R[0]="354"; T[0]="2005 a record year for Aussie lamb exports"; A[0]="By ... Editor"; Dn[0]="20060222"; Dt[0]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[0]="a08a25"; B1[0]="      It seems that it s not only Aussies who love their lamb, but also Americans, Japanese and Chinese, with the latest export "; B2[0]="figures showing all-time record lamb exports to each of these overseas markets during 2005... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]="      It seems that it's not only Aussies who love their lamb, but also Americans, Japanese and Chinese, with the latest export figures "; S2[0]=" showing all-time record lamb exports to each of these overseas markets during 2005.
      Total export demand for Australian lamb jumped sharply during "; S3[0]=" 2005 to record levels, with total export value up an estimated 25 per cent, to a record $800 million and volumes also rising by 25 "; S4[0]=" per cent, to a record 140,000 tonnes.
      The US, Australia's biggest market for lamb, took nearly 41,000 tonnes of lamb during 2005 "; S5[0]=" - a 27 per cent increase on the year before.
      Importantly, the value of Australian lamb exports to the US also rose "; S6[0]=" - they were worth an estimated $310 million in 2005, up from $250 million the year before.
      MLA chairman Don Heatley said "; S7[0]=" the US is an important market for Australian lamb and despite the latest record export figures it still has potential to grow.
      "; S8[0]=" 'The potential for lamb in the US remains exciting.
      MLA, with the use of lamb industry levies, continues to explore new ways "; S9[0]=" to increase retail exposure and sales of Australian lamb,' Mr Heatley said.
      'Our strategy to increase consumption of Aussie lamb in the "; S10[0]=" US is based on four key elements - attracting a younger consumer making lamb an everyday meal providing greater availability at retail and offering better "; S11[0]=" value at foodservice.
      We believe if we can succeed in these four key areas demand for our product will grow.' The US "; S12[0]=" is Australia's largest lamb market, taking 32 per cent of total lamb volumes shipped in 2005.
      It is also one of the "; S13[0]=" highest priced, accounting for 43 per cent of total lamb export value.
      Sheepmeat Council of Australia president Ian Feldtmann said the broad "; S14[0]=" range of countries increasing their imports of Australian lamb was very encouraging for the industry.
      'With a number of countries taking record "; S15[0]=" volumes of Australian lamb, the challenge now lies with our industry to meet this demand in the years ahead, and I'm confident we can,' Mr "; S16[0]=" Feldtmann said.
      'MLA has marketing strategies in place in all of our key markets to help build demand, but these strategies need "; S17[0]=" to be complemented by supply and product consistency.
      The Australian industry needs to continue to step up and supply the type of "; S18[0]=" product and the volumes required in the key export markets.' Lamb exports to Japan rose by 51 per cent in 2005 to a record of "; S19[0]=" nearly 11,000 tonnes, making it one of Australia's most exciting export markets for lamb.
      The rise was aided by the opening of "; S20[0]=" 'Genghis Khan' or 'Mongolian Lamb' restaurants across Japan and lamb's appearance in key retail chains.
      Lamb exports to China.. "; R[1]="343"; T[1]="New soybean for Queensland"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20060222"; Dt[1]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[1]="a02a08a19a21a81"; B1[1]="      Queensland sugarcane farmers have been given a valuable rotational crop, thanks to a new CSIRO Plant Industry-bred soybean variety..... "; B2[1]=" "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      Queensland sugarcane farmers have been given a valuable rotational crop, thanks to a new CSIRO Plant Industry-bred soybean variety.
      "; S2[1]=" A new CSIRO Plant Industry-bred soybean variety, 'Stuart', will give Queensland sugarcane farmers a valuable rotational crop.
      Soybean crops can both break "; S3[1]=" the disease cycle and add nitrogen to the soil for following crops.
      It can also be sown as either a grain or "; S4[1]=" green manure crop.
      Developed by CSIRO Plant Industry's Dr Andrew James, Stuart is broadly adapted to planting in both the wet and "; S5[1]=" dry season in the tropics and from South East Queensland through to North Queensland.
      'Stuart is particularly useful in these areas because "; S6[1]=" of its nematode resistance,' Dr James says.
      'It is much more resistant to most root nematodes than other soybean varieties.
    "; S7[1]="   'It also has resistance to rusts, bacterial pustule, bacterial blight, downy mildew and purple seed stain,' Dr James says.
      'No symptoms "; S8[1]=" of virus have been noted in Stuart crops or seed.' The new variety also has a light-coloured hilum (a mark on the grain where it "; S9[1]=" joins the plant), making its grain suitable for some human consumption markets.
      Dr Russell Muchow, Executive Director of the Sugar Research and "; S10[1]=" Development Corporation (SRDC), says that the SRDC was pleased to support the research which led to the release of Stuart.
      'Including soybean "; S11[1]=" in sugarcane farming systems leads to increased cane productivity and industry profitability,' Dr Muchow says... "; R[2]="342"; T[2]="A better bunch for the new millennium"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20060222"; Dt[2]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[2]="a08a13a18a81"; B1[2]="      Going on sale in Western Australia later this month is a new CSIRO-bred table grape variety..... "; B2[2]=" "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      Going on sale in Western Australia later this month is a new CSIRO-bred table grape variety.
      A new CSIRO-bred "; S2[2]=" table grape variety will go on sale in Western Australia later this month.
      Millennium Muscat is a golden, seeded, early-maturing table grape "; S3[2]=" with a distinctive aromatic muscat flavour.
      Muscat grapes are highly regarded for their flavour and are ideal for the cheese platter.
  "; S4[2]="     According to CSIRO Plant Industry's Peter Clingeleffer, the new variety has impressed both consumers and growers with its muscat flavour, translucent golden berries "; S5[2]=" and excellent vineyard performance.
      He says its ability to mature earlier than most other similar varieties also gives growers a distinct marketing "; S6[2]=" advantage.
      'The variety has been evaluated in trials in Western Australia and Queensland since 2000 and in Victoria since 2003 and has "; S7[2]=" produced good yields of top quality fruit,' Mr Clingeleffer says.
      'In WA it is the Carnarvon region's earliest ripening white variety, being "; S8[2]=" harvested from mid-November to early December.' The WA Department of Agriculture's Ian Cameron says the variety's good performance has led to high demand from growers "; S9[2]=" in the region.
      'Nearly 4000 vines were reworked to Millennium Muscat in 2004-05,' Mr Cameron says.
      'A further 8000 "; S10[2]=" vines have been ordered.
      The demand for vines is expected to increase even further after the first significant crop reaches markets this "; S11[2]=" month through the licensed WA agent, Key Produce Pty Ltd.' The new variety is the first to be released by the Table Grapes For The "; S12[2]=" New Millennium project.
      It has been bred by CSIRO Plant Industry with the support of voluntary contributions from the table grape industry, "; S13[2]=" with matching funds from Horticulture Australia Limited and with assistance from the Western Australian Department of Agriculture, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and the "; S14[2]=" Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines.
      Vines are only available to growers who have made voluntary contributions to the "; S15[2]=" project since its inception in 1998.
      A second new variety from this project - a black, early maturing seedless variety which was "; S16[2]=" released to the industry in October 2005 - is expected to be on sale in Australia in early 2007... "; R[3]="339"; T[3]="Fruit fly threatens NSW citrus"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20060222"; Dt[3]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[3]="a08a18a86"; B1[3]="      Southern New South Wales citrus growers are facing major economic losses after an outbreak of Queensland fruit fly..... "; B2[3]=" "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      Southern New South Wales citrus growers are facing major economic losses after an outbreak of Queensland fruit fly.
      The "; S2[3]=" flies were found in a backyard near Griffith in the Riverina, and a 15 kilometre quarantine zone has been imposed.
      Nil Snaidero "; S3[3]=" from the area's Fruit Fly Campaign Committee, says the latest find is an enormous setback.
      'It's untold, it's millions and millions of "; S4[3]=" dollars, it really is millions and millions of dollars, particularly the citrus industry,' he said.
      'It's really struggling under the impact of "; S5[3]=" imported fruit and not to be able to export or having to export under the load of the extra costs is really very, very damaging "; S6[3]=" to the industry.'.. "; R[4]="333"; T[4]="Sanctuary move on ocean waters"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20060222"; Dt[4]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[4]="a04a08a42a88"; B1[4]="      The first extensive system of marine sanctuaries in waters of Australia s south-east is set to be announced, ending long delays to "; B2[4]="a key plank of the Federal Government s oceans policy... "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      The first extensive system of marine sanctuaries in waters of Australia's south-east is set to be announced, ending long delays to a "; S2[4]=" key plank of the Federal Government's oceans policy.
      The marine protected areas will cover large tracts of different ecosystems, from South Australia "; S3[4]=" through Bass Strait to the NSW border, and around Tasmania.
      They will limit some fisheries that provide fish to Melbourne and Sydney, "; S4[4]=" but should have little impact on boating and the oil and gas industry.
      The MPAs will be between the three nautical mile "; S5[4]=" limit of state coastal waters and the 200 nautical mile limit of Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone.
      They are being drawn from 11 "; S6[4]=" existing 'broad areas of interest' and cover 381,000 square-kilometres of ocean.
      As recently as October, the planning process governing them was criticised "; S7[4]=" as ineffectual and slow by the Australia Institute.
      But the pace changed with the Government's $220 million fisheries adjustment package announced last "; S8[4]=" month, allowing commercial fishers to be bought out of overfished waters, and the complementary MPAs to be declared.
      Fisheries groups, in negotiations "; S9[4]=" for years over the MPAs, said the Department of Environment and Heritage suddenly took over the process.
      'We are now completely in "; S10[4]=" the dark in this matter,' Neil Stump, president of the Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council, said.
      'We are going to be the last "; S11[4]=" crowd to know.
      It's totally ludicrous.' The Australian Marine Conservation Society said the challenge for the Federal Government was to ensure two-thirds "; S12[4]=" of each MPA consisted of 'no-take' zones, where fishing was prohibited.
      'The industrial fishing vessels of Australia's south-east have been given virtual "; S13[4]=" free reign to exploit every last corner of the region,' said Craig Bohm, AMCS national fisheries campaigner.
      'Fish simply have nowhere left "; S14[4]=" to hide.
      Without large MPAs and significant fishery closures, Australia's fisheries will never be sustainable.' The Tasmanian Conservation Trust's Alistair Graham said "; S15[4]=" the fisheries package provided a once-only chance to get the MPAs right.
      Details are expected to be announced soon by Environment Minister "; S16[4]=" Ian Campbell... "; R[5]="321"; T[5]="Southern Rock Lobster Industry to direct its own destiny"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20060222"; Dt[5]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[5]="a07a08a34a87a88"; B1[5]="      A single dedicated organisation responsible for coordinating all research and development for the Southern Rocklobster industry is the aim of a new "; B2[5]="$2.5 million agreement signed today in Melbourne... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      A single dedicated organisation responsible for coordinating all research and development for the Southern Rocklobster industry is the aim of a new "; S2[5]=" $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[5]=" dollar southern rock lobster industry.
      The Southern Rocklobster industry will contribute $250,000 for five years towards research and development opportunities which the "; S4[5]=" Australian Government, via the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, will match.
      Roger Cotton Independent Chairman for Southern Rocklobster Limited said, 'The establishment "; S5[5]=" 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[5]=" 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[5]=" 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[5]=" complacent, and we need to address new and emerging issues to remain profitable.
      This agreement will allow the Southern Rocklobster Industry to "; S9[5]=" address these issues much more efficiently,' Mr Cotton said.
      Mr Cotton said 'Southern Rocklobster Limited is grateful for the support they had "; S10[5]=" 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[5]=" Primary Industries Victoria, and looked forward to a long and fruitful relationship'.
      'It will also develop links with programs at the regional, "; S12[5]=" State and national level to ensure they incorporate an overall national focus,' he said.
      Mr Cotton said 'Southern Rocklobster Limited is grateful "; S13[5]=" 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[5]=" Water and Environment and looked forward to a long and fruitful relationship with both departments'.
      The agreement was signed on the 13th "; S15[5]=" of December... "; R[6]="314"; T[6]="New name for kangaroo meat"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20060222"; Dt[6]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[6]="a07a08a10a27a31"; B1[6]="      Australians could soon be chucking a piece of australus on the barbecue if the new name for a slice of kangaroo makes "; B2[6]="it more appealing to diners sensitive about eating the national symbol... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      Australians could soon be chucking a piece of 'australus' on the barbecue if the new name for a slice of kangaroo makes "; S2[6]=" it more appealing to diners sensitive about eating the national symbol.
