R[0]="2106"; T[0]="Forum to show how improved pastures can cut production costs"; A[0]="By ... Editor"; Dn[0]="20071024"; Dt[0]="Wednesday 24 October 2007"; Acats[0]="a24a27a72"; B1[0]="      'Is it worth the effort?' That's the question many Queensland cattle producers are asking when it comes to moving from native pastures "; B2[0]="to 'improved pastures' which can include a mix of legumes, exotic grasses and browse species such as leucaena... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]="      'Is it worth the effort?' That's the question many Queensland cattle producers are asking when it comes to moving from native pastures "; S2[0]=" to 'improved pastures' which can include a mix of legumes, exotic grasses and browse species such as leucaena.
      If the improvements in "; S3[0]=" animal nutrition, increased growth rates and animal turnover are any indication then the answer would be yes.
      Pasture expert Dr Scott Dalzell "; S4[0]=" from the University of Queensland, a keynote speaker at next month's National Beef Industry Forum near Rockhampton, said improving pastures is one of the best "; S5[0]=" ways to boost an enterprise's bottom line.
      'Your cost of production can significantly be reduced by moving from native to improved pastures "; S6[0]=" because animal nutrition is improved, livestock liveweight gain is better, animal turnover is quicker and you depend less on urea supplementation,' Dr Dalzell said.
  "; S7[0]="     'Environmentally, many improved pastures are more sustainable than native pastures because they are resilient under moderate grazing pressure.
      They maintain "; S8[0]=" better ground cover thereby reducing soil erosion and improving water quality.
      'Legumes are a particularly important component of improved pasture systems because "; S9[0]=" they improve soil fertility which ensures long-term sustainability of production as well as improving the forage quality of pastures because of their higher protein content.' "; S10[0]=" The National Beef Industry Forum - one of the biggest events of its type ever to be held in Australia - will be held at "; S11[0]=" Paradise Lagoons near Rockhampton on Wednesday 21 November, while the MLA AGM will be held in Rockhampton the following day.
      The National "; S12[0]=" Beef Industry Forum will provide cattle producers the opportunity to listen to and talk with a range of industry specialists who will speak on a "; S13[0]=" number of topics under the theme of 'Meating the future head on'.
      The National Beef Industry Forum will be a combination of "; S14[0]=" a field day, conference, trade show and expo and is being held by MLA in conjunction with a local organising committee of enthusiastic and experienced "; S15[0]=" Queensland cattle producers.
      Pre-event registrations for the National Beef Industry Forum are $20 for MLA members and $30 for non-members.
    "; S16[0]="   A casual evening function will be held on-site at Paradise Lagoons following the forum and will cost $20 per person.
      An "; S17[0]=" $80 MLA-member family special package is also available, which provides entry to the forum and evening function (maximum 4 family members).
      To "; S18[0]=" register call 1800 675 717 or email noel@beefaustralia.com.au... "; R[1]="2100"; T[1]="Seahorses open new export doors in the west"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20071024"; Dt[1]="Wednesday 24 October 2007"; Acats[1]="a24a55"; B1[1]="      While WA's mid-west is mainly known for its wheat and iron ore exports, the region's about to add seahorses to the list.... "; B2[1]=" "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      While WA's mid-west is mainly known for its wheat and iron ore exports, the region's about to add seahorses to the list.
"; S2[1]="       Within a month, live seahorses will be sold to Europe, Canada and America as aquarium pets.
      Dr Mick Payne "; S3[1]=" from the Kalbarri Seahorse Sanctuary says it could be a profitable enterprise.
      'I'd have to say that captive-bred seahorses are certainly worth "; S4[1]=" more on the export market than they are domestically,' he says.
      'There's another farm supplying the domestic market and it's not a "; S5[1]=" huge market here so the value of the product is down, but it's a rather large market in the UK and in the US.
  "; S6[1]="     So they're worth I'd say probably about fifty per cent more on the export market'... "; R[2]="2043"; T[2]="Hay trials begin on Vic dairy farms"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20070803"; Dt[2]="Friday 3 August 2007"; Acats[2]="a24"; B1[2]="      Trials of the new hay source, Sugarbale, are underway on dairy farms in Victoria's Goulburn Valley.... "; B2[2]=" "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      Trials of the new hay source, Sugarbale, are underway on dairy farms in Victoria's Goulburn Valley.
      The hay is "; S2[2]=" made from shredded surplus Western Australian sugarcane and comes across the Nullabor by train.
      MG Agrilink's David Earle says the hay could "; S3[2]=" be used widely in Victoria if his company's trials are successful.
      'What we've done [is] we've brought down one truckload - 24 "; S4[2]=" tonne - [and] we've distributed that to a number of farms in the Goulburn Valley,' he said.
      'We'll be getting feedback from "; S5[2]=" those dairy farmers on acceptance by the cows.
      'If it all tests OK, what we will then do is get quite a "; S6[2]=" few thousand tonnes down into Victoria to help overcome this shortage we're currently experiencing.'.. "; R[3]="2007"; T[3]="Farmers warned of mite with increasing pesticide resistance"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20070331"; Dt[3]="Saturday 31 March 2007"; Acats[3]="a22a24a33a86"; B1[3]="      One of Australia's most devastating crop and pasture pests is showing signs of resistance to pesticide.... "; B2[3]=" "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      One of Australia's most devastating crop and pasture pests is showing signs of resistance to pesticide.
      The discovery in "; S2[3]=" Western Australia is a world-first, with farmers now being told to consider alternative control methods for the red-legged earth mite.
      Dr Paul "; S3[3]=" Umina, from the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaption Research at Melbourne University, says resistance was first suspected in the late 1990s, but there is "; S4[3]=" now no doubt.
      'One particular case we had a farmer in Western Australia who had a canola crop that was emerging in "; S5[3]=" Autumn in 2006,' Dr Umina said.
      'He sprayed this crop four separate times with a mixture of synthetic pyrethroids and was not "; S6[3]=" able to control that red-legged earth mite population.
      'So the levels of resistance that we are talking about are certainly high enough "; S7[3]=" that we're not getting adequate control in the field.'.. "; R[4]="1939"; T[4]="New oats guide available"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20070304"; Dt[4]="Sunday 4 March 2007"; Acats[4]="a24a81"; B1[4]="      Information that helps livestock owners get the best value from forage oats is available in a new Department of Primary Industries and "; B2[4]="Fisheries leaflet... "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      Information that helps livestock owners get the best value from forage oats is available in a new Department of Primary Industries and "; S2[4]=" Fisheries leaflet.
      Called Forage oats variety guide 2007, the leaflet lists forage oat varieties suitable for Queensland and northern New South Wales, "; S3[4]=" and provides information on their characteristics and management.
      Toowoomba-based DPI&F plant breeder Bruce Winter said oats continued to be the main winter "; S4[4]=" forage crop in Queensland because it produced good quality feed from autumn to early spring when most other pastures were dormant.
      Mr "; S5[4]=" Winter said using improved varieties and managing them better could lift production and profits from crops.
      'This brochure discusses recommended management practices "; S6[4]=" for growing oats for forage and ways of minimising rust infection.
      'It also provides images to help identify rust and bacterial blight "; S7[4]=" and tips on managing the diseases,' he said.
      Free copies are available from the DPI&F Business Information Centre (13 25 23)... "; R[5]="1926"; T[5]="Barley varieties differ in their competitiveness against ryegrass"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20070222"; Dt[5]="Thursday 22 February 2007"; Acats[5]="a24"; B1[5]="      The Department of Agriculture and Food has been conducting research to test the competitiveness of Baudin barley with weeds such as ryegrass.... "; B2[5]=" "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      The Department of Agriculture and Food has been conducting research to test the competitiveness of Baudin barley with weeds such as ryegrass.
"; S2[5]="       A full review of all barley agronomy trials conducted in 2005 and 2006 will be provided at the Department's Regional Crop Updates "; S3[5]=" in Northam on 22 February and Esperance on 8 March.
      Department barley research officer Blakely Paynter said growers often perceived Baudin to "; S4[5]=" be uncompetitive because it had short straw, allowing ryegrass heads to be visible at maturity.
      He said 10 weed competition trials were "; S5[5]=" conducted in 2005, five looking at the interaction between variety, row spacing and ryegrass and five looking at the interaction between variety, time of sowing, "; S6[5]=" seeding rate and ryegrass.
      'The competitiveness was measured in terms of the difference in yield when grown with and without ryegrass,' he "; S7[5]=" said.
      'At plant densities suggested for growing barley in Western Australia, 120 to 150 plants per square metre, no evidence was found "; S8[5]=" to support the view that Baudin was less competitive against ryegrass than other varieties.
      'In fact, what was observed was that Baudin "; S9[5]=" may be slightly more competitive against ryegrass than two other malting barley varieties of a similar maturity, Gairdner and Vlamingh.' Mr Paynter said that the "; S10[5]=" number of ryegrass tillers measured at the end of the season was also slightly lower under Baudin than for Gairdner and Vlamingh, suggesting that Baudin "; S11[5]=" may be able to reduce the number of ryegrass seeds returning to the seed bank.
      'This doesn't mean that Baudin should be "; S12[5]=" sown into weedy paddocks.
      Baudin is an excellent malting variety and should be given every opportunity to return high grain yields and "; S13[5]=" produce grain which meets receival specifications,' he said.
      'Sowing it into weedy paddocks lowers the yield potential and may cause it to "; S14[5]=" be received into a feed segregation due to high screenings.
      'The research does however show, that the plant type exhibited by Baudin "; S15[5]=" is competitive against ryegrass, and the development of future barley varieties with a similar plant type, is not likely to be detrimental to the role "; S16[5]=" of barley in the farming system.' Mr Paynter said the trial results also showed that yield loss from the early spring malting barley variety Hamelin, "; S17[5]=" was less than the yield loss from the three medium spring varieties Baudin, Gairdner and Vlamingh.
      'Despite losing the least amount of "; S18[5]=" yield when grown with ryegrass it was not the highest yielding overall.
      In the 2005 season, Baudin out yielded Hamelin in the "; S19[5]=" presence of ryegrass at Beverley, Calingiri, Katanning and Mt Madden and was similar yielding at Gibson,' he said.
      'At low barley plant "; S20[5]=" densities (60 to 80 plants per square metre) there were no differences between the four varieties, Baudin, Gairdner, Vlamingh, and Hamelin, in their relative competitiveness "; S21[5]=" against ryegrass.
      'Delayed sowing did not alter the relative competitiveness of varieties against ryegrass, nor was there any interaction with row spacing.' "; S22[5]=" Regional Crop Updates are supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation... "; R[6]="1917"; T[6]="Flagship barley tipped to be new summer crop"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20070222"; Dt[6]="Thursday 22 February 2007"; Acats[6]="a24a81"; B1[6]="      Malting barley could become a new summer crop after the first commercial trials in south-west Victoria.... "; B2[6]=" "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      Malting barley could become a new summer crop after the first commercial trials in south-west Victoria.
      Traditionally grown during "; S2[6]=" winter, a new variety called flagship barley was planted in early December and is being grown under irrigation.
      It is due to "; S3[6]=" be harvested towards the end of March.
      The breed has been developed by the University of Adelaide and Dr Jason Egglington says "; S4[6]=" it is especially suited to summer cropping.
      'It's very sensitive to day length so it responds to a December planting time by "; S5[6]=" really rapidly going through its growth cycles,' he said.
      'We've been able to achieve 2.5 tonne per hectare sorts of yields in "; S6[6]=" other summer increases.
      'It's somewhat compromised in comparison to a conventional crop, but within the time frame it's probably a pretty good "; S7[6]=" return.'.. "; R[7]="1857"; T[7]="$1.2 million canola and olive oil research laboratory opened"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20070207"; Dt[7]="Wednesday 7 February 2007"; Acats[7]="a24a82a93"; B1[7]="      NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, today opened the new $1.2 million state-of-the-art Australian Oils Research Laboratory at Wagga Wagga Agricultural "; B2[7]="Institute (WWAI)... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, today opened the new $1.2 million state-of-the-art Australian Oils Research Laboratory at Wagga Wagga Agricultural "; S2[7]=" Institute (WWAI).
      'The Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) laboratory is Australia's one and only internationally accredited chemical and sensory testing facility for "; S3[7]=" olive oil,' Minister Macdonald said.
      'Scientists and researchers at the Australian Oils Research Laboratory will conduct important tests and screening reports on "; S4[7]=" established and emerging varieties of canola and olive oil to ensure constantly high quality Australian products.
      Minister Macdonald said about 50 per "; S5[7]=" cent of Australia's olive oil is exported into overseas markets including the United States, China, Northern Asia and the European Union.
      'The "; S6[7]=" laboratory boasts the latest technology for our scientists, including seed cleaning facilities, a cold store for olives, an oil extraction room as well as seed "; S7[7]=" grinding, oil extraction and oil testing wings,' he said.
      'The State's $3.6 million olive oil industry and $272 million canola industry will "; S8[7]=" benefit from this facility and the wide range of services it will provide.' Mr Macdonald said the State Government has assisted the oilseeds and olive "; S9[7]=" oils industries since their early beginnings.
      'The new laboratory will allow DPI to continue its great work; it will provide a commercial "; S10[7]=" testing service of edible oil products for the industry and individuals as well as superior facilities to undertake research across a range of projects,' he "; S11[7]=" said.
      'A key function of the laboratory will be to conduct research into identifying better methods to authenticate the quality of olive "; S12[7]=" products for producers, retailers and consumers.
      This will have massive spin-offs for the export of oil products such as olive oil.
  "; S13[7]="     'Staff will work closely with oilseed and olive producers, marketers and exporters, and will provide screening services for improved quality traits in major "; S14[7]=" Australian canola breeding programs.
      'Today is a major milestone for Dr Rod Mailer and his team who have worked tirelessly for many "; S15[7]=" years to build Wagga Agricultural Institute's international reputation as a leading oil testing centre.
      'I congratulate Dr Mailer and his team and "; S16[7]=" am sure they will enjoy working in this new environment.
      'The Australian Oilseeds Federation and Grains Research Development Council have been major "; S17[7]=" supporters of NSW DPI's research into oilseed quality.
      'The Australian olive industry through the Australian Olive Association has supported the research program "; S18[7]=" on olive oil and is an important client of the services at the Wagga Agricultural Institute.
      'The Rural Industries Research & Development "; S19[7]=" Corporation is also a strong supporter of oils research at Wagga and has committed nearly $300,000 in project funding.' Mr Macdonald said the laboratory was "; S20[7]=" already receiving international attention with two university students, one from France and another from Pakistan, undertaking practical studies at the site in 2007... "; R[8]="1810"; T[8]="Oats prices skyrocket"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20070123"; Dt[8]="Tuesday 23 January 2007"; Acats[8]="a24"; B1[8]="      The price for milling oats for porridge and muesli has skyrocketed to almost three times the average.... "; B2[8]=" "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      The price for milling oats for porridge and muesli has skyrocketed to almost three times the average.
      Oats are "; S2[8]=" in short supply because of the drought and despite quality suffering in the tough conditions, mills are desperate to secure supplies.
      South "; S3[8]=" Australian Blue Lake Milling spokesman Eddy Waaldyk has been in the business for 20 years, but says he has never seen prices so high.
