]=" the US Department of Agriculture told the conference that the U.S believes that continued progress in multilateral trade negotiations is critical to the world trading "; S15[13]=" system.
      However while multilateralism remains the ultimate foal for trade reform, bilateral and regional trade agreements can be complimentary and mutually reinforcing.
"; S16[13]="       Mr Wainio further noted that the US has established criteria for deciding which partners to engage in bilateral and regional FTAs that "; S17[13]=" go beyond the size and the importance of the economy to the US.
      The country's willingness to negotiate a comprehensive agreement that "; S18[13]=" expands and deepens economic ties is important as well as whether the agreement will help advance the WTO negotiations... "; R[14]="558"; T[14]="Australian saleyard prices of cattle to fall in 2006-07"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20060302"; Dt[14]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[14]="a07a08a27"; B1[14]="      Saleyard prices for Australian beef cattle are forecast to fall by 9 per cent in 2006-07 to average around 295c/kg, due to "; B2[14]="increased Australian beef production and increased supplies in the Pacific Rim, Andrew Dickson, ABARE, told delegates at the OUTLOOK 2006 conference... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      Saleyard prices for Australian beef cattle are forecast to fall by 9 per cent in 2006-07 to average around 295c/kg, due to "; S2[14]=" increased Australian beef production and increased supplies in the Pacific Rim, Andrew Dickson, ABARE, told delegates at the OUTLOOK 2006 conference.
      'Australian "; S3[14]=" exports to Japan, Korea and the United States are set to come under increasing pressure from alternative suppliers.
      This is likely to "; S4[14]=" occur as US and Australian beef supplies are forecast to increase, and Australian saleyard prices are projected to ease over the medium term,' concluded Mr "; S5[14]=" Dickson.
      Dr Peter Barnard, General Manager, Economic Planning and Market Services, Meat and Livestock Australia, commented that there has been significant growth "; S6[14]=" in demand for Australian beef domestically and internationally over the past five years, as consumers seek higher quality, safe, tasty and beef.
      "; S7[14]=" 'With around 40 per cent of Australian beef produced from cattle finished on grain, the lot feeding sector is now a significant and critical part "; S8[14]=" of the Australian beef industry.
      With the possibility of a 25 per cent increase in the level of grain fed beef exports "; S9[14]=" over the next nine years, there is significant potential in the grain feeding industry in Australia,' Dr Barnard said.
      'However, in order "; S10[14]=" for grain feeding to further expand to meet customer needs over the medium term, access to world parity priced grain is required,' concluded Dr Barnard.
"; S11[14]="       John Mactaggart, beef producer, Queensland, reported on a fact finding tour of Brazil, Chile and Argentina.
      He told delegates "; S12[14]=" that he did not see Brazil as a short term threat to Australia's premium export markets, due to poor storage and transport infrastructure and the "; S13[14]=" porous nature of borders.
      Similarly Chile and Argentina were not considered to be major competitive threats in the short term.
    "; S14[14]="   'However, over the medium term, Australia will need to continue to work hard to ensure customer satisfaction and that we are the suppliers of "; S15[14]=" preference,' Mr Mactaggart concluded... "; R[15]="554"; T[15]="World dairy prices set to ease"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20060302"; Dt[15]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[15]="a07a08a26a57"; B1[15]="      Australian dairy farmers and exporters should expect progressively lower returns over the next five years, according to John Hogan, Manager, Agriculture Forecasting "; B2[15]="program, ABARE... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      Australian dairy farmers and exporters should expect progressively lower returns over the next five years, according to John Hogan, Manager, Agriculture Forecasting "; S2[15]=" program, ABARE.
      Speaking at the OUTLOOK 2006 conference, Mr Hogan noted Australian dairy export earnings are forecast to be higher in 2005-06 "; S3[15]=" but will ease over the medium term.
      Macquarie Street Barton ACT 2600 'Global supplies are projected to outstrip demand in the major "; S4[15]=" international dairy markets such as south east Asia, the Russian Federation, the Middle East and north Africa,' Mr Hogan said.
      ABARE forecasts "; S5[15]=" indicate an easing in both farm gate prices and the value of Australian dairy exports over the next five years.
      Mr Hogan "; S6[15]=" concluded that farm consolidation and enhanced productivity will be key factors shaping the longer term export competitiveness of the Australian dairy industry.
      "; S7[15]=" Mr Chris Phillips, Manager Trade and Strategy, Dairy Australia, discussed the emerging importance of south American dairy producers with competition from Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay "; S8[15]=" likely to increase over the next five years.
      For example, dairy exports from Argentina doubled between 2001 and 2005, while Uruguay's dairy "; S9[15]=" exports have grown by 7 per cent in recent years.
      'As cost effective, pasture based producers they are well placed to compete "; S10[15]=" in international markets.
      They also stand to benefit from improvements in world markets and prices due to international trade reform,' he said "; S11[15]=" Mr Barry Irvin, a dairy farmer from Bega, noted that profitable dairy farming required farmers to improve their farm business, marketing and operational skills.
  "; S12[15]="     'I am optimistic about the future of the Australian dairy industry because of the advances we have made in pasture productivity, natural resource "; S13[15]=" management and the adoption of technology, such as on-farm automation.
      We have to work hard to develop and maintain a competitive market "; S14[15]=" advantage and the key to that will be increasing the skills of our farmers,' Mr Irvin said.
      Speaking on the challenge faced "; S15[15]=" by exporters, Mr John Williams, General Manager Sales and Marketing, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory, said the biggest problem faced by Australian exporters was restricted "; S16[15]=" access to high value markets.
      'Due to trade barriers and regulations, only 8 per cent of world milk production can be traded "; S17[15]=" openly in the global market and just a little more access would make all the difference.
      The Doha round of WTO trade "; S18[15]=" negotiations is a real last ditch effort to make a change,' Mr Williams said... "; R[16]="552"; T[16]="Targeting salinity investments"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20060301"; Dt[16]="Wednesday 1 March 2006"; Acats[16]="a07a43a67"; B1[16]="      Over the next few months, landholders in some inland south west sub-catchments will be invited to have their say on what they "; B2[16]="believe salinity levels should be in their catchments... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      Over the next few months, landholders in some inland south west sub-catchments will be invited to have their say on what they "; S2[16]=" believe salinity levels should be in their catchments.
      They will have access to current information and help identify future salinity levels and "; S3[16]=" express ways to tackle this issue relevant to their local area.
      The South West Catchment Council expects this will reduce the risk "; S4[16]=" in salinity investment by showing that planned action will make enough difference to be worth the effort, and is supported by the local community.
  "; S5[16]="     A team of farmers, catchment professionals, and Department of Agriculture researchers are identifying five sub-catchments where they can best develop a sound method "; S6[16]=" of target setting.
      Landholders in each of these sub-catchments will be shown the latest groundwater trends and models, and then asked to "; S7[16]=" set measurable targets that are achievable within 20 years.
      Heather Percy, manager of the project, said her team have already collected all "; S8[16]=" the available data from monitoring of bores and have analyzed trends in water tables across the study area.
      'A community reference group "; S9[16]=" has given valuable guidance to the project.
      Locally based landcare officers will help the team to arrange workshops at times and places "; S10[16]=" most convenient to landholders,' said Ms Percy.
      One member of the community reference group is Sally Thomson, who has worked as a "; S11[16]=" projects manager in Wagin/Woodanilling Landcare Zone for the past four years.
      'I'm a firm believer in keeping focus on achieving outcomes on "; S12[16]=" the ground and keeping the people who own the ground in the decision-making loop - they'll be doing the work and spending their money if "; S13[16]=" we are to make the scale of change needed,' said Ms Thomson.
      The study area includes those areas that receive less than "; S14[16]=" 600mm of rainfall including Wandering through to Narrogin in the north, to Kojonup in the south and as far east as Nyabing.
      "; S15[16]=" The project team will be attending the Wagin Woolorama in March and are happy to discuss the project in more detail.
      For "; S16[16]=" further information contact Heather Percy, Research Officer (Soils), 9780 6262... "; R[17]="544"; T[17]="Improving viability in Australian horticulture"; A[17]="By ... ABARE"; Dn[17]="20060301"; Dt[17]="Wednesday 1 March 2006"; Acats[17]="a02a07a57a72a93"; B1[17]="      While some growers of vegetables for processing are under pressure from imports, this is not the case across the entire industry, conference "; B2[17]="delegates were told by Ms Karen Schneider, Deputy Executive Director, ABARE, at OUTLOOK 2006... "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      While some growers of vegetables for processing are under pressure from imports, this is not the case across the entire industry, conference "; S2[17]=" delegates were told by Ms Karen Schneider, Deputy Executive Director, ABARE, at OUTLOOK 2006.
      'Fresh imports are negligible and while competition is "; S3[17]=" increasing in processed vegetables and fresh vegetable export markets, Australian growers are generally coping with the pressure of competition,' Ms Schneider said.
      "; S4[17]=" This is the story from a major ABARE research project that looked at production data, retail turnover data, and included an economic survey of vegetable "; S5[17]=" growers.
      Import penetration is restricted to the processed vegetables market.
      For example, processed vegetable imports are equivalent to 16 "; S6[17]=" per cent of Australia's processed vegetable production.
      This is in contrast to the fresh market where more than 95 per cent of "; S7[17]=" vegetable turnover is Australian grown.
      Ms Schneider told delegates that while Australian growers are generally competitive internationally, there is a wide variation "; S8[17]=" in costs of production.
      Compared with high cost producers, low cost producers tend to be bigger, generate more farm income and a "; S9[17]=" higher rate of return to capital, and are generally more positive about their future in the industry.
      Not withstanding these results, the "; S10[17]=" industry will need to continually innovate to secure a positive future.
      Ms Fiona Chambers, General Manager, Fernleigh Farms told delegates that her "; S11[17]=" business has continued to use a personalised approach to marketing both in export and domestic markets to achieve ongoing business viability.
      'The "; S12[17]=" business strategy that we've found to be highly successful is the development of personal relationships as the foundation for effective marketing,' Ms Chambers said.