      Inspired by the fact that slices of cow or pig on "; S3[6]=" 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[6]=" name for cute kangaroos.
      It was won by US citizen Steven West, who came up with the name 'australus' while working at "; S5[6]=" an hotel school near Sydney.
      The editor of Food Companion International, which ran the competition, said 'australus' sounded dignified and linked the "; S6[6]=" meat with the home of the kangaroo.
      'The new name may be a huge breakthrough for the kangaroo meat industry,' Mel Nathan "; S7[6]=" said.
      Among the 2700 rejected entries submitted by people in 41 nations were kangasaurus, kangarly, marsupan, jumpmeat and MOM (Meat of Marsupials).
"; S8[6]="       'There is nothing more comforting than a mother,' said Californian Greg Richardson of his MOM entry.
      'In order to "; S9[6]=" 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[6]=" 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[6]=" it up in sausages.
      But Australians have been reluctant to eat an animal so closely linked to the national identity - and "; S12[6]=" 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[6]="       The national quota for culling kangaroos in 2005 was 3.9 million animals, a number described by some wildlife activists as a cruel "; S14[6]=" slaughter but defended by the industry as necessary to keep down booming populations.
      The executive officer of the Kangaroo Industry Association of "; S15[6]=" 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[6]=" stage... "; R[7]="304"; T[7]="Producers explore sheepmeat and wool options and opportunities"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20060222"; Dt[7]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[7]="a02a08a25"; B1[7]="      About 50 sheep producers attended wool and sheepmeat marketing forums in south-east and southern inland Queensland last week to hear top-level speakers "; B2[7]="discuss sheepmeat and wool marketing opportunities... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      About 50 sheep producers attended wool and sheepmeat marketing forums in south-east and southern inland Queensland last week to hear top-level speakers "; S2[7]=" discuss sheepmeat and wool marketing opportunities.
      The forums were organised by Leading Sheep, which is an innovative grassroots project that is bringing "; S3[7]=" new technologies, information and skills to Queensland producers with the aim of increasing the profitability and productivity of the industry.
      The Leading "; S4[7]=" Sheep project is an Australian Wool Innovation Limited initiative in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and supported by AgForce.
    "; S5[7]="   Successful wool marketer, Eric Hutchinson from Roberts Ltd in Tasmania, told producers at the Goondiwindi (November 17) and St George (November 18) forums about "; S6[7]=" opportunities to market the Queensland clip in the same way Tasmanian wool is being marketed as a 'brand'.
      Mr Hutchinson said industry "; S7[7]=" needed to establish a brand identity that could be marketed to retailers with a justifiable value proposition and then actively manage the supply chain route.
"; S8[7]="       He said the wool auction system served as a clearing house at the lowest possible price and the wool chain served as "; S9[7]=" a transactional pipeline unless owners of the wool took control.
      'Producers can hold ownership of wool further down the pipeline if they "; S10[7]=" source volumes of wool then secure orders for garments or tops to get the ball rolling,' Mr Hutchinson said.
      At the Goondiwindi "; S11[7]=" forum, Sam Gill from Sheep Genetics Australia discussed selecting Merinos for wool and meat traits and having a breeding objective consistent with market demand.
  "; S12[7]="     Mr Gill said that genetic effects are cumulative and the investment is permanent, but the genetic potential of sheep flocks is maximised by "; S13[7]=" producers successfully managing the feed and husbandry required to bring out the best in them.
      Department of Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries "; S14[7]=" senior extension officer Lloyd Dunlop told St George producers that despite perceptions to the contrary, sheep have consistently outperformed cattle in gross margin terms in "; S15[7]=" recent years.
      Mr Dunlop said all sheep enterprises from prime lambs to pure Merinos and new breeds have routinely generated better gross "; S16[7]=" margins per dry sheep equivalent (DSE) than cattle... "; R[8]="302"; T[8]="Environmentally friendly spray treatments"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20060222"; Dt[8]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[8]="a02a03a08a24a42a86"; B1[8]="      A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries bean research project at Gympie has achieved good yields in trials using fewer more environmentally "; B2[8]="friendly spray applications which helped maintain beneficial insect populations... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries bean research project at Gympie has achieved good yields in trials using fewer more environmentally "; S2[8]=" friendly spray applications which helped maintain beneficial insect populations.
      DPI&F entomologist John Duff said the bean field day was held to mark "; S3[8]=" the end of trials at Martin Wilson's Lagoon Pocket property which were studying best management practices to reduce chemical sprays, promote beneficial insect populations and "; S4[8]=" most importantly, ensure good yields.
      He said Queensland produces about 40 percent of Australia's $60 million bean production with significant annual cropping "; S5[8]=" in Cooloola Shire.
      'DPI&F researchers were able to advise about 40 field day participants that using more environmentally friendly spray treatments that "; S6[8]=" have minimal impact on beneficial insects led to good bean yields and significant savings in spray treatments, grower labour and machinery operating costs,' Mr Duff "; S7[8]=" said.
      He said the trials found that applying 'Confidor' insecticide with seed during planting ensured bean plants were given early protection from "; S8[8]=" insect pests such as bean fly and silverleaf whitefly while control of jassid bugs was also good.
      'We found that the best "; S9[8]=" management option (BMO) trial maintained yields and provided good beneficial insect populations.
      'This was achieved through the use of both softer chemical "; S10[8]=" sprays and reduced spray applications, compared to bean crops which were given standard grower treatments including in the latest crop up to four applications of "; S11[8]=" insecticides plus several fungicide applications for rust control,' Mr Duff said.
      The field day was halted when a severe storm which cut "; S12[8]=" a swathe through the Mary Valley devastated sections of Mr Wilson's crop in the midst of harvesting... "; R[9]="297"; T[9]="India looks to Kaspa to meet field pea demand"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20060222"; Dt[9]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[9]="a08a19a24a81"; B1[9]="      Western Australia s burgeoning field pea industry is looking to India as a key market to absorb the increasing production of Kaspa "; B2[9]="dun field peas... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      Western Australia's burgeoning field pea industry is looking to India as a key market to absorb the increasing production of Kaspa dun "; S2[9]=" field peas.
      Department of Agriculture pulse extension officer Ian Pritchard said the rapid rise of field pea production in Western Australia was "; S3[9]=" unlikely to cause an oversupply or impact on prices.
      Mr Pritchard said the Department's analysis of field pea markets showed the extra "; S4[9]=" production of about 150,000 tonnes by 2007 could easily be absorbed by the market, with good prospects in India.
      'The Department of "; S5[9]=" Agriculture and Pulse WA recently promoted Kaspa to the Indian pulse trading community at the National Pulses Conference in New Delhi,' Mr Pritchard said.
  "; S6[9]="     'Samples of WA-grown Kaspa and information booklets were provided to more than 550 conference delegates including traders, brokers, processors, researchers, inspection and certification "; S7[9]=" agencies, farmers and Government officials.' Mr Pritchard said more than 70 per cent of India's 1.1 billion population was vegetarian and pulses were a major "; S8[9]=" commodity.
      India currently imports about 2 million tonnes of field peas and this was expected to increase as demand further outstripped India's "; S9[9]=" production capability.
      He said greater production of Kaspa duns represented good opportunities for WA field peas to displace other exporters of field "; S10[9]=" peas in the Indian market.
      'Through the WA trade office display at New Delhi, we received excellent feedback on Kaspa,' Mr Pritchard "; S11[9]=" said.
      'The preliminary reaction was that Kaspa dun pea had better colour, uniform size, quicker cooking times requiring less energy and higher "; S12[9]=" split yields than the conventional Australian dun peas.
      'Existing dun importers have generally welcomed the new Kaspa dun pea, and one Government-owned "; S13[9]=" trader has already expressed interest in bulk imports of Kaspa once exports became available for stock and sale.' Mr Pritchard said Canada was the largest "; S14[9]=" producer of field peas and their production, together with demand in India, generally set the price.
      He said Canada's production could vary "; S15[9]=" each year by up to 1.1 million tonnes.
      Western Australia's additional production of 150,000 tonnes was not expected to impact on price "; S16[9]=" given the large production variations that already occurred... "; R[10]="275"; T[10]="November cattle yardings lift"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20060222"; Dt[10]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[10]="a07a08a27"; B1[10]="      While cattle throughput at MLA s NLRS reported saleyards in the eastern states lifted during November (15% above October), numbers for the "; B2[10]="month were still at historically low levels... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      While cattle throughput at MLA's NLRS reported saleyards in the eastern states lifted during November (15% above October), numbers for the month "; S2[10]=" were still at historically low levels.
      During November, eastern states cattle throughput totalled 204,586 head - 14% below the five-year average and "; S3[10]=" 19% below November 2004 levels.
      NSW recorded the largest percentage fall in numbers during November compared to the average for the past "; S4[10]=" five years, with throughput back 21%.
      Queensland throughput for the month was down 12% on the five-year average.
      However, "; S5[10]=" numbers were not as low in the southern regions, with SA offerings back 4% and Victorian supplies 10% below the five-year average.
      "; S6[10]=" 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[10]=" cattle yardings in southern regions.
      In past years, producers have been very cautious to not sell too early, in order to take "; S8[10]=" advantage of the good supply of feed however, producers then tend to offload in earnest before the hot weather arrives in early summer.
    "; S9[10]="   Overall, eastern states throughput for November jumped 15% on October levels, with the southern states recording larger increases - SA numbers were up 35% "; S10[10]=" and Victorian offerings lifted 27%.
      Throughput in NSW lifted by 21%, while Queensland went against the trend, with numbers falling by 7%.
"; S11[10]="       Yardings remain at historically low levels, as producers continue to take advantage of the substantial rainfall and excellent pasture growth this spring.
"; S12[10]="       In Queensland, however, throughput continues to be even lower, due to the late rain restricting supplies... "; R[11]="274"; T[11]="Emerging Animal and Plant Enterprises"; A[11]="By ... E RIRDC Publication No 05/154"; Dn[11]="20060222"; Dt[11]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[11]="a05a08a09a55a81a93"; B1[11]="      The Australian food industry uses an increasingly diverse range of plant and animal products.
      While the key characteristics of "; B2[11]="traditional agricultural production in Australia are well documented, there is a vast array of agricultural commodities produced in Australia for which there is relatively little "; B3[11]="public information... "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      The Australian food industry uses an increasingly diverse range of plant and animal products.
      While the key characteristics of "; S2[11]=" traditional agricultural production in Australia are well documented, there is a vast array of agricultural commodities produced in Australia for which there is relatively little "; S3[11]=" public information.
      The purpose in this project is to help address this gap in the availability of public information on the less "; S4[11]=" well-documented industries.
      The report is targeted at industry and government interests in improving productivity, trade and R&D for new animal and plant "; S5[11]=" species.
      The existence of public information on prospective agricultural industries is important.
      New and emerging industries have a key "; S6[11]=" role in providing growers with the ability to spread risk through diversification, thereby offering regional resilience.
      They can also confer regional distinctiveness "; S7[11]=" - such as tropical fruits in Far North Queensland.
      The lack of reliable statistics about emerging industries can hamper their development.
  "; S8[11]="     The availability of information can significantly influence the availability of commercial funds because lenders and potential investors require access to reliable statistics.
  "; S9[11]="     Only when statistics exist can effective policies be developed for the emerging agricultural industries, such as in targeting research and development and in "; S10[11]=" promotion activities.
      Emerging industries are often difficult to identify, particularly during their early development phase.
      Some are not necessarily "; S11[11]=" producing new products.
      For example, goats have been farmed for milk for centuries, and have been in Australia since first settlement by "; S12[11]=" Europeans.
      However, with recent initiatives to establish an organised industry, it could be classified as an emerging food industry.
      "; S13[11]=" Other foods, such as wasabi and rambutan, are new to Australia, while others (such as crocodiles and bush foods) are indigenous to Australia but unfamiliar "; S14[11]=" to the food market.
      Official statistics produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics are an important source of information but do not "; S15[11]=" cover a range of agricultural commodities produced in Australia.
      While there are other sources of information on emerging industries, these are often "; S16[11]=" difficult to access and to establish comparable, robust statistics on the industries.
      With increasing diversity of animal and plant production as producers "; S17[11]=" seek to diversify away from traditional crops and livestock, there is an ongoing challenge to ensure that these products are incorporated in rural statistics.
  "; S18[11]="     Many of these emerging industries in Australia produce a diverse range of products.
      For example, goat industries can produce meat, "; S19[11]=" fibres, milk, leather and a range of other by-products.
