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]="2075"; T[1]="Livestock virtually fenced in"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20070823"; Dt[1]="Thursday 23 August 2007"; Acats[1]="a25a26a27a93"; B1[1]="      A virtual fence for livestock that allows better use of pasture, protects the environment and reduces labour, is being developed by the "; B2[1]="CSIRO Food Futures Flagship using satellite technology... "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      A virtual fence for livestock that allows better use of pasture, protects the environment and reduces labour, is being developed by the "; S2[1]=" CSIRO Food Futures Flagship using satellite technology.
      The project is focussed on developing an animal-friendly virtual fencing system for cattle that enables "; S3[1]=" the animals to be confined without using fixed fences.
      At this stage in the development of what is designed to be a "; S4[1]=" commercial product, the research team has developed a prototype system and successfully demonstrated its use on a herd of cattle.
      CSIRO's Dr "; S5[1]=" Andrew Fisher said the system works in a similar way to a conventional electric fence for livestock, except that the fence is invisible.
    "; S6[1]="   It is a major improvement on existing virtual fencing approaches.
      'The boundaries are drawn entirely by GPS and exist only as "; S7[1]=" a line on a computer,' Dr Fisher said 'There are no wires or fixed transmitters used at all.
      Importantly, what we're developing, "; S8[1]=" achieves the same result as a conventional fence but without the need for posts and wire.' The system employs electronic collars which emit a sound "; S9[1]=" to warn the cattle when they are approaching a virtual boundary line.
      Conducted strictly in line with animal welfare requirements, the virtual "; S10[1]=" fencing project involves collaboration - under the umbrella of the Food Futures Flagship - between CSIRO Livestock Industries in Armidale and the CSIRO ICT Centre "; S11[1]=" in Brisbane.
      'Importantly, what we're developing, achieves the same result as a conventional fence but without the need for posts and wire.' "; S12[1]=" Research team member, CSIRO Livestock Industries' Dr Caroline Lee, said the collars contain advanced software to identify when a cow is near a fence line "; S13[1]=" and which signal should be emitted.
      'Signal timing and duration are based on the behaviour of the cow, and the animals can "; S14[1]=" learn about a virtual fence for the first time in less than an hour and avoid the fence boundary,' Dr Lee said.
      "; S15[1]=" 'The cattle learn, by associating the sound signal with their behaviour of approaching the virtual fence boundary which is programmed into the collars.' The scientists "; S16[1]=" conducted measurements, overseen by an independent animal welfare expert, which show the animals are not unduly stressed by the virtual fence.
      According "; S17[1]=" to CSIRO ICT Centre researcher, Dr Tim Wark, once the boundary is set, the sensor-based system is fully automated and self-sufficient.
      It "; S18[1]=" also enables farmers to continuously monitor where their cattle are located.
      'Although there is still some work to be done in areas "; S19[1]=" such as smart-power management before the system is commercially viable, we can envisage a farm of the future where farmers can fence their property from "; S20[1]=" the comfort of their homesteads,' Dr Wark said... "; R[2]="2055"; T[2]="Beef industry forecast appears gloomy"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20070823"; Dt[2]="Thursday 23 August 2007"; Acats[2]="a26a27a57"; B1[2]="      Meat and Livestock Australia's mid year projections reveal the beef industry is in for a gloomy 12 months.... "; B2[2]=" "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      Meat and Livestock Australia's mid year projections reveal the beef industry is in for a gloomy 12 months.
      Figures "; S2[2]=" out today show production levels will remain steady, but the national herd will drop 2 per cent or by 600,000 animals.
      And "; S3[2]=" while there will be tighter numbers, there will not be higher prices due to the surging Australian dollar and a blow out in input costs.
"; S4[2]="       MLA says export sales will be hurt by the US return in Asia, with Korea set to fall up to 30 per "; S5[2]=" cent and Japan by 4 per cent next year.
      But chief market analyst Peter Weeks says the domestic market is providing some "; S6[2]=" good news in an otherwise flat forecast.
      'That's our solid market, that's still going strong and we're looking at a growth in "; S7[2]=" consumption this year of about 1 per cent and a bit faster next year, maybe in the order of 2 per cent next year.
  "; S8[2]="     'In fact, our five year projections would have domestic consumption growing all the way out.'.. "; R[3]="2038"; T[3]="Welfare groups call for livestock export ban"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20070803"; Dt[3]="Friday 3 August 2007"; Acats[3]="a08a27"; B1[3]="      Animal welfare groups are again calling for the live export trade to be stopped because of a report about conditions aboard a "; B2[3]="ship where 240 cattle died last year... "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      Animal welfare groups are again calling for the live export trade to be stopped because of a report about conditions aboard a "; S2[3]=" ship where 240 cattle died last year.
      The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service report says the cattle died on the MV Maysora "; S3[3]=" in October from acute pneumonia and rough decking injuries which went septic.
      AQIS has now recommended ships carry more antibiotics and animals "; S4[3]=" be given more space.
      But Animals Australia director Glenys Oogjes says that is not enough to resolve live export problems.
    "; S5[3]="   'They happen over and over again and it's just a matter of time before they'll happen again,' he said.
      'The only "; S6[3]=" was to stop this suffering is to ensure that these animals are killed in their country of origin, that is, Australia, and that their carcases "; S7[3]=" are exported as chilled or frozen carcases.' The peak body, Livecorp, denies the Maysora incident is typical of the live export industry.
      "; S8[3]=" Livecorp CEO Cameron Hall says the Maysora sustained high deaths because the cattle were fresian bulls, which are now rarely exported to the Middle East.
"; S9[3]="       'With fresian bulls, particularly the older fresian bulls, the stage that these bulls were at, there is I'd say a higher heirarchical "; S10[3]=" process that the animals go through of pushing and biting and mounting and those sorts of things,' he said.
      'So I think "; S11[3]=" they're all contributory factors.' Meanwhile, livestock exporter Wellard Rural Exports remains optimistic about the future of live exports and is commissioning two new livestock carriers.
"; S12[3]="       Managing director Steve Meerwald says they will have automated feed and water systems and will improve animal welfare.
      'We "; S13[3]=" believe an investment in the future to ensure regardless of circumstances,' he said.
      'Livestock can be delivered from Australia or any other "; S14[3]=" country to their destination under favourable conditions in any circumstance.'.. "; R[4]="2012"; T[4]="Rebate for cattle producers to test for disease"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20070331"; Dt[4]="Saturday 31 March 2007"; Acats[4]="a27a33"; B1[4]="      Cattle producers in the agricultural areas of the State now have access to a rebate for veterinary investigations of scouring and wasting "; B2[4]="in their adult cattle... "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      Cattle producers in the agricultural areas of the State now have access to a rebate for veterinary investigations of scouring and wasting "; S2[4]=" in their adult cattle.
      As part of the investigations, tests will be done to exclude bovine Johne's disease (BJD).
    "; S3[4]="   Department of Agriculture and Food director of animal biosecurity Dr Ashley Mercy said the results of these investigations and tests would provide additional "; S4[4]=" evidence to demonstrate BJD free status for Western Australia.
      The $200 rebate, being funded by the Cattle Council of Australia (CCA), "; S5[4]=" can be used by producers towards the cost of a private veterinarian visiting their property to collect samples from adult cattle with symptoms including diarrhoea "; S6[4]=" and wasting.
      An extra $150 rebate is available if a post mortem is required.
      In addition, the Department "; S7[4]=" of Agriculture and Food's Animal Health Laboratories will be providing free testing of the samples for producers, totalling about $1000 per animal.
      "; S8[4]=" This testing cost will be covered by the Cattle Industry Compensation Fund.
      Dr Mercy said, as a result of a reported "; S9[4]=" case of BJD last year, Western Australia needed to provide evidence of negative test results in order to maintain its disease-free zone status.
    "; S10[4]="   'Producers in the agricultural areas are encouraged to take advantage of this rebate for investigating diarrhoea and wasting in their cattle so the "; S11[4]=" results can be used as part of the demonstrated evidence,' he said.
      'Symptoms that cattle producers should be looking for in "; S12[4]=" adult cattle include diarrhoea lasting more than three weeks and loss of weight over that period despite adequate nutrition.
      'Producers who "; S13[4]=" have cattle with these symptoms should contact a private veterinarian who will advise if they are eligible for a rebate on the testing.' Western "; S14[4]=" Australia's CCA representatives Tim D'Arcy and Mike Norton said the BJD Free Zone status was important for the WA cattle industry and they encouraged cattle "; S15[4]=" producers to take up the rebate incentive.
      The details of the veterinary rebate scheme will be posted to cattle producers in "; S16[4]=" the wheatbelt and southern regions within the next few weeks.
      Producers from Geraldton down to Esperance are eligible to apply for "; S17[4]=" the rebate.
      The rebate does not apply to producers in the pastoral regions, as the seasonal conditions in these areas make the "; S18[4]=" occurrence of BJD highly unlikely... "; R[5]="2008"; T[5]="Cattle Council investigates climate change strategies"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20070331"; Dt[5]="Saturday 31 March 2007"; Acats[5]="a27a89"; B1[5]="      The cattle industry is having a look at its environmental impact as part of a policy on climate change.... "; B2[5]=" "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      The cattle industry is having a look at its environmental impact as part of a policy on climate change.
      "; S2[5]=" The Cattle Council says questions are being raised at a federal level about the long-term challenges the industry faces.
      Chief executive David "; S3[5]=" Inall says an environmental footprint project will focus on future improvements.
      'We're currently working through the technical staff at Meat and Livestock "; S4[5]=" Australia to put together a framework in which we can measure the impact that the cattle industry is having on the environment,' he said.
  "; S5[5]="     'There's certainly a lot of positives the cattle industry has on the environment as well and they need to be recognised.
    "; S6[5]="   'And those areas where we need to improve, areas that may be an issue long-term, we need to find out what they are now "; S7[5]=" and start to work on them.'.. "; R[6]="1985"; T[6]="Korean cattle get a taste for Aussie tropical hay"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20070331"; Dt[6]="Saturday 31 March 2007"; Acats[6]="a08a27"; B1[6]="      An Australian entrepreneur is hoping to break South Korea's rhythm cycle of sourcing hay imports from America after he cut a ground "; B2[6]="breaking agreement to export stock feed from the Northern Territory following an introduction by Austrade... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      An Australian entrepreneur is hoping to break South Korea's rhythm cycle of sourcing hay imports from America after he cut a ground "; S2[6]=" breaking agreement to export stock feed from the Northern Territory following an introduction by Austrade.
      Brian Ireland, a Northern Territorian living in "; S3[6]=" South Korea for 17 years, negotiated the deal and forecasts in the next two years he'll be exporting 49,000 tones per annum to South Korea.
"; S4[6]="       'Imports from America to South Korea are predominantly Alfalfa, but Cavalcade tropical hay grown in Australia is much higher in moisture "; S5[6]=" and protein,' Mr Ireland said.
      'The advantages of tropical hay are twofold: it would arrive in the middle of the Northern "; S6[6]=" hemisphere supply cycle and during the summer when Korea and Japan experience monsoon tropical conditions.
      'The process of securing the deal took "; S7[6]=" some time and came about through an Austrade introduction in 2005.
      The support from the Austrade Seoul office has been fantastic.
  "; S8[6]="     The staff are brilliant, providing sound advice on different ways of approaching things,' he said.
      Austrade's Seoul-based Trade Commissioner, Duncan "; S9[6]=" Cole said the shipment would not have occurred without the efforts of Brian and his wife Bok Hee.
      'They have been "; S10[6]=" instrumental in getting all of the Korean government approvals in place,' Mr Cole said.
      The export deal has taken over two "; S11[6]=" years to secure.
      It came about when Austrade contacted Mr Ireland and invited him to the August 2005 Taejon Agricultural Livestock Exhibition "; S12[6]=" in which the Northern Territory Hay Association was participating.
      'Following on from the exhibition, my Korean born wife and I began "; S13[6]=" the 12 month process of registering five products of Australian tropical hay for export to South Korea,' he said.
      'The next "; S14[6]=" step were discussions with major importers to obtain quota for the importation.
      Non quota feed attracts an 89 per cent tax, but "; S15[6]=" my wife succeeded in arguing a special case of two per cent tax.' Mr Ireland is currently negotiating another deal with South Korea's largest "; S16[6]=" importer of livestock feed into the country to supply 200 containers of hay a month.
      If the deal is successful, the "; S17[6]=" importer would set up his own processing and compacting plant in the Northern Territory which would be the first time his corporation invested in an "; S18[6]=" overseas country outside of Asia.
      Austrade's Duncan Cole commented that while the negotiations have a long way to go, the investment interest "; S19[6]=" from the importer is a positive indicator for the longer term potential for Mr Ireland's business.
      Last year South Korea imported one "; S20[6]=" million tons of stock feed from the northern hemisphere... "; R[7]="1981"; T[7]="New Halal brand for Aussie red meat launched in Middle East"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20070319"; Dt[7]="Monday 19 March 2007"; Acats[7]="a08a27"; B1[7]="      Meat & Livestock Australia has launched a new Halal brand for Australian red meat in the Middle East aimed at reinforcing Australia's "; B2[7]="strict Halal standards in one of the world's largest Muslim markets... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      Meat & Livestock Australia has launched a new Halal brand for Australian red meat in the Middle East aimed at reinforcing Australia's "; S2[7]=" strict Halal standards in one of the world's largest Muslim markets.
      Under Islamic law, for meat to be permissible for consumption, it "; S3[7]=" must be Halal, or lawful, and animals must be slaughtered by a Muslim in accordance with the Islamic 'Shariah', or law.
      "; S4[7]=" MLA's regional manager for the Middle East and Africa Ian Ross said the development of the new Australian Halal brand is an important development in "; S5[7]=" reinforcing the integrity of Australia's strict Halal meat processing systems.