  "; S13[17]="     Mr Richard Hamley from Yandilla Park Ltd, discussed an alternative approach to improve productivity.
      'Our approach has been to use "; S14[17]=" cutting edge technology in growing and packing our produce.
      While these technologies are suited to very large farms, as we learn more "; S15[17]=" about these technologies, I expect there will be trickle down benefits for smaller growers,' he said... "; R[18]="528"; T[18]="Poor sales hit McGuigan return"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20060224"; Dt[18]="Friday 24 February 2006"; Acats[18]="a07a13"; B1[18]="      Intense competition and wine oversupply has sent McGuigan Simeon Wines' first-half profit reeling to the lower end of expectations - down 51 "; B2[18]="per cent to $6.2 million... "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      Intense competition and wine oversupply has sent McGuigan Simeon Wines' first-half profit reeling to the lower end of expectations - down 51 "; S2[18]=" per cent to $6.2 million.
      Sales slipped 6 per cent to $161.7 million as the company squeezed margins, even with a 5 "; S3[18]=" per cent increase in volumes of bulk and branded wine sold.
      Shareholders would also be penalised with an interim dividend halved "; S4[18]=" to 5c and payable on March 27.
      The dividend was a result of write-offs made during its acquisition of Simeon Wines "; S5[18]=" in 2002, however, and would be no indication of full-year dividends, the company said.
      Despite a 'perfect storm' of strong competition and "; S6[18]=" wine oversupply, outgoing managing director Brian McGuigan said the company was past the worst.
      'We'll be first out of the blocks "; S7[18]=" when things turn around,' he said.
      UK wine sales were the only positive in the half year to December 31, rising "; S8[18]=" 28 per cent to $66.3 million.
      Shares lost 3c to $3.01... "; R[19]="517"; T[19]="The Challenge for Future Drought Policy is Balance"; A[19]="By ... NFF"; Dn[19]="20060223"; Dt[19]="Thursday 23 February 2006"; Acats[19]="a04a05a07a35"; B1[19]="      'The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) fully supports the view of the Agriculture and Food Policy Reference Group that future national drought policy "; B2[19]="should place a greater emphasis on drought preparedness and risk management, however, we are concerned about arbitrary deadlines for abolishing drought business support,' NFF CEO "; B3[19]="Mr Ben Fargher said today... "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      'The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) fully supports the view of the Agriculture and Food Policy Reference Group that future national drought policy "; S2[19]=" should place a greater emphasis on drought preparedness and risk management, however, we are concerned about arbitrary deadlines for abolishing drought business support,' NFF CEO "; S3[19]=" Mr Ben Fargher said today.
      Mr Fargher's comments are in response to the Agriculture and Food Policy Reference Group's recommendation that with "; S4[19]=" added investment in drought preparedness, Exceptional Circumstance (EC) Interest Rate Subsidies should be phased out by 2010.'NFF believes that there is no doubt that through "; S5[19]=" a sustained commitment from Government and industry towards improving drought preparedness on Australian farms, the future requirements for EC business assistance will be markedly reduced.'However "; S6[19]=" it is unreasonable to expect all farmers to implement comprehensive drought preparedness within the space of the next four years that meets the needs of "; S7[19]=" all potential climatic situations.
      'The reality is that many Australian farmers remain in drought, or in the early stages of drought recovery, "; S8[19]=" and therefore face immediate financial pressures in rebuilding their productive capacity and paying the bills they have accrued over the past four years.
    "; S9[19]="   Farmers will have to first meet these costs, before being able to even consider implementing new drought preparedness.' 'The challenge for future drought policy "; S10[19]=" will be finding a balanced suite of policy and industry initiatives which allow farmers to build their risk management and preparedness, while ensuring that appropriate "; S11[19]=" assistance remains available in the event that an exceptional drought disrupts their preparations,' Mr Fargher said.NFF believes its proposals outlined in the National Drought Policy "; S12[19]=" Priorities Statement, which was endorsed by the NFF Policy Council last month, strike this balance.
      'NFF continues to work constructively with the "; S13[19]=" Australian Federal and State Governments, through the Drought Policy Reform Stakeholder Reference Group which is currently developing proposals for National Drought Policy reform, which will "; S14[19]=" be considered by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) at its meeting in April,' Mr Fargher said.
      'The future of national drought "; S15[19]=" policy has been debated for over six years now, and with the Reference Group Report adding further weight to the case for reform, now is "; S16[19]=" the time for industry and Governments to reach an agreement on a new policy framework.' Mr Fargher concluded... "; R[20]="513"; T[20]="Profitable dairy farming is possible"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20060223"; Dt[20]="Thursday 23 February 2006"; Acats[20]="a07a26"; B1[20]="      Profitable dairy farming is possible is the catchcry of meetings at Quinalow and Clifton early in March.... "; B2[20]=" "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      Profitable dairy farming is possible is the catchcry of meetings at Quinalow and Clifton early in March.
      Department of "; S2[20]=" Primary Industries dairy farm business management specialist Ray Murphy said the meetings were part of a series to report on the findings of the five-year "; S3[20]=" Mutdapilly Research Station farmlet project to examine different farming systems.
      Mr Murphy said topics included production results (Ross Walker), business findings (Graeme "; S4[20]=" Busby), herd management (Lex Turner), and water use efficiency issues (Mark Callow).
      Mr Murphy said the farmlet project examined five farming systems, "; S5[20]=" including combinations of pastures, crops, irrigation, and feedlotting.
      'We found that while reducing costs is important, it is vital to optimise inputs,' "; S6[20]=" he said.
      'A similar meeting held late last year at Gympie was well received by about 40 dairy farmers, who were eager "; S7[20]=" to find ideas to improve profitability.' Mr Murphy said the Quinalow meeting would be on Thursday, March 9, at the Quinalow Hall, followed by a "; S8[20]=" visit to David and Robyn Kuck's farm.
      'The Clifton meeting will be on the following day (March 10), at Miller Alletson's "; S9[20]=" Sunningdale Farm, 483 Upper Spring Creek Road.
      'Both meetings will start at 10.30am and finish with lunch at 1pm,' Mr Murphy said.
"; S10[20]="       He said the meetings were free and all dairy farmers were welcome to attend, although an RSVP would be welcome... "; R[21]="511"; T[21]="Farm drought transport subsidies to end"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20060223"; Dt[21]="Thursday 23 February 2006"; Acats[21]="a07a56a89"; B1[21]="      Easing drought conditions will lead to the end of farm transport subsidies in most parts of NSW, the state government says.... "; B2[21]=" "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      Easing drought conditions will lead to the end of farm transport subsidies in most parts of NSW, the state government says.
  "; S2[21]="     Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald has announced the subsidies would, however, continue in the state's western division and in areas still officially in "; S3[21]=" drought, at least until the end of the financial year.
      But Mr Macdonald said because only 32 per cent of NSW remained "; S4[21]=" in drought, the transport subsidies would cease in all other areas on February 28, except for the return of stock from agistment.
      "; S5[21]=" Areas which slipped back into drought would become eligible for the subsidies again.
      The subsidies help pay for transporting stock, fodder and "; S6[21]=" domestic water, and the cost of moving livestock to and from agistment and to slaughter.
      Farmers will now have only three months "; S7[21]=" to submit claims for all transport subsidies, rather than the previous six.
      Mr Macdonald said the government would provide an extra $13.8 "; S8[21]=" million this financial year to support drought assistance measures.
      'The state's farming community will continue to have access to programs that cater "; S9[21]=" to their financial and emotional needs, such as rural financial counsellors, drought support workers and our emergency household relief program,' he said in a statement.
"; S10[21]="       'The additional funding announced today will help ensure these types of programs have adequate funds for the remainder of the financial year.'.. "; R[22]="479"; T[22]="Value of beef exports to US falls in 2005"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20060222"; Dt[22]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[22]="a05a07a08a27"; B1[22]="      Australia exported 319,751 tonnes of beef to the US during 2005 - 8.6% below year ago levels..... "; B2[22]=" "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      Australia exported 319,751 tonnes of beef to the US during 2005 - 8.6% below year ago levels.
      There are "; S2[22]=" a number of reasons explaining the decline for the year, including the diversion of Australian exports to North Asian markets subdued spending on beef by "; S3[22]=" US consumers due to higher oil prices and competitively priced chicken and pork and the removal of the Australian Government's quota management scheme.
    "; S4[22]="   It is estimated that these exports for the year were valued at A$1.19 billion - 13.7% below 2004.
      Apart from "; S5[22]=" lower volumes exported, the 3.8% appreciation of the A$ explains the lower export beef revenue.
      In 2005, trends in FOB prices (A$ "; S6[22]=" terms) for Australian manufacturing beef items in the US (collected by MLA) were mixed, with many items recording lower rates or no change on 2004 "; S7[22]=" price averages.
      The average price for the most commonly traded item to the US, 90CL cow, fell 0.5%.
      However "; S8[22]=" landed or CIF prices for Australian beef in the US (US¢lb terms) rose in 2005 for all items collected by MLA.
      Prices "; S9[22]=" for 90CL rose 3.4%, to average 127.9US¢/lb CIF, while fattier items rose by higher magnitudes, with 65CL trimmings increasing by 15%, to average 85.1US¢/lb CIF.
"; S10[22]="       Australia exported 13,538 tonnes sw of beef to the US during January 2006 - 18% above year ago levels.
      "; S11[22]=" Shipments of both chilled (1,084 tonnes) and frozen beef (12,454 tonnes) increased on volumes exported in January 2005 by 155% and 13%, respectively... "; R[23]="457"; T[23]="New Report busts Myth about Farm Salaries"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20060222"; Dt[23]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[23]="a04a05a06a07a48a51"; B1[23]="      A long-held perception that staff working on Australian farms are underpaid has been busted by new research, which shows farm salaries are "; B2[23]="competitive compared to other Australian industries... "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      A long-held perception that staff working on Australian farms are underpaid has been busted by new research, which shows farm salaries are "; S2[23]=" competitive compared to other Australian industries.
      The Holmes Sackett & Associates' FarmStaff 2006 report has found that while higher paying jobs can "; S3[23]=" be found in other industries, on average the total package value of salaries received on farms is competitive.