      RIRDC classifies around 80 different agricultural commodities as coming from emerging industries.
  "; S20[11]="     Information on these emerging agricultural industries and new products from existing industries is highly valued by.. "; R[12]="272"; T[12]="Export markets for wheaten hay"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20060222"; Dt[12]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[12]="a02a07a08a22a24a72"; B1[12]="      Australian hay growers will benefit from new export opportunities as a result of a $10,000 innovation award to South Australian agricultural consultant "; B2[12]="Patrick Redden... "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      Australian hay growers will benefit from new export opportunities as a result of a $10,000 innovation award to South Australian agricultural consultant "; S2[12]=" Patrick Redden.
      The RIRDC-sponsored award was presented to Mr Redden for his project developing a specialised wheaten hay export industry.
    "; S3[12]="   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[12]=" 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[12]=" specialised hay type into their farming systems... "; R[13]="267"; T[13]="Hot grading - better grading more quickly and cheaply"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20060222"; Dt[13]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[13]="a02a08a25a27"; B1[13]="      Results released today by Meat Standards Australia (MSA) have shown a number of productivity and cost saving benefits as a result of "; B2[13]="meat processing plants taking on the new hot grading method of carcase grading... "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      Results released today by Meat Standards Australia (MSA) have shown a number of productivity and cost saving benefits as a result of "; S2[13]=" meat processing plants taking on the new 'hot grading' method of carcase grading.
      The results were from the Brisbane-based Australian Country Choice "; S3[13]=" (ACC) meat processing plant, the first company to implement the hot grading process.
      Hot grading is the latest initiative of MSA, which "; S4[13]=" is a beef grading program that labels beef with a guaranteed grade and recommended cooking method to identify beef eating quality according to consumers' perceptions.
"; S5[13]="       Hot grading allows carcases to be partially graded on the slaughter floor instead of wholly in the chiller.
      Processors "; S6[13]=" who are using the hot grading method are saving time with data collection, reducing labour costs and increasing their carcase grading output.
      "; S7[13]=" MSA Manager Cameron Dart said to date there are six processing plants in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia at various stages of implementing "; S8[13]=" the hot grading process.
      'This development is the next step for the MSA program - it offers processors a greater choice of "; S9[13]=" options to grade guaranteed eating quality beef, in a way which suits their enterprise,' Mr Dart said.
      'Results from ACC, the first "; S10[13]=" approved hot grading site, indicated grading cost savings that averaged around 14 per cent for each carcase graded.
      'This is what MSA "; S11[13]=" R&D is all about - to explore ways of reducing costs throughout the supply chain while still maintaining guaranteed eating quality beef for consumers.' ACC "; S12[13]=" CEO David Foote said his company was constantly looking at improving their manufacturing process to identify and implement cost reductions without negatively impacting on quality "; S13[13]=" parameters.
      'By applying the hot grading method we have been able to further improve our competitive advantage by reducing our operating costs "; S14[13]=" for grading, but importantly we've maintained detailed carcase quality feedback to our Colestock producers for their continuous livestock production improvement programs,' Mr Foote said.
  "; S15[13]="     'ACC uses MSA technology as one of our key tools to measure and assist in quality control and quality assurances to maintain the "; S16[13]=" required consistent quality of beef products to our customers every time.' Grading numbers remain strong since the introduction of MSA in 1999 when only 83,500 "; S17[13]=" cattle were graded.
      This year it is forecast an additional 80,000 cattle will be graded - an increase of 25 per cent "; S18[13]=" from 2004-05 to a total of over 780,000 head.
      'MSA is contributing to consumer confidence in beef quality and strong domestic demand.
"; S19[13]="       The hot grading method is the next step in the evolution of beef grading in Australia,' Mr Dart said... "; R[14]="258"; T[14]="Loophole Threatens Victorian Abalone Industry"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20060222"; Dt[14]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[14]="a08a34a87a88"; B1[14]="      Minister Responsible for Fisheries Bob Cameron has today again urged the Federal Government to close a loophole allowing the export of illegally "; B2[14]="caught Victorian abalone... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      Minister Responsible for Fisheries Bob Cameron has today again urged the Federal Government to close a loophole allowing the export of illegally "; S2[14]=" caught Victorian abalone.
      Mr Cameron said there was evidence of organised criminals using passenger luggage limits to ship illegally caught abalone out "; S3[14]=" of Australia.
      'Victoria first brought this to the attention of the Federal Government in 2001.
      In 2003, the Federal "; S4[14]=" Government promised an abalone conference in Melbourne that it would act to close the loophole - but the Victorian industry is still waiting,' Mr Cameron "; S5[14]=" said.
      'The Federal Government allows up to 10 kilograms of wet abalone to be taken out of Australia by tourists without the "; S6[14]=" need to verify it was caught legally.
      'Some criminals are using individual members of organised tour groups to each carry the legal "; S7[14]=" limit of wet abalone when leaving Australia.
      The abalone is then collected at the destination.
      'The Federal Government needs "; S8[14]=" to end this illegal trade and protect this precious resource as they promised.
      'Victoria is part of the world's last remaining viable "; S9[14]=" wild abalone fishery - but continued illegal activity would threaten its future.
      'In order to protect the sustainability of the Victorian fishery, "; S10[14]=" the Bracks Government has taken measures to crack down on illegal activity.' These measures include: ' Establishing an indictable offence for trafficking abalone (with a "; S11[14]=" maximum penalty of 10 years jail or $120,000) ' New search and arrest powers for Fisheries Officers ' A 30 per cent increase in the "; S12[14]=" number of Fisheries Officers ' New regulations to help protect vulnerable inshore recreational reefs from illegal poaching activity and ' A Statewide 24-hour hotline to "; S13[14]=" report illegal fishing activity.
      Mr Cameron said the abalone industry was Victoria's most lucrative commercial fishery with exports worth more than $80 "; S14[14]=" million last year... "; R[15]="251"; T[15]="Colombians take a shine to Qld beef industry"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20060222"; Dt[15]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[15]="a05a07a08a27"; B1[15]="      Representatives of a Colombian agricultural consultancy group will return to Queensland next year to continue discussions on using some of the State "; B2[15]="s technology and products to enhance Colombia s beef industry... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      Representatives of a Colombian agricultural consultancy group will return to Queensland next year to continue discussions on using some of the State's "; S2[15]=" technology and products to enhance Colombia's beef industry.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries trade development officer at Barcaldine, Morgan Gronold, said "; S3[15]=" 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[15]=" industry products and services.
      Mr Gronold said the Colombians had visited five farms to talk about breeds and genetics with producers, and "; S5[15]=" attended seven industry meetings with private and government businesses to discuss cattle traceability systems that could be used in that country.
      He "; S6[15]=" 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[15]=" planned to return in May.
      Mr Gronold said Grupo Carnes president Carlos Camargo had selected Queensland for the visit following representations from "; S8[15]=" a Queensland trade mission that spent time in Colombia and other South American countries early this year.
      'The Queensland attractions for the "; S9[15]=" Colombians are the quality of our tropical breeds, climatic similarities and the advanced production and traceability technologies we use,' Mr Gronold said.
      "; S10[15]=" Mr Gronold said Grupo Carnes wanted to establish national agricultural and livestock enterprises that supported socio-economic, agricultural and livestock projects in Colombia.
      "; S11[15]=" '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[15]=" 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[15]=" products and services to the Colombia market.
      Mr Gronold said the return trip next May would take in Beef 2006 to further "; S14[15]=" showcase the quality of the Queensland industry to the Colombian visitors... "; R[16]="245"; T[16]="Orange import breach inquiry"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20060222"; Dt[16]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[16]="a05a08a18a33a85"; B1[16]="      Coles Supermarkets is being investigated for a potential breach of state quarantine regulations by importing oranges from Queensland to sell in its "; B2[16]="Riverland stores... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      Coles Supermarkets is being investigated for a potential breach of state quarantine regulations by importing oranges from Queensland to sell in its "; S2[16]=" Riverland stores.
      The breach is in contravention of a quarantine ban outlawing the importation of citrus following the citrus canker outbreak at "; S3[16]=" Emerald in Queensland in July 2004.
      South Australian Fruit and Plant Protection Act legislation provides a maximum penalty for offending companies of "; S4[16]=" $20,000.
      The Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA confirmed last night that it was investigating a potential quarantine breach.
    "; S5[16]="   It is understood that another supermarket company was also selling Queensland oranges in the Riverland several months ago, but agreed to stop.
  "; S6[16]="     Citrus Reform Association spokesman Ron Gray said the news was extremely disappointing.
      'It indicates the need for a watchdog, a "; S7[16]=" mandatory code of conduct and rules for the supermarket industry,' he said.
      South Australian Farmers Federation horticulture chairman John Mundy said the "; S8[16]=" concentration of market power was one of the major problems facing the industry.
      Mr Mundy said supermarkets were buying more offshore, decreasing "; S9[16]=" the number of items in each category, using more own brands and stocking fewer food brands (and more non-food items).
      Minister "; S10[16]=" for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Rory McEwen has defended the state Food Plan against criticism from industry leaders.Mr McEwen maintained the industry could still achieve "; S11[16]=" the Government's ambitious target of reaching the $15 billion Food Plan target by 2010 'if everything goes right'.
      He said the main "; S12[16]=" reason the industry had failed to achieve the desired level of growth was a 42 per cent drop in the value of the state's grain "; S13[16]=" crop last year and three poor crops in a row.
      'There is as much optimism in the Food Scorecard as there are "; S14[16]=" challenges,' he said.
      'The scorecard has to be put in context of what we're doing.' Mr McEwen said the Government could not "; S15[16]=" control weather and exchange rates.
      A Coles Supermarkets spokesman yesterday declined to comment... "; R[17]="243"; T[17]="Research tackles the working end of plants"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20060222"; Dt[17]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[17]="a05a08a09a55a81a93"; B1[17]="      Research that centres on the working end of wheat plants is likely to provide vital information in the quest for higher yielding "; B2[17]="varieties better matched to cropping systems in the northern region... "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      Research that centres on the working end of wheat plants is likely to provide vital information in the quest for higher yielding "; S2[17]=" varieties better matched to cropping systems in the northern region.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries plant physiologists Jack Christopher and Ahmad "; S3[17]=" Manschadi are examining plant traits that contribute to stay-green, a characteristic linked to added drought tolerance in a range of crops.
      Dr "; S4[17]=" Christopher said stay-green lines are able to maintain green leaves longer during the critical grain-filling phase under drought conditions.
      He said part "; S5[17]=" of the trial involved comparing the differences in root systems between the industry standard variety Hartog with a known drought tolerant line Seri, a product "; S6[17]=" of the Mexican based CIMMYT breeding program.
      He said he and Dr Manschadi wanted to find whether there is a link between "; S7[17]=" root systems and stay-green.
      'This work is part of a new GRDC-funded project, Matching roots to cropping systems in the northern region, "; S8[17]=" that builds on a wider DPI&F effort to find high yielding winter cereals for the north,' Dr Christopher said.
      Dr Manschadi said "; S9[17]=" Seri and Hartog have different root systems.
      'Hartog has roots with a more lateral spread than Seri.
      The roots "; S10[17]=" of Seri are more evenly distributed vertically and are able to extract more moisture from a given soil volume,' he said.
      Dr "; S11[17]=" Christopher said Seri yielded more than Hartog in water-limited conditions because of the stay-green trait.
      They had found that Seri was able "; S12[17]=" to translocate more carbon to each plant spike, contributing to the development of heavier grain and higher yields.
      'Hartog loses chlorophyll more "; S13[17]=" rapidly during grain filling and matures earlier than Seri,' he said.
      'Grain development continues for longer in Seri than Hartog.' Dr Christopher "; S14[17]=" said the research so far showed stay-green is associated with the higher yields of Seri.
      'We're now finding the physiological reasons for "; S15[17]=" the stay-green trait in winter cereals.
      'This information will be passed to breeders to develop high yielding, drought tolerant crop varieties better "; S16[17]=" matched to the northern cropping region,' he said... "; R[18]="235"; T[18]="Solid platform for red meat industry growth"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20060222"; Dt[18]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[18]="a02a07a08a10a25a27"; B1[18]="      Meat & Livestock Australia s continued solid performance in the areas of marketing, research and development and market access have provided the "; B2[18]="red meat industry with a solid platform to tackle the challenges ahead, according to MLA s managing director Mark Spurr... "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      Meat & Livestock Australia's continued solid performance in the areas of marketing, research and development and market access have provided the red "; S2[18]=" meat industry with a solid platform to tackle the challenges ahead, according to MLA's managing director Mark Spurr.