      'This new Halal brand, which will appear on retail meat packs and "; S6[7]=" point of sale, is the Australian red meat industry's guarantee that the meat it exports has come from an animal that has been slaughtered according "; S7[7]=" to the strict Islamic Shariah,' Mr Ross said.
      'Australia is the only non-Muslim country in the world that underpins the integrity of "; S8[7]=" Halal animal slaughter through government legislation, and this is something we will be strongly promoting in the Middle East.' 'Australia has the most robust Halal "; S9[7]=" meat processing system in the world and Muslim consumers need to know, and more importantly need to trust, that the lamb, mutton or beef they "; S10[7]=" are purchasing is Halal.
      We hope this level of trust can give us a distinct competitive advantage in key Muslim markets like "; S11[7]=" the Middle East.' 'Competition in the Middle East's red meat market is increasing and we need to gain a competitive advantage whenever we can.
  "; S12[7]="     The new Halal brand shows that the Australian red meat industry is culturally aware and that we respect the laws of Islam,' Mr "; S13[7]=" Ross said.
      In Australia the Halal process is regulated through the Australian Government Muslim Slaughter (AGMS) program by government employees and is "; S14[7]=" supervised by independent Islamic organisations.
      All Australian Halal meat is labelled as having passed through the AGMS program and this certification is "; S15[7]=" only allowed to be placed on meat that has been processed at a registered Halal certified abattoir.
      In 2006 Australia sent 43,071 "; S16[7]=" tonnes of mutton, 17,685 tonnes of lamb and 3,312 tonnes of beef to the Middle East, valued at $242 million.
      Interest in "; S17[7]=" the Middle East market has surged, with a record 16 Australian red meat exporters attending the huge Gulfood expo this month.
      The "; S18[7]=" expo allowed exporters to show their products and services to potential Middle Eastern customers... "; R[8]="1958"; T[8]="NSW DPI traces cattle ticks to Wauchope district"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20070308"; Dt[8]="Thursday 8 March 2007"; Acats[8]="a26a27a86"; B1[8]="      NSW Department of Primary Industries has acted quickly to quarantine a Wauchope-district property following the detection of cattle ticks last week.... "; B2[8]=" "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      NSW Department of Primary Industries has acted quickly to quarantine a Wauchope-district property following the detection of cattle ticks last week.
  "; S2[8]="     The cattle tick infestation at Upper Rollands Plains near Wauchope on the NSW mid north coast is the most southerly detected in NSW "; S3[8]=" for many years.
      Cattle Tick Program staff traced the infestation after discovering cattle ticks on one animal in a consignment of five "; S4[8]=" head of cattle at Casino abattoirs during a routine check.
      NSW DPI Program Manager (Cattle Tick Control), Mr Peter McGregor, said the "; S5[8]=" Rollands Plains property and its neighbours had been placed in quarantine to prevent the spread of cattle ticks.
      'Inspectors are carrying out "; S6[8]=" investigations to determine whether there are other infestations in the area.
      'Movements of stock on and off the Rollands Plains property will "; S7[8]=" be traced to determine both the spread and the source of the ticks,' he said.
      Initial information is that the animals were "; S8[8]=" previously on a drought-affected property in the Tamworth area.
      They were transported to the Wauchope area in early February and sold through "; S9[8]=" the Wauchope saleyards before going to slaughter at Casino.
      'Our investigations will include following up on the Tamworth property and the Wauchope "; S10[8]=" saleyards,' said Mr McGregor.
      Mr McGregor said the NSW north coast had a favourable climate for cattle ticks, the most serious external "; S11[8]=" parasite of cattle in Australia, but cattle ticks were capable of surviving anywhere in NSW.
      'Cattle ticks were found at Bellingen in "; S12[8]=" 1991 and eradicated but normally we don't get infestations this far south,' he said.
      Mr McGregor asked stockowners to report any unusual "; S13[8]=" ticks to NSW DPI or the Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB) for identification.
      'Cattle ticks are a notifiable disease in NSW, meaning "; S14[8]=" stockowners must report findings,' he said.
      'They have the potential to cause significant damage to the NSW beef and dairy industries.
  "; S15[8]="     When found in NSW they must be eradicated.' Mr McGregor said there had been 16 infestations of cattle ticks detected in NSW this "; S16[8]=" tick season which will continue until June when colder weather traditionally brings an end to the period of tick activity.
      He said "; S17[8]=" there were a total of 78 infestations reported during 2006... "; R[9]="1935"; T[9]="Red meat expenditure continues record breaking run"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20070304"; Dt[9]="Sunday 4 March 2007"; Acats[9]="a08a10a26a27"; B1[9]="      Australia's love of red meat continues to strengthen, with preliminary estimates released today by Meat & Livestock Australia showing that consumer expenditure "; B2[9]="on red meat in Australia grew by a massive $480 million last year... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      Australia's love of red meat continues to strengthen, with preliminary estimates released today by Meat & Livestock Australia showing that consumer expenditure "; S2[9]=" on red meat in Australia grew by a massive $480 million last year.
      This was the ninth year of consecutive sales growth "; S3[9]=" for the domestic red meat category and comes at a time when the industry is suffering from severe drought and experiencing near record demand from "; S4[9]=" overseas.
      The estimates, calculated by MLA and based on ABS and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry statistics, show domestic red meat "; S5[9]=" expenditure - made up of beef, lamb and mutton sales - was a record $8.7 billion in 2006, up 5.9 percent on the record set "; S6[9]=" in 2005.
      MLA Managing Director David Palmer said the level of expenditure was higher than anticipated and was an indication that red "; S7[9]=" meat continues to play an important and growing role in the Australian diet.
      This really is a remarkable result, considering the challenges "; S8[9]=" the Australian red meat industry has faced over the past couple of years, Mr Palmer said.
      It is a sign of a "; S9[9]=" mature industry that we can maintain consistent quality and supply during severe drought and at a time when there is huge demand for our product "; S10[9]=" from overseas markets.
      Mr Palmer said there were a number of key drivers behind the record increase in expenditure, including effective promotion, "; S11[9]=" consistent product quality and a wider knowledge about the nutritional benefits of red meat in the diet.
      'One of the key factors "; S12[9]=" behind the growth in expenditure on lamb was the hugely successful Sam Kekovich Australia Day marketing campaign, which generated a spike in sales during January "; S13[9]=" and also led to a continuation of the strong demand in following months, Mr Palmer said.
      Other marketing campaigns also helped boost "; S14[9]=" expenditure, including the Bring out the beef campaign and the Red meat we were meant to eat it campaign which was fronted by movie star "; S15[9]=" Sam Neill.
      However, the real foundation of the growth in the beef and lamb categories is the consistent quality of the product, "; S16[9]=" its health benefits and the efforts of retailers to continually meet the demands of consumers.
      Domestic expenditure on lamb showed the largest "; S17[9]=" growth in 2006, with a 10.6 percent increase on the year before to $1.9 billion.
      Lamb volumes increased by 7.2 percent with "; S18[9]=" retail prices up 3.2 percent.
      Expenditure on beef increased to $6.5 billion, an increase of 5.6 percent on 2005.
      "; S19[9]=" Beef volumes increased by 2.5 percent with retail prices up 3.0 percent.
      Mutton was the only category to fall in 2006, with "; S20[9]=" expenditure on it dropping by 15 percent to $269 million.
      Latest demand figures also show that consumer demand for lamb is now "; S21[9]=" the highest it's been since 1985 and demand for beef is the highest since 1990... "; R[10]="1895"; T[10]="New management tool for East Australian graziers"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20070216"; Dt[10]="Friday 16 February 2007"; Acats[10]="a25a26a27a72"; B1[10]="      CSIRO has just released a new real-time information tool to help graziers in eastern Australia better cope with the impact of climate "; B2[10]="variations on pasture production... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      CSIRO has just released a new real-time information tool to help graziers in eastern Australia better cope with the impact of climate "; S2[10]=" variations on pasture production.
      Primary producers from Rockhampton in Queensland across to Ceduna in South Australia and down to Tasmania can now "; S3[10]=" access newly released satellite pasture growth data from the Pastures from Space website -: www.pasturesfromspace.csiro.au.
      The Pasture Growth Rate (PGRŽ) data on "; S4[10]=" the website is from the previous weeks' climate records and satellite images which are merged to calculate how fast the pasture is growing at the "; S5[10]=" national, regional, farm and paddock scale.
      PGRŽ supports farmers in making management decisions like grazing rotation, feed budgeting, fertilizer application and other "; S6[10]=" 'precision' techniques.
      Because the data is on the web, near real-time decisions can be made.
      Spatial analyst from CSIRO "; S7[10]=" Armidale, Graham Donald, says PGRŽ provides an assessment of the amount of pasture grown in the last week (in kilograms of dry matter per day).
"; S8[10]="       'The major difficulty graziers face with climatic uncertainty is how to match fluctuating feed supply with demand.
      'Because the "; S9[10]=" data is on the web, near real-time decisions can be made.' 'It is economically and environmentally vital for producers to manage productivity, meet market demand "; S10[10]=" and maximise profit - but to do this they must utilise their available stock feed strategically and sustainably,' Mr Donald said.
      'These "; S11[10]=" accurate satellite estimations of PGRŽ provide information on feed resources allowing producers to more effectively manage their enterprise and raise the productivity of their businesses,' "; S12[10]=" he said.
      'Producers in eastern Australia now have the tools capable of measuring positive and negative effects on their farms and farming "; S13[10]=" regions generally,' Mr Donald said.
      In providing information about seasonal and yearly fluctuations in pasture production, the Pastures from Space project has "; S14[10]=" also proven invaluable as a decision support tool to shire councils, state government agencies and the banking and finance sectors.
      CSIRO developed "; S15[10]=" PGRŽ in collaboration with the Western Australia Departments of Food & Agriculture and Land Information (now known as Landgate), with the Bureau of Meteorology providing "; S16[10]=" critical regional climate data... "; R[11]="1885"; T[11]="Grain-fed feedlot cattle numbers on the rise"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20070213"; Dt[11]="Tuesday 13 February 2007"; Acats[11]="a27"; B1[11]="      New figures show the number of grain-fed cattle in feedlots are at their second-highest level.... "; B2[11]=" "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      New figures show the number of grain-fed cattle in feedlots are at their second-highest level.
      More than 908,000 head "; S2[11]=" were being fed in the December quarter, up 24 per cent on the previous year.
      The survey by the Australian Lot Feeders "; S3[11]=" Association (ALFA) also shows grain prices have skyrocketed by up to 92 per cent.
      President Malcolm Foster says feedlotters are under enormous "; S4[11]=" pressure.
      'There'll be a lot of feedlots who'll be into the red now I would imagine and more will move in that "; S5[11]=" direction while ever the grain price remains where it is and the cattle price remains where it is,' he said.
      'For those "; S6[11]=" who have a choice about it, I suspect the next time cattle prices come back substantially further than they have, you could well start to "; S7[11]=" see feedlots start to empty out as we move in through this year.'.. "; R[12]="1880"; T[12]="Livestock producers taking on-farm research into own hands"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20070207"; Dt[12]="Wednesday 7 February 2007"; Acats[12]="a25a26a27"; B1[12]="      Australia's livestock producers are being given the opportunity to design, conduct and get funding for their own on-farm research projects.... "; B2[12]=" "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      Australia's livestock producers are being given the opportunity to design, conduct and get funding for their own on-farm research projects.
    "; S2[12]="   The initiative, coordinated by Meat & Livestock Australia, is known as Producer Research Support (PRS) and allows livestock producers to research and trial practices "; S3[12]=" that will improve the financial or environmental performance of a property.
      National PRS co-ordinator, Gerald Martin said over 300 producer groups "; S4[12]=" have participated in the PRS on-farm trials and encouraged producers across the country to get involved and tackle those issues that directly impact on the "; S5[12]=" day-to-day running of their business.
      'The great thing about the PRS program is that it puts research into the hands of producers "; S6[12]=" - basically we are giving farmers the opportunity to trial their own research at a local level,' Mr Martin said.
      'Livestock producers "; S7[12]=" are in the best position to determine what on-farm research and management practices work for them.
      They live and breathe the challenges "; S8[12]=" every day, so it makes sense that they be given an avenue to get involved when it comes to designing and implementing local R&D on-farm.
"; S9[12]="       'Many groups have already tackled agronomic aspects such as weeds, soil fertility and improved pasture species.
      Others have trialed "; S10[12]=" better grazing management, the value of supplements and improved genetics - the opportunities are endless.' The deadline for producers to submit applications for research support "; S11[12]=" is 28 February.
      Application forms can be obtained on the MLA website - www.mla.com.au/producersupport.
      The PRS program provides participants "; S12[12]=" with on-going support through a dedicated co-ordinator, phone number and email address.
      The PRS program will also provide regional facilitators who will "; S13[12]=" be available to assist groups with the reporting of progress back to MLA.
      Successful groups can receive up to $15,000 in support "; S14[12]=" over three years, with the funds helping to cover the expertise needed and expenses that are not normal items, such as feed quality testing.
  "; S15[12]="     Producers are encouraged to utilise the best local expertise, such as DPI staff and local consultants, to help design and manage the trials.
"; S16[12]="       'The goal of this initiative is to allow producers to trial, adapt and adopt improved management options on their own farm - "; S17[12]=" or more simply - put their ideas into action,' Mr Martin said... "; R[13]="1854"; T[13]="Beef exports to ease, sheep numbers to drop in 2007: MLA"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20070207"; Dt[13]="Wednesday 7 February 2007"; Acats[13]="a08a25a27"; B1[13]="      The unpredictability of the drought and competition from the US are the two biggest factors in this year's sheep and cattle projections "; B2[13]="by Meat and Livestock Australia... "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      The unpredictability of the drought and competition from the US are the two biggest factors in this year's sheep and cattle projections "; S2[13]=" by Meat and Livestock Australia.