  "; S4[8]="     'Even the quality is surprisingly inferior to normal milling quality,' he said.
      'But in these sort of conditions I think "; S5[8]=" you'll be content [with] any you can find at this point in time.'.. "; R[9]="1784"; T[9]="Drought blamed for lucerne crop failure"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20061223"; Dt[9]="Saturday 23 December 2006"; Acats[9]="a24a35a89"; B1[9]="      Dryland lucerne production in the upper south-east of South Australia has been hit hard by the drought with virtually no hay cut "; B2[9]="this year... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      Dryland lucerne production in the upper south-east of South Australia has been hit hard by the drought with virtually no hay cut "; S2[9]=" this year.
      The area between Tintinara and Naracoorte is generally regarded as one of the nation's biggest lucerne hay-producing regions but has "; S3[9]=" recorded its lowest rainfall totals in a century.
      Charlie Hilton from Lucerne Australia says if there is no rain in the next "; S4[9]=" three months, it is possible some long-established lucerne stands will be lost.
      'If stands have thinned out to be not economic to "; S5[9]=" leave, they are going to have to be re-established,' he said.
      'Once you do that, you virtually lose production off those dryland "; S6[9]=" paddocks for a year.
      'I think most farmers would generally have taken stock off them in the last couple of months and "; S7[9]=" just tried to nurse them through these times.'.. "; R[10]="1768"; T[10]="Boab available for Christmas lunch"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20061223"; Dt[10]="Saturday 23 December 2006"; Acats[10]="a24a42a48"; B1[10]="      The boab, traditionally known as a native bush food is being promoted in Perth this month, just in time for Christmas.... "; B2[10]=" "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      The boab, traditionally known as a native bush food is being promoted in Perth this month, just in time for Christmas.
  "; S2[10]="     Following on from the promotion at this year's Perth Royal Show, the Department of Agriculture and Food will be marketing the boab "; S3[10]=" at fresh food markets across Perth during December.
      Department boab project manager Peter Johnson said the boab was a new food "; S4[10]=" product grown in the Kimberley region and represented a unique contemporary Australian cuisine.
      'The Department is currently promoting the use of "; S5[10]=" boab as a main stream food, to restaurants in Perth and the Kimberley including El Questro Wilderness Park, with meals such as grilled barramundi and "; S6[10]=" redclaw with sautéed boab served with coriander and macadamia pesto.
      'The promotion will further increase the profile of the boab, including "; S7[10]=" its nutritional benefits and the number of ways you can cook and serve the food.' Mr Johnson said boabs were a unique plant and "; S8[10]=" only grew in the Kimberley.
      'They provide a unique opportunity to develop an Australian native plant for commercial use.
    "; S9[10]="   'Both the tubers and the young leaves can be eaten.
      The tuber can be cut into straws for salads, dips "; S10[10]=" and stir frys and can be used in soups.
      'The texture is similar to water chestnuts.
      The leaves "; S11[10]=" have a nutty flavour and can be used in salads or as a garnish.' He said nutritionally, the boab was high in iron and "; S12[10]=" potassium with a high level of protein and fibre and a relatively low fat content.
      The boab leaves are quite high in "; S13[10]=" vitamins A and C.
      Boab roots grow all year round in the Kimberley, but are most productive during the hot wet "; S14[10]=" season.
      A boab demonstration and tasting will be conducted at The Boatshed Market in Cottesloe on December 9 and 10 from "; S15[10]=" 10am to 2pm.
      People living in the metropolitan area can buy Boat Shed markets, or can order it by visiting www.boabsinthekimberley.com.au "; S16[10]=" to find current market outlets... "; R[11]="1757"; T[11]="SA Growers to Benefit from Deregulated Barley Marketing"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20061206"; Dt[11]="Wednesday 6 December 2006"; Acats[11]="a24"; B1[11]="      South Australian barley growers are expected to benefit from greater choice in barley export marketing following the launch of a report by "; B2[11]="an independent working group reviewing South Australia's current barley export marketing arrangements... "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      South Australian barley growers are expected to benefit from greater choice in barley export marketing following the launch of a report by "; S2[11]=" an independent working group reviewing South Australia's current barley export marketing arrangements.
      The report concluded that the barley marketing industry should be "; S3[11]=" deregulated following a three year transitional step of licensing exporters through the use of the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) as the independent "; S4[11]=" regulator.
      SA Barley Marketing Working Group Chair Neil Andrew said the report, which was publicly launched today (Tuesday 5 December), recommended "; S5[11]=" deregulation because it gave growers greater choice over where they could sell their barley.
      'These recommendations have been made with growers' best "; S6[11]=" interest in mind,' Mr Andrew said.
      'A deregulated market will provide growers with more choice over where their barley is sold, "; S7[11]=" it will create more opportunities for increased returns to growers and will enable clearer market signals through the supply chain.' Mr Andrew said the transition "; S8[11]=" step would include an extensive and well-funded education and awareness program to growers about the new marketing arrangements being introduced for barley marketing in SA.
"; S9[11]="       In South Australia the export of barley has restrictions imposed on it by the Barley Marketing Act 1993 (SA).
      "; S10[11]=" This means that only ABB Grain Export Ltd, with a few exceptions, is entitled to export barley from SA, therefore creating what is called the "; S11[11]=" barley single desk.
      The working group was initiated by the Hon Rory McEwen, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in June "; S12[11]=" 2006 in consultation with industry to progress the impasse that the industry faced in relation to single desk to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
  "; S13[11]="     Mr Andrew said the working group was delighted to receive 26 written submissions after inviting SA grain growers registered on the National Grower "; S14[11]=" Register, companies and groups to contribute to the development of the report.
      'We received 15 submissions from individual growers, two submissions "; S15[11]=" from 'grower groups', seven from grain marketing companies / traders and two from industry bodies who represent traders,' Mr Andrew said.
      'The "; S16[11]=" recommendations of this report reflect the quality of the submissions we received.
      We are very pleased with the process that has taken "; S17[11]=" place.
      It has been extremely inclusive of growers and industry stakeholders.' Four potential models for SA barley marketing were reviewed during the "; S18[11]=" development of the report including:
      * Retention of the current marketing arrangements, whereby ABB Grain Export maintains an export monopoly on "; S19[11]=" bulk exports of barley.
     
      * A more independent single desk arrangement, which at a minimum would incorporate an "; S20[11]=" independent body operating as the marketing arm with services provided to it by companies like ABB Grain.
     
      * "; S21[11]=" A licensing arrangement whereby licenses can be issued for particular markets or marketers.
     
      * An open marketing system "; S22[11]=" (deregulation).
      These models were reviewed against issues including the State's obligations under the National Reform Agenda, confidence for growers in new marketing "; S23[11]=" arrangements, potential to facilitate industry growth and innovation, and safeguarding grower returns without compliance costs and 'red tape'.
      Following the public launch "; S24[11]=" of the report, the South Australian government and the SA Farmers Federation Grains Council will remain in close consultation to progress the recommendations by July "; S25[11]=" 2007.
      Final recommendations of the report are: 1.
      That the bulk barley export market in South Australia be deregulated "; S26[11]=" following a 3-year transition period of export licensing for companies participating in the South Australian barley export industry.
      2.
      "; S27[11]=" Any company wishing to export during the transition period must be accredited to gain a license.
      3.
      That the "; S28[11]=" government establish the legislative framework that will enable the regulatory role outlined in recommendations 1 and 2 to be performed by the Essential Services Commission "; S29[11]=" of South Australia (ESCOSA).
      4.
      That these measures take effect as from 1 July 2007.
      5.
"; S30[11]="       That the government develop an MOU with the SA Farmers Federation Grains Council, representing SA barley growers, to facilitate the provision of "; R[12]="1680"; T[12]="Peter Hayman wins GRDC Seed of Light Award"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20061123"; Dt[12]="Thursday 23 November 2006"; Acats[12]="a22a24a53a93"; B1[12]="      Dr Peter Hayman's leading role in helping the Australian grains industry manage the risk of climate change was recognised today when he "; B2[12]="became the latest recipient of the Grains Research and Development Corporation's (GRDC) Seed of Light Award... "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      Dr Peter Hayman's leading role in helping the Australian grains industry manage the risk of climate change was recognised today when he "; S2[12]=" became the latest recipient of the Grains Research and Development Corporation's (GRDC) Seed of Light Award.
      Principal scientist for climate applications with "; S3[12]=" the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Dr Hayman had made a significant contribution to climate change awareness in southern Australia according to GRDC "; S4[12]=" Southern Regional Panel chair David Shannon.
      'Every year since 1999 the GRDC has presented the Seed of Light Award to recognise excellence "; S5[12]=" in grains research and development communications,' Mr Shannon said.
      'Dr Hayman has played a vital role in raising awareness in the grains "; S6[12]=" industry about climate change.
      He has been working with growers, scientists and the industry to communicate the findings and outcomes of the "; S7[12]=" GRDC's Managing Climate Variability Program, and to develop communication efforts between the program's four climate risk projects.
      'This work has included the "; S8[12]=" development of tools for farmers to manage the impact of climate variability in south-eastern Australia.
      The climate has always been the number "; S9[12]=" one factor affecting grain production, and Dr Hayman has played a vital role in helping us to understand it better.
      'He is "; S10[12]=" a highly effective communicator and producers in Australia's southern grains region, along with the scientific community and beyond, have welcomed his insights into the climate.
"; S11[12]="       His work also extends to the viticultural and natural resource management sectors, with his expertise covering the assessment and management of climate "; S12[12]=" risk in agricultural systems, agronomy and decision analysis.' Mr Shannon gave the Seed of Light Award to Dr Hayman at a surprise presentation at the "; S13[12]=" Waite campus of the University of Adelaide this afternoon.
      'Research plays a vital role in improving grain production and sustainability, and one "; S14[12]=" of the most important aspects of research is to communicate outcomes in a way that accelerates the adoption of better varieties and better practices by "; S15[12]=" producers,' he said.
      'Dr Hayman's work is a stellar example of this effort and he is a worthy recipient of the GRDC "; S16[12]=" Seed of Light Award... "; R[13]="1564"; T[13]="Big dry lifts price of brewing beer"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20061027"; Dt[13]="Friday 27 October 2006"; Acats[13]="a24a89"; B1[13]="      Foster's has warned that the drought could increase the cost of making beer.... "; B2[13]=" "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      Foster's has warned that the drought could increase the cost of making beer.
      Foster's Group chairman Frank Swan told "; S2[13]=" shareholders at the annual general meeting in Melbourne yesterday that dry conditions would lead to an increase in the cost of barley, the grain used "; S3[13]=" to make malt for brewing.
      'There are some pressures in relation to supply of grains for beer,' he said.
      "; S4[13]=" 'Combined with the northern hemisphere drought conditions in some supply areas, they will put pressure on supplies of those products in Australia, as well.' The "; S5[13]=" national barley crop this year is forecast at about 5.8 million tonnes, a fall of 41 per cent from the 2005-06 harvest, which has already "; S6[13]=" seen some brewers facing price hikes of up to 33 per cent for malting barley.
      Even Germany, the home of beer, is "; S7[13]=" facing a barley shortage, with their crop cut from 1.6million tonnes to about one million.
      But Mr Swan said the drought was "; S8[13]=" not expected to result in Foster's missing its target of earnings-per-share growth of 10per cent or more.
      'We don't believe it will "; S9[13]=" affect our ability to maintain our record of double-digit earnings-per-share growth,' he said... "; R[14]="1535"; T[14]="Quality and yield benefits flagged for new barley variety"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20061017"; Dt[14]="Tuesday 17 October 2006"; Acats[14]="a24"; B1[14]="      Strong winds, blown dust and a generally poor season failed to prevent more than 400 growers from going to this year's Hart "; B2[14]="Field Day and attending the official launch of the much-anticipated new barley variety Flagship... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      Strong winds, blown dust and a generally poor season failed to prevent more than 400 growers from going to this year's Hart "; S2[14]=" Field Day and attending the official launch of the much-anticipated new barley variety Flagship.
      A result from the University of Adelaide's world-class "; S3[14]=" barley breeding program - supported by growers and the Australian Government through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) - it's considered that Flagship will "; S4[14]=" soon be a leading export malting barley for Australia.
      Flagship was launched by University of Adelaide barley breeder Dr Jason Eglinton and "; S5[14]=" GRDC Southern Regional Panel member Dr Andy Barr in his capacity as a director of ABB Grain Ltd.
      Dr Eglinton said Flagship "; S6[14]=" had a unique breeding profile, quite distinct from current Australian malting varieties, that provided high yields and 'exceptional' export malting quality.
      'Flagship "; S7[14]=" gets its malting quality from European and Canadian genetics, which have been applied to a robust Australian feed variety,' he said.
      'It "; S8[14]=" has a unique combination of characteristics that allows bulk handlers, marketers and customers the ability to ensure varietal purity through established testing methods.' Flagship is "; S9[14]=" a tall, early to mid-maturing variety similar to Schooner and Sloop.
      It has been adapted for low and medium rainfall areas of "; S10[14]=" southern Australia.
      Flagship has reasonable straw strength and lodging resistance, is free threshing, has early vigour and good resistance to head loss.
"; S11[14]="       In long-term trials (1999-2005) across all major grain production regions of South Australia it consistently yielded higher than other varieties including Schooner, "; S12[14]=" Sloop, Gairdner and Baudin.
      Across Victorian regions (2000-2005), it yielded higher than Schooner but generally slightly lower than Gairdner.
      "; S13[14]=" Although it is moderately susceptible to leaf rust and leaf scald, Flagship has improved resistance to cereal cyst nematode and spot form of net blotch.
"; S14[14]="       It is moderately resistant to net form of net blotch.
      It's the malting quality of Flagship which sets it "; S15[14]=" apart from other Australian varieties and which has already resulted in keen interest from buyers overseas.
      It's ideally suited to the China "; S16[14]=" and south-east Asia markets because of its high diastatic power and fermentability - however this rules it out for Australia's domestic brewing industry.
    "; S17[14]="   Flagship will be available to growers through PlantTech and ABB Grain Ltd... "; R[15]="1520"; T[15]="Trade opportunities for Queensland lifestyle horticulture"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20061011"; Dt[15]="Wednesday 11 October 2006"; Acats[15]="a24a57a66"; B1[15]="      The Queensland lifestyle horticulture industry may be battling drought and water restrictions, but companies that attended a trade delegation to Singapore early "; B2[15]="this year are enjoying a downpour of opportunities... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      The Queensland lifestyle horticulture industry may be battling drought and water restrictions, but companies that attended a trade delegation to Singapore early "; S2[15]=" this year are enjoying a downpour of opportunities.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries General Manager for Trade, Markets and Investment, Malcolm "; S3[15]=" Letts said the trade delegation was led by DPI&F and involved 10 Queensland businesses keen to explore this promising new market.
      'The "; S4[15]=" mission was an opportunity for Queensland businesses to benefit from Singapore's need to enhance nursery products, training and horticulture management advice.
      'As "; S5[15]=" a direct result of the delegation, significant short and long term opportunities have been presented for training and expertise by those Queensland companies,' Mr Letts "; S6[15]=" said.