      In his address to "; S3[18]=" 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[18]="     'MLA had a solid year which has provided a solid foundation that will allow the industry continued access to markets, the opportunity to "; S5[18]=" build demand in those markets and the ability to supply differentiated and competitive products to customers,' Mr Spurr said.
      'One of MLA's "; S6[18]=" 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[18]=" meal frequency by continuing to address attitudinal barriers to consumption,' Mr Spurr said.
      'In our international markets, our marketing programs will be "; S8[18]=" bolstered as we strive to maintain our share of north Asian markets and increase share in other markets.
      We will pilot category "; S9[18]=" management with major retailers, along with conducting product segmentation studies in the US and Japan to migrate product to higher value positions.
      "; S10[18]=" 'In relation to developing competitive advantage we will be increasing carcase value by developing low value cuts and co-products.
      We will also "; S11[18]=" ensure continued productivity improvements through programs such as Sheep Genetics Australia, which delivers robust analysis to improve genetics across the whole sheep industry.
    "; S12[18]="   '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[18]=" Organisation (WTO) negotiations.
      'MLA has worked together with all sectors of the industry, and we have laid a foundation for continued success "; S14[18]=" 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[18]=" a solid financial result during the past year and the continuation of effective corporate governance procedures, according to MLA managing director Mark Spurr.
    "; S16[18]="   'MLA members can feel very confident that their company is in great shape and is performing well,' Mr Spurr said.
      'There "; S17[18]=" 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[18]=" 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[18]=" 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[18]=" corporate governance and aligned our procedures with the Australian Stock Exchange's best practice principles.
      We also undertook a risk management assessment and.. "; R[19]="234"; T[19]="Red meat industry in solid shape for challenging times ahead"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20060222"; Dt[19]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[19]="a02a07a08a10a25a26a27"; B1[19]="      In his last address as Meat & Livestock Australia chairman David Crombie today congratulated the Australian red meat industry on its resilience "; B2[19]="and ability to continually meet customer demands, but warned against complacency in the face of the challenges that lie ahead... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      In his last address as Meat & Livestock Australia chairman David Crombie today congratulated the Australian red meat industry on its resilience "; S2[19]=" and ability to continually meet customer demands, but warned against complacency in the face of the challenges that lie ahead.
      Addressing the "; S3[19]=" 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[19]=" the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the months and years ahead.
      'Our red meat and livestock industry is a mature "; S5[19]=" 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[19]="       'During the past 10 years, since MLA was formed, there have been remarkable gains in all of these areas and MLA has "; S7[19]=" played an important role in this.
      'In 1995 red meat production was valued at $7.84 billion.
      Today it is "; S8[19]=" worth $14.03 billion - an increase of 79 per cent - with this increase in value driven by both domestic and export markets.
    "; S9[19]="   '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[19]=" with an assured outcome.
      'Ten years ago there was a food safety cloud hanging over red meats .Now over 70 per cent "; S11[19]=" 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[19]=" 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[19]=" 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[19]=" Crombie said.
      'Our beef exports to Korea rose 48 per cent this year, reaching $524 million.
      This reflects a "; S15[19]=" 21 per cent increase in the volume of beef sent to this valuable market.
      'Domestic expenditure on lamb has grown by 70 "; S16[19]=" 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[19]=" 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[19]=" term viability and success by continuing to make improvements throughout the production chain.
      'We are facing a raft of real threats and "; S19[19]=" challenges in the months and years ahead - maybe more than we have ever encountered,' Mr Crombie said.
      'We cannot sit still "; S20[19]=" - 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[20]="231"; T[20]="Global issues and opportunities in year ahead"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20060222"; Dt[20]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[20]="a02a05a07a08a25a27a57"; B1[20]="      Australia is at the top of the price cycle for both sheepmeat and beef, and cattle prices in particular are predicted to "; B2[20]="ease in 2006 from their recent highs... "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      Australia is at the top of the price cycle for both sheepmeat and beef, and cattle prices in particular are predicted to "; S2[20]=" ease in 2006 from their recent highs.
      This was the forecast from MLA Economic Planning and Market Services general manager Dr Peter "; S3[20]=" Barnard at MLA's producer forum in Melbourne today.
      'The industry has been travelling strongly, but prices will start slipping next year,' Dr "; S4[20]=" Barnard said.
      'The return of the US to global markets, a lift in US cattle production and the slowing of growth in "; S5[20]=" demand is set to force Australian cattle prices down over the next five to 10 years.
      'Also impacting the Australian cattle industry "; S6[20]=" will be the continued growth of Brazilian exports, which are currently limited by trade restrictions as a result of their FMD problems.
      "; S7[20]=" '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[20]=" 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[20]=" by MLA in key overseas markets.
      Mr Amoyal said that knowing what consumers want and being able to adjust to their changing "; S10[20]=" needs was the key to long-term sustainability.
      'Clearly the world for red meat is changing.
      Australia's competitors are circling "; S11[20]=" our customers and buyers are demanding more in terms of service, delivery, presentation, quality and value for money,' said Mr Amoyal.
      'MLA "; S12[20]=" 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[20]=" promoting our product.
      'MLA's goal is to seek, secure and defend markets that deliver sustained, profitable growth for Australian producers and we "; S14[20]=" 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[20]="       'The global consolidation and increasing sophistication of retailers has elevated their interest in meat retailing so the Australian industry has an opportunity "; S16[20]=" 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[20]="       'The category management approach seeks to develop a deeper relationship between suppliers and retailers, with the aim of increasing sales and improving "; S18[20]=" profitability.
      'We have already begun a pilot program in Korea with a global retail chain.
      Building this capability will "; S19[20]=" take time and commitment.
      'It is about process innovation and developing commercial key performance indicators and understanding the consumer all the way "; S20[20]=" back down the supply chain.
      Rewards can be significant for retailers, suppliers, the Australian red meat industry and indeed.. "; R[21]="223"; T[21]="Tropical fruit growing guide to boost industry"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20060222"; Dt[21]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[21]="a07a08a18a53"; B1[21]="      Queensland s tropical fruit industry received a boost this week with the launch of a grower s handbook for three emerging crops..... "; B2[21]=" "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      Queensland's tropical fruit industry received a boost this week with the launch of a grower's handbook for three emerging crops.
    "; S2[21]="   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[21]=" growers) of durian, mangosteen and rambutan.
      'The handbook and problem solver give a realistic overview of the three industries and are a "; S4[21]=" great reference tool for existing and emerging growers,' coordinating author and DPI&F information extension officer Dr Patricia Chay said.
      'The problem solver "; S5[21]=" 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[21]=" 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[21]="     Dr Chay said the major commercial growing areas for durian, mangosteen and rambutan were in far north Queensland and the Northern Territory.
  "; S8[21]="     Rambutan was the biggest industry, currently valued at $4.3 million, with Queensland accounting for $3.6 million.
      Mangosteen is worth $610,000 "; S9[21]=" and durian $222,000.
      'Although these industries are currently quite small, with greater marketing and consumer awareness there is scope for development,' Dr "; S10[21]=" Chay said.
      'Many growers consider tropical fruits as part of a diversification plan on their properties, so rambutan or mangosteen are grown "; S11[21]=" 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[21]=" 40 64 1179.
      The Handbook is $55 and the Problem Solver is $50.
      The project was made possible with "; S13[21]=" funding from the Australian Government's Rural Industries Research Development Corporation... "; R[22]="221"; T[22]="Mareeba Shire now a quarantine area for mango leafhopper"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20060222"; Dt[22]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[22]="a08a18a86"; B1[22]="      The newly-declared Pest Quarantine Area (PQA) for Mareeba Shire aims to slow the spread of the recently-detected pest, mango leafhopper..... "; B2[22]=" "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      The newly-declared Pest Quarantine Area (PQA) for Mareeba Shire aims to slow the spread of the recently-detected pest, mango leafhopper.
    "; S2[22]="   Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior scientist Bonny Vogelzang said the movement controls applied to mango plants --other than the fruit of the "; S3[22]=" plants and any stems attached to the fruit - that were being moved from a location within 5kms of detections in the PQA.
    "; S4[22]="   DPI&F found mango leafhopper (Idioscopus clypealis) in Mareeba during routine surveillance on the Atherton Tablelands in September.
      'The gross value of "; S5[22]=" mango production inQueensland this season is expected to be $60 million, so it is important for the community to support these control measures,' Ms Vogelzang "; S6[22]=" said.
      'Until the detection, isolated areas of Cape York Peninsula were the only parts of Australia where the pest had been found.
"; S7[22]="       'Mango leafhopper is known to affect mango plants and feeds on the leaves and flower panicles.
      'The pest damages "; S8[22]=" flower panicles and causes reduced fruit set through its feeding activities.
      'Mango leaf hopper has been present in the Northern Territory for "; S9[22]=" several years, but can be readily managed through good commercial production practices, including some targeted insecticide applications during the flowering period.' The Inspector's Approval allows "; S10[22]=" movement of mango plants from within 5kms of a detection site to another location within or outside the PQA, provided the plants have been subjected "; S11[22]=" to an approved insecticide treatment regime before being moved.
      Information about the required treatments should be obtained from DPI&F.
      "; S12[22]=" Records of these chemical treatments must be kept in a spray register.
      'No restrictions apply to movement of mango plants from outside "; S13[22]=" the 5km zone in the PQA, or from other parts of the Atherton Tableland,' Ms Vogelzang said.
      'It should be noted that "; S14[22]=" if plants are moved into the 5km zone from outside, they will be subject to the insecticide treatment requirement before movement to another location in "; S15[22]=" or out of the PQA.
      It is a breach of Queensland law to move plants within or from the 5km zone without "; S16[22]=" applying the appropriate chemical treatments.' DPI&F staff will enforce the movement controls and penalties will apply for non-compliance with these requirements.
      For "; S17[22]=" more information on the movement restrictions for mango plants or on mango leafhopper in general, please contact the DPI&F in Peters St, Mareeba, or the "; S18[22]=" DPI&F Call Centre on 13 25 23 for the cost of a local call, or visit the DPI&F website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
      The "; S19[22]=" DPI&F thanks the residents of Mareeba Shire and Atherton Tablelands for their cooperation during the survey and for their compliance with the requirements for mango "; S20[22]=" plant movement restrictions.
      .. "; R[23]="214"; T[23]="Seafood exports will grow to $2bn"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20060222"; Dt[23]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[23]="a08a09a10a87a88"; B1[23]="      The value of the South Australian seafood industry could quadruple to $2 billion annually by 2015, a new report predicts..... "; B2[23]=" "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      The value of the South Australian seafood industry could quadruple to $2 billion annually by 2015, a new report predicts.
    "; S2[23]="   Released yesterday by the state's Seafood Council, the plan shows the industry has significant room to expand interstate and into international export markets, with "; S3[23]=" its current value worth about $500 million.
      Seafood Council (SA) manager - industry development Roger Edwards said seven key sectors, including the "; S4[23]=" rock lobster, oyster and prawn sectors, were involved in the 10-year plan.
      The local market is not expected to be affected by "; S5[23]=" the plan as it targets interstate and overseas markets.
      Mr Edwards said it was the first industry plan of its type for "; S6[23]=" the state's with individual sectors working together.
      Up to 150 direct and indirect jobs have been forecast in the next five years.
"; S7[23]="       'By working together, it is going to develop market opportunities for different species for very little extra cost,' Mr Edwards said.
  "; S8[23]="     'We are looking to position our industry at the very top end of the marketplace.
      'Sectors will be working "; S9[23]=" on the quality of their product, and guaranteeing this to their buyers.' Agriculture Minister Rory McEwen said the $2 billion target was achievable.
    "; S10[23]="   'This is not about competing with each other, it's about collaborating, and you've got to set a challenging target to work towards,' Mr McEwen "; S11[23]=" said.
      'We are not going to be catching more fish, we are already at sustainable limits.
      'The real challenge "; S12[23]=" is to take the fish further up the value chain.
      We can do this with innovative new ways to market products.' Sectors "; S13[23]=" not directly involved with the plan include abalone, tuna, and kingfish.
      Mr Edwards said various sectors were at 'different stages of maturity' "; S14[23]=" and those not in the plan 'may have different priorities'... "; R[24]="209"; T[24]="Champions of the little guy"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20060222"; Dt[24]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[24]="a08a13"; B1[24]="      Andrew Beaven and Jill Bauer aimed to champion the state s smaller wine brands when they set up a distribution business three "; B2[24]="years ago... "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      Andrew Beaven and Jill Bauer aimed to champion the state's smaller wine brands when they set up a distribution business three years "; S2[24]=" ago.