      While the cattle outlook is steady with beef exports easing marginally, sheep numbers will be in short "; S3[13]=" supply.
      As a result, prices are expected to rise significantly for lamb in the coming year, in some cases as much as "; S4[13]=" 30 per cent.
      Chief market analyst Peter Weeks says the drought has done real damage to projected national herd and flock numbers.
"; S5[13]="       'On the cattle side we're looking at a 2.4 per cent or a 700,000 fall in the herd,' he said.
    "; S6[13]="   'Supply-wise, production down about 4 per cent this year, 2007.
      'On the sheep side, a much bigger impact, we're looking at "; S7[13]=" a 5.5 million fall in the flock to about 95 million.
      'That's a similar sort of impact to what it had back "; S8[13]=" in the 2002-03 drought.'.. "; R[14]="1844"; T[14]="Drought hits cattle industry but outlook still positive"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20070207"; Dt[14]="Wednesday 7 February 2007"; Acats[14]="a27a57"; B1[14]="      The drought and competition from US beef in North Asian markets are the two key - and unpredictable - factors that will "; B2[14]="shape Australia's cattle and beef industries over the next few years, according to Meat & Livestock Australia's 2007 Cattle and Sheep Industry Projections, released today... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      The drought and competition from US beef in North Asian markets are the two key - and unpredictable - factors that will "; S2[14]=" shape Australia's cattle and beef industries over the next few years, according to Meat & Livestock Australia's 2007 Cattle and Sheep Industry Projections, released today.
"; S3[14]="       MLA's chief market analyst Peter Weeks said that both Australia's cattle herd and beef production are likely to fall in 2007, which "; S4[14]=" will offset some weakening in export demand and leave cattle prices similar to the near-record averages seen in 2006.
      'The demand and "; S5[14]=" prices for Australian cattle and beef remain historically high and are expected to fall only gradually over the coming five years, in the face of "; S6[14]=" renewed competition from the US,' Mr Weeks said.
      'However, the short term outlook for the cattle and beef industry is likely to "; S7[14]=" be dominated by the aftermath of the severe drought which will likely see a fall in output, providing sufficient rains are received by autumn.
  "; S8[14]="     'Despite the firm prices, cattle farm incomes are expected to be low for many producers in 2006-07 and this will limit the ability "; S9[14]=" of producers in drought affected areas to hold onto additional stock for rebuilding.' The current severe drought, covering almost all of NSW, Victoria and SA "; S10[14]=" and parts of Queensland and WA, is expected to lower the national cattle herd by around 2.4 percent, or 700,000 head, in 2006-07, to 27.9 "; S11[14]=" million head.
      This is a smaller reduction than in the 2002-03 drought year which saw a 1.2 million head decline in the "; S12[14]=" herd.
      The decline in numbers in southern states is expected to be partially offset by herd rebuilding in Queensland, the NT and "; S13[14]=" WA.
      'Australia's cattle producers have become a lot better at managing drought and this has improved the nation's production capacity during extended "; S14[14]=" dry periods,' Mr Weeks said.
      The drought is expected to restrain cattle turnoff and beef supplies in the next few years, as "; S15[14]=" producers endeavour to rebuild herds.
      Assuming average summer rains in northern Australia and a break from the drought in southern areas in "; S16[14]=" autumn, beef production is forecast to fall around 4 percent in 2007, to 2.1 million tonnes and remain below the 2006 peak until 2009.
  "; S17[14]="     The fall in Australian beef production following the drought, some easing in export demand and prices, and continuing strong domestic demand are likely "; S18[14]=" to see Australian beef exports a little lower over the next two to three years.
      A 4.6 percent fall in beef exports "; S19[14]=" is forecast for 2007 from the record set in 2006, to 910,000 tonnes shipped weight.
      While exports are expected to begin expanding "; S20[14]=" again from 2008, the 2006 peak is unlikely to be exceeded before 2010.
      With production growth and a renewed rise in North "; S21[14]=" Asian demand, exports could reach 1.05 million tonnes by 2011, 10 percent higher than in 2006.
      The dominant markets are likely to "; S22[14]=" remain Japan, Korea and North America, as competition from South America and India in other markets is expected to remain fierce.
      An "; S23[14]=" expected modest fall in North Asian demand in 2007 and possibly 2008 could see a little more beef destined for the US and domestic markets "; S24[14]=" and a small recovery in live cattle exports.
      However, the main impact of the US return is likely to be felt in "; S25[14]=" a fall in export (and cattle) prices rather than quantities, with volumes governed essentially by the availability of suitable heavy steers in Australia - both "; S26[14]=" grass and grain fed.
      Grainfed beef output is likely to decline modestly in 2007 due to higher grain prices and lower shortfed "; S27[14]=" beef prices to Japan and Korea as competition from the US strengthens.
      Also, the need to drought-feed with grain will recede once "; S28[14]=" pastures are restored.
      Demand for Australian beef is expected to weaken from recent high levels as the US returns, albeit partially, to "; S29[14]=" Japan and Korea and as US beef prices come off their cyclical peak.
      However, the fall is unlikely to be precipitous, as "; S30[14]=" Australia is expected to largely retain gains made in Japan and Korea, the cyclical rise in US production has been delayed and seems likely to "; R[15]="1843"; T[15]="New forward contract to make risk management easy"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20070207"; Dt[15]="Wednesday 7 February 2007"; Acats[15]="a27"; B1[15]="      Meat & Livestock Australia today announced it is close to finalising a basic cattle forward contract that will provide producers across Australia "; B2[15]="with an effective and easy-to-use risk management tool... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      Meat & Livestock Australia today announced it is close to finalising a basic cattle forward contract that will provide producers across Australia "; S2[15]=" with an effective and easy-to-use risk management tool.
      MLA's Cattle Futures coordinator Tim Sheldrake said the release of the new 'standard' forward "; S3[15]=" contract comes at a time when the use of risk management tools such as the existing MLA/Sydney Futures Exchange (SFE) Cattle Futures contract and other "; S4[15]=" industry risk management instruments continue to experience significant growth.
      'The MLA sponsored MLA/SFE Cattle Futures contract experienced record trading in 2006 with "; S5[15]=" volumes 59 percent higher than 2005,' Mr Sheldrake said.
      'More and more Australian cattle producers are turning to risk management as available "; S6[15]=" options grow and awareness and understanding improves'.
      'The cattle industry is prone to major fluctuations in prices and supply, and risk management "; S7[15]=" can help provide a degree of market, supply and income security as well as assisting in business planning and growth'.
      'While the "; S8[15]=" MLA/SFE Cattle Futures contract remains pivotal, the risk management toolbox is expanding, and the new simplified cattle forward contract should appeal to producers looking to "; S9[15]=" utilise this type of risk management tool.
      'The increased usage of Cattle Futures and the other risk management tools demonstrates the evolving "; S10[15]=" risk management culture within the Australian cattle industry - it's a positive sign and the mark of a mature industry'.
      Mr Sheldrake "; S11[15]=" said the new simplified cattle forward contract has been developed to address impediments to forward contracting within the Australian cattle industry.
      'MLA "; S12[15]=" recognises that one of the major impediments to forward contracting in the cattle industry is a lack of transparency and trust in contracts.
    "; S13[15]="   To remove these impediments MLA established an industry consultative committee to assist in creating a set of voluntary trading rules,' Mr Sheldrake said.
  "; S14[15]="     This committee has gained a formal commitment from the National Agricultural Commodities Marketing Association (NACMA) to assist in the contract's development and conduct "; S15[15]=" the mediation and arbitration on the contract.
      'It is exciting to have NACMA on board; they are experts in the field of "; S16[15]=" agricultural commodity contracts and will bring experience to the development process of the contract and will provide users with extra confidence,' Mr Sheldrake said.
  "; S17[15]="     A draft, including an explanatory guide, of the proposed standard cattle forward contract will be available from the MLA website - www.mla.com.au - "; S18[15]=" for industry to comment on from 5 February.
      All submissions will need to be made via email and completed by the close "; S19[15]=" of business on 16 February.
      Mr Sheldrake said that an industry endorsed forward contract, complete with trading rules and arbitration should be "; S20[15]=" available by the end of March 2007.
      'I encourage all cattle buyers and sellers to review the draft contract and provide comment, "; S21[15]=" and to consider adopting the forward contract upon its release,' Mr Sheldrake said... "; R[16]="1822"; T[16]="Leading role for Aussie lamb and beef in Hollywood"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20070123"; Dt[16]="Tuesday 23 January 2007"; Acats[16]="a08a25a27a48"; B1[16]="      Australian beef and lamb has joined Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts and Terri and Bindi Irwin as a star of the G'Day USA "; B2[16]="events currently being held in Los Angeles and New York... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      Australian beef and lamb has joined Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts and Terri and Bindi Irwin as a star of the G'Day USA "; S2[16]=" events currently being held in Los Angeles and New York.
      In its fourth year, the G'day USA program aims to build stronger "; S3[16]=" business relations and promote all things Australian to the citizens of Los Angeles and, for the first time this year, New York.
      "; S4[16]=" Australian beef and lamb has featured this week at all the key events in Los Angeles, including a screening of the iconic Australian film Priscilla: "; S5[16]=" Queen of the Desert, as well as the food and beverage trade show and the G'day USA golf day.
      Over 1,200 guests "; S6[16]=" attended the Penfolds black tie dinner in Los Angeles on Saturday to honour Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts and the late Steve Irwin where they dined "; S7[16]=" on a main meal of seared slow roasted rib of Australian grain fed beef prepared by owner and executive chef of Sydney's Rockpool restaurant, Neil "; S8[16]=" Perry.
      Meat & Livestock Australia's (MLA) North America Regional Manager, Michelle Gorman said MLA had partnered with G'day USA organisers to provide "; S9[16]=" attendees at events in Los Angeles and New York with the opportunity to taste the unique flavour of Australian beef and lamb.
      "; S10[16]=" 'There is huge room for growth in the US market for Australian red meat - research shows that 70 percent of American consumers have not "; S11[16]=" tried lamb and Australia is currently not well recognised as a supplier of high quality beef products,' Ms Gorman said.
      'Despite this, "; S12[16]=" many consumers still think of Australia as a source of high quality lamb and our production systems are well regarded - G'day USA provides an "; S13[16]=" exciting opportunity to increase US consumers' awareness of our high quality lamb and beef products.' Events continue in New York this week, including two major "; S14[16]=" functions where owner and executive chef of Vue de monde in Melbourne, Shannon Bennett, will prepare Greg Norman Australian Prime Wagyu, and Neil Perry will "; S15[16]=" prepare a meal featuring Australian lamb cutlets.
      Neil Perry will also prepare his Aussie lamb cutlet dish live on The Martha Stewart "; S16[16]=" Show, a popular lifestyle show syndicated nationally.
      'We estimate that 3,500 consumers will have tried Australian beef and lamb at the G'day "; S17[16]=" USA events.
      The beef and lamb products featured at these events will be available during the month of January at two boutique "; S18[16]=" retail chains, Bristol Farms in Los Angeles and Citarella in New York, allowing event attendees to follow up their memorable dining experience with a purchase,' "; S19[16]=" Ms Gorman said.
      In 2006 exports of Australian chilled beef to the U.S.
      reached a record high 33,542 tonnes "; S20[16]=" while Australian lamb exports totalled 39,836 tonnes, only two percent lower than the record set in 2005... "; R[17]="1820"; T[17]="Slow start for Japan export"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20070123"; Dt[17]="Tuesday 23 January 2007"; Acats[17]="a08a27a62"; B1[17]="      The Japanese beef market started the new year with the trade's expectation for relaxation of the 100% inspection requirement on imports of "; B2[17]="US beef... "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      The Japanese beef market started the new year with the trade's expectation for relaxation of the 100% inspection requirement on imports of "; S2[17]=" US beef.
      However, no timetable for the relaxation of existing inspection requirements was made during a joint risk communication meeting held by "; S3[17]=" MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) and MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) on 15 January 2007.
      With the US "; S4[17]=" beef's supply uncertainties and reported low beef consumption in November, exporters experienced slow buying from Japan this week.
      Prices have eased since "; S5[17]=" being last reported (15 December 2006), with chilled grassfed fullsets falling 5US˘/lb to 224US˘/lb, and shortfed fullsets down 12US˘/lb to 236US˘/lb.
      The "; S6[17]=" Japanese wholesale market showed little movement this week.
      Both chilled grassfed and shortfed fullsets were trading at the same price as last "; S7[17]=" week - 890 yen/kg (45 yen higher than the same period 2005) and 1,015 yen (same as 2005), respectively... "; R[18]="1819"; T[18]="Higher cattle supply, improved competition"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20070123"; Dt[18]="Tuesday 23 January 2007"; Acats[18]="a27"; B1[18]="      Throughput increased 40% nationally, with Queensland having the largest increase.
      EYCI reached its highest point since mid-November last year, "; B2[18]="rising 9˘ from last week to 305.75˘/kg cwt... "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      Throughput increased 40% nationally, with Queensland having the largest increase.
      EYCI reached its highest point since mid-November last year, "; S2[18]=" rising 9˘ from last week to 305.75˘/kg cwt.
      Export rates increased, particularly for heavy weights, with the Japan ox indicator up 8˘ "; S3[18]=" and the US cow indicator up 10˘, to 164˘ and 118˘/kg lwt respectively.
      Higher numbers and stronger competition Throughput at MLA's NLRS "; S4[18]=" reported saleyards increased 40% - Queensland had the largest increase, with numbers more than doubling.
      The major centres of Toowoomba, Gunnedah, Wagga "; S5[18]=" and Wodonga also had large increases.