      'A Memorandum of Understanding was proposed between the Australian Centre for Lifestyle Horticulture and Singapore National Parks Board (NParks) to facilitate "; S7[15]=" the building of relationships between Singapore and Queensland lifestyle horticulture industries.
      'Singapore National Parks has also invited several Queensland companies to tender "; S8[15]=" for work in the areas of training, horticulture management advice and development of horticulture certification programs.
      It is predicted that even the "; S9[15]=" short-term outcomes will exceed the collective expectations of the market visit.
      'The purpose of the delegation was to build on relationships with "; S10[15]=" the Singapore National Parks Board (NParks) in order to facilitate increased exports of Queensland lifestyle horticulture services and products.
      'The establishment of "; S11[15]=" these critical supply-chain contacts will ideally position Queensland companies for future business opportunities.
      'The Singapore horticulture industry is experiencing exponential growth and "; S12[15]=" the possibility for Queensland companies to access their share of this growth is very enticing.'.. "; R[16]="1457"; T[16]="Oat varieties keep getting better"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20060927"; Dt[16]="Wednesday 27 September 2006"; Acats[16]="a24"; B1[16]="      The popularity of oats as a valued winter and spring grazing crop will be enhanced with the release of two new varieties "; B2[16]="from next year... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      The popularity of oats as a valued winter and spring grazing crop will be enhanced with the release of two new varieties "; S2[16]=" from next year.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries oat breeder Bruce Winter said that in Queensland trials a new variety to "; S3[16]=" be called Genie had consistently yielded 10-15 per cent more than current commercial varieties, and would be launched next year.
      Mr Winter "; S4[16]=" said a variety now known as QA3 would be available commercially from 2008, and promised 10 per cent more yield than QA2 and total rust "; S5[16]=" resistance.
      Speaking at a field day at the DPI&F Hermitage Research Station, near Warwick, Mr Winter said Genie's partial rust resistance and "; S6[16]=" late season production made it an ideal forage crop for winter to early summer grazing in Queensland and NSW.
      In southern Queensland, "; S7[16]=" Genie could be planted from mid March to mid June, with grazing continuing until October.
      'This late season characteristic provides an opportunity "; S8[16]=" to take advantage of usually reliable spring rain to lift production,' Mr Winter said.
      'Grazing acceptance and improved protein and sugar content "; S9[16]=" for weight gains and milk production are also selection criteria in our oat breeding program.' Mr Winter said Heritage Seeds and Meat and Livestock Australia "; S10[16]=" supported the oat-breeding program.
      He said the use of two or three rust resistant genes ensured the productive longevity of the completely "; S11[16]=" resistant varieties emerging from the breeding program.
      'Another new approach is to incorporate genes for partial leaf rust resistance.
      "; S12[16]=" This form of resistance is more durable and restricts the spread of the disease within the crop, a technique used for the first time in "; S13[16]=" the development of Genie.' 'QA3 for release in 2008 should be completely rust resistant,' Mr Winter said.
      He said the Hermitage trial "; S14[16]=" was part of a regional assessment program where four trials of this type were grown in the oat areas of Central and southern Queensland.
  "; S15[16]="     As well as Genie and QA3, the trials included nine oat varieties, and Dictator forage barley and Petrel awnless hay wheat.
    "; S16[16]="   The oat varieties were Volta, Nugene, Taipan, Warrego, Graza 68, Coolabah, Algerian, Mortlock, and Drover.
      He said the Hermitage trial was "; S17[16]=" planted on April 18, with the first cut 104 days later in July and the second cut on September 12.
      The planting "; S18[16]=" rate was 40kg per hectare, with a 120kg/ha fertiliser blend.
      'There was a dry start to the trial, but rain from late "; S19[16]=" July improved production prospects,' he said.
      Mr Winter said dairy and beef producers visiting the trial site were interested in the performance "; S20[16]=" of Dictator, the awnless forage barley.
      He said Dictator was fast to establish and a vigorous winter growing variety that was productive "; S21[16]=" early in the season, but lost its vigour as the season progressed.
      Mr Winter said he planned to introduce rust-resistant lines "; S22[16]=" from North America during the next few years to strengthen the Queensland forage oats breeding program... "; R[17]="1455"; T[17]="Barley's footprint to grow"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20060927"; Dt[17]="Wednesday 27 September 2006"; Acats[17]="a24"; B1[17]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has appointed a former United States specialist plant breeder to help increase barley's footprint in "; B2[17]="Queensland farming areas... "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has appointed a former United States specialist plant breeder to help increase barley's footprint in "; S2[17]=" Queensland farming areas.
      He is Dr Jerry Franckowiak, a former barley breeder at North Dakota State University for 28 years.
    "; S3[17]="   Dr Franckowiak is based at the DPI&F Hermitage Research Station, near Warwick, but will be involved in state-wide trials.
      Dr Franckowiak "; S4[17]=" said the current Barley Breeding Australia (BBA) North project gives him five years to increase barley's adaptability to the range of Queensland farming environments.
  "; S5[17]="     'The aim is to produce more barley for both feed and malting and increase cropping diversity,' he said.
      'We'll "; S6[17]=" be looking for high yields, drought tolerance and disease resistance in our research,' he said.
      Dr Franckowiak said he would work closely "; S7[17]=" with DPI&F foliar pathologist Greg Platz and cereal chemists Andy Inkerman and Glen Fox.
      He said barley was among the world's most "; S8[17]=" adaptable crops and successfully cultivated in extreme environments ranging from hot and dry to cold and wet.
      This level of environmental tolerance "; S9[17]=" was important in the face of global warming and the weather extremes predicted for Australia and other countries, he said.
      Dr Franckowiak "; S10[17]=" said he would be working largely with the existing germplasm in Australia but might also seek to import some material from North Dakota.
    "; S11[17]="   He said he welcomed the opportunity to come to Australia to continue his barley breeding work.
      'Barley is a great crop "; S12[17]=" to work with and my wife and I welcomed the opportunity to move to this country,' Dr Franckowiak said... "; R[18]="1438"; T[18]="Oat rust breakthrough extends viability"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20060927"; Dt[18]="Wednesday 27 September 2006"; Acats[18]="a24a33"; B1[18]="      When this Genie is let out of the bag and into the paddock it will be good news for Queensland cattle producers.... "; B2[18]=" "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      When this Genie is let out of the bag and into the paddock it will be good news for Queensland cattle producers.
"; S2[18]="       Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries oat plant breeding specialist Bruce Winter said the high yielding experimental forage oat QA2 was to "; S3[18]=" be named Genie and small amounts of seed would be available for growers in 2007.
      Mr Winter told cattle and hay producers "; S4[18]=" attending a forage oats trial farm walk at Biloela Research Station on September 7 that the development of two new experimental lines QA2 and QA3 "; S5[18]=" represented a major step forward for forage oat croppers from Central Queensland through to the Darling Downs and the Maranoa.
      'QA2 is "; S6[18]=" a very late maturing variety that consistently yields 10 to 15 per cent above the commercial average and its leaf rust resistance should extend its "; S7[18]=" productive life well beyond current varieties,' Mr Winter said.
      Mr Winter said the DPI&F oat breeding program had funding support "; S8[18]=" from Heritage Seeds and Meat and Livestock Australia and a commercial seed release arrangement with Heritage Seeds.
      'Our breeding program is now "; S9[18]=" producing cultivars with multiple leaf rust resistant genes that have the potential to greatly extend the productive life of new releases before they succumb to "; S10[18]=" evolving races of leaf rust.
      'Another new approach is to incorporate genes for partial leaf rust resistance.
      This form "; S11[18]=" of resistance is more durable and restricts the spread of the disease within the crop, a technique used for the first time in the development "; S12[18]=" of QA2.
      'Our selection program is targeting late maturity varieties which can be sown in April and will not flower until September "; S13[18]=" in Central Queensland.
      Even when subjected to multiple grazing rotations, these plants retain their vigour to take advantage of late spring rains.
"; S14[18]="       'The breeding program is also investigating forage quality traits such as protein content, sugar content and digestibility which have a significant influence "; S15[18]=" on cattle liveweight gains,' Mr Winter said.
      The rain grown Biloela oat trials were planted on 13 April at 40 kg/ha to "; S16[18]=" target a population of one million plants/hectare supported by an application of 40 kg/ha of urea (nitrogen) and 40 kg/ha of Starter Z at planting.
"; S17[18]="       Mr Winter subjected trial plots to forage cuts on 28 June (76 days post planting) and 26 July (28 days regrowth) to "; S18[18]=" assess yield and compare the experimental and commercial oats with the forage wheat variety, Petrel, and the forage barley, Dictator.
      'Grazing management "; S19[18]=" of these new lines was important and to ensure vigorous regrowth, the oat plants should not be grazed below 12 cm,' he said.
    "; S20[18]="   Petrel, an awnless late maturity forage wheat, was slow to establish and regrow.
      Its yield was 80 per cent of the "; S21[18]=" commercial oats and could not be strongly recommended.
      Dictator, a six-row awnless black barley, had good early production with a 10 per "; S22[18]=" cent yield advantage but did not recover well from the first cut because of its quick maturity.
      Goovigen district dairy farmer Robert "; S23[18]=" Jordison said he planted the late maturity commercial oat varieties, Nugene and Taipan, in April this year.
      Mr Jordison said he was "; S24[18]=" about to graze the raingrown oats for the third time.
      Although they were deemed rust susceptible varieties, he said had not seen "; S25[18]=" any leaf rust in the past five years, no doubt a legacy of the dry winter seasons.
      However, leaf rust remained a "; S26[18]=" threat in wetter seasons.
      Callide cattle and grain producer Gil Schmidt said he planted oats in April and had been continuously grazing "; S27[18]=" 60 steers destined for the Jap ox market on 25 ha.
      Mr Schmidt said it was the best oat crop he had "; S28[18]=" grown in 20 years and he expected to finish the steers without grain assistance by mid-October if it did not get too hot... "; R[19]="1401"; T[19]="Total winter crop production in WA down 41%: ABARE"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20060921"; Dt[19]="Thursday 21 September 2006"; Acats[19]="a22a24a57a74a79a82"; B1[19]="      Total winter crop production in WA will be down 41 per cent for the 2006-07 year due to a below average winter "; B2[19]="rainfall and the resultant poor stat to the cropping season, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      Total winter crop production in WA will be down 41 per cent for the 2006-07 year due to a below average winter "; S2[19]=" rainfall and the resultant poor stat to the cropping season, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics.
     
"; S3[19]="       * Rainfall in the winter months was below average across the grains belt of Western Australia.
      However, conditions in "; S4[19]=" the southern and central regions have been better than in the northern districts.
      Given that crops were generally sown late, a favorable "; S5[19]=" spring will be critical for crops in all regions to reach their current potential.
      In early September, good rainfall was received across "; S6[19]=" the majority of the grains belt, which improved crop conditions.
     
      * The poor start to the winter "; S7[19]=" cropping season in the state is estimated to have resulted in a 30 per cent reduction in the area sown to winter crops.
    "; S8[19]="   The area sown is likely to have been lower in all regions.
      However, the largest decline is expected in the northern "; S9[19]=" part of the grains belt.
      Reflecting the poor start to the season and continued dry conditions, total winter crop production is forecast "; S10[19]=" to be 8.4 million tonnes in 2006-07, compared with 14.3 million tonnes in the previous season.
     
      * "; S11[19]=" Wheat production in 2006-07 is forecast to decline by around 3.7 million tonnes from the 2005-06 crop.
      Reflecting the poor start to "; S12[19]=" the season, continued dry conditions and the variability between regions, yields are forecast to be below the long term average.
      Wheat yields "; S13[19]=" in Western Australia are forecast to be 1.45 tonnes per hectare, a 20 per cent decline from yields achieved in 2005-06.
      "; S14[19]="
      * The area planted to barley in Western Australia is estimated to have fallen by 18 per cent in 2006-07 compared "; S15[19]=" with the previous season.
      This is the lowest area sown to barley in Western Australia in the past five years.
    "; S16[19]="   Barley yields are forecast to be below the long term average and production is forecast to decline by 886 000 tonnes in 2006-07.
  "; S17[19]="    
      * Canola yields in Western Australia are forecast to be 0.63 tonnes per hectare compared with a ten "; S18[19]=" year average of 1.10 tonnes per hectare.
      The area sown to canola is estimated to have declined by 9 per cent, reflecting "; S19[19]=" the continued dry conditions.
      It is forecast that 251 000 tonnes of canola will be produced in Western Australia in 2006-07, 60 "; S20[19]=" per cent less than in the previous season.
     
      * The area planted to lupins in Western Australia "; S21[19]=" is estimated to have declined by 46 per cent and production is forecast to be 77 per cent lower at 210 000 tonnes in 2006-07.
"; S22[19]="       This is the lowest production of lupins in Western Australia for over two decades.
      Australia's farmers can expect to "; S23[19]=" suffer major yield downgrades for both winter and summer crops, the government forecaster said in a report released today.
      Drought is ravaging "; S24[19]=" agriculture across the country, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics says.
      'The total area sown to winter crops in Australia "; S25[19]=" is estimated to be down by 15 per cent at around 18.6 million hectares in 2006/07,' the ABARE forecast says.
      Leading the "; S26[19]=" winter crops is wheat which ABARE says will be down by 14 per cent to 11.1 million hectares.
      And the forecast for "; S27[19]=" Australia's summer crops is no better.
      'Assuming average spring rainfall, the area sown to summer crops is forecast to decline by around "; S28[19]=" 10 per cent in 2006/07, reflecting the decline in water availability for irrigated crops such as rice and cotton.' The total winter crop is predicted "; S29[19]=" to come in at 26 million tonnes in 2006-07, down 36 per cent from 2005-06.
      A wet spring is absolutely necessary for "; S30[19]=" croppers across the country if the wheat harvest is to radically improve on ABARE's predictions.
      'Most cropping regions of Australia recorded below "; R[20]="1369"; T[20]="Battle continues against leaf rust in oats"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20060908"; Dt[20]="Friday 8 September 2006"; Acats[20]="a24a33"; B1[20]="      New rust-resistant oat lines from North America will be introduced to Australia during the next few years to strengthen the Queensland forage "; B2[20]="oats breeding program... "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      New rust-resistant oat lines from North America will be introduced to Australia during the next few years to strengthen the Queensland forage "; S2[20]=" oats breeding program.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries oat breeder, Bruce Winter, said he would soon start introducing a range of "; S3[20]=" new breeding lines he had selected during a recent trip to the United States and Canada.
      Mr Winter said Queensland and NSW "; S4[20]=" graziers would benefit from the introduction of this germplasm through the release of new, leaf rust resistant varieties.
      Mr Winter visited the "; S5[20]=" key oat breeding programs in the US and Canada, looking for new sources of resistance to leaf rust, the major disease of forage oats in "; S6[20]=" sub-tropical Australia.
      'Leaf rust is a very aggressive disease and can cause significant yield loss in wetter seasons,' he said.
    "; S7[20]="   'The disease has readily overcome the single resistance genes present in many older varieties.
      'Leaf rust is very topical among "; S8[20]=" North American researchers since several new races recently emerged and overcame the resistance in some popular varieties,' Mr Winter said.
      He said "; S9[20]=" the Queensland breeding program was constantly looking for new sources of resistance to this disease, and he identified a range of promising lines during this "; S10[20]=" trip.