      FarmStaff 2006 is the "; S4[23]=" result of independent employee research and a comprehensive salary survey of 150 farm businesses in every state of Australia.
      Undertaken in 2005, "; S5[23]=" it analyses salaries and conditions for employees from operational to management level.
      Report author Sandy McEachern says a contributing factor to the "; S6[23]=" perceived salary discrepancy is that the total salary package value is not transparent.
      'A large portion of the package is made up "; S7[23]=" of non-cash benefits,' Mr McEachern says.
      'When grossed up to their pre-tax values these benefits - such as housing or fuel - "; S8[23]=" constitute upwards of 20% of the total value of the package.' Work environment and lifestyle are primarily why farm employees choose to work in the "; S9[23]=" industry but long-hours and salary are a common dislike.
      'However, despite the hours and perceived salary discrepancies in the industry, non-monetary elements "; S10[23]=" of working on agriculture were cited by farm employees as very important to improving working conditions and staying in a job,' he says.
    "; S11[23]="   'Making a job easier was a common response - in essence things like better planning and communication by employers and safe and reliable equipment.' "; S12[23]=" Now available for employers to purchase, FarmStaff 2006 is a response to a need for in-depth, relevant employment information and tools within the agricultural employment "; S13[23]=" market.
      'It drills down into what employees are actually being paid, how they are paid and what they like and dislike about "; S14[23]=" their job, enabling direct comparison between job titles within the sector and between industries,' Mr McEachern says.
      Mr McEachern says there are "; S15[23]=" three things that employers are seeking help with in regards to hiring employees:
      * How do I attract good employees
  "; S16[23]="     * How can I reward employees
      * How can I motivate them to perform better 'FarmStaff 2006 provides a "; S17[23]=" methodology for finding, rewarding and keeping employees,' he says.
      'It includes Holmes Sackett & Associates' unique and industry-specific Manager Salary Calculator and "; S18[23]=" a Total Salary Package Calculator to actually determine packages for individual farm employees, which is available on-line at the Holmes Sackett website.' The FarmStaff 2006 "; S19[23]=" report also found :
      * The cropping industry paid higher salaries as compared to livestock and mixed livestock cropping businesses.
  "; S20[23]="     * The perceived problem of having an aging population of farm managers.. "; R[24]="445"; T[24]="Precision irrigation has national benefits"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20060222"; Dt[24]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[24]="a02a04a07a40a72"; B1[24]="      A precision irrigation system in its commercial infancy in the United States has the potential to save water and improve irrigation efficiency "; B2[24]="in parts of Australia... "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      A precision irrigation system in its commercial infancy in the United States has the potential to save water and improve irrigation efficiency "; S2[24]=" in parts of Australia.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries rural water use efficiency specialist Graham Harris said variable rate irrigation technology "; S3[24]=" is used commercially in Georgia to deliver irrigation water in optimum amounts over an entire paddock.
      He said such a system had "; S4[24]=" Australian application in paddocks of varying soils and water infiltration rates, such as those in the Burnett and Burdekin.
      Mr Harris visited "; S5[24]=" the United States and Israel for eight weeks through a Swire Group Churchill Fellowship to evaluate research and commercial use of precision irrigation in cotton "; S6[24]=" and broadacre crops.
      Mr Harris said a global position system (GPS) and an Australian-developed irrigation controller were at the heart of the "; S7[24]=" modified centre pivot irrigation system, which improved watering, saved water and optimised pumping costs.
      'The benefits of variable rate irrigation will be "; S8[24]=" greatest in Australia where there are small, odd-shaped fields with significant variation in topographies and soil.' 'Its relevance is outside grain and cotton farming, but "; S9[24]=" there are certainly areas throughout Australia that would benefit through water and cost savings from the adoption of this technology,' he said.
      "; S10[24]=" Mr Harris said recycled water is used extensively for irrigation in northern California and Israel.'Since the 1890s, Californians have been reusing municipal wastewater for agriculture "; S11[24]=" and farm irrigation.' 'The most common uses are for recreation areas, power stations, produce, pastures, plant nurseries and flushing toilets in office buildings.' 'Recycled water "; S12[24]=" is also used to recharge aquifers in some areas,' Mr Harris said.
      He said Californians had not been receptive to the concept "; S13[24]=" of using recycled water to recharge ground water basins used for drinking water.
      'Those trying to sell the idea of potable recycled "; S14[24]=" water believe there has to be early and thorough public involvement in the decision-making for community acceptance of the practice.' Mr Harris said the integration "; S15[24]=" of fish farming and agriculture in Israel was particularly impressive.
      'This approach could well have benefits for Australia as fish stocks diminish "; S16[24]=" and irrigators need to maximise their returns from a limited water resource,' he said.
      He said his report on the study tour "; S17[24]=" is available online (www.churchilltrust.com.au), and he will discuss relevant observations with irrigators.
      Mr Harris said Churchill Fellowships are awarded annually so Australians "; S18[24]=" can travel overseas to benefit their country.
      Applications for 2006 fellowships close on February 28... "; R[25]="432"; T[25]="Life beneath the paddock"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20060222"; Dt[25]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[25]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[25]="      The latest research on the biology beneath the paddock will be featured at CSIRO s Black Mountain site this week (1 - "; B2[25]="4 February) during the annual Root/Soil Biology in Agriculture workshop... "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      The latest research on the biology beneath the paddock will be featured at CSIRO's Black Mountain site this week (1 - 4 "; S2[25]=" February) during the annual Root/Soil Biology in Agriculture workshop.
      'Crop research has mostly focused on what was happening above ground,' says conference "; S3[25]=" organiser Professor Margaret McCully of CSIRO Plant Industry.
      'The important interactions between roots, soil, soil microbes and soil fauna are now coming "; S4[25]=" to the fore, particularly as they affect crop productivity.
      'New microscope, molecular and other technologies are revealing that there is a lot "; S5[25]=" more happening beneath the paddock than previously thought and several recent discoveries are pointing to ways that these complex interactions can be manipulated to increase "; S6[25]=" crop productivity.' Root/Soil Biology in Agriculture features lectures and discussion sessions with scientists from around Australia and the world, as well as practical sessions for "; S7[25]=" research students and post-doctoral fellows.
      The practical sessions are particularly popular and have been booked out for some time.
      "; S8[25]=" 'The conference aims to bring together researchers, farm advisers, farmers and young scientists interested in the way roots, soil and the things that live "; S9[25]=" amongst them interact in agricultural systems,' Professor McCully says.
      'The event is a unique opportunity to hear about a wide range of "; S10[25]=" fascinating research.' Visiting overseas researchers this year include Professor John Farrar, from the University of Wales Bangor, discussing plants, soil, carbon flux and climate change "; S11[25]=" Professor Patrick Lavelle, University of Paris, discussing below-ground ecological challenges for agronomists and Professor Walter Horst, University of Hannover, who will discuss nitrogen effects on "; S12[25]=" crop root growth.
      Prof Farrar and Prof Lavelle will be taking two of the practical hands-on sessions, giving students useful skills in "; S13[25]=" isotope labelling and using an ecological approach to soils respectively.
      CSIRO's Dr Richard Stirzaker will give a practical demonstration of his system "; S14[25]=" for monitoring irrigation water flow in the soil.
      In keeping with the hands-on emphasis to the event, the CSIRO Microscopy Centre is "; S15[25]=" running a full-day practical workshop on microscopy techniques for studying root/soil/microbial interactions.
      Students will be instructed in the use of standard fluorescence, "; S16[25]=" confocal and cryo-analytical scanning electron microscopes for observing the root/soil interface, organisms that live there and the structure of roots.
      All who "; S17[25]=" are interested are welcome to attend the lectures and discussions.
      The practical sessions are intended for students and post-doctoral fellows and have "; S18[25]=" been booked out... "; R[26]="424"; T[26]="Grass crown size key to pasture response"; A[26]="By ... Editor"; Dn[26]="20060222"; Dt[26]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[26]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[26]="      A Combination of prolonged drought and heavy grazing pressure suppresses the ability of high value perennial pasture grasses to respond to useful "; B2[26]="summer rains... "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      A Combination of prolonged drought and heavy grazing pressure suppresses the ability of high value perennial pasture grasses to respond to useful "; S2[26]=" summer rains.
      Recently published results of the seven-year Keilambete grazing trial in the Central Highlands Rubyvale district clearly shows that the critical "; S3[26]=" factor for pasture recovery is linked to the crown cover of the 3P palatable, productive and perennial grasses.
      Department of Primary Industries "; S4[26]=" and Fisheries rangelands scientist Paul Jones who has overseen the long running grazing trial said lower stocking rates promoted larger grass species crown cover.
  "; S5[26]="     'Our so-called 3P pastures with the higher percentage of living crown material at ground level supports a larger root system that provides the "; S6[26]=" stored energy to assist the plant to respond to rain at the end of the winter dry season,' Mr Jones said.
      'Where "; S7[26]=" the 3P grasses such as forest Mitchell, black speargrass and golden beardgrass were heavily grazed, resultant low ground cover and reduced crown size accelerated soil "; S8[26]=" erosion and would make it easier for weeds to establish.' Mr Jones said 3P grasses weakened by drought and high stocking treatments lost their productive "; S9[26]=" potential and could not compete with invasive weeds which included poisonous forbs, unpalatable wire grasses, woody weeds and declared noxious plants.
      'Under "; S10[26]=" low stocking pressure, the trial showed that 3P grasses are able to increase their crown size.
      This in turn boosts the size "; S11[26]=" of the root system to store energy for drought recovery while contributing to improved soil health,' Mr Jones said... "; R[27]="422"; T[27]="Invest in landcare and prosper"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20060222"; Dt[27]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[27]="a04a07a42a72"; B1[27]="      Spend money to make money.
      That s among the lessons to emerge from the decade-long rehabilitation project at Esperance "; B2[27]="Downs Research Station (EDRS)... "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      Spend money to make money.
      That's among the lessons to emerge from the decade-long rehabilitation project at Esperance Downs "; S2[27]=" Research Station (EDRS).
      Landcare costs money, but it need not be a black hole.