      When compared with the same week last year, similar numbers were penned in Queensland, SA and "; S6[18]=" WA, but greater numbers were available in NSW and Victoria.
      Gunnedah, Forbes, Dubbo and Wodonga throughput was well above 2006 levels, no "; S7[18]=" doubt due to the ongoing dry conditions.
      However, supply for the beginning of this year is on par with both 2004 and "; S8[18]=" 2005 levels.
      Queensland throughput typically picks up again once the majority of abattoirs recommence sourcing after maintenance closures.
      Demand "; S9[18]=" in northern markets has improved with the full complement of buyers returning to Queensland and northern NSW centres.
      This has been the "; S10[18]=" main factor contributing to the improved market, along with some additional lotfeeder purchases from the physical market and the odd speculator.
      Rainfall "; S11[18]=" has come mostly in sporadic storms, which have brought some respite to water reserves but have not greatly benefited the majority of producers.
    "; S12[18]="   Livestock quality has remained surprisingly good in most areas, with demand for the better conditioned stock remaining solid.
      Drought-affected stock being "; S13[18]=" forced onto the market and any plainer categories not fitting specifications have not received the same improved rates as the well-conditioned grades in recent weeks.
"; S14[18]="       Vealer heifers received the greatest increase in demand in the young cattle portion.
      Backgrounders and restockers are purchasing vealer "; S15[18]=" heifers with the intention of turning them off later in autumn or adding to breeding herds.
      Yearling steers have been offered in "; S16[18]=" larger numbers although demand has remained steady.
      Cow demand has improved considerably in Queensland and northern NSW with export buyers re-entering the "; S17[18]=" market.
      However, these buyers have been securing sufficient numbers close to home and have not yet exerted a large presence in southern "; S18[18]=" markets.
      Over the hooks cow rates also opened stronger in Queensland, prompting plentiful numbers direct to works, which has allowed processors some "; S19[18]=" leeway in sourcing from the physical markets.
      South Australian markets opened to renewed demand from all sectors, with small butchers and wholesalers "; S20[18]=" showing good interest in vealer cattle at the SA Livestock Exchange.
      However, some Victorian buyers were absent from Mount Gambier due to "; S21[18]=" their butcher's holiday, which affected demand.
      In WA, grazier and feeder demand was limited although trade demand was stronger, assisted by the "; S22[18]=" presence of live export interest.
      Prices continue recovery Prices were dearer across the majority of categories at MLA's NLRS reported saleyards.
  "; S23[18]="     The price recovery from December levels has continued, with the full panel of buyers returning at most centres.
      Vealers were "; S24[18]=" dearer, with increases of 2˘ for steers and 1˘ for heifers, to average 170˘ and 146˘/kg lwt, respectively.
      Yearling prices improved for "; S25[18]=" restockers, processors and lotfeeders.
      The national trade steer indicator gained 11˘ and the feeder steer indicator 6˘, to stand at 172˘ and "; S26[18]=" 166˘/kg lwt, respectively.
      Paddock feeder quotes climbed, with steers mainly between 170˘ and 185˘ and heifers 160˘ to 175˘/kg lwt.
    "; S27[18]="   The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) reached its highest point since mid-November last year, at 305.75˘/kg cwt.
      Grown steer rates were "; S28[18]=" particularly improved for heavy weights, with the national Japan ox indicator up 8˘ to settle at 164˘/kg lwt.
      The US cow indicator "; S29[18]=" also benefited from additional demand, rising to 118˘, 10˘/kg lwt above last week... "; R[19]="1783"; T[19]="Cattle ID scheme issues being resolved: NLIS chairman"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20061223"; Dt[19]="Saturday 23 December 2006"; Acats[19]="a26a27"; B1[19]="      The chairman of the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) for cattle says problems with the scheme are being addressed.... "; B2[19]=" "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      The chairman of the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) for cattle says problems with the scheme are being addressed.
      "; S2[19]=" A leaked copy of an audit of the scheme, commissioned by the federal Agriculture Minister, has highlighted problems with farmer cooperation, scrutiny of the system "; S3[19]=" and different levels of state compliance.
      Chairman John Wyld says the NLIS is working well overall, but admits there are weaknesses, including "; S4[19]=" the lack of a back-up plan if Telstra's systems supporting the database go down.
      'Our contract with Telstra requires a full disaster "; S5[19]=" recovery plan,' he said.
      'Now I'm aware there is an ongoing issue between MLA and Telstra, but it's really a matter that "; S6[19]=" Telstra's not been able to comply with but it's part of our contract.
      'So they're currently not complying with the wishes of "; S7[19]=" NLIS or the wishes of MLA.'.. "; R[20]="1760"; T[20]="Record value of beef exports in October"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20061206"; Dt[20]="Wednesday 6 December 2006"; Acats[20]="a08a27"; B1[20]="      According to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the value of Australian beef and veal exports during October reached "; B2[20]="a monthly record of A$462 million - 20% above October 2005 levels... "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      According to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the value of Australian beef and veal exports during October reached "; S2[20]=" a monthly record of A$462 million - 20% above October 2005 levels.
      This rise for the month was primarily due to an "; S3[20]=" 18% increase in volumes shipped (ABS data).Most of the increase in export values was from shipments to the US, Japan and Korea.
      "; S4[20]=" The value of exports to the US in October jumped 36% on October 2005 levels, to $124 million.
      Volumes shipped were up "; S5[20]=" 24% (ABS), as drought conditions across much of Australia forced an increase in cow slaughter and supplies of manufacturing beef.
      The value "; S6[20]=" of beef exports to Japan in October was 8% above year ago levels, at $198 million, due to higher volumes shipped.
      Contributing "; S7[20]=" to the rise in volumes shipped was the approach of Japan's peak demand period coinciding with relatively low stock levels and a lack of supply "; S8[20]=" from the US.
      The value of exports to Korea rose 23% on October 2005 levels, to a record October high of $76 "; S9[20]=" million.
      Demand from Korea remained strong and stock levels low, with US beef still absent from the market.
      Volumes "; S10[20]=" shipped and the average value per kilogram were up 15% and 7%, respectively.
      For the 10 months to October, the total value "; S11[20]=" of Australian beef and veal exports was a record $3.92 billion - 1% higher than the same period last year.
      Exports to "; S12[20]=" Korea experienced the greatest increase in values during the 10 months, up 28% to a record $633 million.
      In addition, the value "; S13[20]=" of exports to Eastern Europe rose substantially, jumping nearly five-fold to $56.4 million, primarily due to limited supplies from the EU and the inability of "; S14[20]=" South America to fill the growing demand for beef in this market.
      Offsetting these gains was an 8% fall in the value "; S15[20]=" of exports to Japan over the year to October, to $1.81 billion.
      The value of exports to the US was also down "; S16[20]=" 2%, to $993 million... "; R[21]="1736"; T[21]="Farmers rush to sell off cattle"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20061206"; Dt[21]="Wednesday 6 December 2006"; Acats[21]="a27"; B1[21]="      Southern New South Wales and Victorian livestock markets are overflowing as farmers sell off their cattle.... "; B2[21]=" "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      Southern New South Wales and Victorian livestock markets are overflowing as farmers sell off their cattle.
      Producers say they "; S2[21]=" cannot hold onto cattle until after the Christmas break because of severe water restrictions in the southern Riverina.
      Nicole Varley from the "; S3[21]=" National Livestock Reporting Service says as a result markets could resume earlier than usual next year.
      'Everyone's now talking whether or not "; S4[21]=" they are going to go back straightaway after New Year's or whether they'll hold back,' she said.
      'The feeling is because of "; S5[21]=" the water scenario and everything they are likely to go back first week, purely to help farmers out in case they have to out turn "; S6[21]=" stock straightaway, in case they can't hold over that two week period.'.. "; R[22]="1734"; T[22]="Beef group urges Meat and Livestock Australia changes"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20061206"; Dt[22]="Wednesday 6 December 2006"; Acats[22]="a27"; B1[22]="      The Australian Beef Association (ABA) says the meat industry's peak group lacks transparency and needs to be overhauled.... "; B2[22]=" "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      The Australian Beef Association (ABA) says the meat industry's peak group lacks transparency and needs to be overhauled.
      The "; S2[22]=" ABA is holding a rally today in Roma, in southern Queensland, and is encouraging producers to boycott Meat and Livestock Australia's annual general meeting in "; S3[22]=" Adelaide.
      Association chairwoman Linda Hewitt says producers pay a significant levy to the MLA, but have little to show for it.
  "; S4[22]="     'I mean, all you have to do is go into the research and development side of it and ask for a breakdown of "; S5[22]=" the research that's been carried out at any particular time of MLA,' she said.
      'You don't get start dates, you don't get "; S6[22]=" finish dates, you don't get points of where research is up to.
      You don't get the research companies that they're dealing with "; S7[22]=" or anything like that.'.. "; R[23]="1732"; T[23]="S Korea rejects second shipment of US beef"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20061206"; Dt[23]="Wednesday 6 December 2006"; Acats[23]="a27"; B1[23]="      South Korea has again rejected a shipment of beef from the United States amid fears of mad cow disease.... "; B2[23]=" "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      South Korea has again rejected a shipment of beef from the United States amid fears of mad cow disease.
      "; S2[23]=" The country has only just resumed imports from North America.
      South Korea lifted a three-year ban on US beef but with tough "; S3[23]=" conditions.
      Only boneless meat is allowed, and high risk tissue such as brain and spinal cord must be removed.
      "; S4[23]=" Last week Korean officials rejected the first shipment of beef to arrive, after finding bone fragments.
      Three tonnes of beef "; S5[23]=" did not meet the standards, they say, after x-ray scans found three tiny fragments of bone.
      Officials deny they are being "; S6[23]=" picky, and say they are following international standards.
      The problems for US beef producers have benefited Australian producers - as a "; S7[23]=" consequence they have taken 70 per cent of the Korean import market... "; R[24]="1731"; T[24]="Australian beef brand in Korea awarded top brand award"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20061206"; Dt[24]="Wednesday 6 December 2006"; Acats[24]="a08a27"; B1[24]="      Australia's beef brand in Korea, Hoju Chungjung Woo has been judged as Korea's leading food brand for the third year in a "; B2[24]="row... "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      Australia's beef brand in Korea, Hoju Chungjung Woo has been judged as Korea's leading food brand for the third year in a "; S2[24]=" row.
      The award was part of the 'Best Brand Awards', which are conducted annually by leading Korean newspaper Hankook Ilbo.
    "; S3[24]="   The awards were judged by a panel of four marketing and retailing experts who chose Hoju Chungjung Woo over eight other leading food brands, "; S4[24]=" including popular local products.
      The 'Best Brand Awards' are split into 12 categories, with Hoju Chungjung Woo topping the list in the "; S5[24]=" 'food/beverage' category.
      MLA Regional Manager Korea Glen Feist said the award acknowledged the growing popularity of Hoju Chungjung Woo - 'Clean and "; S6[24]=" Safe Australian Beef' when translated - in Korea and the high level of trust and recognition that Korean consumers have of the product.
    "; S7[24]="   'Winning the award for the third year in a row is a great achievement and it really demonstrates the growing popularity of Australian beef "; S8[24]=" in Korea.
      Since its launch in January 2002 the Hoju Chungjung Woo brand has become synonymous with the integrity and quality of "; S9[24]=" Australian beef,' Mr Feist said.
      'Korean consumers now know when they purchase Australian beef that the product carrying the Hoju Chungjung Woo "; S10[24]=" brand has been raised in the clean Australian environment and is produced using strict quality controls that ensure premium quality.' When judging the awards the "; S11[24]=" expert panel took into account each brand's market share, brand awareness, brand potential and consumer survey data.
      'The awards recognised Hoju Chungjung "; S12[24]=" Woo as taking the biggest market share in its category during the past year.
      They also took into account the effectiveness of "; S13[24]=" our marketing activities and that Korean consumers are familiar with the brand,' Mr Feist said.
      Hoju Chungjung Woo holds a 75 percent "; S14[24]=" share of total beef imports into Korea, worth $661 million.
      The Hoju Chungjung Woo brand appears in Korea's leading department and hypermarket "; S15[24]=" stores and is widely used by the country's top hotels and major restaurant chains.
      Korea is Australia's third largest export market for "; S16[24]=" beef.
      Australia exported 121,271 tonnes of beef to Korea in 2005-06, an increase of 33 percent on the year before.
    "; S17[24]="   Beef is the second most consumed meat in Korea, behind pork... "; R[25]="1710"; T[25]="South Korea rejects US beef shipment"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20061130"; Dt[25]="Thursday 30 November 2006"; Acats[25]="a08a27"; B1[25]="      South Korea has rejected a US beef shipment over a tiny bone fragment, dealing a major blow to US efforts to recapture "; B2[25]="the market... "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      South Korea has rejected a US beef shipment over a tiny bone fragment, dealing a major blow to US efforts to recapture "; S2[25]=" the market.
      US beef was first banned in Korea after mad cow disease was detected in Washington state in 2003.
    "; S3[25]="   US Agriculture Department Deputy Under-Secretary Chuck Lambert is upset, not just that Korea will not accept any bone in US beef, which could transmit "; S4[25]=" mad cow disease, but by the way it handled the initial post-mad cow US shipment.
      'It's disappointing that they've gone to the "; S5[25]=" lengths that they have to identify this small, very small piece of bone in more than nine tonnes of product,' he said.
      "; S6[25]=" The US has asked an international standard setting body to assign the US a mad cow-risk classification but insists US beef meets existing safety guidelines.