      'These lines will be imported into Australia, evaluated under local conditions, and used for breeding of new varieties,' he said.
  "; S11[20]="     Mr Winter said although grain and forage oats were minor crops in Australia, the oat industry in North America was much larger, and "; S12[20]=" much greater resources were invested in developing of new varieties.
      He said a highlight of the trip was a visit with Dr "; S13[20]=" James Chong in Winnipeg, Canada.
      Dr Chong had spent over 30 years looking for new sources of leaf rust resistance in "; S14[20]=" the wild relatives of oat.
      New genes released from his program had been used in oat varieties all over the world.
  "; S15[20]="     'Forage oats are critically important to the grazing industries in Queensland and NSW,' Mr Winter said.
      'They are the "; S16[20]=" main feed source for many farming operations during winter.
      Farmers often rely on forage oats for finishing livestock during this period.' Mr "; S17[20]=" Winter and research technician Richard Uebergang manage the forage oat breeding program at the Leslie Research Centre, Toowoomba.
      'The project aims is "; S18[20]=" to release commercial varieties with durable resistance to leaf rust and high forage yield, combined with good early vigour and late maturity.
      "; S19[20]=" 'The breeding program receives funding support from Meat and Livestock Australia and Heritage Seeds, and all varieties released by the program are marketed by Heritage "; S20[20]=" Seeds,' Mr Winter said... "; R[21]="1365"; T[21]="Wheat, barley forecasts drop due to dry conditions"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20060908"; Dt[21]="Friday 8 September 2006"; Acats[21]="a22a24a57"; B1[21]="      The big dry has led the Emerald Group to dramatically lower its wheat and barley forecasts.... "; B2[21]=" "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      The big dry has led the Emerald Group to dramatically lower its wheat and barley forecasts.
      The commodity management "; S2[21]=" company is predicting a crop of 16 million tonnes of wheat, possibly rising to 19 million under ideal spring conditions.
      Barley production "; S3[21]=" is expected at six million tonnes, and a canola crop of one million tonnes.
      Executive director Mike Chaseling says lower wheat and "; S4[21]=" barley forecasts have had a big impact on prices.
      'It's been a spectacular rally here, basis levels have driven up relative to "; S5[21]=" US futures dramatically in the last month or so,' he said.
      'Barley prices are up $60 for the month, there's been a "; S6[21]=" spectacular rally here.
      'Barley is trading in and around $230 a tonne, port less rail, right through most port zones in Eastern "; S7[21]=" Australia and a bit higher in northern port zones.
      'Wheat was trading actively on the ASX futures market at $245 yesterday.'.. "; R[22]="1355"; T[22]="Forage oat trial farm walk at Biloela"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20060903"; Dt[22]="Sunday 3 September 2006"; Acats[22]="a24"; B1[22]="      The 2006 winter season forage oat trial farm walk to be held at Biloela Research Station on September 7 will enable producers "; B2[22]="to compare the forage performance of experimental and commercial oat selections with forage wheat and barley lines... "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      The 2006 winter season forage oat trial farm walk to be held at Biloela Research Station on September 7 will enable producers "; S2[22]=" to compare the forage performance of experimental and commercial oat selections with forage wheat and barley lines.
      Department of Primary Industries and "; S3[22]=" Fisheries Central Queensland coordinator for the half-day farm walk field day Rod Collins said the annual event would run from 8.30am to 11am.
    "; S4[22]="   Mr Collins, a development extension agronomist at Biloela, said that DPI&F Toowoomba-based specialist oat plant breeder Bruce Winter would be on hand to provide "; S5[22]=" an update on the development of experimental oats lines selected for leaf rust resistance and high yield.
      'There are at least nine "; S6[22]=" current commercial and superceded oat varieties included in the rain-grown trial plots which have been cut a number of times to simulate grazing pressure,' Mr "; S7[22]=" Collins said.
      'Plant vigour and secondary growth following initial baling or grazing is a vital consideration that can often determine the economic "; S8[22]=" viability of growing forage oats throughout Central Queensland's winter cropping season.' Mr Collins said that following each cut of the oat, barley and wheat forage "; S9[22]=" cereal lines, an assessment of the recovery time had been undertaken.
      The oat trials are planted annually at four sites in southern "; S10[22]=" and Central Queensland.
      Another oat farm walk will be held at DPI&F Hermitage Research Station at Warwick starting at 8.30am on September "; S11[22]=" 12... "; R[23]="1348"; T[23]="Australia's truffling success"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20060903"; Dt[23]="Sunday 3 September 2006"; Acats[23]="a24a81"; B1[23]="      They are synonymous with French haute cuisine, but the cultivation of truffles in Australia has proved such a success that the first "; B2[23]="batch has been exported abroad... "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      They are synonymous with French haute cuisine, but the cultivation of truffles in Australia has proved such a success that the first "; S2[23]=" batch has been exported abroad.
      This has brought a touch of Provence to upland regions of south-eastern Australia, where conditions most closely "; S3[23]=" resemble those of Europe's best-known truffle-growing area.
      It is a perfect winter's day and ideal for a truffle hunt.
      "; S4[23]=" The sun is shining, the sky is a deep blue and the hazel and oak trees are rustling gently in the breeze.
      "; S5[23]=" But this is not Provence or Perigord.
      Instead I am in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, just two hours' drive "; S6[23]=" from Sydney.
      The hills and ridges are covered not with deciduous forest but with gum trees and wattle bushes.
      "; S7[23]=" Not content with taking on the French at making wine, Australians are now getting into another hallowed Gallic tradition - truffle cultivation.
      "; S8[23]=" The first Australian truffle farm was established in Tasmania and the first 'black diamond', as the French call them, was triumphantly plucked from the ground "; S9[23]=" in 1999.
      Since then around 50 truffle plantations have been established in Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria.
      The "; S10[23]=" whole process is a gamble, as Bill cheerfully admits, but it is one which is evidently paying off.
      The business has been "; S11[23]=" pioneered by Duncan Garvey, a former agricultural economist who has flown in from his home in Tasmania to meet me here in the hills.
  "; S12[23]="     He has brought along his trusty truffle-hunting hound, an English springer spaniel called Pickles.
      Duncan hauls some battered boots and "; S13[23]=" waterproof trousers from the back of his car and we set off, weaving between the oak and hazel saplings and hoping Pickles will pick up "; S14[23]=" a scent.
      Duncan encourages his dog in a soft voice: 'Find truffles, Pickles, find truffles.' Pickles bounds around the hillside, giddy with "; S15[23]=" excitement after spending hours in a crate during the flight from Hobart.
      Ten minutes into the truffle hunt and she appears to "; S16[23]=" be having a bad day.
      She stops beside a wispy hazel bush.
      Duncan kneels down and digs away at "; S17[23]=" the soil with a knife and his fingers.
      But it is a false alarm - the dark earth reveals nothing more than "; S18[23]=" stones and bits of wood.
      The search resumes.
      The plantation around which we are walking is the property of "; S19[23]=" husband and wife team Bill and Pat deCorsie.
      They knew nothing about truffles or truffle growing when they established it five years "; S20[23]=" ago.
      Despite the fact that the 500 trees are barely waist-high, they have already started producing truffles.
      This is "; S21[23]=" the deCorsie's first harvest and so far they have gathered around six kilograms of the black treasure.
      That does not sound much "; S22[23]=" until you learn that a kilo of good quality truffles sells for USD $2,300.
      There are peculiar challenges to cultivating truffles Down "; S23[23]=" Under.
      'The bloody wombats were getting in over the fence,' Bill tells me.
      'We had no idea they could "; S24[23]=" climb.' Installing an electric wire has solved that problem, but it is still no deterrent to the local kangaroos, which simply hop over.
    "; S25[23]="   But at least they cannot get at the truffles, which grow on roots just beneath the ground.
      The saplings are infected "; S26[23]=" with the tuber melanosporum fungus, which is specially imported from France, and then planted in chalky soil.
      The whole process is a "; S27[23]=" gamble, as Bill cheerfully admits, but it is one which is evidently paying off.
      Earlier this month, a small consignment of truffles "; S28[23]=" was sent to a gourmet restaurant in Tokyo.
      It was the first time that Australian truffles had been exported abroad.
    "; S29[23]="   Duncan says the Japanese were 'blown away' by the fact that they were eating fresh truffles in August - Europe's truffles will not be "; S30[23]=" ready for harvest for another six months, which is why the Australians think they can compete with Italy and France.
      Whether the "; R[24]="1240"; T[24]="Draft seed import regulations worry growers"; A[24]="By ... ABC"; Dn[24]="20060805"; Dt[24]="Saturday 5 August 2006"; Acats[24]="a08a24"; B1[24]="      Cut flower growers in northern Australia are renewing their calls for more time to comment on draft changes to seed import regulations.... "; B2[24]=" "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      Cut flower growers in northern Australia are renewing their calls for more time to comment on draft changes to seed import regulations.
"; S2[24]="       Biosecurity Australia is reviewing the regulations, which Darwin grower Jan Hintze says will impact on flower breeding.
      She says "; S3[24]=" they will also make it harder to conserve species like ginger, which is under threat from timber harvesting across Asia.
      'I think "; S4[24]=" it's a significant role that Australia should play within its sphere of interest,' she said.
      'I mean these people that live in "; S5[24]=" countries in South-East Asia and Asia, they are really concerned about the loss of this material too, but they can't save it all on their "; S6[24]=" own.
      'They depend on their wealthier neighbours like Australia to give them a hand and I think it's really incumbent upon the "; S7[24]=" Government to look at this from the world conservation point of view, it's extremely important.'.. "; R[25]="1223"; T[25]="Nursery industry loses billions in sales"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20060804"; Dt[25]="Friday 4 August 2006"; Acats[25]="a24a57"; B1[25]="      Queensland's biggest plant-based rural industry is having, by its own admission, its worst year in two decades.... "; B2[25]=" "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      Queensland's biggest plant-based rural industry is having, by its own admission, its worst year in two decades.
      The nursery "; S2[25]=" industry had been worth about half a billion dollars in sales to domestic and export markets a year.
      But a drought in "; S3[25]=" the south of the state has cut production and meant a 40 per cent drop in sales to gardeners.
      In the north, "; S4[25]=" Cairns nursery operator Daryl Madder says some owners are finding the damage to their stock from cyclone Larry is worse than first thought.
    "; S5[25]="   'What we didn't realise at the time was the stock was blown over,' he said.
      'It's only just recently when we've "; S6[25]=" realised that the stock has been under stress and the new growth is showing that, so it's making it unsaleable.'.. "; R[26]="1215"; T[26]="Sunflower disorder cause identified"; A[26]="By ... Editor"; Dn[26]="20060730"; Dt[26]="Sunday 30 July 2006"; Acats[26]="a24a33"; B1[26]="      The cause of central Queensland's mystery sunflower disorder is no longer a mystery after Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) researchers "; B2[26]="identified tobacco streak virus (TSV) in infected plant tissue... "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      The cause of central Queensland's mystery sunflower disorder is no longer a mystery after Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) researchers "; S2[26]=" identified tobacco streak virus (TSV) in infected plant tissue.
      DPI&F principal agronomist Richard Routley said that following a marked escalation of the "; S3[26]=" disorder in 2004 that severely impacted crop growth, an 18-month Grains Research and Development Corporation and DPI&F-funded investigative project began in January this year.
  "; S4[26]="     Mr Routley said this early breakthrough in identifying TSV would go a long way toward restoring much-needed industry confidence in growing sunflowers in "; S5[26]=" central Queensland.
      'A great deal more work is now required to understand this disease and how it is spread and then develop "; S6[26]=" management and control strategies,' Mr Routley said.
      The project has been guided by a steering committee comprising DPI&F scientists specialising in "; S7[26]=" pathology, virology, agronomy, entomology and weeds as well as Central region agronomic consultants, industry representatives and DPI&F extension officers.
      DPI&F senior experimentalist "; S8[26]=" at Emerald, John Ladewig, initiated pre- and post-herbicide sunflower trials at the Emerald Research Station this season and has monitored development of the disorder in "; S9[26]=" three Central Highlands crops since Easter.
      Follow-up chemical analysis of plant samples failed to find any trace of toxins or nutrient deficiencies "; S10[26]=" and pathology testing initially found no evidence of bacteria, fungi or viral infection.
      But Mr Ladewig noted that disorder symptoms were less "; S11[26]=" severe in crops grown from insecticide-treated seed and that the patterns of infection and development of symptoms were consistent with toxins or disease agents being "; S12[26]=" transmitted by insects.
      A meeting and field inspection attended by some of Australia's pre-eminent sunflower authorities in early June concluded that an "; S13[26]=" insect-borne pathogen was the most likely cause of the disorder.
      Subsequent experiments conducted by DPI&F pathologist Dr Gary Kong and research scientist "; S14[26]=" Murray Sharman showed that the telltale disorder symptoms of black streaked stems and discolouration and degradation of the stem pith, stunted growth and distorted growing "; S15[26]=" points and heads could be transferred to healthy plants using sap inoculated from a diseased plant.
      'We persisted with virus testing backed "; S16[26]=" by a report from India that identified tobacco streak virus as the cause of similar symptoms in sunflowers,' Dr Kong said.
      When "; S17[26]=" existing DNA-based tests failed to identify the virus, Mr Sharman designed a new DNA-based test to identify specific virus particles in plants and came up "; S18[26]=" with a positive match for TSV.
      DPI&F virologist Dr John Thomas said that confirming a virus diagnosis was often difficult as virus "; S19[26]=" symptoms and the expression of virus particles in plant tissues were generally quite variable.
      Dr Kong said that the testing needed to "; S20[26]=" be repeated but there was little doubt that the sunflower disorder could be attributed to tobacco streak virus and the most likely insect vector was "; S21[26]=" the western flower thrip.
      'TSV is endemic in Queensland and while it has never been recorded in sunflowers until now, this virus "; S22[26]=" has many weed hosts including parthenium, noogoora burr, cobblers peg and milk thistle that often do not show any sign of infection.
      "; S23[26]=" 'Insects feeding on these host plants are likely to be able to transmit the virus to sunflowers,' Dr Kong said.
      DPI&F Emerald-based "; S24[26]=" extension agronomist Anne Sullivan said that initial field observations indicated that insecticidal seed treatments had the potential to reduce the TSV risk during the early "; S25[26]=" stages of crop growth.
      Ms Sullivan said the DPI&F and GRDC-funded project under the guidance of the industry-based Steering Committee would continue "; S26[26]=" to investigate management solutions to ensure sunflowers remained a viable and valuable rotational cropping option in central Queensland... "; R[27]="1184"; T[27]="NSW DPI silage making course proves a winner"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20060722"; Dt[27]="Saturday 22 July 2006"; Acats[27]="a24a72a93"; B1[27]="      Silage is playing a much bigger role in the feeding systems of livestock producers in southern NSW and it is even more "; B2[27]="important now because of ongoing drought conditions... "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      Silage is playing a much bigger role in the feeding systems of livestock producers in southern NSW and it is even more "; S2[27]=" important now because of ongoing drought conditions.
      NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is helping producers successfully make silage through its Profarm "; S3[27]=" TopFodder silage making courses being held across the State.