      Natural Resource Management can and "; S3[27]=" should deliver profit as an investment in sustainability.
      At EDRS, $170,000 was spent on a suite of strategies to contain, halt or "; S4[27]=" reverse the degradation that had become critical following massive clearing in the 1950s.
      The focus was on selective land use with high "; S5[27]=" value cropping.
      Constructing surface drains, planting trees, sowing perennial pastures and re-fencing meant that some land was taken out of agricultural production, "; S6[27]=" which meant some foregone profits in the early stages.
      This considered, the project cost a total of $200,000.
      Fifteen "; S7[27]=" years since the rehabilitation began in 1990 (the project was completed in 1998), EDRS is on its way to recovering all costs and realising extra "; S8[27]=" profit as a result of the works implemented.
      Economist Harvey Jones estimates that the rehabilitation will break even financially by 2018 thanks "; S9[27]=" to recovery of degraded areas and the prevention of further salinity and waterlogging.
      'Thirty years after commencement and 20 years after completion "; S10[27]=" of the project, cumulative cash profits will become greater than if rehabilitation had not been carried out,' says Harvey.
      Had the work "; S11[27]=" not been carried out, a potential 466ha of the farm's arable land would have been degraded by 2018.
      With the rehabilitation, although "; S12[27]=" 104ha was planted to trees and removed from annual production systems, only 64ha of arable land will remain degraded by 2018.
      The "; S13[27]=" project also prevented an unsustainable decline in capital worth of the farm property, which was established in 1949 as a model for sand plain development "; S14[27]=" on WA's south east coast.
      The benefit to the farm's capital worth is likely to be realised by 2008 - within 10 "; S15[27]=" years of the project's completion.
      The rehabilitation project at EDRS came about because secondary salinity and waterlogging had impacted on 39 per "; S16[27]=" cent of the station's 730 ha of cleared land by the 1980s.
      It was clear that similar problems would develop in the "; S17[27]=" region, so the government-owned research station set about finding solutions which would transfer across the district.
      Surface water management in conjunction with "; S18[27]=" trees, perennial pastures, salt bush and high production-high value cropping is proving that the station's NRM strategy is making good business sense.
      "; S19[27]=" Investment in land and water resources has proved viable.
      Other farm businesses in the region can use the R&D from the research "; S20[27]=" station to guide their business planning.
      Acting District Manager at the Department of Agriculture in Esperance, Brendan Nicholas, says that economic viability.. "; R[28]="410"; T[28]="Evaluation of the Fodder Crops and Pasture Seeds Programs Benefit"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20060222"; Dt[28]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[28]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[28]="      Fodder crops and pasture seeds are both long established agricultural industries in Australia that have grown in importance over the last ten "; B2[28]="years... "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      Fodder crops and pasture seeds are both long established agricultural industries in Australia that have grown in importance over the last ten "; S2[28]=" years.
      RIRDC Publication No 05/169 Both have seen growth in the domestic market and have targeted higher value export markets.
    "; S3[28]="   RIRDC has supported R&D in fodder crops since 1990 and pasture seeds since 1989, investing $7.48 million in fodder crops and $10.43 million in "; S4[28]=" pasture seeds from 1990 to 2005.
      Priorities in R&D as set out in the five-year plans for the industries reflect greater export "; S5[28]=" orientation and toward higher quality and quality assurance, although agronomic issues such as weed and pest control remain important.
      Environmental concerns centre "; S6[28]=" around access to water for the irrigated areas and minimising use of chemicals (especially pesticides) that have the potential for detrimental environmental impacts.
    "; S7[28]="   This report provides the results of four benefit-cost evaluations in the fodder crop sub-program and four in the pasture seeds program (8 projects).
  "; S8[28]="     It is the eighth report in a series of annual evaluations of RIRDC projects.
      A comparison of the results of "; S9[28]=" all RIRDC project evaluations is provided in chapter 1 of this report.
      FODDER CROPS Evaluation results The evaluation results reflect the wide "; S10[28]=" range of returns that can be expected from R&D.
      Many of the projects evaluated have or are expected to generate high returns "; S11[28]=" for industry.
      Testing for annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) (SAR-2A and CSA-3A) was timely work to ensure continued access to the Japanese market "; S12[28]=" for hay.
      ARGT is a toxin that can result from bacterium that is found on mature ryegrass and in high quantities is "; S13[28]=" lethal to ruminants.
      An unfortunate incidence of poisoning of dairy cows in Japan led to suspension of trade and threatened to close "; S14[28]=" the market unless Australian product could be certified as ARGT free.
      SAR-2A supported the implementation of a test that was acceptable to "; S15[28]=" the Japanese and hence made a major contribution to maintaining market access.
      While initially voluntary, the test has been made compulsory due "; S16[28]=" to concern about a small number of exporters so adoption rose to 100 per cent as the test is now required to export hay to "; S17[28]=" Japan.
      The work also identified harvest timing as critical for ARGT loads and led to the widespread adoption of practices that have "; S18[28]=" reduced the potential for toxin development in cut hay.
      CSA-3A has developed a more sophisticated test that identifies the presence of the "; S19[28]=" toxin, but this has not been implemented due to the adoption of management practices that have reduced the problem.
      The evaluation of "; S20[28]=" SAR-2A estimated an internal rate of return (IRR) of 237 per cent with benefits to the industry of $78.4 million over the 30-year period... "; R[29]="409"; T[29]="EcoRange: Market-Oriented Environmental Certification for Rangeland Pastoral Industries"; A[29]="By ... Editor"; Dn[29]="20060222"; Dt[29]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[29]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[29]="      The EcoRange project investigated and made recommendations on the types of environmental certification that could be applied to agriculture..... "; B2[29]=" "; B3[29]=" "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      The EcoRange project investigated and made recommendations on the types of environmental certification that could be applied to agriculture.
      "; S2[29]=" Project No DAQ-276A The project recognised that supply chains, the end consumer and stakeholder groups all need to play important roles if environmental certification is "; S3[29]=" to assist agriculture achieve significant environmental, economic and social outcomes.
      Therefore, it was important that their views were taken into account when "; S4[29]=" developing environmental certification schemes for agriculture.
      This report discusses the perceptions and expectations of industry, conservation and consumer groups with regard to "; S5[29]=" the development and application of environmental certification in agriculture.
      Perceptions of these three categories of stakeholders were explored using a qualitative research "; S6[29]=" method known as convergent interviewing.
      In this way EcoRange interviewed representatives of 24 state or national organisations, eight from each category of "; S7[29]=" stakeholder.
      Industry, conservation and consumer groups all have a desire for agriculture to be profitable, ecologically sustainable and socially beneficial.
    "; S8[29]="   These groups are generally in favour of the application of environmental certification to agriculture, providing it can contribute to these outcomes.
      "; S9[29]=" The following paragraphs outline the broad principles and processes that these stakeholders wish to see incorporated within agricultural environmental certification.
      Stakeholder expectations "; S10[29]=" for environmental certification Certification standards and performance criteria Industry groups preferred environmental certification to occur on a national industry-wide scale, and to be based on "; S11[29]=" existing agricultural related standards such as quality assurance.
      It should contain regional performance measures, Australian industry best management practices, and be applied "; S12[29]=" to the whole supply chain.
      Conservation and consumer groups did not appear to have a preference for any particular type of standard.
"; S13[29]="       However, they did expect environmental certification to address the whole supply chain, and operate at regional, national and global scales.
    "; S14[29]="   Conservation groups emphasised three key criteria for environmental certification: ecosystem function, biodiversity conservation, and prices reflecting the true cost of production.
      "; S15[29]=" In relation to the cost of production, both conservation and consumer groups felt that the current retail price of some products did not adequately reflect "; S16[29]=" their full environmental and social costs.
      Conservation and consumer groups believed that minimum environmental performance measures should be combined with existing best "; S17[29]=" practice and continuous improvement processes.
      For these two groups it was important that environmental certification should question whether a land use should "; S18[29]=" exist in the first place, rather than just apply a continuous improvement process to it.
      Consumer groups also placed particular emphasis on "; S19[29]=" food safety.
      Uptake and expected outcomes Industry groups unanimously believed that environmental certification should be voluntary.
      While both conservation "; S20[29]=" and consumer groups also displayed a general preference for environmental certification to be voluntary, they desired some form of regulatory back-up to ensure that.. "; R[30]="344"; T[30]="Cattle tracking to boost sustainability"; A[30]="By ... CSIRO"; Dn[30]="20060222"; Dt[30]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[30]="a02a07a09a27a72a93"; B1[30]="      To improve land management and ensure long-term sustainability, state-of-the-art satellite technology is about to help..... "; B2[30]=" "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      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[30]=" about to help northern beef producers improve land management and ensure long-term sustainability by better understanding the grazing behaviour of their cattle.
      "; S3[30]=" 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[30]=" satellites to track the movement of cattle in the bush.
      The aim of this new collaborative research project - being conducted at "; S5[30]=" 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[30]=" 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[30]=" and Livestock Australia (MLA), already in progress at Wambiana.
      Cattle by nature selectively graze different parts of the landscape, leading to overuse "; S8[30]=" 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[30]=" the movements of cattle without physically handling them,' says CSIRO Livestock Industries' Dr Dave Swain.
      'The collars are placed around the animal's "; S10[30]=" neck, automatically logging its position to within five or 10 metres every hour.
      Monitoring where cattle are spending the majority of their "; S11[30]=" 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[30]=" says.
      The project at the Wambiana site - a property owned by the Lyons family - is part of a long-term DPI&F "; S13[30]=" 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[30]=" is being collected at Wambiana.
      'This data, together with other complementary research, will be of enormous benefit to this project.
    "; S15[30]="   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[30]=" 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[30]=" sustainability and economic viability of northern savannas grazing... "; R[31]="340"; T[31]="Common ground and private practice -- thinking about property"; A[31]="By ... Editor"; Dn[31]="20060222"; Dt[31]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[31]="a07a48a50a72"; B1[31]="      A new report presenting leading edge thinking about property rights and responsibilities..... "; B2[31]=" "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      A new report presenting leading edge thinking about property rights and responsibilities.