"; S7[25]="       Nineteen markets, including Australia, still remain closed to US beef, while 27 have no restrictions and 78 are partially reopened... "; R[26]="1698"; T[26]="Consumer information an invaluable commodity for NQ beef industry"; A[26]="By ... Editor"; Dn[26]="20061127"; Dt[26]="Monday 27 November 2006"; Acats[26]="a27"; B1[26]="      The latest information on trends in consumer behaviour now and into the future is an important resource for beef producers, according to "; B2[26]="the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries... "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      The latest information on trends in consumer behaviour now and into the future is an important resource for beef producers, according to "; S2[26]=" the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
      'Having an understanding of what is driving consumer purchasing patterns and what areas of future "; S3[26]=" demand are evolving allows our beef producers, processors and retailers to make decisions regarding the directions they want to take their business,' DPI&F trade and "; S4[26]=" marketing officer Vic O'Keefe said.
      Mr O'Keefe is part of the DPI&F's Value in Beef project team.
      The Value "; S5[26]=" in Beef project is a new initiative where DPI&F scientists, extension, trade and marketing staff work with beef producers, and others in the region's beef "; S6[26]=" supply chains, Meat and Livestock Australia and other research organisations to progress the concept of producing premium quality, grass-fed beef for domestic and export markets.
"; S7[26]="       'One of our aims under the Value in Beef project is to provide beef producers and other members of the northern beef "; S8[26]=" supply chain with information that allows them to carve their own niche and create durable markets for their products.
      'Consumer information, such "; S9[26]=" as what is driving demand and purchasing behaviours, is a vital link in the chain for a successful North Queensland beef industry.' Mr O'Keefe said "; S10[26]=" Australian consumers were starting to make more informed decisions about the products they chose to eat, and were looking for the 'story behind the product, "; S11[26]=" such as if it was sourced from the savannah or the fertile volcanic soils of the highlands.
      The demand for non-commodity or "; S12[26]=" alternative foods is growing'.
      'Having said that there is a substantial proportion of the consuming public who are price sensitive, and will "; S13[26]=" purchase budget beef cuts regardless.
      'But there are also evolving segments of the market, including those with higher disposable incomes who are "; S14[26]=" looking at purchasing their beef and the story behind it so they can tell their dinner party guests where it came from and create a "; S15[26]=" conversation around it.' The Value in Beef project is holding a forum for all members of the beef supply chain in Townsville on November 28.
"; S16[26]="       For more information, contact the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 and ask to speak to a Value in Beef "; S17[26]=" team member... "; R[27]="1696"; T[27]="Auto-calf feeder delivers benefits"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20061127"; Dt[27]="Monday 27 November 2006"; Acats[27]="a26a27"; B1[27]="      An $18,000 investment in a hi-tech automatic calf feeder has delivered on the Clews family's management objective to improve efficiency by saving "; B2[27]="time and labour... "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      An $18,000 investment in a hi-tech automatic calf feeder has delivered on the Clews family's management objective to improve efficiency by saving "; S2[27]=" time and labour.
      The Rossmoya district dairying enterprise operated by Ray and Ailsa Clews and their sons, Aaron and Michael and daughter "; S3[27]=" Zoe, is currently milking 240 cows using an intensive pad and paddock feeding system where time is a valuable resource.
      The Clews "; S4[27]=" family installed the dual De Laval CF150 auto calf feeding system in May this year.
      When operating at the maximum 50 calf "; S5[27]=" capacity, a task that previously took one person four hours a day to complete can now be done in just 30-40 minutes.
      "; S6[27]=" Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior dairy extension manager at Rockhampton, Glen Chopping, said the transition to the automatic calf feeding system "; S7[27]=" ensured that each animal was receiving optimum nutrition thanks to the electronic recording system.
      'Because each calf has been fitted with an "; S8[27]=" electronic ear tag that activates a computer, every time the animal accesses the milk and grain distribution stalls, daily consumption is automatically recorded,' Mr Chopping "; S9[27]=" said.
      The technology alerts the Clews family to any individual calves that are not feeding enabling them to quickly address any potential "; S10[27]=" animal health issues.
      Michael Clews said a calf can be in the automatic feeding system from 42 to 50 days.
    "; S11[27]="   Reject milk including colostrum milk is directed from the 15-a-side double up herringbone dairy to a 1000 litre capacity refrigerated stainless steel milk vat.
"; S12[27]="       This holding tank has been placed adjacent to a now-disused piggery shed that has been converted to house the calf crop and "; S13[27]=" the two automatic feeders.
      In early November, 150L a day was being pumped to the vat to feed 23 calves housed in "; S14[27]=" the shed with adjoining yard access.
      As the milk is pumped on demand to the feeding stalls, it is warmed to 38 "; S15[27]=" degrees through a hot water heat exchange system.
      'Our 18 per cent protein grain concentrate comprises steam-flaked sorghum, canola meal and mineral "; S16[27]=" supplements prepared on-site with a 1 tonne mixer,' Mr Clews said.
      'The computerised system has three targeted milk and grain concentrate consumption "; S17[27]=" triggers that monitor each calf through to weaning.
      'The calf starts on a daily access of 3L of milk and 0.2kg of "; S18[27]=" grain for the first 10 days.
      'After 10 days, individual animals can access 5L of milk and ad-lib grain for the next "; S19[27]=" 39 days.
      'All calves are weaned over a final 11 day period.
      'If a calf consumes 2kg of grain "; S20[27]=" within 48 hours at any stage of the feeding program, it will be automatically weaned off the milk,' Mr Clews said.
      Mr "; S21[27]=" Clews said there were two inbuilt scanners that activated the milk flow metering device and the grain distributor that released 100mg at a time.
  "; S22[27]="     When a calf left grain uneaten in the dispenser, the intake was attributed to the next animal using the stall.
      "; S23[27]=" Mr Clews said the grain release was capped at 2kg/day and when weaned off the milk, the calf moved onto the next grow-out phase with "; S24[27]=" access to a self-feeder in a yard.
      Mr Clews said the automatic calf feeding system was meeting their labour-saving expectations.
    "; S25[27]="   Hygiene was important and the calf shed had to be cleaned out every two to three days to prevent a build up of flies.
"; S26[27]="       The shed was sprayed for fly control to prevent any outbreak of scours and impacts on dehorned calves.
      Plans "; S27[27]=" were in hand to install fly wire screens to alleviate the problem in the former piggery complex... "; R[28]="1684"; T[28]="Strong global demand good news for Aussie red meat industry"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20061123"; Dt[28]="Thursday 23 November 2006"; Acats[28]="a25a27"; B1[28]="      Strong global demand for Australian beef and lamb is the driver behind a positive outlook for the red meat industry, according to "; B2[28]="Meat & Livestock Australia's Chief Market Analyst Peter Weeks... "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      Strong global demand for Australian beef and lamb is the driver behind a positive outlook for the red meat industry, according to "; S2[28]=" Meat & Livestock Australia's Chief Market Analyst Peter Weeks.
      Speaking today at the MLA producer forum in Adelaide Mr Weeks said that "; S3[28]=" despite the severe drought covering most of Australia's livestock production areas the Australian livestock industry was still managing to produce near-record amounts of beef and "; S4[28]=" lamb.
      'Production levels for both beef and lamb are currently near the highest on record and the overall sales value of Australian "; S5[28]=" beef and lamb continues to increase,' Mr Weeks said.
      'Although we've seen a drought-induced slide in the last month or so, cattle "; S6[28]=" and sheep prices are still at historically high levels.
      'Global demand for lamb has never been stronger, with the value of lamb "; S7[28]=" exports rising a further 12 per cent last year to a record $782 million.
      'The global beef market is now worth nearly "; S8[28]=" $11 billion, which is being driven by very strong growth in the domestic market, and increased demand from the US saw goat meat exports grow "; S9[28]=" by $11.6 million last year.
      Mr Weeks said the strong performance of the industry had been achieved amid a very challenging trading "; S10[28]=" environment.
      'The Australian dollar has appreciated by 50 percent since 2001 and in the past six months the US has gained re-entry "; S11[28]=" into two of our most important beef markets - Japan and Korea,' Mr Weeks said.
      'Consumption of beef in North Asia has "; S12[28]=" dropped 360,000 tonnes since 2001, so our challenge is not only to regain this lost consumption by rebuilding confidence in red meat, but to grow "; S13[28]=" that demand and compete strongly for the largest slice of that bigger pie.
      'We are also now seeing increased competition from low "; S14[28]=" cost, low priced red meat exporters like China and South America.
      Brazil's beef exports last year of over a million tonnes made "; S15[28]=" it the largest beef exporter in the world.' Mr Weeks said that the Australian lamb industry was performing strongly, with export volumes to all key "; S16[28]=" markets showing continued growth.
      'Demand for lamb remains strong domestically and in export markets, with the US and Japan showing particularly strong "; S17[28]=" growth.
      The main challenge facing the lamb industry will be to expand supply of consistent quality product as these markets continue to "; S18[28]=" grow,' Mr Weeks said.
      Mr Weeks said that Australia's ability to respond to the strong and growing global demand for red meat "; S19[28]=" is likely to be limited by the worsening drought.
      'Despite progress made in managing drought, the severity and duration of the current "; S20[28]=" dry threatens to cut cattle herds and sheep flocks over the coming year and lower supply, at least in the short term,' Mr Weeks said.
"; S21[28]="       'The drought has also led to higher slaughter rates, lower branding and lambing rates, an increased use of grain and supplementary feeding "; S22[28]=" and overall an increased cost of feeding livestock.'.. "; R[29]="1683"; T[29]="Consumers want safety and integrity in North Asia"; A[29]="By ... Editor"; Dn[29]="20061123"; Dt[29]="Thursday 23 November 2006"; Acats[29]="a25a27"; B1[29]="      Effective marketing and the ability to back up the safety of your product go hand-in-hand when it comes to selling Australian red "; B2[29]="meat in North Asia... "; B3[29]=" "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      Effective marketing and the ability to back up the safety of your product go hand-in-hand when it comes to selling Australian red "; S2[29]=" meat in North Asia.
      This was the message from MLA's Korea regional manager Glen Feist at today's producer forum in Adelaide.
  "; S3[29]="     Mr Feist said that although it was important to have strong brand awareness in North Asian markets, having in place transparent and accountable "; S4[29]=" food safety and quality systems was the real key to building consumer trust and loyalty in Australian red meat.
      'Food safety and "; S5[29]=" integrity of product is a top priority of North Asian consumers and the key to successfully marketing red meat in the Japanese and Korean markets "; S6[29]=" has been our ability to back up safety and quality assurances,' Mr Feist said.
      'We really do lead the world when it "; S7[29]=" comes to food safety and quality systems.
      Proactively introducing systems and programs such as NLIS, NVDs and LPA that deliver upon consumer "; S8[29]=" demands for transparency and accountability has helped enormously in the building of our brands in North Asia.' Mr Feist said research has shown that food "; S9[29]=" safety is the biggest determiner of food buying decisions throughout most of Asia.
      'An AC Nielsen survey has shown that of the "; S10[29]=" seven most prominent factors that influence the beef purchasing decisions of Japanese consumers, all but one have something to do with perceptions of meat safety, "; S11[29]=" quality, health status and traceability,' Mr Feist said.
      'In the same survey, the price of beef ranked as the 20th most important "; S12[29]=" factor in buying beef.' Mr Feist said that a combination of effective marketing and the absence of the US - Australia's biggest competitor - from "; S13[29]=" the Japanese and Korean markets had seen Australian exports to both Japan and Korea grow by 45 per cent and 71 per cent respectively last "; S14[29]=" year.
      'These are significant gains for Australia, but the spectre of BSE and the perception of food safety have shaken consumer confidence "; S15[29]=" in beef,' Mr Feist said.
      'This has implications for all countries supplying beef to Japan and Korea, who must rebuild confidence among "; S16[29]=" Japanese and Korean consumers to get them back to beef and away from fish, chicken and pork protein sources.' Mr Feist said that several years "; S17[29]=" of brand development was getting results, with MLA's beef brand in Korea, 'Hoju Chungjung Woo' (which translated means 'Aussie beef clean and safe') being voted "; S18[29]=" brand of the year for two years running.
      'Australian beef now appears in 582 retail shops in Korea and customers now look "; S19[29]=" for the packs with the Australian brand on it,' Mr Feist said.
      'The increasing awareness of our brand and the absence of "; S20[29]=" the US have seen an increase in the value of the Korean market for Australia from $208 million in 2000-01 to $662 million this year.
"; S21[29]="       'In Japan, with an average of 99 percent awareness of the Aussie Beef brand, the value of beef exports to Japan has "; S22[29]=" expanded from $1.7 billion in 2000-2001 to $2.35 billion this year.'.. "; R[30]="1681"; T[30]="Red meat industry up to the challenge"; A[30]="By ... Editor"; Dn[30]="20061123"; Dt[30]="Thursday 23 November 2006"; Acats[30]="a08a10a25a27"; B1[30]="      Meat & Livestock Australia Chairman Don Heatley today acknowledged the arrival of a number of challenges that have long been forecast for "; B2[30]="the red meat industry... "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      Meat & Livestock Australia Chairman Don Heatley today acknowledged the arrival of a number of challenges that have long been forecast for "; S2[30]=" the red meat industry.
      In his Chairman's address at the MLA Annual General Meeting in Adelaide Mr Heatley applauded livestock producers for "; S3[30]=" their foresight and hard work in preparing the Australian industry to meet these challenges.
      Mr Heatley said that in the face of "; S4[30]=" prolonged drought, more demanding consumers and increasing competition from other red meat exporting countries it was vital the industry remained positive about the future.
  "; S5[30]="     'Our industry is in a strong and fortunate position with domestic and global demand for beef, lamb and goat still very strong,' Mr "; S6[30]=" Heatley said.
      Mr Heatley also made a call for the industry to remain focussed amid the challenges and stressed that there was "; S7[30]=" an enormous amount to be positive about.
      'We owe it to ourselves and everyone involved in our industry to speak proudly about "; S8[30]=" the position we are in,' Mr Heatley said.