      Seventeen farmers recently attended a three-day 'Successful Silage Course' at Culcairn on 11, "; S4[27]=" 12, 13 July, with one of the participants coming from as far afield as Gunnedah.
      Course organiser NSW DPI's Brian Cumming, who "; S5[27]=" is based at Albury, said most of the people attending the course lived locally.
      The course also drew upon the expertise of "; S6[27]=" NSW DPI's John Piltz, livestock research officer, whose in-depth and practical knowledge of silage making proved extremely valuable, particularly during the field visits.
    "; S7[27]="   Field trips included visiting two local cattle producers who were making different types of silage - one with large square bales and the other "; S8[27]=" with fine chopped, above ground, bunker silage.
      'I think the beauty of this course is that it is extremely practical,' Mr Cumming "; S9[27]=" said.
      'During the course we looked at many silage samples, which ranged from high quality silage to silage that had been damaged "; S10[27]=" during the silage making process.' He said making good silage required extra knowledge and skill, and it was vital to target high quality silage, to "; S11[27]=" reduce overall costs and to maximise animal production from the silage.
      Chris Donoghue from 'Plain Camp' at Mullaney near Gunnedah said he "; S12[27]=" attended the course because he wanted to run more cattle.
      'Unlike some courses - it was not a scone-eating contest.
    "; S13[27]="   I found it most informative,' he said.
      'When I started the course I knew nothing about silage, but I now feel "; S14[27]=" confident enough to give silage making a go.' 'I've also learnt a lot from other participants who were experienced silage makers.' Mr Donoghue was particularly "; S15[27]=" impressed with the textbook 'Successful Silage', which was given to all course participants.
      Another course participant Daryl Thomson from 'Broadlands' near Culcairn "; S16[27]=" has been making silage for eight years.
      He said after the course that he would be changing the way he made silage.
"; S17[27]="       Mr Thomson also said he now saw the value of having his silage tested.
      In the future, he intends "; S18[27]=" to have his silage tested at NSW DPI Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute's recently opened feed testing centre.
      Mr Cumming said it was "; S19[27]=" important to test silage to gauge how successfully it had been made and also to ascertain the livestock production gained from feeding silage.
    "; S20[27]="   'The new testing centre at Wagga Wagga will help livestock producers tailor their animal feeding programs, especially during long periods of dry conditions when "; S21[27]=" feeding becomes one of the bigger costs on farm,' he said.
      NSW DPI silage making courses are usually conducted in response to "; S22[27]=" demand, and prior to silage planning in July, when producers are working out what paddocks to commit to silage.
      To find out "; S23[27]=" about more about silage courses in the Riverina contact the Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre at Yanco on 1800 628 422, web site www.mrsc.nsw.edu.au.
    "; S24[27]="   For ProFarm courses in other regions across the State, contact Tocal Agricultural College on 1800 025 520.
      The textbook 'Successful Silage' "; S25[27]=" costs $135 plus $6 postage and is available from the NSW DPI bookshop at Orange by contacting 1800 028 374... "; R[28]="883"; T[28]="New Technology pays off fro Imported Plant Material"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20060609"; Dt[28]="Friday 9 June 2006"; Acats[28]="a24a31a33"; B1[28]="      More imported plant material is available to Western Australian industry thanks to new technology introduced last year to produce clean cells from "; B2[28]="infected plant material... "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      More imported plant material is available to Western Australian industry thanks to new technology introduced last year to produce clean cells from "; S2[28]=" infected plant material.
      The Manager of AGWEST Plant Laboratories with the Department of Agriculture and Food, Mark Holland said infected plants that "; S3[28]=" would have been rejected in the past, could now be put through a heat treatment process to get rid of the infection.
      "; S4[28]=" 'We have had success with a line of imported sweet potato, previously found to be infected with two viruses - Sweet potato feathery mottle virus "; S5[28]=" and Sweet potato virus G,' Mr Holland said.
      'Usually the presence of an exotic virus would result in the plant being destroyed.
"; S6[28]="       However, we have been able to release this material to its importer thanks to the combination of our new heat treatment facility, "; S7[28]=" and our established expertise in meristem tip culture and testing for viruses.' Mr Holland said the importation of new plant varieties provided Australian plant industries "; S8[28]=" with new and improved genetic material that increased production and economic advantage.
      'However, importation of plant material also presents a significant quarantine "; S9[28]=" risk of importing unwanted pests and diseases.
      Our Post Entry Plant Quarantine Program provides a legitimate and bio-secure pathway for new material "; S10[28]=" to enter the country,' Mr Holland said.
      The heat treatment process involved subjecting the infected plants to 40ºC temperature for 4-6 weeks.
"; S11[28]="       'This environment inhibits plant growth, but inhibits virus multiplication even more.
      The result is a small amount of new "; S12[28]=" growth hopefully free of virus infection', Mr Holland said.
      'The new growth is excised and put into tissue culture.
      "; S13[28]=" The resulting cultures grow into new plants... "; R[29]="875"; T[29]="New environmental guidelines for horticulture"; A[29]="By ... Editor"; Dn[29]="20060609"; Dt[29]="Friday 9 June 2006"; Acats[29]="a24a53"; B1[29]="      Australia's horticulture producers now have a set of national guidelines to help maintain profitability by introducing sound environmental and natural resource management "; B2[29]="practices... "; B3[29]=" "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      Australia's horticulture producers now have a set of national guidelines to help maintain profitability by introducing sound environmental and natural resource management "; S2[29]=" practices.
      The new Guidelines for Environmental Assurance in Australian Horticulture was launched today at a function near Shepparton, Victoria, by the Parliamentary "; S3[29]=" Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Sussan Ley.
      'The guidelines will make a significant contribution to the Australian environment and the profitability "; S4[29]=" of our horticulture industries,' Ms Ley said.
      'Through them, growers have a voluntary guide to good practices and expectations for environmental management.
"; S5[29]="       'The guidelines explain how to tackle environmental assurance in eight key management areas - land and soil, water, nutrients, biodiversity, air, noise, "; S6[29]=" waste and energy.
      They will also assure our producers that they are running sustainable enterprises.
      'And domestic and overseas "; S7[29]=" consumers will know they are buying clean-and-green produce, because the guidelines include a common sense checklist that enables growers to monitor their progress.
    "; S8[29]="   'The 158-page publication represents more than two years work, involving government agencies, industry groups, growers and technical advisers working with existing assurance and environmental "; S9[29]=" management programmes.
      'The credit for developing the guidelines goes to Horticulture Australia - produced under the industry's national Horticulture for Tomorrow Environmental "; S10[29]=" Assurance Project.
      'The $8.7 million Pathways to Industry Environmental Management Systems Programme - part of the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust - "; S11[29]=" assisted with a funding partnership.
      'Since the release of the guidelines in draft form in November 2004, Horticulture for Tomorrow has worked "; S12[29]=" with all sectors of the industry to test and fine-tune them.
      'Last year, 196 growers, and about 40 industry representatives and technical "; S13[29]=" experts from enterprises across Australia, reviewed and tested the guidelines,' Ms Ley said.
      Copies of the Guidelines for Environmental Assurance in Australian "; S14[29]=" Horticulture are available by calling HAL on (02) 8295 2300, fax Alison Turnbull at HAL on (02) 8295 2399... "; R[30]="870"; T[30]="New publication a must for Australian horticulturists"; A[30]="By ... Editor"; Dn[30]="20060609"; Dt[30]="Friday 9 June 2006"; Acats[30]="a02a04a24a42a57"; B1[30]="      It may not reach the giddy heights of the Da Vinci Code blockbuster, but if the initial response is any indication, Australia's "; B2[30]="horticultural sector has a hit new publication on its hands... "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      It may not reach the giddy heights of the Da Vinci Code blockbuster, but if the initial response is any indication, Australia's "; S2[30]=" horticultural sector has a hit new publication on its hands.
      Horticulture for Tomorrow today officially released the first attempt to establish a "; S3[30]=" national industry-wide approach for developing and recognising sound environmental and natural resource management in the horticultural sector.
      Guidelines for Environmental Assurance in "; S4[30]=" Australian Horticulture was due to be launched at 1pm at a gathering of national and local industry leaders in Victoria's Goulburn Valley by Parliamentary Secretary "; S5[30]=" to the Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Sussan Ley.
      The culmination of two years' work, the comprehensive publication has been developed "; S6[30]=" by the Horticulture for Tomorrow project to help Australian growers link production targets with their care for the environment as an integral part of daily "; S7[30]=" business management.
      The national project was managed by Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) in partnership with industry, and funded by the Natural Heritage "; S8[30]=" Trust, through the Australian Government's Pathways to Industry EMS Program.
      'Initial feedback from the 30 or more industry sectors which HAL represents "; S9[30]=" across fruit, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery and extractive crops, indicates that growers have been eagerly awaiting today,' said HAL Chair Dr Nigel Steele Scott.
  "; S10[30]="     'In fact we have been overwhelmed by the support offered by industry organisations to help promote the guidelines, and judging by the enthusiastic "; S11[30]=" response project team members have been receiving so far, the first print run is going to be in high demand,' he said.
      "; S12[30]=" 'The guidelines will be particularly useful to growers thinking about implementing an environmental management system but who don't know where to start and are looking "; S13[30]=" for a practical approach with minimal paperwork.
      They will also be very useful for growers who are already on the way and "; S14[30]=" keen to assess their progress.' 'It has been a truly collaborative effort and the industry should feel very proud of its achievement,' Dr Steele Scott "; S15[30]=" said.
      Horticulture Australia Council (HAC) Chair Stuart Swaddling believes the user-friendly publication will be popular with growers who are keen to gain "; S16[30]=" recognition for sound practices.
      'Many Australian growers have been working towards 'clean and green' production standards for a long time, but they "; S17[30]=" are facing increasing pressure from their customers and consumers to be able to prove it.
      These guidelines will become a valuable tool "; S18[30]=" to help growers do just that,' Mr Swaddling said.
      'They will help growers to bridge the gap between production targets, environmental management "; S19[30]=" and community and buyer expectations.' Mr Swaddling said it had been quite a challenge to develop guidelines that could be generically applied across Australia and "; S20[30]=" were not product or region specific.
      'But feedback from growers involved in the trials indicates the project has been successful in creating "; S21[30]=" a resource that is practical, flexible and easy to read, and can be easily integrated into existing quality assurance systems and complement existing schemes,' he "; S22[30]=" said.
      'It provides a simple structure for farm businesses to undertake their own risk assessments and implement environmental assurance at their own "; S23[30]=" pace and in a way best suited to their enterprise.' More than 190 growers across Australia and some 40 industry representatives and technical experts from "; S24[30]=" a wide range of enterprises were involved in trials to provide input on a draft version.
      The final version includes a review "; S25[30]=" checklist to record progress and identify priorities for action and information about risk assessment, suggested practices, monitoring and recording eight key areas, including soil, nutrients, "; S26[30]=" water, chemicals, biodiversity, waste, air and energy.
      The guidelines are available in a folder format and on CD.
      "; S27[30]=" Horticultural growers, levy payers and peak industry body representatives will pay a subsidised cost of $22, including postage and handling.
      For others, "; S28[30]=" the cost is $80, including postage and handling.
      CDs can be purchased separately for $11.
      All prices are GST "; S29[30]=" inclusive.
      For more information or to order a copy call HAL on (02) 8295 2300, fax Alison Turnbull at HAL on (02) "; S30[30]=" 8295 2399... "; R[31]="852"; T[31]="Climate change to cost grain"; A[31]="By ... Editor"; Dn[31]="20060608"; Dt[31]="Thursday 8 June 2006"; Acats[31]="a22a24a57a74a79a82a89"; B1[31]="      Soaring temperatures and declining rainfalls caused by climate change could wipe a billion dollars a year off Australia's wheat industry within 30 "; B2[31]="years, a study suggests... "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      Soaring temperatures and declining rainfalls caused by climate change could wipe a billion dollars a year off Australia's wheat industry within 30 "; S2[31]=" years, a study suggests.
      Professor Peter Grace, from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), today said a study of five main wheat-growing "; S3[31]=" areas predicted changes to weather patterns could cause a drop in production of up to 24 per cent.
      Prof Grace said atmospheric "; S4[31]=" carbon dioxide levels were predicted to increase significantly in Australia over the next 30 to 50 years, causing temperatures to rise up to 3C and "; S5[31]=" rainfall to drop by about 20 per cent or more.
      'Under these conditions, and with the wheat varieties and agronomic practices currently "; S6[31]=" used in Australia, we could expect to see an average decline in wheat yields across the country of 15 per cent, which equates to around "; S7[31]=" a $1 billion in lost income,' Prof Grace said.
      '(Climate change) really will impact ...
      across all industries where "; S8[31]=" potentially something's being grown.' Prof Grace, research director of QUT's Institute for Sustainable Resources, said climate change would cause crops to grow quicker and lead "; S9[31]=" to the introduction of new pests and diseases.
      Advertisement: As rainfall dropped because of climate change, precious water "; S10[31]=" supplies could be diverted from farming to more 'pressing needs' such as human consumption and sanitation, he said.
      'This will put pressure "; S11[31]=" on domestic food production and our export markets,' Prof Grace said.
      Of the five grain-growing areas examined in the study, those most "; S12[31]=" affected by global warming were the South Australian regions of the Southern Mallee (24 per cent drop in production) and the northern Eyre Peninsula (19 "; S13[31]=" per cent).
      The Riverina district in NSW recorded a 12-per-cent reduction, central eastern WA a 10-per-cent drop and the Darling Downs in "; S14[31]=" Queensland 4-per-cent decline.
      Prof Grace said there was an urgent need to fully explore farming practices which save water.
      "; S15[31]=" Drought resistant crop varieties which already existed in other parts of the world should also be introduced or developed.
      'The usual short-term "; S16[31]=" solutions are being put in place when it's a long-term problem with long-term consequences,' he said... "; R[32]="798"; T[32]="Sunflower disorder research effort on-going"; A[32]="By ... Editor"; Dn[32]="20060601"; Dt[32]="Thursday 1 June 2006"; Acats[32]="a24a93"; B1[32]="      The tell-tale symptoms of Central Queensland's mystery sunflower disorder have been identified in varying degrees of severity in three commercial crops known "; B2[32]="to have been planted in the Central Highlands northern sector this season... "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      The tell-tale symptoms of Central Queensland's mystery sunflower disorder have been identified in varying degrees of severity in three commercial crops known "; S2[32]=" to have been planted in the Central Highlands northern sector this season.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior experimentalist John Ladewig "; S3[32]=" told the 60 grain growers and industry representatives attending the May 24 Emerald Research Station open day that the 18-month sunflower disorder investigative project launched "; S4[32]=" in January was in full swing.
      'Up to 35 percent of the biggest Clermont district crop planted this year has been impacted "; S5[32]=" by the disorder which will have a marked impact of yield potential,' Mr Ladewig said.
      'The most obvious symptoms are reflected by "; S6[32]=" stunted growth, distorted growing points and heads, a black streak down the stem, leaf petiole black discolouration and degradation of the stem pith.
    "; S7[32]="   Stem weakened plants are prone to lodging,' he said.
      Mr Ladewig said the Grains Research and Development Corporation had provided project "; S8[32]=" funding to back the sunflower disorder steering committee to find answers and to restore much-needed confidence in the region's sunflower cropping industry.