      Their firm, Wine Solutions Australia, now represents about 12 wine companies across the nation, including five South Australian brands.Mr Beaven said "; S3[24]=" both he and Ms Bauer believed there was an opportunity to represent small brands that were being pushed out of the marketplace by the larger "; S4[24]=" companies.
      'We had the desire to champion some of the smaller brands,' he said.'We set about putting a portfolio together and that "; S5[24]=" actually happened very quickly.
      'We discovered there were a lot of small wine producers that were not getting distribution support and that "; S6[24]=" is really what our business is - wholesale distribution.' Wine Solutions Australia's five core brands include Pirramimma, Di Giorgio, Penna Lane, Dutschke, and Murdoch Hill.
"; S7[24]="       The company employs four staff.
      Mr Beaven said his long-term strategy for the business was not to let it "; S8[24]=" grow in size, but instead to represent its existing brands successfully through a tough time in the wine market.
      'At the moment "; S9[24]=" there is an oversupply of good wine,' he said.
      'It is very competitive and we have to make sure that we "; S10[24]=" work our way through the next couple of years in a sensible and solid way.
      There are now 2000 wine companies in "; S11[24]=" Australia where (20 years ago) there was 200, so you can imagine the competitiveness that is there.
      'This provides some incredibly good "; S12[24]=" opportunities for the consumer because they can seek out and try new wines from a growing list of small to medium-sized wine companies.
    "; S13[24]="   With that in mind, we have a real restaurant focus to establish the brands we are selling and from there the retail sales will "; S14[24]=" grow as customers start seeking out those products.' Mr Beaven said the business had also created a new brand with its partner wineries called Tindindi, "; S15[24]=" which it exports to the U.S... "; R[25]="207"; T[25]="Wine image tarnished"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20060222"; Dt[25]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[25]="a08a13"; B1[25]="      Surplus-driven discounting had eroded the image of Australian wine internationally, the managing director of Foster s Wine estates, Jamie O Dell, said "; B2[25]="yesterday... "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      Surplus-driven discounting had eroded the image of Australian wine internationally, the managing director of Foster's Wine estates, Jamie O'Dell, said yesterday.
  "; S2[25]="     Calling for the industry to develop a more premium image worldwide, Mr O'Dell, questioned whether Australian wine had been 'too cheap and cheerful "; S3[25]=" and most of all too plentiful for its own good'.
      Oversupply was a worldwide phenomenon, he told the annual Australian Winegrape Conference "; S4[25]=" in Mildura.
      Australia could no longer reply on being good value for money in the popular premium categories in its major markets, "; S5[25]=" Britain and the United States.
      'Our competitors are catching up on quality at the everyday price level and we have got to "; S6[25]=" graduate consumers around the world to higher prices Australia wines,' he said.
      The industry had to work together and with its retail "; S7[25]=" partners throughout the world to 'open consumer's eyes to the right diversity of our regional wines', he said.
      He questioned whether "; S8[25]=" the discounting and emphasis on popular premium wines was playing into the hands of Australia's French competitors who had accused Australia of being 'industrial wine' "; S9[25]=" producers.
      Mr O'Dell said that 89 per cent of Australian wines in the US sold for between $6 and $8 a bottle "; S10[25]=" compared with 22 per cent of US-produced wine.
      But the US market was looking increasingly healthy with strongest growth in the $15 "; S11[25]=" and above category where Australian wines held less than 0.5 per cent of the category.
      In Britain, Australia was taking market share "; S12[25]=" from France but was losing share to New Zealand, California and Chile.
      The conference was given a warning about the domestic market.
"; S13[25]="       Cleanskin wines would pose a major challenge within the next two to three years as supplies diminished, Michael Walton, AC Nielson ScanTrack "; S14[25]=" Liquor director, said.
      Mr Walton said that promotion of cleanskins eroding value.
      'Are we expecting our consumers to "; S15[25]=" magically trade up back from $8 to $16 when we've told them for the last two to three years they should not be buying $16 "; S16[25]=" wines but should be paying $8?' he asked.
      Despite volume growth of 4.2 per cent in wine during the past 12 months, "; S17[25]=" marginal price compression and, more significantly trading down by consumers, resulted in total value growing by only 1.7 per cent.
      Mr Walton "; S18[25]=" said that while the total volume of cleanskins being sold was not yet known, each stand-alone liquor store or store attached to a hotel was "; S19[25]=" selling an average of 11.8 nine-litre cases of cleanskins a week -- the equivalent of a trailer load... "; R[26]="191"; T[26]="Goat producers meeting to capitalise on export potential"; A[26]="By ... Editor"; Dn[26]="20060222"; Dt[26]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[26]="a08a80"; B1[26]="      As global demand for goat meat escalates, Queensland producers are being urged to come together to ensure local, high quality product finds "; B2[26]="it way on to the plates of international consumers... "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      As global demand for goat meat escalates, Queensland producers are being urged to come together to ensure local, high quality product finds "; S2[26]=" it way on to the plates of international consumers.
      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is urging major boer goat and "; S3[26]=" fat tail sheep producers to attend a special forum that will strengthen the current supply chain.
      The meeting will be held at "; S4[26]=" the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, River Boulevard , Oonoonba, Townsville, on November 14 from 10.30am.
      'At the moment, the industry "; S5[26]=" is not big enough or coordinated enough to meet the orders of major overseas countries,' DPI&F trade and investment officer Vic O'Keefe said.
    "; S6[26]="   'There's no doubt that the meat we produce is extremely high quality and that Queensland 's international reputation as having a clean and healthy "; S7[26]=" product gives us a competitive advantage.
      'But what we need to do is get producers working together to address issues such as "; S8[26]=" herd management, production levels, the specifications that markets require and transport so we can meet the enormous potential of the industry.' Mr O'Keefe said goat "; S9[26]=" meat was an alternative to beef and lamb in many countries of the world, as well as being a traditional food for many people.
  "; S10[26]="     'While goat meat may not be the first choice for a Sunday roast in Australia, in many other countries of the world it's "; S11[26]=" commonplace to eat goat meat three or four times a week.
      'With demand increasing every year, our producers are well placed to "; S12[26]=" make goat meat a multi-million dollar export industry,' Mr O'Keefe said.
      To confirm attendance for the meeting, contact DPI&F Townsville on 47 "; S13[26]=" 222 688... "; R[27]="190"; T[27]="Differentiation the key to red meat marketing"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20060222"; Dt[27]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[27]="a07a08a27"; B1[27]="      The key to the success of future Australian red meat marketing campaigns both in Australia and around the world will be to "; B2[27]="continue a strategy of differentiation... "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      The key to the success of future Australian red meat marketing campaigns both in Australia and around the world will be to "; S2[27]=" continue a strategy of differentiation.
      This strategy must involve maintaining Australia's clean, natural and safe image, improving supply chain efficiency and continually "; S3[27]=" migrating product to high value positions in markets.
      This was the message from Meat & Livestock Australia's managing director Mark Spurr in "; S4[27]=" his address to the NSW Farm Writers forum today in Sydney.
      Mr Spurr said Australia's red meat industry is currently in good "; S5[27]=" shape but warned against complacency in the face of challenges that lie ahead.
      'We need to use our current strong position to "; S6[27]=" nurture our significant competitive advantages of product integrity, safety and quality, whilst improving productivity and sustainability,' Mr Spurr said.
      'However, there are "; S7[27]=" significant challenges in the months and years ahead.
      The US is set to return to key Asian markets and there is the "; S8[27]=" looming challenge of competitor countries, like Brazil.
      'The key to success, especially in overseas markets, is differentiating our product offerings from our "; S9[27]=" competition.
      Along with industry, MLA has developed programs to enhance differentiation.
      'Our primary differentiation strategy must be to nurture "; S10[27]=" and develop our most significant competitive advantage, which is our clean, natural and safe image.
      'It is this image that has helped "; S11[27]=" 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[27]=" for the Australian red meat industry to continually improve supply chains.
      'MLA is undertaking an exciting global initiative that aims to strengthen "; S13[27]=" the relationships we have with retailers and better understand the expectations and needs of customers around the world.
      'The emergence of global "; S14[27]=" retailers provides exciting new opportunities for collaboration.
      We are looking to develop new innovative processes and move into developing closer relationships with "; S15[27]=" the retail sectors in key export markets.
      'This new approach is all about process innovation and developing commercial key performance indicators and "; S16[27]=" 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[27]=" future opportunities... "; R[28]="184"; T[28]="DPI&F forges links with Korea"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20060222"; Dt[28]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[28]="a07a08a33a63a85"; B1[28]="      A Korean agricultural scientist s recent visit to northQueensland will pave the way for greater sharing of information on pest and disease "; B2[28]="control methods... "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      A Korean agricultural scientist's recent visit to northQueensland will pave the way for greater sharing of information on pest and disease control "; S2[28]=" 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[28]=" pest and disease problems on their horticultural crops.
      At the same time the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries wants Queensland to "; S4[28]=" benefit from Korean know-how in the use of biological controls and the development of a disease forecasting system.
      The visit was in "; S5[28]=" 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[28]=" 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[28]=" agricultural scientists from both countries.
      While in the Burdekin, Mr Jin-Young visited Charlie DeDomenico's farm in Ayr with Dr Akem.
    "; S8[28]="   Mr DeDomenico discussed his strategies in coping with powdery mildew and downy mildew in capsicums and rockmelons.
      Mr Jin-Young said Korean "; S9[28]=" growers like Australian growers were keen to reduce the use of chemicals because this would reduce costs and be kinder to the environment.
    "; S10[28]="   Mr DeDomenico said growers were always looking for more effective and economical solutions to deal with their pest and disease problems.
      "; S11[28]=" He hoped the collaboration between Queensland and Gyeonggi province would identify techniques that could be investigated and adopted here.
      Dr Akem and "; S12[28]=" 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[28]=" 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[28]=" of cucurbits.
      'One likely area of collaboration would be the use of biological control agents in managing powdery mildew on cucurbits,' Dr "; S15[28]=" Akem said.
      'The Korean scientists at GARES have identified and tested a number of biological control agents which are showing good control "; S16[28]=" of powdery mildew under glasshouse production conditions.
      'Another area of potential benefit could be the development of a disease forecasting system to "; S17[28]=" more effectively manage the mildews on cucurbits under Australian production conditions.
      'Korean scientists have expertise in developing these systems and are using "; S18[28]=" 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[28]=" project on the management of powdery mildews on cucurbits, in which DPI&F is working with the University of Sydney.
      The relationship was "; S20[28]=" 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.. "; R[29]="146"; T[29]="Growing Indonesian opportunities for Australia s live export market"; A[29]="By ... Editor"; Dn[29]="20060222"; Dt[29]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[29]="a08a10a27"; B1[29]="      The Indonesian live export market has enormous potential to expand significantly and the opportunities exist for Australia s cattle producers to take "; B2[29]="advantage of this, according to Dicky Adiwoso managing director of one of Indonesia s largest live import companies PT Agro Giri Perkasa... "; B3[29]=" "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      The Indonesian live export market has enormous potential to expand significantly and the opportunities exist for Australia's cattle producers to take advantage "; S2[29]=" of this, according to Dicky Adiwoso managing director of one of Indonesia's largest live import companies PT Agro Giri Perkasa.
      Mr Adiwoso "; S3[29]=" will be a keynote speaker at the MLA/LiveCorp Livestock Export Forum being held in Darwin on Wednesday 12 October.
      Mr Adiwoso, who "; S4[29]=" is a partner of Consolidated Pastoral Company in Indonesia, has been involved in the Australian/Indonesian feedlot industry for over 15 years.
      Mr "; S5[29]=" Adiwoso said Australia is perfectly placed to take advantage of Indonesia's growing demand for feedlot cattle.
      'With the world's fourth largest population "; S6[29]=" and well over 50 per cent of national red meat demand having to be imported, Australian producers have a lot to gain by targeting this "; S7[29]=" market,' Mr Adiwoso said.
      As ex-Chairman and current Board member of Apfindo (Indonesia's Feedlotters' Association) and part-owner of a 10,000 head feedlot "; S8[29]=" in Indonesia, Mr Adiwoso will share his in-depth knowledge of one of Australia's most important live export markets, identifying future trends and the range of "; S9[29]=" opportunities available to producers in the South East Asian region.
      Indonesia remained the dominant market for Australian live cattle exports in 2004/5, "; S10[29]=" taking 56 per cent of all exports, up from 50 per cent in 2003 and only 19 per cent in 1999.