      'The industry is in good shape, we should be proud of it, and I "; S9[30]=" am confident that we can keep ahead of our rivals and can successfully respond to the challenges the industry faces.' In his address at the "; S10[30]=" AGM, MLA Managing Director David Palmer outlined the main highlights for the industry and MLA over the past 12 months including the continued growth in "; S11[30]=" expenditure on red meat and livestock.
      'Domestic expenditure on beef grew by a further 6.5 percent to $6.4 billion while lamb rose "; S12[30]=" a further 4.5 percent to $1.78 billion,' Mr Palmer said.
      'These are impressive results achieved through a number of industry programs including "; S13[30]=" the 'foundation food' campaign which featured actor Sam Neill.
      'Recognising the importance of growing community expectations in the areas of animal welfare "; S14[30]=" and environmental sustainability, MLA partnered with RSPCA and a range of industry bodies across all sectors to produce and distribute over 90,000 copies of the "; S15[30]=" 'Fit to Load' guide for best practice in animal transport.' Mr Palmer said MLA had developed a number of practical tools and extension materials to "; S16[30]=" help livestock producers boost on-farm productivity and profitability.
      'One great example is the Rainfall and Pasture Growth Outlook Tool, which is an "; S17[30]=" online resource that enables producers to assess rainfall patterns, climatic conditions and potential pasture growth for the coming season,' Mr Palmer said.
      "; S18[30]=" 'During the year over 18,000 producers attended MLA Prime Time, EDGEnetwork, Grain and Graze and More Beef from Pastures field days, seminars and workshops.' MLA "; S19[30]=" also launched Frontier magazine which showcases on-farm applications of R&D outcomes for northern production systems.
      Mr Palmer also detailed the financial performance "; S20[30]=" of MLA during 2005-06 in his address, of which the key points included: - An increase in revenue of $14.4 million in 2005-06 to a "; S21[30]=" total of $156.6 million.
      - Producer levy income of $82 million - up $10 million on the year before due to the "; S22[30]=" beef levy increase and increased cattle transactions.
      - 45 percent of MLA's income was non levy income.
      Total non "; S23[30]=" levy income was $70.3 million, with $40.3 million coming from the Federal Government.
      - Expenditure in 2006-06 totalled $158.6 million, an increase "; S24[30]=" of $19 million on the year before... "; R[31]="1623"; T[31]="Watch out for worms in the dry"; A[31]="By ... Editor"; Dn[31]="20061108"; Dt[31]="Wednesday 8 November 2006"; Acats[31]="a25a27a86"; B1[31]="      While farmers continue to focus on coping with drought, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has reminded producers to keep a watch "; B2[31]="on worms in sheep and goats... "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      While farmers continue to focus on coping with drought, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has reminded producers to keep a watch "; S2[31]=" on worms in sheep and goats.
      NSW DPI State worm control co-ordinator, Stephen Love, said some worms are better than others at "; S3[31]=" handling dry conditions.
      'Small brown stomach worm (Ostertagia) and thin-necked intestinal worm (Nematodirus) can survive and when conditions do turn good, some "; S4[31]=" worms can quickly take advantage,' Dr Love said.
      'Barber's pole worm (Haemonchus), especially in the summer rainfall areas of northern NSW, can "; S5[31]=" quickly build up numbers when conditions improve.' According to Dr Love, during drought sheep can also be more susceptible to worms due to nutritional stress, "; S6[31]=" physiological status (late pregnant or lactating ewes, or young lambs) and other management changes related to drought.
      'As long as producers "; S7[31]=" keep up regular worm egg count monitoring, which helps avoid unnecessary drenching, be guided by general worm control guidelines for your area and expert local "; S8[31]=" knowledge, you can keep on top of the situation,' he said.
      Producers should check the effectiveness of drenches.
      'If "; S9[31]=" you are not doing a full-blown drench resistance test, at least do a DrenchCheck, which is a simple worm egg count seven to 10 days "; S10[31]=" after a routine drench or longer in the case of sustained activity drenches - and don't forget liver fluke.
      'Many farmers are "; S11[31]=" unwittingly using drenches that have become ineffective due to worm resistance and resistance probably develops a lot faster in dry years than good years.
  "; S12[31]="     'Grazing management such as spelling and rotational grazing with cattle, admittedly a challenge during drought, can help avoid excessive worm burdens for susceptible "; S13[31]=" sheep.'.. "; R[32]="1600"; T[32]="Stocktake tools make land management easier"; A[32]="By ... Editor"; Dn[32]="20061103"; Dt[32]="Friday 3 November 2006"; Acats[32]="a25a27a72"; B1[32]="      Maranoa graziers will soon be using new software that helps simplify grazing land management decision making.... "; B2[32]=" "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      Maranoa graziers will soon be using new software that helps simplify grazing land management decision making.
      The software, called "; S2[32]=" Stocktake, is used with practical paddock skills to monitor soil, pasture and woodlands, and pasture quantity and quality for feed budgeting.
      Department "; S3[32]=" of Primary Industries and Fisheries grazing systems extension officer Jane Hamilton said a training workshop would be held in Roma on Friday, November 3, to "; S4[32]=" help graziers use the package to best advantage.
      Miss Hamilton said those attending the training would be given the software to use "; S5[32]=" on their properties.
      She said the DPI&F developed the training package and Stocktake software to assess available paddock feed and long-term carrying "; S6[32]=" capacity, and select management options that improved profitability and productivity.
      'Stocktake is a component of the Grazing Land Management package that balances "; S7[32]=" feed supply and demand, and provides managers with a practical, systematic way of assessing land condition and long-term carrying capacity.
      'It also "; S8[32]=" develops seasonal forage budgets, and records and stores monitoring data,' Miss Hamilton said.
      'One of its features is a forage budgeting technique "; S9[32]=" that ensures an animal's intake needs are met and there is enough residual grass cover to maintain land condition,' she said.
      Miss "; S10[32]=" Hamilton said the workshop would be held in the Roadtec office in Roma.
      Places at the workshop were limited for better hands-on "; S11[32]=" training.
      She said the training attracted a FarmBis subsidy for eligible grazing enterprises, so forms should be submitted by October 30 to "; S12[32]=" make sure they were approved in time.
      More information is available from Jane Hamilton at the DPI&F Charleville (4654 4206)... "; R[33]="1582"; T[33]="AGM voting packs mailed out to MLA members"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20061027"; Dt[33]="Friday 27 October 2006"; Acats[33]="a27"; B1[33]="      Meat & Livestock Australia members who can't vote in person at the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Adelaide on 22 November "; B2[33]="are being urged to complete and return a proxy form... "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      Meat & Livestock Australia members who can't vote in person at the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Adelaide on 22 November "; S2[33]=" are being urged to complete and return a proxy form.
      The proxy forms, which were mailed this week to MLA's 42,750 sheep, "; S3[33]=" cattle and goat producer members, should arrive in mailboxes over the next two weeks.
      All MLA members are entitled to one vote, "; S4[33]=" however those that completed and returned their levies notice form by the 10 October deadline are entitled to more votes.
      The "; S5[33]=" more money that members have paid in sheep, cattle, grain-fed cattle and goat transaction levies during the 2005-2006 fiscal year, the more votes they are "; S6[33]=" entitled to.
      This year has seen a record number of MLA members participating in the AGM process to date, with 10,474 producers "; S7[33]=" (25 percent of MLA members) seeking their full voting entitlement.
      Members who are not attending the AGM should return their proxy vote "; S8[33]=" to MLA no later than 2:00pm ACDT time (2:30pm AEDT time) on 20 November 2006.
      MLA members will be voting on four "; S9[33]=" resolutions at the AGM; all involving the election of four MLA Board directors.
      Current MLA Board directors Mr Peter Trefort, Mr Paul "; S10[33]=" Troja and Professor Chris Hudson will be seeking re-election, along with first-time nominee Professor Bernie Bindon.
      Also included in the pack mailed "; S11[33]=" to members is the MLA Annual Report, which details key achievements during the past year, including: - Australian consumer expenditure on beef is estimated to "; S12[33]=" have grown by $390 million in 2005-06, to $6.4 billion.
      - Australian consumer expenditure on lamb is estimated to have risen by "; S13[33]=" 4.5 percent in 2005-06, to $1.78 billion.
      - Lamb exports to Japan increased by 58 percent to reach $93 million.
    "; S14[33]="   - In South Korea, the 'Hoju Chungjung Woo' brand was again recognised, winning the food category Brand of the Year for the second consecutive "; S15[33]=" year.
      The AGM is being held at the Shores Function Complex on the corner of Hamra Avenue and Military Road, West Beach.
"; S16[33]="       For more details members should phone 02 9463 9184... "; R[34]="1574"; T[34]="New project explores value in beef for North Queensland"; A[34]="By ... Editor"; Dn[34]="20061027"; Dt[34]="Friday 27 October 2006"; Acats[34]="a08a27"; B1[34]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and Meat and Livestock Australia are inviting North Queensland beef producers and beef businesses involved "; B2[34]="in the supply chain to participate in a new cutting-edge project... "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and Meat and Livestock Australia are inviting North Queensland beef producers and beef businesses involved "; S2[34]=" in the supply chain to participate in a new cutting-edge project.
      The Value in Beef Project will see DPI&F scientists and marketing "; S3[34]=" experts work with beef producers, other sectors of the northern beef supply chains, Meat and Livestock Australia representatives and other research organisations with the ultimate "; S4[34]=" aim of delivering premium quality, grass-fed beef for domestic and export markets.
      'North Queensland is in the unique position of being able "; S5[34]=" to capitalise on the growing domestic and international demand for quality eating, grass fed products,' Value in Beef team member Felicity Hamlyn-Hill said.
    "; S6[34]="   'DPI&F trade and marketing officers have a wealth of information about consumer trends and deal daily with enquiries from potential export partners.
    "; S7[34]="   'DPI&F has the expertise in beef breeding, genetics, performance, rangelands management and trade and marketing to bring to a project as ambitious as Value "; S8[34]=" in Beef.
      'There is also research, such as that of the Beef CRC that the project can tap into to assist "; S9[34]=" beef businesses to profitably produce heavier animals at a younger age suitable for premium beef markets.
      'The Value in Beef project aims "; S10[34]=" to team this expertise with the skills and experience of our North Queensland beef supply chain members to build a reputation as a consistent, quality "; S11[34]=" premium beef producer and open new markets in Australia and overseas.' Central to the project will be the formation of an industry reference panel, consisting "; S12[34]=" of representatives from beef production, processing, marketing and retail sectors.
      The inaugural Value in Beef forum will be held in Townsville "; S13[34]=" on November 28.
      'Already we have the confirmed attendance of Meat and Livestock Australia chairman Don Heatley, as well as Meat Standards "; S14[34]=" Australia's Cameron Dart, leading beef researchers, processors and local chefs and retailers.
      'This is an exciting opportunity for North Queensland beef "; S15[34]=" businesses to position themselves as market leaders into the future.' 'We would like people involved in the beef industry to attend the forum.' For more "; S16[34]=" information on the forum, or the Value in Beef project, contact Karl McKellor or Felicity Hamlyn-Hill at DPI&F Charters Towers on 47 546 100, Vic "; S17[34]=" O'Keefe or Roger Kaus at DPI&F Townsville on 47 222 689, Bernie English at DPI&F Kairi on 40 918740 or Alan Laing at DPI&F Ayr "; S18[34]=" on 47 8323 55... "; R[35]="1573"; T[35]="FNQ beef producers look at feeding options to maximise weights gains and profits"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20061027"; Dt[35]="Friday 27 October 2006"; Acats[35]="a27"; B1[35]="      Wet tropical coast-Atherton Tablelands beef producers aim to maximise weight gains as economically as possible during dry seasons to increase the profitability "; B2[35]="of their cattle... "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      Wet tropical coast-Atherton Tablelands beef producers aim to maximise weight gains as economically as possible during dry seasons to increase the profitability "; S2[35]=" of their cattle.
      They aim to turn off fat cattle at the end of the season to attract the premium prices usually "; S3[35]=" available at that time.
      The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is hosting the 'Beef Production and Marketing Forum' at its Kairi "; S4[35]=" Research Station on Thursday, October 26, 2006, starting at 9am.
      DPI&F Kairi-based beef extension officer Bernie English said the forum would focus "; S5[35]=" on feeding systems trials to determine the best cost per kilogram gain when producers feed their cattle in the dry half of the year.
  "; S6[35]="     The field day will start with a presentation from Meat and Livestock Australia, Hugh Amoyal, General Manager International Markets.
      His "; S7[35]=" presentation will cover 'Australian Beef on the World Stage'.
      'Tablelands graziers traditionally feed various molasses-based rations, during the dry to try and "; S8[35]=" achieve premium prices when turned off at meatworks in November/December,' Mr English said.
      'Members of a local producer group, the Tableland Production "; S9[35]=" Feeding Group chaired by Jason Stockman, are working together to monitor their cattle.' Three groups of cattle at Kairi Research Station are part of the "; S10[35]=" project and are being fed three types of rations: ' The basic DPI&F M3U mix; ' The basic DPI&F M3U mix plus 15 per cent "; S11[35]=" grain and; ' A new molasses additive product called 'Tropical Molasses Concentrate' from Ridleys TSS.
      The producer group members are feeding a "; S12[35]=" wide range of production mixes and all are keeping records of feed intake, costs and live weight gain .
      'An Upper Barron "; S13[35]=" producer is using a highly fertilised pasture while another at Malanda is feeding his bullocks irrigated rye grass,' Mr English said.
      'So "; S14[35]=" some of our cost per kg gain figures will be off pastures..
      'From previous years observations the cheapest production ration may not "; S15[35]=" necessarily give us the best cost per kilogram gain.' Cattle on feed at the research station will be inspected and the day will finish with "; S16[35]=" a barbecue lunch at cost.