      "; S9[32]=" A database to record and monitor the performance of Central Queensland's 2006 sunflower plantings indicated that only six growers had planted a total of 1986 "; S10[32]=" hectares.
      The two crops in the southern Central Highlands and one Stanwell district coastal crop had not succumbed to the disorder.
  "; S11[32]="     Mr Ladewig said sunflowers planted at the research station had been exposed to a range of pre and post-herbicide treatments in a bid "; S12[32]=" to replicate the disorder symptoms without any success.
      'We have conducted chemical analysis on affected plants for traces of residues or toxins, "; S13[32]=" tested for nutrient deficiencies, undertaken pathology testing for bacteria, fungi or viral infection, reviewed climatic impacts from drought and heat and tracked potential insect vectors "; S14[32]=" including the activities of root knot and lesion nematodes.
      'Plant genetics have been under scrutiny without any tangible links to the disorder.
"; S15[32]="       'To date, nothing conclusive has been identified but by a process of elimination, the research effort is getting closer to finding the "; S16[32]=" elusive answer,' Mr Ladewig said.
      Mr Ladewig said he had been tagging individual plants in commercial crops since Easter and had watched "; S17[32]=" as healthy specimens developed disorder symptoms within a week while plants within 10cm remained unaffected.
      Mr Ladewig said sunflowers were a valued "; S18[32]=" rotational cropping option in Central Queensland's farming system and he remained confident that a common link to the disorder would be found... "; R[33]="764"; T[33]="Hamelin Barley tough enough for Metribuzin"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20060526"; Dt[33]="Friday 26 May 2006"; Acats[33]="a24a81"; B1[33]="      With the growing trend for increased sowing of Hamelin malt barley in WA, growers can be confident that Hamelin is not sensitive "; B2[33]="to metribuzin herbicide under normal environmental conditions... "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      With the growing trend for increased sowing of Hamelin malt barley in WA, growers can be confident that Hamelin is not sensitive "; S2[33]=" to metribuzin herbicide under normal environmental conditions.
      Department of Agriculture and Food Research Officer Dr Harmohinder Dhammu has reported that research from "; S3[33]=" small plot trials at two wheatbelt locations from 2002 to 2004, has conclusively shown that trial rates of 112g a.i./ha of metribuzin, applied before sowing "; S4[33]=" with trifluralin at 400 g a.i./ha, did not affect the grain yield of Hamelin or any of the other commonly grown malt barley varieties Stirling, "; S5[33]=" Gairdner or Baudin.
      'The only environmental factors that would make Hamelin, as well any of the other varieties, sensitive to metribuzin "; S6[33]=" is where the chemical is concentrated into the seed slot by furrow filling due to heavy rainfall before crop emergence or the paddock is under "; S7[33]=" waterlogged conditions,' Dr Dhammu said.
      Further information is available by checking the Department of Agriculture and Food's 2006/07 Cereal Spraying Chart "; S8[33]=" (Bulletin 4675) or the Crop Variety Sowing Guide, both accessible from the Department's district offices or online at www.agric.wa.gov.au... "; R[34]="759"; T[34]="Joint trials of low cost aerial crop imaging system"; A[34]="By ... Editor"; Dn[34]="20060526"; Dt[34]="Friday 26 May 2006"; Acats[34]="a24a46a72a92"; B1[34]="      The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the Victorian Department of Primary Industries are jointly testing a new aerial imaging "; B2[34]="system for crop monitoring that uses digital and thermal infrared cameras... "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and the Victorian Department of Primary Industries are jointly testing a new aerial imaging "; S2[34]=" system for crop monitoring that uses digital and thermal infrared cameras.
      A DPI&F principal scientist, Graeme Wright of Kingaroy, said he "; S3[34]=" had been investigating low cost options to capture infrared aerial images as part of on-going research into the application of remote sensing technologies to improve "; S4[34]=" yield, quality, and profitability in peanuts.
      'Although it's still early days, the remote sensing techniques show considerable promise and potentially offer a "; S5[34]=" timely method for growers to identify and manage problems causing crop variations, including disease, aflatoxin, nutrient stress and poor irrigation efficiency,' Dr Wright said.
  "; S6[34]="     'We have recently tested our digital video camera system in a Jabiru light aircraft that has significantly lowered our imaging operating costs,' he "; S7[34]=" said.
      Dr Wright said the new system was manufactured by DPI&F maintenance officer Dave Osborne, and consisted of a custom-made door in "; S8[34]=" which cameras were mounted to achieve a clear view of the ground.
      'This new platform means that infra-red imagery will potentially be "; S9[34]=" far more affordable for peanut growers, with imaging costs now expected to be a few dollars per hectare,' he said.
      Dr Wright "; S10[34]=" said the DPI&F researchers were working with other groups, and were recently visited by Victorian DPI scientist Garry O'Leary, who was keen to test their "; S11[34]=" remote sensing cameras in the new Jabiru aerial platform.
      'The Victorian DPI cameras consist of a high resolution multi-band digital camera and "; S12[34]=" a thermal infra-red camera that allow crop temperature to be assessed remotely, similar to the techniques used in military applications.' Dr Wright said Dr O'Leary "; S13[34]=" was impressed with the simplicity and low operating cost of the DPI&F aerial platform, and was keen to test it under southern Australian conditions.
  "; S14[34]="     The high cost of operating the Victorian aerial imaging system had restricted the remote sensing research program there, and meant that only limited "; S15[34]=" imagery could be acquired during the crop season.
      'Dr O'Leary's visit was also invaluable for DPI&F researchers by allowing them to test "; S16[34]=" the Victorian DPI high resolution cameras under Queensland conditions.
      'We were able to get an idea of how these cameras compare to "; S17[34]=" the DPI&F imaging system,' Dr Wright said.
      He said the collaborative visit was part of a Grains Research and Development Corporation-funded "; S18[34]=" initiative on precision agriculture, involving both the Victorian and Queensland departments.
      'It's also part of the Victorian State initiative, Our rural "; S19[34]=" landscape, which studies the spatial management of nitrogen in wheat crops,' he said... "; R[35]="566"; T[35]="Mitchell Grasslands GLM on track for April"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20060302"; Dt[35]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[35]="a02a24a72"; B1[35]="      The EDGEnetwork Grazing Land Management (GLM) education package is now available for property managers in Queensland's Mitchell grass areas.... "; B2[35]=" "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      The EDGEnetwork Grazing Land Management (GLM) education package is now available for property managers in Queensland's Mitchell grass areas.
      "; S2[35]=" Aiming to promote better understanding, assessment and development of grazing management strategies, the first Mitchell Grasslands GLM workshop for the Central West will be delivered "; S3[35]=" in Longreach, 26 - 28 April.
      Specifically customised for the Mitchell grasslands, this package is one of the nine regional EDGEnetwork GLM "; S4[35]=" education packages developed to service cattle and sheep grazing businesses in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
      In Western Queensland, packages for the "; S5[35]=" Channel Country, Southern Gulf and Desert Uplands are also close to completion.
      The GLM workshop has been developed by Department of Primary "; S6[35]=" Industries and Fisheries staff for EDGEnetwork, the producer education arm of Meat and Livestock Australia.
      The package focuses on specific issues and "; S7[35]=" land types for this region and draws on the best available local research and development information.
      Accredited DPI&F trainers will deliver "; S8[35]=" the practical, integrated and relevant material of the package through a process which ties together the wide range of ecological and grazing land information and "; S9[35]=" encourages stimulating decision-making and planning.
      Other related packages which have been run in western Queensland include Nutrition EDGE and Breeding EDGE.
  "; S10[35]="     DPI&F rangelands scientist, Jenny Milson, said the Mitchell grass GLM package was developed to assist sheep and cattle producers understand and resolve a "; S11[35]=" range of management issues, such as assessing paddock condition and improving carrying capacity.
      'Through the course, graziers also develop a better understanding "; S12[35]=" of frequently-asked questions relating to effective use of fire, achieving the right balance of trees and grass, potential pasture restoration options and management of weeds,' "; S13[35]=" Miss Milson said.
      'In essence, landholders gain an understanding of the grazing ecosystem to enable them to meet production targets while remaining "; S14[35]=" sustainable and profitable in the long term.' Participants at workshops can use the tools and information, along with their local knowledge and experience, to explore "; S15[35]=" different management paths for their current situation.
      'This process helps them determine financial impacts of various grazing management options to suit their "; S16[35]=" individual enterprise,' Miss Milson said.
      The package involves a half-day preparation session, a three-day workshop and a follow-up day within six to "; S17[35]=" 12 months.
      Miss Milson said this program would benefit graziers who were interested in: improving both the productivity and sustainability of their "; S18[35]=" properties; learning a simple method of assessing land condition in each paddock; and gaining an understanding of how to improve carrying capacities.
      "; S19[35]=" 'Participants will also acquire satellite images or aerial photos and maps of their properties and use these, with the knowledge and tools gained during the "; S20[35]=" workshop, to develop a plan that can be used to document land management practices,' she said.
      'This will give direction business decision "; S21[35]=" making and may also be helpful in lease renewal applications or for bank information.' Miss Milson said that thanks to financial support from Desert Channels "; S22[35]=" Queensland for delivery of the workshops, DPI&F can presently offer the Mitchell Grasslands GLM package for only $300/participant in the short term.
      "; S23[35]=" 'Considering the package is normally priced at $1570, this presents a great opportunity for producers to attend at a much reduced price,' she said.
"; S24[35]="       The first Mitchell GLM workshop will be delivered at Longreach, 26 - 28 April.
      A second workshop is planned "; S25[35]=" for May.
      Places are limited.
      For more information or workshop registration, contact Jenny Milson at Longreach DPI&F on 4658 "; S26[35]=" 4400... "; R[36]="556"; T[36]="Grain prices higher in 2006-07"; A[36]="By ... Editor"; Dn[36]="20060302"; Dt[36]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[36]="a22a24a57a74a79a82"; B1[36]="      Delegates at the OUTLOOK 2006 conference heard good news for grain and oilseeds producers, with forecast higher prices in the year ahead, "; B2[36]="according to ABARE commodity analyst Leanne Lawrance... "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      Delegates at the OUTLOOK 2006 conference heard good news for grain and oilseeds producers, with forecast higher prices in the year ahead, "; S2[36]=" according to ABARE commodity analyst Leanne Lawrance.
      'Reduced supplies of grains and oilseeds, combined with strong demand, particularly from intensive livestock industries, "; S3[36]=" is forecast to drive prices higher in 2006-07,' Ms Lawrance told conference delegates.
      Barton ACT 2600 Ms Lawrance also spoke of the "; S4[36]=" particular importance of China to the medium term grains outlook.
      As dietary habits in China continue to change, the demand for grains "; S5[36]=" and oilseeds by intensive livestock industries will increase.
      Ms Lawrance also flagged other important factors to the outlook for grains and oilseeds, "; S6[36]=" including Brazil's soybean production and the demand from ethanol and biodiesel industries.
      Robin Schaefer, from Schaefer Enterprises, gave a first hand account "; S7[36]=" of how the adoption of new technologies such as yield mapping and no-till farming has increased the economic and environmental sustainability of his farming business.
"; S8[36]="       Mr Schaefer spoke of the new technologies such as inter-row sowing and auto steer that he is looking at implementing into his "; S9[36]=" practices to further improve his business.
      In addressing the issues of 'staying competitive', Michael Iwaniw, Managing Director of ABB Grain Ltd, said "; S10[36]=" 'our goal in staying competitive is to remain focused on supplying the burgeoning Asian region where future sales potential is immense.' Mr Iwaniw also spoke "; S11[36]=" of the increased competition that has emerged from the former Soviet Union, in world barley trade.
      Mr Graham Brookes, PG Economics, United "; S12[36]=" Kingdom, told the conference that the farm income benefits from GM crops was US$4.8 billion worldwide in 2004.
      'The introduction of GM "; S13[36]=" crops had reduced the use of pesticides and has led to significant environmental gains,' Mr Brookes told delegates... "; R[37]="487"; T[37]="Natural Products - The growing global phenomenon"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20060222"; Dt[37]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[37]="a08a10a24a55"; B1[37]="      Global demand for natural products including functional foods and organics is currently undergoing exponential growth..... "; B2[37]=" "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      Global demand for natural products including functional foods and organics is currently undergoing exponential growth.
      Market research in Switzerland "; S2[37]=" recently found that 80% of all purchases are influenced by health-related issues.
      Strong worldwide demand for natural products is being driven by "; S3[37]=" consumer need for assurance over the quality, integrity, health and safety in food products and a growing interest in improving lifestyle.
      To "; S4[37]=" capitalise on this growth area, a joint project was developed more than four years ago between the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and "; S5[37]=" the Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation that has assisted companies to successfully build business networks with United Kingdom distributors and buyers.
    "; S6[37]="   Building on knowledge gained from the market research, the Natural Products UK project will focus on developing supply chains into the niche Health food/Natural "; S7[37]=" products segment of the UK market.
      Health and wellbeing concerns are a growing trend in Asia and the DPI&F is working closely "; S8[37]=" with Queensland companies to expand activities in these markets and capitalise on the growing demand.
      DPI&F is linking with the new National "; S9[37]=" Food Industry Strategy (NFIS) and Austrade project which is focused on expanding opportunities with major UK supermarkets.
      A highly successful seminar on "; S10[37]=" Natural Products was facilitated by Jacquie Bodger (Senior Trade and Investment Officer) on the Sunshine Coast in November 2005 followed by a joint meeting hosted "; S11[37]=" by DPI&F and NFIS which was attended by over 40 participants.
      There will be further seminars highlighting the market opportunities for the "; S12[37]=" natural products early this year.
      For details please contact Jacquie Bodger 323 93307 or email Jacquie.bodger@dpi.qld.gov.au... "; R[38]="483"; T[38]="Testing nitrogen application to increase crop yield"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20060222"; Dt[38]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[38]="a03a24a46"; B1[38]="      Using yield forecasting systems with nitrogen decision tools increases the chances of matching fertiliser to yield potential according to Department of Agriculture "; B2[38]="development officer Jeremy Lemon... "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      Using yield forecasting systems with nitrogen decision tools increases the chances of matching fertiliser to yield potential according to Department of Agriculture "; S2[38]=" development officer Jeremy Lemon.
      Mr Lemon said field trials conducted over the past three seasons demonstrated that delaying nitrogen decisions to key "; S3[38]=" times in the growing season reduced the risk of too much or too little nitrogen fertiliser being applied.
      The trials, conducted to "; S4[38]=" address grower concerns about declining protein levels in wheat, and the future marketability of WA grain, will be discussed at this month's Agribusiness Crop Updates, "; S5[38]=" supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
      'Wheat protein levels have shown a declining trend over the past 10 years due "; S6[38]=" to less frequent legume rotations, higher crop legume yields removing fixed nitrogen and higher cereal yields,' Mr Lemon said.
      'Higher cereal yields "; S7[38]=" have not always been matched with adequate fertiliser nitrogen.
      'In low legume cropping systems, a much higher proportion of the cereal's nitrogen "; S8[38]=" requirements come from fertiliser and the cost of nitrogen fertilizer is increasing.
      At up to $80 per hectare, nitrogen inputs account for "; S9[38]=" us much as 25 per cent of total crop input costs.