      Key "; S11[29]=" industry players, including representatives from some of Australia's largest live export companies, will be attending the forum.
      MLA Chairman David Crombie, MLA "; S12[29]=" Deputy Chairman Don Heatley and LiveCorp Chairman Roly Nieper will also be attending.
      Participants will be given the opportunity to ask questions "; S13[29]=" in an open panel session, to be chaired by Peter Lewis of ABC's Landline.
      Registration for the forum can be made calling "; S14[29]=" MLA on (02) 9463 9254.
      The forum is being held at the Crowne Plaza Darwin between 9.30am and 12.30pm, followed by a "; S15[29]=" free BBQ lunch.
      The LiveCorp AGM will follow the forum, beginning at 1.30pm... "; R[30]="142"; T[30]="Producing Capers in Australia Viability Study"; A[30]="By ... RIRDC 05/132"; Dn[30]="20060222"; Dt[30]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[30]="a01a08a09a17a93"; B1[30]="      The value of an Australian Caper Industry to regional Australia has been examined in this study..... "; B2[30]=" "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      The value of an Australian Caper Industry to regional Australia has been examined in this study.
      The issues examined "; S2[30]=" include: the introduction of an alternative crop for areas (including arid, low rainfall areas) that may be unsuited to conventional crops, significant new opportunities for "; S3[30]=" employment in regional areas, potential to farm in an environmentally sound manner, export potential, import replacement in a market that is currently entirely supplied from "; S4[30]=" overseas and consequently increased consumer choice to purchase healthier, tastier alternatives.
      Capers have an established and growing market both locally and overseas "; S5[30]=" and are integral to the Australian trend towards Mediterranean diets.
      As well as giving consumers an alternative to imported products, fresher, firmer, "; S6[30]=" high quality, locally produced capers provide an opportunity for product innovation and further value adding by the food manufacturing industry.
      Australian capers "; S7[30]=" are attractive to a niche 'foodie' market supportive of regional produce and seeking quality and flavour but will not have a mass market until the "; S8[30]=" price can be reduced to compete with cheaper imports.
      An overseas export market may exist and recently Asia has been increasing olive "; S9[30]=" oil imports assuming by extension that there may be a market for other Mediterranean produce.
      Capers can be farmed in an environmentally "; S10[30]=" sustainable system drawing on its unique qualities.
      Typical of a desert plant, capers love heat, grow in poor nutrient soils, require few "; S11[30]=" inputs (water, fertilizer, chemicals), handle high salinity and they appear quite resistant to pests and disease.
      Initial marketing initiatives have produced a "; S12[30]=" great response.
      The website is generating many enquiries.
      Feedback from food personalities and well known chefs sampling Australian caper "; S13[30]=" products has been excellent and most have demonstrated their support, expressing an interest in purchasing, using and/or selling Australian Capers.
      A "; S14[30]=" database of people who are interested in investing, growing and buying produce has been maintained.
      Various media (television, print and radio) have "; S15[30]=" indicated their interest in featuring the capers and this will contribute to the dissemination of information regarding potential opportunities in this industry.
      "; S16[30]=" The Australian Caper Company has successfully trialled an initial 300 caper plants and subsequently a commercial crop of 1000 plants at Mannum in South Australia.
"; S17[30]="       Successes include the propagation of the caper plants using seed and cuttings, a growing understanding of water and fertilizer requirements, pests and "; S18[30]=" diseases, different pruning, processing and trellising techniques, farming techniques appropriate to organic production methods, product processing techniques and the market for caper products as well "; S19[30]=" as the establishment of a web-site (www.australiancapers.com.au), and the completion of a financial model to represent commercial caper farming.
      For the "; S20[30]=" medium term it is recommended that Research and Development focus on the main areas of risk that need to.. "; R[31]="141"; T[31]="Development of a celery oil and extract industry"; A[31]="By ... RIRDC 05/133"; Dn[31]="20060222"; Dt[31]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[31]="a08a09a17a93"; B1[31]="      Celery, Apium graveolens L.
      is a member of the family Apiaceae (formerly known as Umbelliferae) along with carrots, parsley, "; B2[31]="fennel etc.
      The species under investigation in this research is Apium graveolens var dulce or stem celery... "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      Celery, Apium graveolens L.
      is a member of the family Apiaceae (formerly known as Umbelliferae) along with carrots, parsley, "; S2[31]=" fennel etc.
      The species under investigation in this research is Apium graveolens var dulce or stem celery.
      Celery seed "; S3[31]=" oil is traded with increasing demand on world markets.
      This oil is produced by steam distillation of the seeds and is used "; S4[31]=" primarily for flavouring of foods.
      Trace amounts are used in fine perfumes.
      Both celery seed oil and celery seed "; S5[31]=" extract have FEMA GRAS registration enabling trade as flavour products within the USA.
      Trade is established in international markets.The aim of this "; S6[31]=" project was to identify a celery variety, for use in local production of steam-distilled herb oil, for the flavour and fragrance market.
      "; S7[31]=" Initially the product is aimed at the domestic market but later also for export.
      In addition, the same or a further variety "; S8[31]=" could provide seed oil for use as a therapeutic good... "; R[32]="139"; T[32]="Cassava a better crop for ethanol production"; A[32]="By ... Editor"; Dn[32]="20060222"; Dt[32]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[32]="a08a17a24a36a66"; B1[32]="      Tth tropical north could grow root vegetables with the potential to cut petrol prices by up to 30c a litre..... "; B2[32]=" "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      Tth tropical north could grow root vegetables with the potential to cut petrol prices by up to 30c a litre.
    "; S2[32]="   NT CLP Senator Nigel Scullion said tracts of uncleared Territory land could provide a fertile ground for cassava farms.
      Cape York "; S3[32]=" could be used as well.
      The potato-like cassava, which originated in Brazil and Paraguay and is common in South-East Asia, is already "; S4[32]=" being used in Thailand as a source of sugar used in ethanol production.
      Senator Scullion said cassava did not need irrigation or "; S5[32]=" chemical treatment and tests suggested it would grow well in northern Australia.
      'Ethanol is something we are talking about very seriously,' he "; S6[32]=" said.
      'As people catch on the demand will increase.' The Queensland Government is already pushing ethanol and in April earmarked $7.3 million "; S7[32]=" to encourage the production and use of the biofuel.
      Senator Scullion said ethanol fuels had the potential to be sold at the "; S8[32]=" bowser for as much as 30c a litre less than unleaded petrol.
      'This is a fantastic opportunity,' he said.
      "; S9[32]=" Prime Minister John Howard has said ethanol is not a 'magical solution' for rising petrol prices.
      And oil companies are tipped "; S10[32]=" to rally against the competition.
      But Renewable Fuels Australia executive director Bob Gordon said alternative fuels such as ethanol did have the "; S11[32]=" potential to drive down fuel costs over time.
      He said car-ready ethanol was being produced for about two-thirds of the cost of "; S12[32]=" unrefined crude oil.
      Most of the ethanol produced in Australia is made from sugar cane or wheat.
      Mr Gordon "; S13[32]=" said cassava yielded almost twice as much ethanol as sugar cane... "; R[33]="127"; T[33]="AWB still in negotiation over future Iraq wheat supplies"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20060222"; Dt[33]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[33]="a08a22"; B1[33]="      Australia could still win the contract to supply Iraq with 1 million tonnes of wheat, with a senior Iraqi trade official saying "; B2[33]="the deal with the United States has not yet been finalised... "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      Australia could still win the contract to supply Iraq with 1 million tonnes of wheat, with a senior Iraqi trade official saying "; S2[33]=" the deal with the United States has not yet been finalised.
      Reports coming from Iraq suggested the US had secured the deal "; S3[33]=" but a spokesman for wheat exporter, AWB, has confirmed it is still in negotiations with Iraq over future wheat supplies.
      And the "; S4[33]=" risk of losing the contract with Iraq has not dampened investor interest in AWB stocks.
      AWB shares have strengthened against the market "; S5[33]=" trend this month.
      Neil Sutcliffe from ABN Amro Morgans says investors are closely watching supply deals with Iraq.
      'What "; S6[33]=" I note with interest there is, in fact, at their current price of $5.20 they've actually strengthened since this general market weakness,' he said.
  "; S7[33]="     'It could be for a whole number of reasons but it's interesting to see they're in the news again about trying to sell "; S8[33]=" more wheat into that area.'.. "; R[34]="123"; T[34]="High Profile Directors for Clean Seas Aquaculture"; A[34]="By ... Editor"; Dn[34]="20060222"; Dt[34]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[34]="a08a87"; B1[34]="      World-class Port Lincoln aquaculture enterprise, Clean Seas Aquaculture Pty Ltd has announced the appointment of former Howard Government minister, Mr Ian McLachlan "; B2[34]="AO and New Zealand fishing industry identity Sir Tipene O Regan to its Board of Directors... "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      World-class Port Lincoln aquaculture enterprise, Clean Seas Aquaculture Pty Ltd has announced the appointment of former Howard Government minister, Mr Ian McLachlan "; S2[34]=" AO and New Zealand fishing industry identity Sir Tipene O'Regan to its Board of Directors.
      Mr McLachlan - who served in Federal "; S3[34]=" Parliament from 1990 until 1998 - has a lifelong involvement in Australian primary industry and has held roles including President of the National Farmers Federation "; S4[34]=" and Chairman of the Australian Wool Industry Future Directions Taskforce, and Deputy Chairman of the South Australian Brewing Company (now Southcorp).
      Sir "; S5[34]=" Tipene was the Founding Chairman of the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission from 1989 to 2000 and the Sealord Group of Companies from 1993 to "; S6[34]=" 2002.
      A Maori fisheries negotiator from 1986, he played a vital role in the milestone treaty fisheries settlements in 1989 and 1992.
"; S7[34]="       Clean Seas Aquaculture Pty Ltd's offshore wildcatch tuna farming program is currently being extended to include the production of fertilised Southern Bluefin "; S8[34]=" Tuna eggs and the growth of fingerlings from a land-based breeding facility, with the goal of duplicating the wildcatch quota under controlled conditions.
    "; S9[34]="   The new board appointments follow last month's announcement of a $4,148,502 Federal Government grant to further develop the South Australian-based company's world-first Southern "; S10[34]=" Bluefin Tuna Propagation Program.
      Clean Seas Aquaculture Pty Ltd, Managing Director, Mr Hagen Stehr AO said the company's offshore wildcatch tuna farming "; S11[34]=" program would lead to the production of fertilised Southern Bluefin Tuna eggs, and the growth of fingerlings from a land-based breeding facility.
      "; S12[34]=" 'The Southern Bluefin Tuna will be conditioned for spawning in a purpose-built onshore facility at Arno Bay, on the west coast of South Australia,' Mr "; S13[34]=" Stehr said.
      'Our vision is to replicate the wildcatch, without any impact on the natural fishery resource.
      This will "; S14[34]=" allow us to keep pace or overtake Japanese and European companies in the closing of the Southern Bluefin Tuna lifecycle.' Mr Stehr said both Non-Executive "; S15[34]=" Directors had invaluable experience and knowledge to bring to the Clean Seas table.
      'Sir Tipene and Mr McLachlan are experts in their "; S16[34]=" respective fields and share my passion and commitment to taking Clean Seas to the world stage,' Mr Stehr said.
      Mr Stehr's business "; S17[34]=" has long been recognised for its expertise and innovation in tuna fishing, pioneering of offshore wild-caught tuna fish farming, and aquaculture production and growout of "; S18[34]=" yellowtail kingfish and mulloway.
      A man with a vision, Mr Stehr has successfully led the way in developing controlled aquaculture spawning and "; S19[34]=" growout of kingfish and mulloway through Cleanseas Aquaculture Hatchery and Growout facilities in Arno Bay, developed at a.. "; R[35]="119"; T[35]="Natural controls for capsicum disease kind to environment and Reef"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20060222"; Dt[35]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[35]="a03a08a17a33a37a40a42a86a88"; B1[35]="      New research shows the strategic use of natural fungicides has the potential to effectively reduce or prevent powdery mildew in capsicums and "; B2[35]="chillis in tropical regions... "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      New research shows the strategic use of natural fungicides has the potential to effectively reduce or prevent powdery mildew in capsicums and "; S2[35]=" chillis in tropical regions.
      At the same time it will cut costs for farmers and reduce the need for chemical-based fungicides, which "; S3[35]=" is good news for the environment and, ultimately, theGreat Barrier Reef.