      Meat and Livestock Australia is funding the production feeding work through its Producer Initiated Research "; S17[35]=" Development (PIRD) grants program... "; R[36]="1571"; T[36]="Theodore workshop offers timely nutrition edge"; A[36]="By ... Editor"; Dn[36]="20061027"; Dt[36]="Friday 27 October 2006"; Acats[36]="a27"; B1[36]="      Beef producers who attend the November 13-15 Nutrition EDGE Workshop at Theodore will gain a better understanding of the nutritional requirements to "; B2[36]="meet the needs of differing classes of cattle across a wide range of production systems... "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      Beef producers who attend the November 13-15 Nutrition EDGE Workshop at Theodore will gain a better understanding of the nutritional requirements to "; S2[36]=" meet the needs of differing classes of cattle across a wide range of production systems.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior "; S3[36]=" beef extension officer Kay Taylor said the three-day Farmbis subsidised workshop gave participants the knowledge to gain optimum value from pasture through to bought feed "; S4[36]=" concentrates.
      Ms Taylor said that in any given situation from feeding weaners through to turning off meatworks steers or providing a "; S5[36]=" balanced drought supplement to breeders, choosing and using feed to advantage must be effective and cost efficient.
      'This proven presentation format which "; S6[36]=" has been delivered at 38 state-wide Nutrition EDGE workshops enables livestock managers to take control by making confident decisions that can ultimately save money,' Ms "; S7[36]=" Taylor said.
      'Just being able to interpret the labels of commercial feed products allows the producer to take the option that suits "; S8[36]=" the need and provides best value for money.
      'These workshops are presented in five modules that deal with the ruminant digestive system "; S9[36]=" and use of nutrients; factors influencing the quality and quantity of pasture; nutrient management influencing cattle performance; identifying and managing mineral and vitamin intake and "; S10[36]=" deficiencies; and exploring cost-effective techniques and feeding program options to achieve targeted business outcomes.
      'Part of the workshop is spent working on "; S11[36]=" nutritional issues chosen by each participant.
      'Given the current climatic challenges facing cattle producers, understanding and managing nutritional requirements now ranks high "; S12[36]=" priority,' Ms Taylor said.
      Dawson-Callide cattle producers interested in attending the Theodore workshop or any future nutrition workshops should contact Kay Taylor "; S13[36]=" at DPI&F, Miles on +61 7 4628 5200 or email; kay.taylor@dpi.qld.gov.au... "; R[37]="1569"; T[37]="New beef feed efficiency test a world first"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20061027"; Dt[37]="Friday 27 October 2006"; Acats[37]="a27"; B1[37]="      The world's first commercial DNA test for beef cattle feed efficiency was launched at the Australian Lot Feeders Association's annual conference on "; B2[37]="the Gold Coast last week... "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      The world's first commercial DNA test for beef cattle feed efficiency was launched at the Australian Lot Feeders Association's annual conference on "; S2[37]=" the Gold Coast last week.
      The test - GeneSTAR Feed Efficiency 4 - incorporates a suite of four independently acting DNA markers "; S3[37]=" for the crucial production trait of converting feed into saleable meat.
      It will be marketed by CSIRO's Brisbane-based commercial partner, Genetic Solutions "; S4[37]=" Pty Ltd - a global leader in the commercialisation of gene technology for the beef industry.
      Genetic Solutions' Managing Director, Dr Gerard "; S5[37]=" Davis, said CSIRO's success in isolating the new markers represented a significant step forward for the industry.
      'Being able to identify animals "; S6[37]=" which will deliver superior performance before they go onto a feeding regime is a real plus - especially for the lot feeding sector,' Dr Davis "; S7[37]=" said.
      He said the markers underwent rigorous validation prior to commercial release.
      'There have been no negative impacts measured "; S8[37]=" on other traits so producers can use the new markers with confidence,' Dr Davis said.
      As part of a collaborative effort, it "; S9[37]=" took a team of CSIRO Livestock Industries' scientists - led by molecular geneticist Dr Bill Barendse - around 18 months to identify the new feed "; S10[37]=" efficiency markers.
      Dr Barendse said the whole bovine genome had been scanned for markers influencing feed efficiency before the team narrowed the "; S11[37]=" field down to the four that comprise the new test.
      He said feed conversion efficiency was a complex trait with overall performance "; S12[37]=" influenced by a number of factors including the animal's metabolism, growth rate, body mass and appetite.
      'As part of a collaborative effort, "; S13[37]=" it took a team of CSIRO Livestock Industries' scientists - led by molecular geneticist Dr Bill Barendse - around 18 months to identify the new "; S14[37]=" feed efficiency markers' 'Because the ability to extract the maximum amount of meat from a kilo of feed is a significant profit driver for the "; S15[37]=" beef industry, isolating these markers represents a very useful result for livestock producers,' Dr Barendse said.
      Dr Davis said the launch of "; S16[37]=" the new test coincided with the introduction of a fourth GeneSTAR Marbling marker.
      'We now have available 12 markers influencing three key "; S17[37]=" production traits - beef feed conversion, marbling and tenderness, which will be packaged together,' he said.
      CSIRO's research was conducted in collaboration "; S18[37]=" with the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Cattle and Beef Quality, Meat and Livestock Australia and Genetic Solutions.
      Further work is underway "; S19[37]=" - including within the new CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies - to identify additional markers for this important trait... "; R[38]="1555"; T[38]="Lamboo Station designs new Trap Yard system"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20061020"; Dt[38]="Friday 20 October 2006"; Acats[38]="a27"; B1[38]="      Lamboo Station, 50km west of Halls Creek, has designed an innovative trap yard system to save mustering and labor costs... "; B2[38]=" "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      Lamboo Station, 50km west of Halls Creek, has designed an innovative trap yard system to save mustering and labor costs Lamboo "; S2[38]=" is one of six indigenous managed pastoral stations in the Kimberley engaged in a jointly funded four year project, with the Department of Agriculture and "; S3[38]=" Food (DAFWA) and the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC), called the 'Kimberley Indigenous Management Support Service (KIMSS) DAFWA Manager, Indigenous Agriculture, Mark CHMIELEWSKI said Lamboo "; S4[38]=" and DAFWA staff designed the new herd management system after examining ways to manage increased work with less staff.
      Mr Chmielewski "; S5[38]=" said Aboriginal owned and run pastoral leases were experiencing the same difficulties in finding staff being faced across the agricultural sector in Australia.
    "; S6[38]="   'The trap yard was installed in August this year and is still being trialled.
      We believe it has the potential "; S7[38]=" to become a benchmark in industry for innovative management techniques and infrastructure,' Mr Chmielewski said.
      Robin Yeeda from Lamboo and Bob "; S8[38]=" McConachy from DAFWA designed a set of 'spear' trap yards that took advantage of paddock realignments to land type, current water points and planned water "; S9[38]=" points.
      'The yards are easily laid out, easy to build, and require less material and time in construction than traditional trap "; S10[38]=" yards.
      This significantly reduces construction costs and labour input,' Mr Chmielewski said.
      'The trial so far has been "; S11[38]=" very successful, allowing Robin to effectively muster cattle and horses that were previously inaccessible.
      The cattle mustered have been sold to fund "; S12[38]=" the purchase of material for six new yards, while the horses are being broken in to be used for station work,' he said.
    "; S13[38]="   'With this system, cattle effectively self muster, reducing the pastoral business reliance on mustering contractors, and reducing operational costs by up to 30%.
"; S14[38]="       It also provides more effective and timely management, with only one person needed to manage the herd,' Mr Chmielewski said.
    "; S15[38]="   He said more effective management allowed the introduction of bulls to achieve uniform calving times and calving under optimal seasonal conditions.
    "; S16[38]="   'The Lamboo design also helps solve a problem within the cell/rotational grazing concept where cattle sometimes anticipate a move into the next paddock, "; S17[38]=" congregating around gateways waiting for the move to occur rather continuing to feed out in their current paddock,' Mr Chmielewski said.
      "; S18[38]=" Other benefits of the system include: ' Herd management produces quieter temperament in herd via improved handling and improved bloodlines.
      ' "; S19[38]=" Intensive herd management facilitates an improvement in bloodlines, leading to better market access and prices ' Cattle with quieter temperaments do not put as "; S20[38]=" much stress on infrastructure or on man power during mustering, reducing maintenance costs to infrastructure and animal loss while mustering, ' Improves animal welfare "; S21[38]=" management ' Encourages animals to leave the watering area relatively quickly ' Will be used to 'train' cattle not accustomed to approaching water "; S22[38]=" points through spears... "; R[39]="1501"; T[39]="Cash incomes for beef producers halved"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20061006"; Dt[39]="Friday 6 October 2006"; Acats[39]="a07a27"; B1[39]="      A new report says the cash income for beef producers has been halved in the past financial year.... "; B2[39]=" "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      A new report says the cash income for beef producers has been halved in the past financial year.
      The "; S2[39]=" Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics (ABARE) says the figures reflect a trend for producers to hold off selling large numbers of cattle in "; S3[39]=" 2005-06.
      Rhonda Treadwell from ABARE'S farm survey and analysis branch says producers have been attempting to build up herd numbers.
    "; S4[39]="   'Essentially the farm cash incomes have fallen quite considerably and that is mainly because of the incredibly big build up of cattle numbers across "; S5[39]=" a lot of beef cattle properties, so their profit hasn't fallen as much as their cash income,' she said.
      But those attempts "; S6[39]=" to build up herds are now being thwarted by the on-going drought, with producers starting to sell large numbers of cattle.
      In "; S7[39]=" north-west New South Wales, producer Graham Wilson says his greatest worry is finding enough water for his cattle.
      'We haven't had any "; S8[39]=" inflow into our dams for over 12 months and we're getting very critical,' he said.
      'Our bores on average have gone from "; S9[39]=" about 800-900 gallons an hour down to 200 gallons an hour.
      'We need about 40,000 litres of water a day.
    "; S10[39]="   'I'm very sceptical about whether I can get through a hot summer.'.. "; R[40]="1495"; T[40]="Have your say - MLA voting deadline nears"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20061006"; Dt[40]="Friday 6 October 2006"; Acats[40]="a25a26a27"; B1[40]="      Members of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) have just one week to secure their full voting rights for the company's Annual General "; B2[40]="Meeting (AGM) this year... "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      Members of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) have just one week to secure their full voting rights for the company's Annual General "; S2[40]=" Meeting (AGM) this year.
      All MLA members are encouraged to return their levies notice to MLA by Tuesday 10 October in order "; S3[40]=" to maximise their votes.
      Levies notice packs were mailed to all MLA members in late July.
      All MLA members "; S4[40]=" are automatically allocated a single vote, however to receive their full voting entitlement members must complete and return their levies notice by the 10 October "; S5[40]=" deadline.
      The more money that members have paid in sheep, cattle, grain-fed cattle and goat transaction levies during the 2005-2006 fiscal year, "; S6[40]=" the more votes they are entitled to.
      MLA members will be voting on four resolutions at the AGM; all involving the selection "; S7[40]=" of four nominated Board directors.
      Current MLA Board directors Mr Peter Trefort, Mr Paul Troja and Professor Chris Hudson will be seeking "; S8[40]=" re-election, along with first-time nominee Professor Bernie Bindon.
      MLA has approximately 42,750 members and so far 9,405, or about 22 per cent "; S9[40]=" of members have secured their full voting rights for the AGM.
      State-by-state the numbers of producer members who have secured their full "; S10[40]=" voting rights are: New South Wales 2,967, Queensland 2,492, Victoria 1,779, Western Australia 1,023, South Australia 842, Tasmania 254, the Australian Capital Territory 14 and "; S11[40]=" the Northern Territory 25.
      The AGM is being held on Wednesday 22 November in Adelaide, South Australia.
      Members not "; S12[40]=" able to attend the AGM are still being encouraged to take up their full voting entitlement and vote by proxy to ensure they have their "; S13[40]=" say.
      For more details members should phone 1800 675 717... "; R[41]="1494"; T[41]="Beef boost in Japan - MLA joins forces with leading Aussie brands"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20061006"; Dt[41]="Friday 6 October 2006"; Acats[41]="a08a27"; B1[41]="      Three of Australia's largest and most recognisable brands have joined forces with Meat & Livestock Australia in Japan to help boost sales "; B2[41]="of Australian beef... "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      Three of Australia's largest and most recognisable brands have joined forces with Meat & Livestock Australia in Japan to help boost sales "; S2[41]=" of Australian beef.
      Two separate marketing initiatives - one involving Qantas and winemaker Wolf Blass and the other involving Australian Agricultural Company "; S3[41]=" (AACo) - were launched today in Tokyo.
      MLA managing director David Palmer, who is currently in Japan, said the joint Qantas, Wolf "; S4[41]=" Blass and Aussie Beef marketing campaign is aimed at boosting sales of Aussie Beef throughout autumn and winter in Japan and is a direct result "; S5[41]=" of the funds made available from the beef levy increase.
      'In Japan both beef and wine are perceived as gourmet items to "; S6[41]=" be enjoyed as part of a nice meal - something a bit special.
      The Japanese also love to travel, so being able "; S7[41]=" to link Aussie Beef with Qantas and Wolf Blass - all highly regarded brands - makes for a very powerful marketing combination,' Mr Palmer said.
"; S8[41]="       The campaign, which runs until December, involves joint branding in retail outlets and will see supermarket customers able to enter a draw "; S9[41]=" to win a number of prizes including steak knives and gourmet cheese packs as well as beef and wine gift packs for those that purchase "; S10[41]=" Aussie Beef and Wolf Blass wine at the same time.
      Customers will also enter the draw to win one of 10 Qantas "; S11[41]=" business class tickets to Australia.
      The promotion will be appearing in over 4,000 supermarkets where Aussie Beef is sold.