      'This is why it is important to determine how much is "; S10[38]=" needed and when it should be applied.' Mr Lemon said with the varied seasonal conditions across the State, farmers needed to defer nitrogen application and "; S11[38]=" use available tools to select best likely rates.
      'To achieve potential yield and maintain protein in low rainfall zones, farmers need to "; S12[38]=" respond to high yielding seasonal conditions by applying additional nitrogen fertilizer,' he said.
      'Similarly, growers in medium and higher rainfall areas need "; S13[38]=" to delay nitrogen application to reduce the risk of nitrogen losses from water logging and leaching, and ensure the crop has good yield potential.' Mr "; S14[38]=" Lemon said nitrogen could be applied to cereal crops at any stage up to booting if later rainfall was likely to wash the fertiliser into "; S15[38]=" the root zone.
      'If seasonal conditions deteriorate after late nitrogen application, there is less yield loss and no increase in screenings from "; S16[38]=" booting nitrogen application compared to tillering application,' he said.
      Agribusiness Crop Updates are being held in Perth on 16-17 February.
    "; S17[38]="   Mr Lemon will also be presenting at the Esperance Crop Updates on 10 March... "; R[39]="482"; T[39]="New tool for prediciting potassium needs"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20060222"; Dt[39]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[39]="a03a24a46a92"; B1[39]="      The Department of Agriculture has developed a new method for grain growers to help predict potassium application needs for different seasonal situations..... "; B2[39]=" "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      The Department of Agriculture has developed a new method for grain growers to help predict potassium application needs for different seasonal situations.
"; S2[39]="       The Potassium in Agricultural Systems Model (KASM), on show at the Department's Agribusiness Crop Updates this month, is a decision-support tool to "; S3[39]=" determine if growers need to apply potassium and if so, how much and how often.
      Department researcher Bill Bowden said the KASM "; S4[39]=" model was flexible and allowed users to address these potassium needs over a range of soil types, crops, rotations, yield potentials and rainfall zones.
  "; S5[39]="     'KASM simulates soil water, soil chemistry and root and shoot growth on a weekly basis,' Dr Bowden said.
      'It provides "; S6[39]=" a visual presentation for an individual situation, where the user can then determine the yield and profit consequences of different rates or timing of potassium "; S7[39]=" application.
      'KASM does not deliver recommended rates or strategies, but provides users with a framework for determining the best strategy for their "; S8[39]=" individual situation.' Dr Bowden said KASM could generate three types of output which were displayed graphically - short term analysis, animation and long term analysis.
"; S9[39]="       'In both the short-term and long-term analysis, growers can also compare two situations against the same initial data,' he said.
    "; S10[39]="   KASM is a weekly time-step, one dimensional soil-plant model developed in Microsoft Excel.
      It has been designed as a tool for "; S11[39]=" individual recommendations, group education and developing extension material.
      Further information on KASM will be available at the Agribusiness Crop Updates on February "; S12[39]=" 16-17, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
      For more information on dates and venues for Regional Crop Updates visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/cropupdates.. "; R[40]="471"; T[40]="New oat grain varieties stack up"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20060222"; Dt[40]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[40]="a24"; B1[40]="      Western Australian growers have got behind the State s first potential dwarf milling oat - Kojonup, with the variety being oversubscribed within "; B2[40]="three months of its release in 2005... "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      Western Australian growers have got behind the State's first potential dwarf milling oat - Kojonup, with the variety being oversubscribed within three "; S2[40]=" months of its release in 2005.
      Department of Agriculture evaluation trials in 2004 and 2005 across the wheatbelt, confirmed Kojonup as a "; S3[40]=" consistent performer across all trials and locations.
      Preliminary investigations also show its potential as a good dual purpose grain and hay variety.
"; S4[40]="       The investigations aimed to understand how management factors such as date of seeding, soil type, seeding rate and nutrition influenced the yield "; S5[40]=" potential and milling quality of the new dwarf oat cultivars, Kojonup, Possum and Mitika.
      Details of the field experiments will be discussed "; S6[40]=" at the Department's Agribusiness Crop Updates on 15-16 February.
      Department oat development officer Kellie Winfield said Kojonup produced grain yields equivalent to "; S7[40]=" current dwarf feed variety Wandering and up to 20 per cent more than the non-dwarf variety Carrolup.
      She said Kojonup was currently "; S8[40]=" being evaluated for milling potential and a classification was expected in either 2006 or early 2007 'Of the milling varieties, Carrolup accounted for 28 per "; S9[40]=" cent of the area sown for delivery in 2005 and 19 per cent was sown to Pallinup.
      Wandering (17 per cent) and "; S10[40]=" Dalyup (9 per cent) were the most common feed varieties,' Ms Winfield said.
      'Currently only non-dwarf varieties such as Mortlock, Carrolup and "; S11[40]=" Pallinup are received into the WA milling grade while dwarf oats such as Dalyup and Wandering can only be received into the feed grade.
  "; S12[40]="     'However dwarf oats are higher yielding, have decreased lodging risk and reduced shedding risk than non-dwarf varieties.
      'The development of "; S13[40]=" dwarf milling oats therefore has the potential to offer growers improved yields and improved agronomy.' Since the formation of the National Oat Breeding Program in "; S14[40]=" 2003 a number of new South Australian hay and grain varieties have become available to WA growers.
      Kojonup is the first WA-bred "; S15[40]=" grain oat variety released in seven years, after Wandering in 1999.
      'The new South Australian varieties - Possum and Mitika - are "; S16[40]=" dwarf varieties with a milling classification in the eastern states.
      The varieties are also being evaluated against non-dwarf milling oats as possible "; S17[40]=" milling varieties for WA,' Ms Winfield said.
      The evaluation trials showed Mitika and Possum yielded higher than Carrolup but lower than Wandering "; S18[40]=" and Kojonup.
      Grain yields of Possum were between 5 to 10 per cent higher than Carrolup depending on the yield potential of "; S19[40]=" the site, while Mitika was consistently around 5 per cent higher than Carrolup.
      Mitika, however, has improved disease resistance and good feed "; S20[40]=" quality due to low hull lignin... "; R[41]="469"; T[41]="Five years of ryegrass control"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20060222"; Dt[41]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[41]="a02a03a24a72a85"; B1[41]="      After five years of research in more than 30 focus paddocks, the Department of Agriculture stands behind integrated weed management (IWM) as "; B2[41]="a practical working solution to control ryegrass... "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      After five years of research in more than 30 focus paddocks, the Department of Agriculture stands behind integrated weed management (IWM) as "; S2[41]=" a practical working solution to control ryegrass.
      Department researcher Peter Newman said the extensive project, funded by the Grains Research and Development "; S3[41]=" Corporation, would be discussed at the Department's Agribusiness Crop Updates next week and later at the Liebe, Mingenew and Geraldton Regional Updates.
      "; S4[41]=" Mr Newman said growers using a combination of herbicide and integrated weed management (IWM) techniques were achieving improved reygrass control despite high levels of herbicide "; S5[41]=" resistance.
      He said grower groups worked with the Departrment over the 2001 to 2005 seasons to evaluate IWM strategies, including pasture phase, "; S6[41]=" crop topping, windrow burning and herbicide application.
      'Growers helped monitor 33 focus paddocks for ryegrass numbers and farming practices, and were surveyed "; S7[41]=" in 2001 and 2005 to measure changes in their farming systems and IWM,' Mr Newman said.
      'Ryegrass numbers were generally reduced for "; S8[41]=" the majority of paddocks.
      Results showed ryegrass numbers decreased in 67 per cent of focus paddocks, increased in one paddock (3 per "; S9[41]=" cent) and stayed the same in the remaining 30 per cent.' Mr Newman said one of the biggest issues of weed management was the over-use "; S10[41]=" of herbicide.
      Widespread resistance to trifluralin would occur if growers relied entirely on this method of weed control.
      'Growers "; S11[41]=" who added IWM techniques such as pasture phase, crop topping and windrow burning generally managed to erode a ryegrass seed bank.
      This "; S12[41]=" reduced weed competition with the crop and reduced the pressure to use herbicides,' he said.
      'Crop topping of lupins to reduce seed "; S13[41]=" set of annual ryegrass was rated by growers as one of the most important IWM techniques.
      'Many growers said that crop topping "; S14[41]=" was beneficial to the rotation even where they felt that they did not crop top at the ideal time.' Mr Newman said rotating paddocks from "; S15[41]=" cropping to pasture and/or livestock was generally not popular with growers who had herbicide resistance problems as they made the majority of their income from "; S16[41]=" cropping.
      'However, many of the case studies showed that even one year of pasture would benefit the farming system,' he said.
  "; S17[41]="     'Several growers experienced improved crop yields where they included pasture in the farming system due to nutrition and disease implications as well as "; S18[41]=" improved weed control.' Mr Newman said the harvest management of weeds had also been adopted in large areas of Western Australia over the past five "; S19[41]=" years.
      'A survey relating to the 2004 harvest indicated that 50 per cent of growers were burning windrows to destroy weed seeds.
"; S20[41]="       This number is likely to be higher now,' he said.
      'This result shows that many growers are now looking.. "; R[42]="463"; T[42]="Theodore grazing workshop sets goals"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20060222"; Dt[42]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[42]="a02a24a25a26a27a53a54a72"; B1[42]="      A mix of established Theodore district cattle producers with a wealth of local experience and others who are relatively new to the "; B2[42]="region will develop best practice Grazing Land Management (GLM) plans during the next six months... "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      A mix of established Theodore district cattle producers with a wealth of local experience and others who are relatively new to the "; S2[42]=" region will develop best practice Grazing Land Management (GLM) plans during the next six months.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries grazing "; S3[42]=" lands extension officer Caroline Sandral said 14 participants from Theodore, Wandoan and north to Thangool took part in four day (February 1-2 and 8-9) GLM "; S4[42]=" workshop.
      Ms Sandral said the EDGEnetwork Fitzroy GLM workshop drew on the beef and pasture productivity expertise of experienced DPI&F extension officers "; S5[42]=" to assist rural landholders incorporate natural resource management objectives into future property development improvement plans.
      'When we pool this landholder and extension "; S6[42]=" knowledge, all participants have an opportunity to tailor their grazing land management options to determine the optimum carrying capacity matched to each paddock on their "; S7[42]=" property,' Ms Sandral said.
      Workshop participants Terry and Megan Dunne bought the cattle property Shawlands 60km east of Theodore in October last "; S8[42]=" year.
      Being new to the region, they now have a better understanding of their land and soil types and the know-how to "; S9[42]=" monitor pasture yields and work out a forage budget.
      Ms Sandral said that in six months, the Theodore group would meet again "; S10[42]=" for a one-day session to reassess their property development plans.
      'Grazing management planning involves fencing off land types to ensure better utilisation "; S11[42]=" of pasture burning to improve pasture species composition and woody weed control combined with wet season spelling and use of NRIS (Near Infra-red Spectroscopy) as "; S12[42]=" a means of measuring pasture nutritional value,' Ms Sandral said.
      Ms Sandral said the Central Region was fortunate to be able to "; S13[42]=" access the knowledge and experience of DPI&F's sustainable grazing systems extension officers Jill Aisthorpe (Emerald), Col Paton (Gayndah), Bill Schulke (Bundaberg) and John Chamberlain (Clermont) "; S14[42]=" to assist with the GLM workshop presentation.
      Ms Sandral said plans were in hand for a GLM workshop in the Emerald area "; S15[42]=" in early May and cattle producer inquiries were welcomed.
      GLM has been funded through the Australian Government's National Action Plan for Water "; S16[42]=" Quality and Salinity... "; R[43]="432"; T[43]="Life beneath the paddock"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20060222"; Dt[43]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[43]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[43]="      The latest research on the biology beneath the paddock will be featured at CSIRO s Black Mountain site this week (1 - "; B2[43]="4 February) during the annual Root/Soil Biology in Agriculture workshop... "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      The latest research on the biology beneath the paddock will be featured at CSIRO's Black Mountain site this week (1 - 4 "; S2[43]=" February) during the annual Root/Soil Biology in Agriculture workshop.
      'Crop research has mostly focused on what was happening above ground,' says conference "; S3[43]=" organiser Professor Margaret McCully of CSIRO Plant Industry.
      'The important interactions between roots, soil, soil microbes and soil fauna are now coming "; S4[43]=" to the fore, particularly as they affect crop productivity.
      'New microscope, molecular and other technologies are revealing that there is a lot "; S5[43]=" more happening beneath the paddock than previously thought and several recent discoveries are pointing to ways that these complex interactions can be manipulated to increase "; S6[43]=" crop productivity.' Root/Soil Biology in Agriculture features lectures and discussion sessions with scientists from around Australia and the world, as well as practical sessions for "; S7[43]=" research students and post-doctoral fellows.
      The practical sessions are particularly popular and have been booked out for some time.
      "; S8[43]=" 'The conference aims to bring together researchers, farm advisers, farmers and young scientists interested in the way roots, soil and the things that live "; S9[43]=" amongst them interact in agricultural systems,' Professor McCully says.
      'The event is a unique opportunity to hear about a wide range of "; S10[43]=" fascinating research.' Visiting overseas researchers this year include Professor John Farrar, from the University of Wales Bangor, discussing plants, soil, carbon flux and climate change "; S11[43]=" Professor Patrick Lavelle, University of Paris, discussing below-ground ecological challenges for agronomists and Professor Walter Horst, University of Hannover, who will discuss nitrogen effects on "; S12[43]=" crop root growth.
      Prof Farrar and Prof Lavelle will be taking two of the practical hands-on sessions, giving students useful skills in "; S13[43]=" isotope labelling and using an ecological approach to soils respectively.
      CSIRO's Dr Richard Stirzaker will give a practical demonstration of his system "; S14[43]=" for monitoring irrigation water flow in the soil.
      In keeping with the hands-on emphasis to the event, the CSIRO Microscopy Centre is "; S15[43]=" running a full-day practical workshop on microscopy techniques for studying root/soil/microbial interactions.
      Students will be instructed in the use of standard fluorescence, "; S16[43]=" confocal and cryo-analytical scanning electron microscopes for observing the root/soil interface, organisms that live there and the structure of roots.
      All who "; S17[43]=" are interested are welcome to attend the lectures and discussions.
      The practical sessions are intended for students and post-doctoral fellows and have "; S18[43]=" been booked out... "; R[44]="428"; T[44]="Pasture management options for controlling Giant Rats Tail Grass"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20060222"; Dt[44]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[44]="a02a24a72a85"; B1[44]="      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal extension officer Graeme Elphinstone said the field day which attracted over 100 participants from Queensland "; B2[44]="and interstate illustrated the need for farmers to take up a strategic and long term program to control the weed... "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal extension officer Graeme Elphinstone said the field day which attracted over 100 participants from Queensland "; S2[44]=" and interstate illustrated the need for farmers to take up a strategic and long term program to control the weed.
      He said "; S3[44]=" the field day was held at the Hart family's 'Oakwood' property at Upper Kandanga Creek Road and participants inspected a range of management options to "; S4[44]=" control GRT in irrigated pastures and crops to steep hill slopes 'GRT was introduced to the property in 1964 through infested seed and gained a "; S5[44]=" large foothold before the threat was recognised and treatment regime was begun.