      While industry, community and government have all "; S2[31]=" expressed a broad commitment to greater sustainability of the Australian landscape, as yet there is little agreement on a reform agenda to achieve this goal.
"; S3[31]="       One of the topics where debate is most fierce concerns property rights and responsibilities.
      In an effort to "; S4[31]=" encourage and inform debate about the rights and responsibilities of property owners in managing land and water, Land & Water Australia has released a new "; S5[31]=" report Property: rights and responsibilities, current Australian thinking.
      This collection of eight research papers represents the leading edge of Australian thinking on "; S6[31]=" property rights.
      Topics range from a discussion of private property and common myths in the property rights debate, to analyses of legal "; S7[31]=" and economic approaches, economic perspectives of water entitlements, and social justice considerations.
      Land & Water Australia Chair Ms Bobbie Brazil said that "; S8[31]=" improving understanding of property rights among communities, industries and policy makers is critical in moving forward on some of the most intractable environmental challenges in "; S9[31]=" Australia.
      'This is a complex issue, and rarely is this sort of information presented in a comprehensive and accessible way.
    "; S10[31]="   We have a responsibility to find appropriate and workable solutions, to make sure that we get it right,' she said.
      "; S11[31]=" The Property report has been produced under Land & Water Australia's Social and Institutional Research Program.
      Click here for an electronic copy.
"; S12[31]="       Hard copies can be obtained from Canprint on 1800 776616 quoting product code PR020440... "; R[32]="321"; T[32]="Southern Rock Lobster Industry to direct its own destiny"; A[32]="By ... Editor"; Dn[32]="20060222"; Dt[32]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[32]="a07a08a34a87a88"; B1[32]="      A single dedicated organisation responsible for coordinating all research and development for the Southern Rocklobster industry is the aim of a new "; B2[32]="$2.5 million agreement signed today in Melbourne... "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      A single dedicated organisation responsible for coordinating all research and development for the Southern Rocklobster industry is the aim of a new "; S2[32]=" $2.5 million agreement signed today in Melbourne.
      The project aims to boost the long-term profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of Australia's $150 million "; S3[32]=" dollar southern rock lobster industry.
      The Southern Rocklobster industry will contribute $250,000 for five years towards research and development opportunities which the "; S4[32]=" Australian Government, via the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, will match.
      Roger Cotton Independent Chairman for Southern Rocklobster Limited said, 'The establishment "; S5[32]=" of a single coordination point will assist dealing with the fragmented structure of the Australian Southern Rocklobster industry, where no individual or organisation has the "; S6[32]=" financial capacity to develop an integrated supply chain to address the needs of the sector.' Mr Cotton said, 'It was pleasing from an industry perspective "; S7[32]=" to see both State and Federal levels of government working together to assist industry development.' 'The fishing industry continues to progress however, we cannot be "; S8[32]=" complacent, and we need to address new and emerging issues to remain profitable.
      This agreement will allow the Southern Rocklobster Industry to "; S9[32]=" address these issues much more efficiently,' Mr Cotton said.
      Mr Cotton said 'Southern Rocklobster Limited is grateful for the support they had "; S10[32]=" received from the Department of Primary Industries and Resources of South Australia, the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment and the Department of "; S11[32]=" Primary Industries Victoria, and looked forward to a long and fruitful relationship'.
      'It will also develop links with programs at the regional, "; S12[32]=" State and national level to ensure they incorporate an overall national focus,' he said.
      Mr Cotton said 'Southern Rocklobster Limited is grateful "; S13[32]=" for the support they had received from both the Department of Primary Industries and Resources of South Australia and the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, "; S14[32]=" Water and Environment and looked forward to a long and fruitful relationship with both departments'.
      The agreement was signed on the 13th "; S15[32]=" of December... "; R[33]="314"; T[33]="New name for kangaroo meat"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20060222"; Dt[33]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[33]="a07a08a10a27a31"; B1[33]="      Australians could soon be chucking a piece of australus on the barbecue if the new name for a slice of kangaroo makes "; B2[33]="it more appealing to diners sensitive about eating the national symbol... "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      Australians could soon be chucking a piece of 'australus' on the barbecue if the new name for a slice of kangaroo makes "; S2[33]=" it more appealing to diners sensitive about eating the national symbol.
      Inspired by the fact that slices of cow or pig on "; S3[33]=" a plate are known by the more palatable euphemisms of beef or pork, Australia's kangaroo meat industry backed a competition to find a similarly savoury "; S4[33]=" name for cute kangaroos.
      It was won by US citizen Steven West, who came up with the name 'australus' while working at "; S5[33]=" an hotel school near Sydney.
      The editor of Food Companion International, which ran the competition, said 'australus' sounded dignified and linked the "; S6[33]=" meat with the home of the kangaroo.
      'The new name may be a huge breakthrough for the kangaroo meat industry,' Mel Nathan "; S7[33]=" said.
      Among the 2700 rejected entries submitted by people in 41 nations were kangasaurus, kangarly, marsupan, jumpmeat and MOM (Meat of Marsupials).
"; S8[33]="       'There is nothing more comforting than a mother,' said Californian Greg Richardson of his MOM entry.
      'In order to "; S9[33]=" make kangaroo meat sound more comforting to potential consumers, I figured we could associate one with the other: MOM.' Kangaroo meat sales have grown 50-fold "; S10[33]=" in the past decade to create a $200m a year industry, with Europe a major export market for the low-fat red meat and Russians lapping "; S11[33]=" it up in sausages.
      But Australians have been reluctant to eat an animal so closely linked to the national identity - and "; S12[33]=" portrayed as intelligent and lovable in the popular television programme Skippy - so most kangaroo meat consumed locally is in the form of pet food.
"; S13[33]="       The national quota for culling kangaroos in 2005 was 3.9 million animals, a number described by some wildlife activists as a cruel "; S14[33]=" slaughter but defended by the industry as necessary to keep down booming populations.
      The executive officer of the Kangaroo Industry Association of "; S15[33]=" Australia, John Kelly, said that while his organisation had helped sponsor the competition it had 'no really serious intention of changing the name' at this "; S16[33]=" stage... "; R[34]="307"; T[34]="Cotton trial to deliver multiple benefits"; A[34]="By ... Editor"; Dn[34]="20060222"; Dt[34]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[34]="a01a02a07a15a72"; B1[34]="      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[34]="cotton farming systems project... "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      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[34]=" cotton farming systems project.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries cotton development extension officer Doug Sands who works in cooperation with the "; S3[34]=" 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[34]=" Emerald campus irrigation trial site.
      Mr Sands said the extensive 30.8 hectare trial using early and late maturing varieties of genetically modified "; S5[34]=" 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[34]="   '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[34]=" 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[34]=" the full season variety Sicot 71 BR which eliminates heliothis insect pressure incurred later in the growing season as a critical management issue.
    "; S9[34]="   '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[34]="     'On November 25, another 8 hectare block was established and pre-irrigation of the planned December 19 planting is underway.
      'October-planted "; S11[34]=" 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[34]=" cotton,' Mr Sands said.
      'While there is still a need to control sap-sucking insects such as mirids throughout the season, Bollgard cotton "; S13[34]=" represents at least an 80 per cent reduction in insecticide use.
      'We are now seeing an increase of beneficial predatory insects which "; S14[34]=" 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[34]=" later sown cotton could reduce irrigation demand leading to greater water use efficiency.
      'Later planting may lower the wet weather harvesting risk "; S16[34]=" that impacts on cotton quality.
      Flowering and boll fill will be taking place when climate conditions are beginning to cool down which "; S17[34]=" will also enhance cotton quality.
      'Our September planting has benefited from 120mm of in-crop rain and since flowering began in late November "; S18[34]=" there has been 85 per cent retention of squares and developing bolls.
      'The October plant is already one week ahead of the "; S19[34]=" 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[34]=" to review the use of PIX spray application to regulate prolific vegetative growth during periods of hot, humid weather.
      Timing of.. "; R[35]="296"; T[35]="AAA FarmBis-sponsored training helps change farm management practices"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20060222"; Dt[35]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[35]="a07a72"; B1[35]="      Nearly 90 per cent of farmers who attend AAA FarmBis-sponsored courses make changes to their farm management practices as a result of "; B2[35]="the training, according to research... "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      Nearly 90 per cent of farmers who attend AAA FarmBis-sponsored courses make changes to their farm management practices as a result of "; S2[35]=" the training, according to research.
      AAA FarmBis is a joint Australian and WA State Government initiative, established to provide grants to individuals "; S3[35]=" and farmer groups to subsidise the cost of approved training, which is intended to improve their business management skills and knowledge, as well as their "; S4[35]=" technical production capacity.
      FarmBis has already assisted more than 17,500 participants in WA since 1997 through the provision of more than 36,000 "; S5[35]=" training grants.
      The current AAA FarmBis program commenced in WA on 1 February 2005 and is due to finish by 30 June "; S6[35]=" 2008.
      A telephone survey of participants of FarmBis courses run from February to September 2005 showed that most cited 'time' as their "; S7[35]=" major investment following the training.
      This was required to implement the new knowledge, with most indicating they had made changes in their "; S8[35]=" financial management, software, office systems, production management, machinery, best practice technology and with new crops.
      Half of the course participants said they "; S9[35]=" allocated money to training as a regular item in their budgets and, of those, 75 per cent allocated $1,000 or more.
      The "; S10[35]=" most important reason for enrolling in courses was to improve knowledge and skills, followed by the fact that the courses were subsidised by FarmBis.
  "; S11[35]="     Training is a regular line item in the budget of survey respondents, Kulin mixed grain, hay and sheep farmers, Keith and Sara Wilson.
"; S12[35]="       As well as participating in training courses themselves, importantly, they also ensure their staff members participate.
      Since 1987 the "; S13[35]=" couple, whose 10,000 hectare property includes the Jilakin Downs White Dorper Stud, and their staff have participated in more than a dozen different FarmBis supported "; S14[35]=" courses.
      These have ranged from accounting and computer skills through to a stock market investment course and of particular relevance to the "; S15[35]=" Wilsons, the Meat and Livestock Australia's 'Wean More Lambs' course.