      Ayr-based Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior plant pathologist Dr "; S4[35]=" Chrys Akem said the research could have more widespread benefits for other major production areas.
      'Bundaberg and the Lockyer Valley districts are "; S5[35]=" seeking solutions to the disease on capsicums and tomato,' Dr Akem said.
      'First we need to evaluate more effective natural products and "; S6[35]=" in different combinations with soft chemicals to address the powdery mildew scourge on these vegetable crops,' Dr Akem said.
      'Powdery mildew has "; S7[35]=" a wide host range within field and horticultural crops, including capsicums, tomatoes and chillis.
      'The same fungal organism attacks these crops in "; S8[35]=" the wet and dry tropics.
      Therefore control strategies developed for one crop can work effectively on the others.' The characteristic whitish symptoms "; S9[35]=" of the disease are more obvious on the underside of leaves where the spores develop and can easily disperse.
      'Warm and more "; S10[35]=" humid environmental conditions are suitable for its development and spread,' Dr Akem said.
      'In the tropics, powdery mildew epidemics on capsicums are "; S11[35]=" more likely to occur towards the end of the cropping season.
      'The disease largely affects fruit quality not yield because it occurs "; S12[35]=" late in the season when crops have had enough time to produce flowers and fruit.
      'Extensive defoliation caused by the disease exposes "; S13[35]=" the fruit to severe sunburn under tropical conditions.' Until recently, products that are both effective and environmental-friendly have not been available to farmers.
    "; S14[35]="   'The use of sulphur is starting to raise some environmental concerns, but less toxic products have not been available,' Dr Akem said.
    "; S15[35]="   'Organic growers, in particular, have had limited options to control powdery mildew under organic production systems.' Horticulture Australia Limited is funding the DPI&F project "; S16[35]=" to look for sustainable methods to manage powdery mildew on capsicums.
      Dr Akem and his team from Ayr and Bowen DPI&F research "; S17[35]=" stations have been screening a range of natural fungicides - including silicon, cow's milk, petroleum oil and some foliar organic fertilisers - to identify which "; S18[35]=" were the most effective.
      'We are getting positive results from cow's milk and silicon as alternative products that can be used in "; S19[35]=" combination with synthetic or softer fungicides,' he said.
      'These combinations can cut back on the many toxic and expensive fungicide sprays needed "; S20[35]=" to control powdery mildew on capsicums.
      'They have the potential to reduce growers' production costs and, as a bonus, protect the Great.. "; R[36]="107"; T[36]="New breeding facility for Wongan Hills"; A[36]="By ... Editor"; Dn[36]="20060222"; Dt[36]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[36]="a02a07a08a09a22a79a82a93"; B1[36]="      Western Australia s crop breeding effort has been bolstered with the completion of new state-of-the-art seed handling and storage facilities at the "; B2[36]="Department of Agriculture s Wongan Hills Research Station... "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      Western Australia's crop breeding effort has been bolstered with the completion of new state-of-the-art seed handling and storage facilities at the Department "; S2[36]=" of Agriculture's Wongan Hills Research Station.
      Local grain growers were invited to examine the new $1.5 million facilities, officially opened today at "; S3[36]=" the Research Station's 80th annual field day.
      Acting Director General Rob Delane said the Wongan Hills Research Station formed an integral part "; S4[36]=" of the Department's overall crop breeding program which had developed 80 per cent of wheat varieties currently grown in WA.
      Mr Delane "; S5[36]=" said the breeding programs co-funded by grain growers through the Grains Research and Development Corporation and royalties underpinned the success of the State's grain industry "; S6[36]=" exports.
      'Wongan Hills is the operational base for much of the Department's crop breeding field research, pure seed production activities and related "; S7[36]=" research support,' he said.
      'The new seed handling and storage capacity incorporates facilities such as new cool room storage, processing and work "; S8[36]=" areas to improve operational efficiencies and research capability.
      'Further investment has also been made in the development of new sheep handling areas, "; S9[36]=" the construction of a fertiliser storage shed and machinery shed, modifications to existing sheds and road and earth works.' Mr Delane said crop breeding was "; S10[36]=" a vital part of the Department's extensive research and development program, which aimed to improve the marketability, productivity and sustainability of the State's grains industry.
"; S11[36]="       Field testing on the research station and the storage, assessment, preparation and distribution of new crop breeding lines forms a critically important "; S12[36]=" component of the breeding effort.
      The Wongan Hills Research Station has about 1000 hectares of land under crop rotations each year, with "; S13[36]=" approximately 500 hectares used for crop breeding, crop seed production and crop agronomy experimentation.
      The field day provided industry with an opportunity "; S14[36]=" to view the new and improved facilities and to discuss the latest research and development activities, including the performance of new crop varieties... "; R[37]="105"; T[37]="Ocean care plan sinks without trace"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20060222"; Dt[37]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[37]="a04a08a42a88"; B1[37]="      More than five years after the Federal Government claimed world leadership with a plan to safeguard the ocean ecology of Australia s "; B2[37]="south-east, it is yet to protect a single area... "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      More than five years after the Federal Government claimed world leadership with a plan to safeguard the ocean ecology of Australia's south-east, "; S2[37]=" it is yet to protect a single area.
      About 2 million square kilometres of ocean are covered by the south-east regional marine "; S3[37]=" plan, unveiled in May last year.
      But two proposed marine protected areas, covering 40,000 square kilometres, are still 'candidates', and the boundaries "; S4[37]=" of nine other areas are yet to be set.
      The first International Marine Protected Areas Congress opens in Geelong today, and critics "; S5[37]=" say the costly marine planning process is proving to be ineffectual.
      The selection of candidate areas is being based on what resources "; S6[37]=" they contain, such as oil or fisheries, rather than scientific criteria such as biodiversity.
      The Federal Government said it was taking time "; S7[37]=" to get the mix of science and community input right and there was no delay in the process.
      The South-East Regional Marine "; S8[37]=" Plan covers ocean from southern NSW to South Australia, including Tasmania.
      When it was unveiled in May last year it nominated two "; S9[37]=" areas for protection, the Zeehan, north-west of Tasmania, and the Murray, off South Australia.
      The Zeehan includes pristine undersea canyons and meadows "; S10[37]=" the Murray runs from the continental shelf to the abyssal plain.
      The Minister for the Environment, Ian Campbell, has strengthened marine planning "; S11[37]=" by bringing it under federal legislation.
      But Andrew Macintosh, research fellow at the Australia Institute, said the change would not salvage an "; S12[37]=" ineffectual program.
      'The regional marine planning process has cost taxpayers over $50 million, yet only one regional plan has been produced and "; S13[37]=" no new marine protected areas have been created,' Mr Macintosh said.
      'The Government has just been paying people to attend meetings, while "; S14[37]=" the fishing and oil exploration industries have continued with business as usual.' The Australian Conservation Foundation said it was disappointed that the Murray and Zeehan "; S15[37]=" candidate areas avoided areas of high biodiversity, instead catering for fishing grounds and oil and gas interests.
      A spokeswoman for Senator Campbell "; S16[37]=" said the Murray and Zeehan candidate areas would be included in the complete regional system as it was finalised through next year... "; R[38]="95"; T[38]="MLA AGM resolutions announced"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20060222"; Dt[38]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[38]="a02a07a08a22a24a25a27a79a82"; B1[38]="      Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) today announced the 11 resolutions to be voted on by MLA members at the upcoming Annual General "; B2[38]="Meeting (AGM) in Melbourne on 16 November... "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) today announced the 11 resolutions to be voted on by MLA members at the upcoming Annual General "; S2[38]=" Meeting (AGM) in Melbourne on 16 November.
      Among the resolutions to be voted on will be the selection of three nominated Board "; S3[38]=" directors.
      Current MLA Board director and company deputy chairman Don Heatley will be seeking re-selection along with first-time nominees Peter Boyden and "; S4[38]=" Jay Simms.
      Don Heatley has served on the MLA Board since 1998 and owns and operates two north Queensland properties that carry "; S5[38]=" 9,000 head of cattle which supply the Japanese, US and live export markets.
      Mr Heatley has served on the Queensland Government's Livestock "; S6[38]=" Export Advisory Committee, as well as having held positions with the Cattle Council of Australia and the North Queensland Beef Research Committee.
      "; S7[38]=" Peter Boyden has more than 30 years marketing experience in both the domestic and international food industries, having served locally as Marketing Director of Unifoods "; S8[38]=" Australasia and Managing Director of Foods, Unilever Australasia.
      Mr Boyden is currently a director of Food Standards Australia New Zealand and previously "; S9[38]=" was a director of the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Unilever Australasia.
      Jay Simms is a Queensland cattle producer with over "; S10[38]=" 37 years experience in livestock production across northern Australia.
      Mr Simms has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from New Mexico State University, "; S11[38]=" specialising in livestock production.
      Mr Simms has owned and operated properties in northern Western Australia and Queensland and has held positions with "; S12[38]=" the Kimberley Pastoral Industry Advisory Committee and the Northern Beef Production Industry Committee.
      Four additional resolutions have been put forward by MLA: "; S13[38]=" - Changes to the definition of 'producer' in MLA's constitution to broaden the eligibility for MLA membership along with a change to the timing provisions "; S14[38]=" in MLA's constitution to enable the return date for members' levies notices to occur after the date on which members' resolutions are due.
    "; S15[38]="   - Three resolutions for the selection of cattle, sheep and feedlot producer representatives to the MLA Board selection committee.
      The remaining "; S16[38]=" four resolutions to be voted on were put forward by MLA members and include: - The removal from office of MLA Board director, Don Heatley.
"; S17[38]="       - An amendment to the MLA constitution to remove the peak council class of membership.
      - An amendment to "; S18[38]=" the MLA constitution that will allow a change to the level of livestock transaction levies to be proposed by 200 members of a livestock class "; S19[38]=" (grassfed cattle, grainfed cattle, sheep or goat) or 20 per cent of that class - whichever is the lesser number.
      - A "; S20[38]=" change to the MLA constitution that would enable the direct election of up to six MLA directors, with four MLA Board member positions.. "; R[39]="88"; T[39]="GLA announces latest decisions"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20060222"; Dt[39]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[39]="a02a07a08a22a24a74a79a82"; B1[39]="      Chairman of the Grain Licensing Authority Colin Mann today announced approval of 125,000 tonnes of feed barley to the Middle East..... "; B2[39]=" "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      Chairman of the Grain Licensing Authority Colin Mann today announced decisions which included approval of 125,000 tonnes of feed barley to the "; S2[39]=" Middle East and the declining of a applications to export a further 125,000 tonnes of feed barley to the Middle East.
      An "; S3[39]=" application for 60,000 tonnes of malting barley to China and 38,000 tonnes of canola toJapan were also declined.
      Mr Mann said licences "; S4[39]=" issued to date will ensure wide competition and marketing options to producers for prescribed grains.
      However, volumes granted to 'core markets' of "; S5[39]=" the main licence holder Grain Pool Pty Ltd are now reaching a level that could begin to impact on their marketing strategies and or the "; S6[39]=" State's reputation as a reliable grain exporter.
      'All applications to 'core markets' or clearly established customers of the main licence holder will "; S7[39]=" continue to be subjected to very rigorous scrutiny and assessment and new market opportunities will receive priority,' said Mr Mann.
      'However, exporters "; S8[39]=" are not denied access to any market because they can also still buy grain for their customers through the Grain Pool Pty Ltd and if "; S9[39]=" it is in the best interests of producers I am sure negotiations can prove positive,' Mr Mann said.
      Effectively this provides a "; S10[39]=" power of veto over increased quantities to 'core markets' unless grain exporters can substantiate benefit to producers and the State.
      The Grain "; S11[39]=" Licensing Authority will continue to operate within the parameters of the Legislation and base its decisions on the merits of each application and the evidence "; S12[39]=" presented about each market or market segment... "; R[40]="70"; T[40]="Harvesting Kaspa different to trailing peas"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20060222"; Dt[40]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[40]="a01a08a19a81"; B1[40]="      WA grain growers have been quick to realise the potential of semi-leafless field pea varieties like Kaspa in overcoming the harvesting problems "; B2[40]="of trailing field peas... "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      WA grain growers have been quick to realise the potential of semi-leafless field pea varieties like Kaspa in overcoming the harvesting problems "; S2[40]=" of trailing field peas.
      The Department of Agriculture has visited growers harvesting Kaspa to record the successes and failures as a guide "; S3[40]=" to new growers.
      The results are available in Farmnote 14/2005 'Successfully harvesting semi-leafless field peas'.