      With each GRT plant producing some 18 000 seeds, long "; S6[44]=" term planning is needed to ensure that successive generations are controlled and eradicated.' The Hart family have successfully improved their badly affected pastures by a "; S7[44]=" range of treatments depending on the amount of weed infestation.
      In dense infestations in a house paddock, GRT was controlled through timely "; S8[44]=" applications of Taskforce and glyphosate sprays, followed by direct drill planting of callide, bisset burgundy bean and wynn cassia grasses and legumes.
      "; S9[44]=" The Hart's were able to improve the strength of the pasture by soil renovation, fertiliser use, planting legumes and spelling before the Taskforce treatment to "; S10[44]=" reduce GRT regeneration after spraying.
      In another paddock with low GRT populations on undulating flats dense pasture winter spraying and spelling of "; S11[44]=" the block combined with increased competition by planting grasses swards of runner grasses significantly reduced new GRT seedlings.
      Field day participants were "; S12[44]=" told to prevent the spread of GRT required: all cattle be quarantined for a minimum of five days when moving them from infested to clean "; S13[44]=" properties, a stock proof fence plus a kept clean 10 metre wide buffer strip would hold 99% of GRT seed spread clean down of machinery "; S14[44]=" and vehicles to remove seed before moving to clean paddocks or properties Mr Elphinstone said studies had shown GRT could spread to pastures throughout Australia "; S15[44]=" if given the opportunity... "; R[45]="424"; T[45]="Grass crown size key to pasture response"; A[45]="By ... Editor"; Dn[45]="20060222"; Dt[45]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[45]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[45]="      A Combination of prolonged drought and heavy grazing pressure suppresses the ability of high value perennial pasture grasses to respond to useful "; B2[45]="summer rains... "; B3[45]=" "; B4[45]=" "; B5[45]=" "; S1[45]="      A Combination of prolonged drought and heavy grazing pressure suppresses the ability of high value perennial pasture grasses to respond to useful "; S2[45]=" summer rains.
      Recently published results of the seven-year Keilambete grazing trial in the Central Highlands Rubyvale district clearly shows that the critical "; S3[45]=" factor for pasture recovery is linked to the crown cover of the 3P palatable, productive and perennial grasses.
      Department of Primary Industries "; S4[45]=" and Fisheries rangelands scientist Paul Jones who has overseen the long running grazing trial said lower stocking rates promoted larger grass species crown cover.
  "; S5[45]="     'Our so-called 3P pastures with the higher percentage of living crown material at ground level supports a larger root system that provides the "; S6[45]=" stored energy to assist the plant to respond to rain at the end of the winter dry season,' Mr Jones said.
      'Where "; S7[45]=" the 3P grasses such as forest Mitchell, black speargrass and golden beardgrass were heavily grazed, resultant low ground cover and reduced crown size accelerated soil "; S8[45]=" erosion and would make it easier for weeds to establish.' Mr Jones said 3P grasses weakened by drought and high stocking treatments lost their productive "; S9[45]=" potential and could not compete with invasive weeds which included poisonous forbs, unpalatable wire grasses, woody weeds and declared noxious plants.
      'Under "; S10[45]=" low stocking pressure, the trial showed that 3P grasses are able to increase their crown size.
      This in turn boosts the size "; S11[45]=" of the root system to store energy for drought recovery while contributing to improved soil health,' Mr Jones said... "; R[46]="423"; T[46]="Feedlot feedback encouraged"; A[46]="By ... Editor"; Dn[46]="20060222"; Dt[46]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[46]="a02a24a27"; B1[46]="      Environmental guidelines for the fast expanding Beef Cattle Feedlot sector are being reviewed by The WA Lot Feeders Association, and the Departments "; B2[46]="of Agriculture, Environment, Health and Water with the support of local government... "; B3[46]=" "; B4[46]=" "; B5[46]=" "; S1[46]="      Environmental guidelines for the fast expanding Beef Cattle Feedlot sector are being reviewed by The WA Lot Feeders Association, and the Departments "; S2[46]=" of Agriculture, Environment, Health and Water with the support of local government.
      'Lot feeding is a growing component of the WA beef "; S3[46]=" cattle industry and is making an increasingly significant contribution to the State's economy,' said Agriculture Department Senior Research officer Dr Brian McIntyre.'The State government and "; S4[46]=" the feedlot association recognise that for the industry to prosper it needs to operate in harmony with its neighbours and the environment and this review "; S5[46]=" will assist in that process.' Areas of particular focus for the review are:
      * Creating easily understood environmental guidance suited to "; S6[46]=" a range of settings in WA
      * Effective buffers between new or upgraded feedlots and other land uses (including dwellings)
    "; S7[46]="   * Suitable communication processes between existing or planned feedlots and their local community
      * Best practice technologies to minimise noise, odour, "; S8[46]=" dust and water-based emissions from feedlots
      * The sustainable management of manure, wastewater and other feedlot by-products
      * "; S9[46]=" Appropriate regulatory measures are used for feedlot management in WA The Guidelines are not intended to cover animal, production or welfare issues, as appropriate information "; S10[46]=" is presently available elsewhere.
      The present guidelines are available on the Department of Agriculture website http://www.agric.wa.gov.au or by contacting the nearest Department "; S11[46]=" office.
      The aim of the review is to ensure the guidelines best meet the needs of both feedlot operators and the community.
"; S12[46]="       The working group undertaking the review is seeking input from industry and community groups or individuals with an interest in the interaction "; S13[46]=" of feedlots and their environment.
      Comments would be most useful if they offer insights on measures that the industry can implement "; S14[46]=" to minimise any impact on their surroundings.
      All comments will be considered by the working group, with the aim of publishing updated "; S15[46]=" environmental guidelines in late 2006.
      Your comments may be sent to: Dr Brian McIntyre Senior Research Officer Department of Agriculture Locked "; S16[46]=" Bag 4 Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 or by email to Brian McIntyre bmcintyre@agric.wa.gov.au For more information on the review, phone Brian McIntyre on 9368 "; S17[46]=" 3736 (office hours) or email: bmcintyre@agric.wa.gov.au.
      The comment period closes at 4pm on Friday 10 March 2006 at the Department of Agriculture, "; S18[46]=" South Perth... "; R[47]="410"; T[47]="Evaluation of the Fodder Crops and Pasture Seeds Programs Benefit"; A[47]="By ... Editor"; Dn[47]="20060222"; Dt[47]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[47]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[47]="      Fodder crops and pasture seeds are both long established agricultural industries in Australia that have grown in importance over the last ten "; B2[47]="years... "; B3[47]=" "; B4[47]=" "; B5[47]=" "; S1[47]="      Fodder crops and pasture seeds are both long established agricultural industries in Australia that have grown in importance over the last ten "; S2[47]=" years.
      RIRDC Publication No 05/169 Both have seen growth in the domestic market and have targeted higher value export markets.
    "; S3[47]="   RIRDC has supported R&D in fodder crops since 1990 and pasture seeds since 1989, investing $7.48 million in fodder crops and $10.43 million in "; S4[47]=" pasture seeds from 1990 to 2005.
      Priorities in R&D as set out in the five-year plans for the industries reflect greater export "; S5[47]=" orientation and toward higher quality and quality assurance, although agronomic issues such as weed and pest control remain important.
      Environmental concerns centre "; S6[47]=" around access to water for the irrigated areas and minimising use of chemicals (especially pesticides) that have the potential for detrimental environmental impacts.
    "; S7[47]="   This report provides the results of four benefit-cost evaluations in the fodder crop sub-program and four in the pasture seeds program (8 projects).
  "; S8[47]="     It is the eighth report in a series of annual evaluations of RIRDC projects.
      A comparison of the results of "; S9[47]=" all RIRDC project evaluations is provided in chapter 1 of this report.
      FODDER CROPS Evaluation results The evaluation results reflect the wide "; S10[47]=" range of returns that can be expected from R&D.
      Many of the projects evaluated have or are expected to generate high returns "; S11[47]=" for industry.
      Testing for annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) (SAR-2A and CSA-3A) was timely work to ensure continued access to the Japanese market "; S12[47]=" for hay.
      ARGT is a toxin that can result from bacterium that is found on mature ryegrass and in high quantities is "; S13[47]=" lethal to ruminants.
      An unfortunate incidence of poisoning of dairy cows in Japan led to suspension of trade and threatened to close "; S14[47]=" the market unless Australian product could be certified as ARGT free.
      SAR-2A supported the implementation of a test that was acceptable to "; S15[47]=" the Japanese and hence made a major contribution to maintaining market access.
      While initially voluntary, the test has been made compulsory due "; S16[47]=" to concern about a small number of exporters so adoption rose to 100 per cent as the test is now required to export hay to "; S17[47]=" Japan.
      The work also identified harvest timing as critical for ARGT loads and led to the widespread adoption of practices that have "; S18[47]=" reduced the potential for toxin development in cut hay.
      CSA-3A has developed a more sophisticated test that identifies the presence of the "; S19[47]=" toxin, but this has not been implemented due to the adoption of management practices that have reduced the problem.
      The evaluation of "; S20[47]=" SAR-2A estimated an internal rate of return (IRR) of 237 per cent with benefits to the industry of $78.4 million over the 30-year period... "; R[48]="409"; T[48]="EcoRange: Market-Oriented Environmental Certification for Rangeland Pastoral Industries"; A[48]="By ... Editor"; Dn[48]="20060222"; Dt[48]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[48]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[48]="      The EcoRange project investigated and made recommendations on the types of environmental certification that could be applied to agriculture..... "; B2[48]=" "; B3[48]=" "; B4[48]=" "; B5[48]=" "; S1[48]="      The EcoRange project investigated and made recommendations on the types of environmental certification that could be applied to agriculture.
      "; S2[48]=" Project No DAQ-276A The project recognised that supply chains, the end consumer and stakeholder groups all need to play important roles if environmental certification is "; S3[48]=" to assist agriculture achieve significant environmental, economic and social outcomes.
      Therefore, it was important that their views were taken into account when "; S4[48]=" developing environmental certification schemes for agriculture.
      This report discusses the perceptions and expectations of industry, conservation and consumer groups with regard to "; S5[48]=" the development and application of environmental certification in agriculture.
      Perceptions of these three categories of stakeholders were explored using a qualitative research "; S6[48]=" method known as convergent interviewing.
      In this way EcoRange interviewed representatives of 24 state or national organisations, eight from each category of "; S7[48]=" stakeholder.
      Industry, conservation and consumer groups all have a desire for agriculture to be profitable, ecologically sustainable and socially beneficial.
    "; S8[48]="   These groups are generally in favour of the application of environmental certification to agriculture, providing it can contribute to these outcomes.
      "; S9[48]=" The following paragraphs outline the broad principles and processes that these stakeholders wish to see incorporated within agricultural environmental certification.
      Stakeholder expectations "; S10[48]=" for environmental certification Certification standards and performance criteria Industry groups preferred environmental certification to occur on a national industry-wide scale, and to be based on "; S11[48]=" existing agricultural related standards such as quality assurance.
      It should contain regional performance measures, Australian industry best management practices, and be applied "; S12[48]=" to the whole supply chain.
      Conservation and consumer groups did not appear to have a preference for any particular type of standard.
"; S13[48]="       However, they did expect environmental certification to address the whole supply chain, and operate at regional, national and global scales.
    "; S14[48]="   Conservation groups emphasised three key criteria for environmental certification: ecosystem function, biodiversity conservation, and prices reflecting the true cost of production.
      "; S15[48]=" In relation to the cost of production, both conservation and consumer groups felt that the current retail price of some products did not adequately reflect "; S16[48]=" their full environmental and social costs.
      Conservation and consumer groups believed that minimum environmental performance measures should be combined with existing best "; S17[48]=" practice and continuous improvement processes.
      For these two groups it was important that environmental certification should question whether a land use should "; S18[48]=" exist in the first place, rather than just apply a continuous improvement process to it.
      Consumer groups also placed particular emphasis on "; S19[48]=" food safety.
      Uptake and expected outcomes Industry groups unanimously believed that environmental certification should be voluntary.
      While both conservation "; S20[48]=" and consumer groups also displayed a general preference for environmental certification to be voluntary, they desired some form of regulatory back-up to ensure that.. "; R[49]="310"; T[49]="Focus on furrow irrigation options"; A[49]="By ... Editor"; Dn[49]="20060222"; Dt[49]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[49]="a01a02a24a40a72a93"; B1[49]="      A research project is underway to provide information on the alternatives to traditional furrow irrigation methods in cotton..... "; B2[49]=" "; B3[49]=" "; B4[49]=" "; B5[49]=" "; S1[49]="      A research project is underway to provide information on the alternatives to traditional furrow irrigation methods in cotton.
      Called "; S2[49]=" Water use efficiency of siphon-less irrigation systems, the project is part of an on-going initiative of the Queensland Government, the Cotton Australia RWUE2 project and "; S3[49]=" the Cotton Catchment Communities CRC to study water use efficiencies in irrigated cotton.
      The Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Sustainable Irrigation Systems, "; S4[49]=" Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland Murray Darling Committee, Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Mines, "; S5[49]=" NSW Department of Primary Industries and Aquatech support the project.
      Joint project leader and consultant Sarah Hood of St George, said the "; S6[49]=" project aims to assess the water use, uniformity of application, deep drainage, labour, installation and on-going costs of a number of systems that do not "; S7[49]=" involve siphons.
      'These are overhead (lateral move), bankless channel and Blache bay (bankless head ditch) and through the bank pipes (PTB), which "; S8[49]=" will be compared with traditional siphon irrigated fields adjacent to each,' she said.
      The other project leader Emma Carrigan, a DPI&F extension "; S9[49]=" officer at Goondiwindi, said there is a lot of interest in siphon-less irrigation.
      'Irrigators are realising the need for higher precision in "; S10[49]=" water application and associated benefits of labour saving, but there is a lack of comparative information on its benefits.
      'For this reason "; S11[49]=" the project will fulfil a real need within the industry.' Miss Carrigan said two of the sites are part of another joint NR&M-RWUE2 and Cotton "; S12[49]=" Catchment Communities CRC project and so have had lysimeters installed to measure the deep drainage that is occurring.'A lysimeter is a large undisturbed soil core "; S13[49]=" into which suction drainage equipment and a logging system that measures and collects lost water are placed,' she said.
      'They are buried "; S14[49]=" 150cm below the soil surface and give researchers scientists information about how much water is lost below the root zone and data to compare various "; S15[49]=" irrigation systems to see which gives greater efficiency during irrigation.' Miss Hood said siphon-less irrigation systems have many perceived benefits: ' they save labour, are "; S16[49]=" precise and flexible ' show improved water efficiency, and ' appear to have less deep drainage.
      'As a result there has been "; S17[49]=" an increase in the number of drip irrigation and overhead systems across the industry,' she said.'More recently growers have been experimenting with siphon-less furrow irrigation "; S18[49]=" alternatives such as pipes through the bank, bank-less channels and Blache bay, and have reported similar benefits.
      'These are reduced labour requirements "; S19[49]=" (initially offset by higher development costs), and water use efficiency estimated to be similar to or better than furrow irrigation.
      'This project "; S20[49]=" aims to quantify these early observations for the benefit of the wider industry,'.. ";