      'To us, training is not just important, it's vital to the future "; S16[35]=" development of our business,' said Mrs Wilson.
      'I would say that if you want to stay in the game you have to "; S17[35]=" improve your productivity every year and essential part of this is training and ongoing learning.
      You learn to critically analyse your business "; S18[35]=" to see where improvements can be made and implement them.
      'Overall, we have got a lot out of the FarmBis subsidised courses "; S19[35]=" we have undertaken.
      The ongoing challenge is to embed the new skills and knowledge we have acquired into our business,' she added.
"; S20[35]="       Another survey respondent added that 'if the FarmBis logo is attached you know you'll get a better product, with training that imparts.. "; R[36]="287"; T[36]="Sheep and meat cattle numbers up in 2004-05, but winter crops down"; A[36]="By ... Editor"; Dn[36]="20060222"; Dt[36]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[36]="a07a25a27a57"; B1[36]="      Australia s sheep flock and meat cattle herd continued their recovery after the lows of 2003, but a drier winter saw some "; B2[36]="major crops fall from the previous year s high, according to latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)... "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      Australia's sheep flock and meat cattle herd continued their recovery after the lows of 2003, but a drier winter saw some major "; S2[36]=" crops fall from the previous year's high, according to latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
      Major findings from the "; S3[36]=" 2004-05 Agricultural Survey include: Livestock:
      * Sheep and lamb numbers rose slightly to 103 million head in 2004-05, up for the second "; S4[36]=" year after the low reached during the 2003 drought.
      * Meat cattle numbers rose slightly to 24.7 million head.
      "; S5[36]=" * Milk cattle numbers fell slightly to 3.0 million head.
     
      * Pig numbers were steady at 2.5 million "; S6[36]=" head.
      Crops:
      * Wheat production fell to 22.6 million tonnes in 2004-05, down by 13% from the big crop "; S7[36]=" of the previous year, with growers reporting dry conditions during the year.
      * Barley production fell to 7.7 million tonnes, down by "; S8[36]=" 26% from the record crop of the previous year.
      * Sugar cane for crushing production rose by 4% to 38.6 million tonnes.
"; S9[36]="      
      * Cotton lint production rose by 57% to 497,000 tonnes due to improved conditions in late 2004... "; R[37]="278"; T[37]="Victoria bracing for locust swarms"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20060222"; Dt[37]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[37]="a07a65a86"; B1[37]="      Locust swarms could hit Melbourne within weeks as Victoria, and its farmers, face the worst plague of the insects in 30 years..... "; B2[37]=" "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      Locust swarms could hit Melbourne within weeks as Victoria, and its farmers, face the worst plague of the insects in 30 years.
"; S2[37]="       Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron said on Thursday adult locusts could take wing within days and it was 'probable' some swarms would get "; S3[37]=" as far south as Melbourne over the summer.
      Farmers, locals councils and government workers have been spraying locust eggs and hatchlings in "; S4[37]=" the state's north, past Bendigo, including 170 kilometres of roadside.
      Nevertheless, large numbers have survived and are now forming into flying adults.
"; S5[37]="       'There will be a lot turning into adults in the next week and the week after,' Mr Cameron said.
      "; S6[37]=" 'Locusts can stay put when they've got plenty to eat, as is the situation in northern Victoria at the moment.
      'But more "; S7[37]=" often than not they move on.' Mr Cameron said the insects sometimes moved only a few kilometres within the area in which they hatched.
  "; S8[37]="     But they could also hitch a ride on strong northerly winds and fly hundreds of kilometres in a night.
      Because "; S9[37]=" of that, large numbers of locusts also forming in southern NSW around Deniliquin, posed a potential threat to Victoria as well.
      Government "; S10[37]=" workers are now preparing to aerial spray adult locusts.
      However, there are limitations to aerial spraying, which must be done away from "; S11[37]=" water courses and population centres.
      'That will reduce the number, but that's all it will do,' Mr Cameron said.
      "; S12[37]=" 'We still have the problem of swarms of locusts this summer.' There were already two 'smallish swarms' - covering up to 50 hectares - as "; S13[37]=" surviving adults began congregating in the Mitiamo area, he said.
      Several factors have combined to generate locusts in plague proportions this year.
"; S14[37]="       In late autumn, locusts came across the border from NSW, laying eggs in northern Victoria and then dying.
      After "; S15[37]=" a good winter and a warm spring, substantial numbers of locusts have now hatched - the most seen this early in the season for 30 "; S16[37]=" years.
      Several generations may lay eggs and die before next autumn under the right conditions.
      Locusts eat grass and "; S17[37]=" pasture, and can also attack the green base of stalks in cereal crops.
      In coming weeks, farmers and residents in regional centres, "; S18[37]=" and even Melbourne, will be keeping an anxious eye on the weather - as strong northerlies provide the final ingredient to a pestilence of locusts... "; R[38]="275"; T[38]="November cattle yardings lift"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20060222"; Dt[38]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[38]="a07a08a27"; B1[38]="      While cattle throughput at MLA s NLRS reported saleyards in the eastern states lifted during November (15% above October), numbers for the "; B2[38]="month were still at historically low levels... "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      While cattle throughput at MLA's NLRS reported saleyards in the eastern states lifted during November (15% above October), numbers for the month "; S2[38]=" were still at historically low levels.
      During November, eastern states cattle throughput totalled 204,586 head - 14% below the five-year average and "; S3[38]=" 19% below November 2004 levels.
      NSW recorded the largest percentage fall in numbers during November compared to the average for the past "; S4[38]=" five years, with throughput back 21%.
      Queensland throughput for the month was down 12% on the five-year average.
      However, "; S5[38]=" numbers were not as low in the southern regions, with SA offerings back 4% and Victorian supplies 10% below the five-year average.
      "; S6[38]=" Comparing throughput in November with the previous month, there was a substantial lift in numbers, which was largely expected, given the onset of seasonal young "; S7[38]=" cattle yardings in southern regions.
      In past years, producers have been very cautious to not sell too early, in order to take "; S8[38]=" advantage of the good supply of feed however, producers then tend to offload in earnest before the hot weather arrives in early summer.
    "; S9[38]="   Overall, eastern states throughput for November jumped 15% on October levels, with the southern states recording larger increases - SA numbers were up 35% "; S10[38]=" and Victorian offerings lifted 27%.
      Throughput in NSW lifted by 21%, while Queensland went against the trend, with numbers falling by 7%.
"; S11[38]="       Yardings remain at historically low levels, as producers continue to take advantage of the substantial rainfall and excellent pasture growth this spring.
"; S12[38]="       In Queensland, however, throughput continues to be even lower, due to the late rain restricting supplies... "; R[39]="272"; T[39]="Export markets for wheaten hay"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20060222"; Dt[39]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[39]="a02a07a08a22a24a72"; B1[39]="      Australian hay growers will benefit from new export opportunities as a result of a $10,000 innovation award to South Australian agricultural consultant "; B2[39]="Patrick Redden... "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      Australian hay growers will benefit from new export opportunities as a result of a $10,000 innovation award to South Australian agricultural consultant "; S2[39]=" Patrick Redden.
      The RIRDC-sponsored award was presented to Mr Redden for his project developing a specialised wheaten hay export industry.
    "; S3[39]="   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[39]=" 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[39]=" specialised hay type into their farming systems... "; R[40]="251"; T[40]="Colombians take a shine to Qld beef industry"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20060222"; Dt[40]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[40]="a05a07a08a27"; B1[40]="      Representatives of a Colombian agricultural consultancy group will return to Queensland next year to continue discussions on using some of the State "; B2[40]="s technology and products to enhance Colombia s beef industry... "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      Representatives of a Colombian agricultural consultancy group will return to Queensland next year to continue discussions on using some of the State's "; S2[40]=" technology and products to enhance Colombia's beef industry.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries trade development officer at Barcaldine, Morgan Gronold, said "; S3[40]=" representatives of the Colombian company Grupo Carnes had just finished a 21 - 27 October visit to southern and Central Queensland to investigate sourcing beef "; S4[40]=" industry products and services.
      Mr Gronold said the Colombians had visited five farms to talk about breeds and genetics with producers, and "; S5[40]=" attended seven industry meetings with private and government businesses to discuss cattle traceability systems that could be used in that country.
      He "; S6[40]=" said the Grupo Carnes representatives were keen to discuss in more detail joint venture and business opportunities with many of the Queensland businesses visited, and "; S7[40]=" planned to return in May.
      Mr Gronold said Grupo Carnes president Carlos Camargo had selected Queensland for the visit following representations from "; S8[40]=" a Queensland trade mission that spent time in Colombia and other South American countries early this year.
      'The Queensland attractions for the "; S9[40]=" Colombians are the quality of our tropical breeds, climatic similarities and the advanced production and traceability technologies we use,' Mr Gronold said.
      "; S10[40]=" Mr Gronold said Grupo Carnes wanted to establish national agricultural and livestock enterprises that supported socio-economic, agricultural and livestock projects in Colombia.
      "; S11[40]=" 'Their projects will work with all members of the beef industry supply chain, starting with the genetic development of herds, cattle production management, and feeding "; S12[40]=" through to slaughtering with the latest technology and hygiene.' He said the Colombians' visit had reinforced Queensland's high profile as a possible supplier of beef "; S13[40]=" products and services to the Colombia market.
      Mr Gronold said the return trip next May would take in Beef 2006 to further "; S14[40]=" showcase the quality of the Queensland industry to the Colombian visitors... "; R[41]="241"; T[41]="Average sorghum yield predicted"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20060222"; Dt[41]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[41]="a05a06a07a57a66a79"; B1[41]="      Soil water and the seasonal rainfall outlook indicate an overall average grain sorghum yield for the coming season..... "; B2[41]=" "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      Soil water and the seasonal rainfall outlook indicate an overall average grain sorghum yield for the coming season.
      Department "; S2[41]=" of Primary Industries and Fisheries crop modeller Andries Potgieter said the October Seasonal Crop Outlook for grain sorghum season indicates long-term median yields are likely "; S3[41]=" for Queensland and NSW crops, with considerable regional variation.