      Department pulse researcher Mark "; S4[40]=" Seymour said the harvesting requirements for semi-leafless varieties were slightly different than the requirements for trailing varieties.
      'Semi-leafless lines tend to be "; S5[40]=" fluffy at maturity, having a large volume-to-weight ratio which could lead to a build-up of material on the front of the header,' Mr Seymour said.
"; S6[40]="       'This is common on draper-belt fronts, but has also been observed when Kaspa is harvested with a conventional header with a plucker "; S7[40]=" front.
      'Conventional open front harvesters with a table auger (tin front) are well suited to both trailing and semi-leafless peas including Kaspa, "; S8[40]=" but drapers and pluckers need modification to harvest Kaspa easily and efficiently.' The major harvesting benefits of Kaspa include:
      * "; S9[40]=" Kaspa can be swathed, and provided the swaths are rolled immediately, will be stable in windy conditions.
      Modifications to swathers which help "; S10[40]=" move material out of the exit hole will assist.
      * Kaspa can be direct-headed in hot weather.
      * As "; S11[40]=" a result of Kaspa's sugar pod trait, losses due to inclement weather or rough handling will be significantly lower.
      * Harvest samples "; S12[40]=" of Kaspa are significantly cleaner (less dust and dirt).
      Issues to consider when harvesting Kaspa include:
      * Harvested material "; S13[40]=" moves poorly across draper fronts and may block the header.
      Fitting a cross auger with paddles is the best known modification.
  "; S14[40]="    
      * Similar issues with barrel pluckers can be dealt with in two ways - fit lupin breakers to "; S15[40]=" table auger and harvest at speeds up to 6km/hr or fit a cross auger which allows for harvest speeds up to 10km/hr.
      "; S16[40]="
      * In cool conditions, Kaspa is more difficult to thresh and many choppers and spreaders may perform poorly.
      "; S17[40]=" The Department of Agriculture has produced a CD-video which allows growers to view different harvester set-ups working in Kaspa.
      This video was "; S18[40]=" available at the Dowerin and Newdegate Field Days, and will soon be available at key district offices... "; R[41]="54"; T[41]="Community program has fruit fly on the run"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20060222"; Dt[41]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[41]="a08a18a86"; B1[41]="      Residents of Gayndah and Mundubbera shires have fruit fly on the run, with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries hopeful that "; B2[41]="they will see a huge reduction in numbers of the horticultural pest this spring and summer... "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      Residents of Gayndah and Mundubbera shires have fruit fly on the run, with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries hopeful that "; S2[41]=" they will see a huge reduction in numbers of the horticultural pest this spring and summer.
      The area wide management program, known "; S3[41]=" as Fruit Fly Force, is aimed at coordinating a year round attack in orchards and backyards in an effort to improve fruit fly control across "; S4[41]=" the district.
      Dr Annice Lloyd, DPI&F principal research scientist, said that the spring and summer months are the fruit flies' breeding season "; S5[41]=" and given the mild winter the area experienced this year, farmers would normally expect the pest to be extremely active.
      'Thankfully, "; S6[41]=" we are now several weeks into spring and we are seeing very low numbers of fruit flies caught in traps,' Dr Lloyd said.
    "; S7[41]="   Before the Fruit Fly Force program was implemented, there would have been very high numbers of fruit flies in traps at this time "; S8[41]=" of year.
      'Fruit flies are an extremely damaging pest, costing Australian horticulture producers an estimated $500 million each year in eradication procedures, "; S9[41]=" destroyed fruit, field control and quarantine treatments to access domestic and overseas markets,' she said.
      Native to Australia and found on most "; S10[41]=" of the country's east coast, the Queensland fruit fly causes crop losses as its larvae are laid in the flesh of the fruit, causing premature "; S11[41]=" ripening and rotting.
      'These little pests are serious quarantine problems, and fresh produce grown in a fruit fly area frequently requires additional "; S12[41]=" treatments to access interstate and export markets.
      Any program which reduces the risk of infestation will provide benefits for all horticultural producers,' "; S13[41]=" she said.
      Before the program began fruit fly control was very good in most orchards, but there was a high level of "; S14[41]=" fruit fly breeding in backyard fruit trees in town areas, particularly in the summer months which could impact on summer commercial crops such as mangoes "; S15[41]=" and carry over to the next season's citrus crop.
      'Approximately 90 percent of commercial growers now follow the recommended control practices and "; S16[41]=" an impressive 80 percent of householders in Gayndah and Mundubbera have participated in the program by allowing treatments in their backyards and their fruit to "; S17[41]=" be sampled to monitor fruit fly infestation levels.
      'We are seeing extremely positive results, with growers reporting that they have been able "; S18[41]=" to reduce the number of insecticide sprays which are normally required to protect susceptible late season varieties harvested in August and September.
      "; S19[41]=" 'The success of the program to date is due to the very high level of grower and community support, the involvement of three local crop "; S20[41]=" consultants and the assistance of the Gayndah and Mundubbera shire councils.
      'It has.. "; R[42]="30"; T[42]="Western Australian growers keen for new milling oat"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20060222"; Dt[42]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[42]="a02a08a24a81"; B1[42]="      The Department of Agriculture has released the first provisional milling quality dwarf oat for Western Australian growers..... "; B2[42]=" "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      The Department of Agriculture has released the first provisional milling quality dwarf oat for Western Australian growers.
      Department Director "; S2[42]=" General Ian Longson said the new Kojonup oat would be widely sought after by growers if it achieved milling grade or as a high quality "; S3[42]=" on-farm feed variety.
      Kojonup is expected to perform best in Agzones 2, 3 and 6 taking in all the major oat production "; S4[42]=" areas.
      'Kojonup delivers a similar overall yield to dwarf oat varieties Dalyup and Wandering , but has significantly better milling quality.
  "; S5[42]="     It out-yields current tall milling oat varieties by 15-20 per cent,' Mr Longson said.
      'Compared to other milling varieties tested "; S6[42]=" in the quality evaluation program, Kojonup has an excellent milling performance as it is easily dehulled and has a lower groat breakage than current milling "; S7[42]=" varieties including Carrolup , Mortlock, Coomallo , Hotham and Pallinup .' Mr Longson said based on its performance in laboratory milling tests, Kojonup was being "; S8[42]=" released as a provisional milling oat variety.
      Milling tests would be conducted on Kojonup in late 2005/early 2006 to determine a final "; S9[42]=" classification.
      Kojonup is of similar height to Dalyup with excellent straw strength and shedding resistance.
      On average Kojonup flowers "; S10[42]=" five days earlier than Dalyup, with similar maturity to Carrolup.
      Kojonup also has a large seed size, high groat percentage, good hectolitre "; S11[42]=" weight, good grain brightness and low screenings.
      It is resistant to leaf rust in Western Australia.
      Mr Longson said "; S12[42]=" Kojonup's high grain quality would also make it an excellent feed oat variety.
      He said the high groat percentage, high digestibility and "; S13[42]=" metabolisable energy, lower Beta-Glucan and lower hull lignin made Kojonup a better feed option compared with other dwarf varieties including Dalyup and Wandering.
    "; S14[42]="   Mr Longson said Kojonup was likely to be the last line bred by Robyn McLean and the Department's oat breeding team, as new work "; S15[42]=" was coordinated through the national Oat Breeding Program.
      He commended Dr McLean on behalf of WA growers for her leadership in this "; S16[42]=" area over many years.
      The variety is protected by Plant Breeders Rights and is subject to a Crop Improvement Royalty... "; R[43]="23"; T[43]="New oat lines impress growers"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20060222"; Dt[43]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[43]="a08a24a81"; B1[43]="      Dawson-Callide forage oat growers had the opportunity to check out two new late maturity oat varieties with high to moderate rust resistance "; B2[43]="and excellent regrowth response under dryland conditions... "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      Dawson-Callide forage oat growers had the opportunity to check out two new late maturity oat varieties with high to moderate rust resistance "; S2[43]=" and excellent regrowth response under dryland conditions.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries development extension agronomist Rod Collins coordinated a farm walk "; S3[43]=" at Biloela Research Station to enable growers to inspect the two experimental lines earmarked for commercial release in 2007.
      Mr Collins said "; S4[43]=" 12 lines were planted for the 2005 winter oat varietal trials on April 19 at a planting rate of 40kg/ha together with a pre-plant application "; S5[43]=" of 40kg/ha of nitrogen fertiliser.
      All the trial plots were cut on June 24 and again on July 28 to simulate grazing "; S6[43]=" and 15mm of in-crop rain in May followed by 50mm in June gave all varieties a chance to perform under typical dryland winter growing conditions "; S7[43]=" inCentral Queensland .
      The farm walk gave growers an opportunity to compare the performance of the old superseded varieties such as Coolibah "; S8[43]=" and Mortlock with the more recent commercial varieties such as Taipan, Nugene and Volta.
      'The two later maturity experimental lines showed their "; S9[43]=" potential to grow more leaf which caught the attention of both specialist hay growers and cattle finishers,' Mr Collins said.
      DPI&F Toowoomba-based "; S10[43]=" plant breeder Bruce Winter told the growers that the department's plant breeding objective was to ensure the industry had on-going access to high yielding, high "; S11[43]=" quality forage oat lines with more durable rust resistance.
      The oat breeding program receives funding support from Meat and Livestock Australia and "; S12[43]=" Heritage Seeds.
      'Leaf rust can be a very aggressive disease in wetter seasons and has readily overcome the resistance genes present in "; S13[43]=" many older varieties,' Mr Winter said.
      'Our aim is to release varieties with durable resistance that will last for many years.' Mr "; S14[43]=" Winter said... "; R[44]="22"; T[44]="New exporters to benefit from Fine Food in Sydney"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20060222"; Dt[44]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[44]="a08a10"; B1[44]="      The hundreds of Australian companies exhibiting at Fine Food 2005 next week will comprise a true cross section of the Australian food "; B2[44]="industry, covering large and small players, experienced exporters and companies new to export... "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      The hundreds of Australian companies exhibiting at Fine Food 2005 next week will comprise a true cross section of the Australian food "; S2[44]=" industry, covering large and small players, experienced exporters and companies new to export.
      Among the new food exporters at the exhibition, 32 "; S3[44]=" small food businesses will be given an opportunity to make their first export sale next week, by participating in Austrade's stand at Fine Food 2005 "; S4[44]=" (12-15 September).
      The stand will feature food suppliers from across the country- all participants in Austrade's New Exporter Development Program (NEDP).
  "; S5[44]="     The following are a selection of participating companies: Kailis Organic Olive Grove (WA) - extra virgin olive oil The Toffee Factory & A "; S6[44]=" Bit On The Side (WA) - handmade toffees and brittles and condiments David Medlow Chocolates (SA) - fruit pectin jellies and wine chocolates Flavorite Hydroponic "; S7[44]=" Tomatoes (VIC) - hydroponic tomatoes Harrod Foods (NSW) - wellness products Mountain H20 (NSW)- drinking water derived from real fruit juice Bag Ladies Tea (NSW) "; S8[44]=" - tea bags with insightful and humorous quotes on the tags about the pleasures, trials and tribulations of being a woman Austrade's Food and Beverage "; S9[44]=" Team Leader , Lyndel Jack, said the initiative would provide participants with a cost-effective way to present their products to an international audience right here "; S10[44]=" in Australia.
      'Fine Food 2005 is an extremely important exhibition for Australian food suppliers, not only for experienced exporters seeking exposure to "; S11[44]=" new overseas customers, but also for small businesses that are looking to break into international markets for the first time,' Ms Jack said.
    "; S12[44]="   Austrade alone is bringing close to 300 international buyers to Fine Food, who are in Australia to find new and innovative Australian products for "; S13[44]=" their stores overseas.
      Austrade's buyer delegations are from North East Asia, South and South East Asia, the Middle East, Pacific Islands and "; S14[44]=" the Americas.
      Many buyers are household names in their respective markets including PARKnSHOP (Hong Kong) and Cold Storage (Singapore).
      "; S15[44]=" There will also be buyers from countries representing new and growing markets for Australian food exporters such as Kweker Amsterdam from the Netherlands' food service "; S16[44]=" industry.
      Australian food exports: The value of Australian food exports in 2003/04 was $22.3 billion and made up 20 per cent of "; S17[44]=" total Australian merchandise exports.
      While Australia's main exports continue to be in meat, grains and dairy products, there has been considerable diversification "; S18[44]=" in exports over the past decade including increases in wine, oilseeds, fruit and nuts and confectionery exports (source: Australian Food Statistics 2004)... ";