      Mr Potgieter said while the recent rain would boost soil water profiles and "; S4[41]=" planting opportunities, it only slightly improved the yield outlook this early in the season.
      He said most grain sorghum areas in South "; S5[41]=" Queensland and Northern NSW showed average to above average chances of exceeding the long-term median yield, while areas of Central Queensland and a few shires "; S6[41]=" in South Queensland had slightly below average chances of exceeding the long-term median yield.
      'At this very early stage of the season, "; S7[41]=" widespread rain is needed during the next couple of months to ensure good planting opportunities and improve the sorghum outlook across the entire north-eastern region,' "; S8[41]=" he said.
      'The likely range of yield outcomes is still very wide and will narrow considerably over the next few months as "; S9[41]=" the outlook is updated through the season,' Mr Potgieter said.
      He said the yield forecasts are based on the outputs of an "; S10[41]=" agro-climatic computer model that considers the Southern Oscillation Index phase at the end of October and up to 106 years of historical information to generate "; S11[41]=" a crop water stress value for each shire.
      Copies of the latest Seasonal Crop Outlook are available from the DPI&F website (www.dpi.qld.gov.au) "; S12[41]=" or by contacting the DPI&F Call Centre (13 25 23)... "; R[42]="240"; T[42]="Four oat varieties to be removed from the milling stack"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20060222"; Dt[42]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[42]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[42]="      The WA oat industry is working towards achieving a premium, internationally recognised oat stack..... "; B2[42]=" "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      The WA oat industry is working towards achieving a premium, internationally recognised oat stack.
      Since its inception, the Western "; S2[42]=" Oat Alliance has been reviewing varieties accepted into the segregation, fundamentally to enhance the integrity of quality to supply international demands.
      Western "; S3[42]=" 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[42]=" harvest.' 'The Western Oat Alliance has decided to remove Yilgarn, Murray, Toodyay and Euro from the milling segregation from 2006/07.
      These varieties "; S5[42]=" will still be accepted into the feed segregation,' Mr Marshall said.
      Western Oat Alliance members include milling oat marketers Quaker Oats and "; S6[42]=" AgraCorp who also fully endorse the decision to remove these varieties from the milling oat stack.
      Jason Craig, Marketing Manager at AgraCorp "; S7[42]=" 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[42]=" 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[42]=" segregation.
      This will also leave room for the possible inclusion of new dwarf varieties Kojonup and Possum which will undergo milling tests "; S10[42]=" in early 2006.
      Mr Marshall said Yilgarn, Murray, Toodyay and Euro combined only accounted for 5.3 per cent of the area sown "; S11[42]=" for delivery in 2004/05.
      In the milling segregation Carrolup accounted for 34 per cent and Pallinup 17 per cent with Wandering 16 "; S12[42]=" per cent and Dalyup 8 per cent being dominant varieties in the feed segregation.
      'By maintaining a premium oat stack, the WA "; S13[42]=" 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[42]="     The Western Oat Alliance will continue to monitor these changes over the next two years, while also closely monitoring the performance of new "; S15[42]=" dwarf milling varieties, particularly Kojonup which has seen grower interest already exceed seed supplies for 2006... "; R[43]="235"; T[43]="Solid platform for red meat industry growth"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20060222"; Dt[43]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[43]="a02a07a08a10a25a27"; B1[43]="      Meat & Livestock Australia s continued solid performance in the areas of marketing, research and development and market access have provided the "; B2[43]="red meat industry with a solid platform to tackle the challenges ahead, according to MLA s managing director Mark Spurr... "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      Meat & Livestock Australia's continued solid performance in the areas of marketing, research and development and market access have provided the red "; S2[43]=" meat industry with a solid platform to tackle the challenges ahead, according to MLA's managing director Mark Spurr.
      In his address to "; S3[43]=" 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[43]="     'MLA had a solid year which has provided a solid foundation that will allow the industry continued access to markets, the opportunity to "; S5[43]=" build demand in those markets and the ability to supply differentiated and competitive products to customers,' Mr Spurr said.
      'One of MLA's "; S6[43]=" 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[43]=" meal frequency by continuing to address attitudinal barriers to consumption,' Mr Spurr said.
      'In our international markets, our marketing programs will be "; S8[43]=" bolstered as we strive to maintain our share of north Asian markets and increase share in other markets.
      We will pilot category "; S9[43]=" management with major retailers, along with conducting product segmentation studies in the US and Japan to migrate product to higher value positions.
      "; S10[43]=" 'In relation to developing competitive advantage we will be increasing carcase value by developing low value cuts and co-products.
      We will also "; S11[43]=" ensure continued productivity improvements through programs such as Sheep Genetics Australia, which delivers robust analysis to improve genetics across the whole sheep industry.
    "; S12[43]="   '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[43]=" Organisation (WTO) negotiations.
      'MLA has worked together with all sectors of the industry, and we have laid a foundation for continued success "; S14[43]=" 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[43]=" a solid financial result during the past year and the continuation of effective corporate governance procedures, according to MLA managing director Mark Spurr.
    "; S16[43]="   'MLA members can feel very confident that their company is in great shape and is performing well,' Mr Spurr said.
      'There "; S17[43]=" 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[43]=" 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[43]=" 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[43]=" corporate governance and aligned our procedures with the Australian Stock Exchange's best practice principles.
      We also undertook a risk management assessment and.. "; R[44]="234"; T[44]="Red meat industry in solid shape for challenging times ahead"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20060222"; Dt[44]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[44]="a02a07a08a10a25a26a27"; B1[44]="      In his last address as Meat & Livestock Australia chairman David Crombie today congratulated the Australian red meat industry on its resilience "; B2[44]="and ability to continually meet customer demands, but warned against complacency in the face of the challenges that lie ahead... "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      In his last address as Meat & Livestock Australia chairman David Crombie today congratulated the Australian red meat industry on its resilience "; S2[44]=" and ability to continually meet customer demands, but warned against complacency in the face of the challenges that lie ahead.
      Addressing the "; S3[44]=" 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[44]=" the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the months and years ahead.
      'Our red meat and livestock industry is a mature "; S5[44]=" 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[44]="       'During the past 10 years, since MLA was formed, there have been remarkable gains in all of these areas and MLA has "; S7[44]=" played an important role in this.
      'In 1995 red meat production was valued at $7.84 billion.
      Today it is "; S8[44]=" worth $14.03 billion - an increase of 79 per cent - with this increase in value driven by both domestic and export markets.
    "; S9[44]="   '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[44]=" with an assured outcome.
      'Ten years ago there was a food safety cloud hanging over red meats .Now over 70 per cent "; S11[44]=" 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[44]=" 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[44]=" 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[44]=" Crombie said.
      'Our beef exports to Korea rose 48 per cent this year, reaching $524 million.
      This reflects a "; S15[44]=" 21 per cent increase in the volume of beef sent to this valuable market.
      'Domestic expenditure on lamb has grown by 70 "; S16[44]=" 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[44]=" 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[44]=" term viability and success by continuing to make improvements throughout the production chain.
      'We are facing a raft of real threats and "; S19[44]=" challenges in the months and years ahead - maybe more than we have ever encountered,' Mr Crombie said.
      'We cannot sit still "; S20[44]=" - 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[45]="232"; T[45]="MLA forum highlights R&D paths to sustained profitability"; A[45]="By ... Editor"; Dn[45]="20060222"; Dt[45]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[45]="a05a07a25a27"; B1[45]="      The key to improving the red meat industry s profitability and sustainability is by producing R&D outcomes that are available to producers "; B2[45]="in formats that are practical and easy to understand... "; B3[45]=" "; B4[45]=" "; B5[45]=" "; S1[45]="      The key to improving the red meat industry's profitability and sustainability is by producing R&D outcomes that are available to producers in "; S2[45]=" formats that are practical and easy to understand.
      This was the message from MLA Livestock Production Innovation general manager Dr Reuben Rose "; S3[45]=" at MLA's producer forum in Melbourne today.
      'We are working on improving reproduction rates, decreasing mortality, genetic gain and better use of "; S4[45]=" pasture and decreasing feed related costs,' Dr Rose said.
      'MLA has an extensive portfolio of R&D projects focused on improving the competitiveness "; S5[45]=" of Australian red meat producers - we are striving to deliver tangible solutions to our members.
      'MLA Prime Time initiatives in the "; S6[45]=" last few years have involved over 40 forums and workshops which engaged nearly 3,000 producers.
      Almost 90 per cent of producers indicated "; S7[45]=" that they would make changes to their business as a result of their attendance.' MLA's More Beef from Pastures initiative, which includes a 'plain English' "; S8[45]=" producer's manual has resulted in 120 workshops attended by over 4,394 producers.
      'In total, 8,000 producers attended MLA events, 1,125 producers were "; S9[45]=" engaged in trials, and 52,000 copies of MLA producer publications were distributed throughout Australia.' Dr Rose outlined MLA's R&D strategy to combat the complex sustainability "; S10[45]=" issues facing the industry, such as natural resource management and animal welfare.
      Dr Rose also warned producers that competitive pressures on livestock "; S11[45]=" businesses will continue to grow in the next few years.
      'I'd like to be able to tell you that it's going to "; S12[45]=" get easier but unfortunately it's not.
      Over the next few years, labour costs will rise and the price for our products will "; S13[45]=" be subject to many factors over which we have limited control,' Dr Rose said.
      'Continued productivity improvements, coupled with good environmental stewardship, "; S14[45]=" point the way to a challenging but rewarding future for those who are willing to tackle change.
      'We have to find ways "; S15[45]=" of applying new technologies to farming systems - to give us the right animals, the right plants, the right treatments and the right management.
  "; S16[45]="     It's about survival and future prosperity and having the tools to adapt to an increasingly competitive marketplace.'.. "; R[46]="231"; T[46]="Global issues and opportunities in year ahead"; A[46]="By ... Editor"; Dn[46]="20060222"; Dt[46]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[46]="a02a05a07a08a25a27a57"; B1[46]="      Australia is at the top of the price cycle for both sheepmeat and beef, and cattle prices in particular are predicted to "; B2[46]="ease in 2006 from their recent highs... "; B3[46]=" "; B4[46]=" "; B5[46]=" "; S1[46]="      Australia is at the top of the price cycle for both sheepmeat and beef, and cattle prices in particular are predicted to "; S2[46]=" ease in 2006 from their recent highs.
      This was the forecast from MLA Economic Planning and Market Services general manager Dr Peter "; S3[46]=" Barnard at MLA's producer forum in Melbourne today.
      'The industry has been travelling strongly, but prices will start slipping next year,' Dr "; S4[46]=" Barnard said.
      'The return of the US to global markets, a lift in US cattle production and the slowing of growth in "; S5[46]=" demand is set to force Australian cattle prices down over the next five to 10 years.
      'Also impacting the Australian cattle industry "; S6[46]=" will be the continued growth of Brazilian exports, which are currently limited by trade restrictions as a result of their FMD problems.
      "; S7[46]=" '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[46]=" 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[46]=" by MLA in key overseas markets.
      Mr Amoyal said that knowing what consumers want and being able to adjust to their changing "; S10[46]=" needs was the key to long-term sustainability.
      'Clearly the world for red meat is changing.
      Australia's competitors are circling "; S11[46]=" our customers and buyers are demanding more in terms of service, delivery, presentation, quality and value for money,' said Mr Amoyal.
      'MLA "; S12[46]=" 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[46]=" promoting our product.
      'MLA's goal is to seek, secure and defend markets that deliver sustained, profitable growth for Australian producers and we "; S14[46]=" 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[46]="       'The global consolidation and increasing sophistication of retailers has elevated their interest in meat retailing so the Australian industry has an opportunity "; S16[46]=" 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[46]="       'The category management approach seeks to develop a deeper relationship between suppliers and retailers, with the aim of increasing sales and improving "; S18[46]=" profitability.
      'We have already begun a pilot program in Korea with a global retail chain.
      Building this capability will "; S19[46]=" take time and commitment.
      'It is about process innovation and developing commercial key performance indicators and understanding the consumer all the way "; S20[46]=" back down the supply chain.
      Rewards can be significant for retailers, suppliers, the Australian red meat industry and indeed.. "; R[47]="223"; T[47]="Tropical fruit growing guide to boost industry"; A[47]="By ... Editor"; Dn[47]="20060222"; Dt[47]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[47]="a07a08a18a53"; B1[47]="      Queensland s tropical fruit industry received a boost this week with the launch of a grower s handbook for three emerging crops..... "; B2[47]=" "; B3[47]=" "; B4[47]=" "; B5[47]=" "; S1[47]="      Queensland's tropical fruit industry received a boost this week with the launch of a grower's handbook for three emerging crops.
    "; S2[47]="   The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries have published the handbook and an accompanying problem solver as a tool to assist growers (and prospective "; S3[47]=" growers) of durian, mangosteen and rambutan.
      'The handbook and problem solver give a realistic overview of the three industries and are a "; S4[47]=" great reference tool for existing and emerging growers,' coordinating author and DPI&F information extension officer Dr Patricia Chay said.
      'The problem solver "; S5[47]=" is designed as an illustrated, on-farm ready reference for growers to assist in the identification of pests, diseases, disorders and problems.' A number of DPI&F "; S6[47]=" staff and industry leaders had contributed to the publication, including DPI&F senior research scientist Yan Diczbalis, plant pathologist Lynton Vawdrey and entomologist David Astridge.
  "; S7[47]="     Dr Chay said the major commercial growing areas for durian, mangosteen and rambutan were in far north Queensland and the Northern Territory.
  "; S8[47]="     Rambutan was the biggest industry, currently valued at $4.3 million, with Queensland accounting for $3.6 million.
      Mangosteen is worth $610,000 "; S9[47]=" and durian $222,000.
      'Although these industries are currently quite small, with greater marketing and consumer awareness there is scope for development,' Dr "; S10[47]=" Chay said.
      'Many growers consider tropical fruits as part of a diversification plan on their properties, so rambutan or mangosteen are grown "; S11[47]=" alongside papaya, banana, flowers and other commodities.' The Tropical Fruits Growers Handbook and Tropical Fruits Problem Solver are available from the DPI&F South Johnstone on "; S12[47]=" 40 64 1179.
      The Handbook is $55 and the Problem Solver is $50.
      The project was made possible with "; S13[47]=" funding from the Australian Government's Rural Industries Research Development Corporation... "; R[48]="190"; T[48]="Differentiation the key to red meat marketing"; A[48]="By ... Editor"; Dn[48]="20060222"; Dt[48]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[48]="a07a08a27"; B1[48]="      The key to the success of future Australian red meat marketing campaigns both in Australia and around the world will be to "; B2[48]="continue a strategy of differentiation... "; B3[48]=" "; B4[48]=" "; B5[48]=" "; S1[48]="      The key to the success of future Australian red meat marketing campaigns both in Australia and around the world will be to "; S2[48]=" continue a strategy of differentiation.
      This strategy must involve maintaining Australia's clean, natural and safe image, improving supply chain efficiency and continually "; S3[48]=" migrating product to high value positions in markets.
      This was the message from Meat & Livestock Australia's managing director Mark Spurr in "; S4[48]=" his address to the NSW Farm Writers forum today in Sydney.
      Mr Spurr said Australia's red meat industry is currently in good "; S5[48]=" shape but warned against complacency in the face of challenges that lie ahead.
      'We need to use our current strong position to "; S6[48]=" nurture our significant competitive advantages of product integrity, safety and quality, whilst improving productivity and sustainability,' Mr Spurr said.
      'However, there are "; S7[48]=" significant challenges in the months and years ahead.
      The US is set to return to key Asian markets and there is the "; S8[48]=" looming challenge of competitor countries, like Brazil.
      'The key to success, especially in overseas markets, is differentiating our product offerings from our "; S9[48]=" competition.
      Along with industry, MLA has developed programs to enhance differentiation.
      'Our primary differentiation strategy must be to nurture "; S10[48]=" and develop our most significant competitive advantage, which is our clean, natural and safe image.
      'It is this image that has helped "; S11[48]=" the Australian red meat industry significantly boost sales domestically and in export markets.' Mr Spurr said another key point of differentiation revolved around the need "; S12[48]=" for the Australian red meat industry to continually improve supply chains.
      'MLA is undertaking an exciting global initiative that aims to strengthen "; S13[48]=" the relationships we have with retailers and better understand the expectations and needs of customers around the world.
      'The emergence of global "; S14[48]=" retailers provides exciting new opportunities for collaboration.
      We are looking to develop new innovative processes and move into developing closer relationships with "; S15[48]=" the retail sectors in key export markets.
      'This new approach is all about process innovation and developing commercial key performance indicators and "; S16[48]=" understanding the consumer all the way back down the supply chain.' Mr Spurr said that the current industry strength was a great springboard for capturing "; S17[48]=" future opportunities... "; R[49]="184"; T[49]="DPI&F forges links with Korea"; A[49]="By ... Editor"; Dn[49]="20060222"; Dt[49]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[49]="a07a08a33a63a85"; B1[49]="      A Korean agricultural scientist s recent visit to northQueensland will pave the way for greater sharing of information on pest and disease "; B2[49]="control methods... "; B3[49]=" "; B4[49]=" "; B5[49]=" "; S1[49]="      A Korean agricultural scientist's recent visit to northQueensland will pave the way for greater sharing of information on pest and disease control "; S2[49]=" methods.
      Mr Jin-Young Kim of Gyeonggi-Do Agricultural Research and Extension Services (GARES) learned more on how Queensland growers and researchers dealt with "; S3[49]=" pest and disease problems on their horticultural crops.
      At the same time the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries wants Queensland to "; S4[49]=" benefit from Korean know-how in the use of biological controls and the development of a disease forecasting system.
      The visit was in "; S5[49]=" the spirit of the new Sister State relationship between Queensland and the Korean province of Gyeonggi.
      Ayr-based DPI&F senior plant pathologist Dr "; S6[49]=" Chrys Akem, who accompanied Mr Kim on his northern tour, said the visit was an opportunity to identify and formalise areas for more collaboration between "; S7[49]=" agricultural scientists from both countries.
      While in the Burdekin, Mr Jin-Young visited Charlie DeDomenico's farm in Ayr with Dr Akem.
    "; S8[49]="   Mr DeDomenico discussed his strategies in coping with powdery mildew and downy mildew in capsicums and rockmelons.
      Mr Jin-Young said Korean "; S9[49]=" growers like Australian growers were keen to reduce the use of chemicals because this would reduce costs and be kinder to the environment.
    "; S10[49]="   Mr DeDomenico said growers were always looking for more effective and economical solutions to deal with their pest and disease problems.
      "; S11[49]=" He hoped the collaboration between Queensland and Gyeonggi province would identify techniques that could be investigated and adopted here.
      Dr Akem and "; S12[49]=" Mr Jin-Young visited other DPI&F centres and farms in the Burdekin, Bowen and Gumlu areas during the week.
      At the end of "; S13[49]=" the visit Mr Jin-Young and Dr Akem discussed ways GARES could collaborate with DPI&F in researching more environmentally friendly approaches to manage the common diseases "; S14[49]=" of cucurbits.
      'One likely area of collaboration would be the use of biological control agents in managing powdery mildew on cucurbits,' Dr "; S15[49]=" Akem said.
      'The Korean scientists at GARES have identified and tested a number of biological control agents which are showing good control "; S16[49]=" of powdery mildew under glasshouse production conditions.
      'Another area of potential benefit could be the development of a disease forecasting system to "; S17[49]=" more effectively manage the mildews on cucurbits under Australian production conditions.
      'Korean scientists have expertise in developing these systems and are using "; S18[49]=" them to reduce fungicide spray applications in their productions systems.' Dr Akem said these collaborative proposals could be achieved through a recent Horticulture Australia Limited-funded "; S19[49]=" project on the management of powdery mildews on cucurbits, in which DPI&F is working with the University of Sydney.
      The relationship was "; S20[49]=" established by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between GARES and DPI&F two years ago when the first exchange visits between the two institutions.. ";