      "; S12[41]=" 'This is an exciting initiative that showcases the best of Australia in the valuable Japanese market and it simply wouldn't have been possible without the "; S13[41]=" extra beef levy funds,' Mr Palmer said.
      In addition to the joint retail promotion MLA, through its Industry Collaborative Agreement (ICA) initiative, "; S14[41]=" today held an event to introduce AACo's 1824 beef brand to the Japanese market.
      ICAs see MLA provide up to 40 per "; S15[41]=" cent of funding for marketing initiatives undertaken by Australian red meat exporters in importing countries, such as Japan.
      Mr Palmer said MLA "; S16[41]=" was also pleased to be able to collaborate with AACo, Australia's largest cattle producer, in Australia's largest beef export market.
      'MLA has "; S17[41]=" an intimate knowledge of the Japanese market and we look forward to working closely with AACo to help them build their 1824 brand and increase "; S18[41]=" their market share,' Mr Palmer said.
      CEO of AACo Don Mackay said the partnership between AACo and MLA was a great example "; S19[41]=" of how successful industry collaboration can be in export markets.
      'The introduction of the AACo 1824 brand to Japan is an important "; S20[41]=" event for our company and we are very excited about the potential this market has for our branded beef products.
      We are "; S21[41]=" confident that we have a strong future in Japan and look forward to working closely with MLA to build our presence here,' Mr Mackay said... "; R[42]="1483"; T[42]="Sheep and cattle prices slump"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20061006"; Dt[42]="Friday 6 October 2006"; Acats[42]="a07a25a27"; B1[42]="      Prices for sheep and cattle have crashed in South Australia after massive stock sell-offs last week.... "; B2[42]=" "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      Prices for sheep and cattle have crashed in South Australia after massive stock sell-offs last week.
      Across many regions "; S2[42]=" a lack of rain has seen pastures dry up forcing producers to sell off livestock early in the season.
      More than 100,000 "; S3[42]=" sheep, lambs and cattle went through the saleyards last week, forcing prices down.
      Bruce Redpath from Southern Australian Livestock in Naracoorte has "; S4[42]=" not seen prices so low in years.
      'The biggest drop has been on cows I think, where we've seen cows fall in "; S5[42]=" a week, a hundred to a $150,' he said.
      'We had sheep which we thought may be unsaleable.
      We "; S6[42]=" had sheep make 20 cents and a dollar, sheep that of recent times would have made $20 anyway.'.. "; R[43]="1462"; T[43]="Growing interest from Japan market"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20061002"; Dt[43]="Monday 2 October 2006"; Acats[43]="a27"; B1[43]="      Exporters reported some increased interest from Japanese buyers this week, particularly for frozen product.
      Although yet to begin purchasing "; B2[43]="in major volumes, buyers are showing an increased willingness to match prices from other markets... "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      Exporters reported some increased interest from Japanese buyers this week, particularly for frozen product.
      Although yet to begin purchasing "; S2[43]=" in major volumes, buyers are showing an increased willingness to match prices from other markets.
      Chilled grassfed fullset prices remained unchanged from "; S3[43]=" last week at 209US˘/lb, while shortfed fullsets were up 1US˘/lb to 236US˘/lb.
      A major move from last week has been the rise "; S4[43]=" in cube roll and tenderloin prices, with strong domestic and export demand for these items.
      The end of the year is a "; S5[43]=" high beef consumption period, not only in Japan, but also a number of other markets.
      This, combined with low beef stock levels "; S6[43]=" and approaching end-of-year plant closures, should spur Japan buyer interest in coming weeks... "; R[44]="1444"; T[44]="Get set to pay more for meat"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20060927"; Dt[44]="Wednesday 27 September 2006"; Acats[44]="a07a10a27"; B1[44]="      Meat prices could rise by as much as 50 per cent early next year as consumers brace for the the effects of "; B2[44]="the Australia-wide drought... "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      Meat prices could rise by as much as 50 per cent early next year as consumers brace for the the effects of "; S2[44]=" the Australia-wide drought.
      Farmers are selling off stock because of a lack of feed.
      While consumers can expect beef "; S3[44]=" and lamb prices in the butcher and supermarket to fall until the end of the year, they face sharp increases early in the new year "; S4[44]=" as the oversupply eases, experts warn.
      Meat and Livestock Australia chief market analyst Peter Weeks said there had been a 70 per "; S5[44]=" cent increase in cattle yardings in SA in the past five weeks.
      'If the dry continues, a lot of lambs will also "; S6[44]=" be off-loaded in late spring, early summer, and early next calendar year,' Mr Weeks said.
      'As supplies tighten up I think consumers "; S7[44]=" will find meat prices will go up early next year.' While retailers would set their own prices, rises of between 30 and 50 per cent "; S8[44]=" could not be ruled out.
      He said rises could be alleviated with solid rains in the next month.
      Rebecca "; S9[44]=" Van Rooyen, 23, of Woodville, said meat was the most expensive part of weekly shopping.
      'If the price happened to go up "; S10[44]=" significantly I reckon I'd have to find a new job,' she said.
      As at June last year, there were 1.38 million cattle "; S11[44]=" in SA, a rise of 2 per cent on the 2004 figure.
      In June, 2005, there were 12.5 million sheep in SA "; S12[44]=" compared with 12.9 million the year before... "; R[45]="1423"; T[45]="Australia Cattle On Feed At Record Levels"; A[45]="By ... Editor"; Dn[45]="20060921"; Dt[45]="Thursday 21 September 2006"; Acats[45]="a27"; B1[45]="      Australian feedlot activity is currently at record levels, both in terms of feedlot capacity (in excess of 1.1 million head) and numbers "; B2[45]="of head on feed (940,000 head in June 2006)... "; B3[45]=" "; B4[45]=" "; B5[45]=" "; S1[45]="      Australian feedlot activity is currently at record levels, both in terms of feedlot capacity (in excess of 1.1 million head) and numbers "; S2[45]=" of head on feed (940,000 head in June 2006).
      Capacity has increased by ten percent in the last 12 months according to "; S3[45]=" industry sources while numbers of head on feed are currently seven percent higher than year earlier numbers.
      High prices and the recent "; S4[45]=" lack of competition in the Japanese market, which traditionally takes the majority of Australian long-fed cattle, have pushed numbers to record levels in Australia.
  "; S5[45]="     It is not yet clear of the impact lower prices and drier conditions will have on the feedlot activity for the remainder of "; S6[45]=" CY 2006 and in CY 2007.
      Dry weather and poorer pasture conditions may see numbers increase in the short term, while in "; S7[45]=" the longer term, a downturn in winter cereal production would likely lead to numbers on feed falling.
      Regardless of weather conditions over "; S8[45]=" the next year or so, feedlot turn-off is likely to increase.
      In the event of a full-scale drought, feedlot numbers are likely "; S9[45]=" to increase sharply by the end of CY 2006 before declining steadily throughout CY 2007.
      In any event, feedlot activity should provide "; S10[45]=" an indication of a 'floor' for exports of Australian beef to Japan.
      (Recent data suggest nearly 60 percent of Australian cattle on "; S11[45]=" feed are destined for the Japanese market.).. "; R[46]="1397"; T[46]="Beef industry worried at US 'grain-fed' labelling plans"; A[46]="By ... Editor"; Dn[46]="20060918"; Dt[46]="Monday 18 September 2006"; Acats[46]="a08a27a60"; B1[46]="      Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is worried at US plans to allow beef from cattle that have spent time in feedlots and "; B2[46]="eaten grain, to be labelled 'grass-fed'... "; B3[46]=" "; B4[46]=" "; B5[46]=" "; S1[46]="      Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is worried at US plans to allow beef from cattle that have spent time in feedlots and "; S2[46]=" eaten grain, to be labelled 'grass-fed'.
      MLA regional manager Michelle Gorman says Australia prides itself on being a leader in grass-fed beef.
"; S3[46]="       Ms Gorman says USDA must remember the consumer when it rewrites the rules on grass-fed labelling.
      'There "; S4[46]=" are people that are interested in how the animal has been raised ...
      and we have many other product categories here, whether "; S5[46]=" it's natural, organic, grain-fed,' she said.
      'It's just another product in the range and there needs to be some accuracy in the "; S6[46]=" type, how the product was and then, how it's labelled.' Ms Gorman says sales of Australian beef cuts in North America are growing month on "; S7[46]=" month, and the grass-fed label is working.
      But critics say the US proposal would sacrifice the label's integrity, hurting all beef "; S8[46]=" with the label... "; R[47]="1387"; T[47]="Scoring points for ovine Johne's disease"; A[47]="By ... Editor"; Dn[47]="20060918"; Dt[47]="Monday 18 September 2006"; Acats[47]="a27a33"; B1[47]="      Abattoir inspections are being offered to help WA sheep producers assure interstate buyers that the purchased sheep are clear of ovine Johne's "; B2[47]="disease (OJD)... "; B3[47]=" "; B4[47]=" "; B5[47]=" "; S1[47]="      Abattoir inspections are being offered to help WA sheep producers assure interstate buyers that the purchased sheep are clear of ovine Johne's "; S2[47]=" disease (OJD).
      Department of Agriculture and Food Animal Biosecurity Director Ashley Mercy said all sheep being moved too the Eastern States must "; S3[47]=" be accompanied by a Sheep Health Statement, which specifies OJD assurance points.
      Dr Mercy said some buyers in South Australia, western and "; S4[47]=" northern New South Wales and Queensland required five or more OJD assurance points.
      He said Western Australia was classified as an OJD "; S5[47]=" Low Prevalence Area, and non-infected flocks had three OJD points.
      'Additional OJD assurance points can be gained through vaccination and through inspecting "; S6[47]=" sufficient adult sheep from a line at an abattoir,' Dr Mercy said.
      'The Department of Agriculture and Food has a number of "; S7[47]=" trained OJD inspectors who can inspect sheep at specific abattoirs on a fee for service basis.' The inspection service is charged at the standard rate "; S8[47]=" for inspections.
      Producers can contact their local Department office for referral to a trained inspector.
      Dr Mercy said vaccinating "; S9[47]=" lambs before 16 weeks of age for OJD with GudairŽ vaccine, or vaccinating the consignment of sheep, and having a 'v' embossed on the ear "; S10[47]=" tag would also provide an extra assurance point... "; R[48]="1372"; T[48]="Caution on grazing failed canola crops"; A[48]="By ... Editor"; Dn[48]="20060908"; Dt[48]="Friday 8 September 2006"; Acats[48]="a25a26a27a82"; B1[48]="      Farmers contemplating grazing failed crops need to be aware of their responsibilities in relation to the grazing withholding periods for the different "; B2[48]="chemicals applied to their crops... "; B3[48]=" "; B4[48]=" "; B5[48]=" "; S1[48]="      Farmers contemplating grazing failed crops need to be aware of their responsibilities in relation to the grazing withholding periods for the different "; S2[48]=" chemicals applied to their crops.
      The reminder comes as farmers consider turning stock in on crops which, given the current seasonal conditions "; S3[48]=" and lack of subsoil moisture, will be hard pressed to produce an economic yield.
      Technical Specialist for pulses and oilseeds with NSW "; S4[48]=" Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Don McCaffery, said canola crops are likely to be the first crops to be grazed off with some already abandoned "; S5[48]=" in western areas.
      'The central and southern NSW canola crop is well behind in crop development compared to this time last year "; S6[48]=" and it is likely some crops will not produce an economic yield if kept for grain,' he said.
      'By grazing these crops "; S7[48]=" farmers will be able to recover some of the growing costs via their livestock.' To avoid chemical residues farmers should observe the grazing withholding periods "; S8[48]=" for any chemicals applied to the crop.
      That includes pre and post-emergent herbicides like atrazine and/or simazine used on TT canola varieties.
"; S9[48]="       Grazing crops within the nominated grazing withholding period can have serious commercial impacts as well as being a breach of the Pesticides "; S10[48]=" Act.
      National Vendor Declarations (NVDs) for both sheep and cattle ask specific questions about observance of stockfeed withholding periods.
      "; S11[48]=" Producers will face financial penalties, including buyer avoidance or discounts, if stock aren't declared as only grazed on 'clean' feed in the 60 days before "; S12[48]=" sale.
      Farmers should check the labels for all chemicals applied to all of their crops to ensure they are safe to graze.
"; S13[48]="       The grazing of canola or other brassica crops may pose other animal health issues so farmers should: ' Avoid putting hungry stock "; S14[48]=" onto canola.
      Ensure stock have partial gut-fill when they are introduced; ' Introduce stock slowly for short periods of time and observe "; S15[48]=" them closely for any abnormal behaviour; and ' Where possible, include hay or grain to dilute the diet... "; R[49]="1354"; T[49]="Beware when buying stock feed"; A[49]="By ... Editor"; Dn[49]="20060903"; Dt[49]="Sunday 3 September 2006"; Acats[49]="a25a26a27"; B1[49]="      A dry season like this can provide extra challenges when buying stock feed.... "; B2[49]=" "; B3[49]=" "; B4[49]=" "; B5[49]=" "; S1[49]="      A dry season like this can provide extra challenges when buying stock feed.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries "; S2[49]=" senior beef extension officer at Miles, Kay Taylor, said in these sorts of seasons the quality of some bought in feeds tended to drop off "; S3[49]=" as supplies became scarce because of demand and dry weather.
      Ms Taylor said that with this came increased risk of buying feed "; S4[49]=" that did not meet its description or the nutritional requirements of animals, or that contained prohibited ingredients or harmful substances.
      'In Queensland, "; S5[49]=" there are controls on the supply of both processed and unprocessed stock feed through the Agricultural Standards Act 1994.
      'Even so, the "; S6[49]=" clear message is still 'buyer beware',' she said.
      'When feeds become harder and more expensive to access, there are often more cases "; S7[49]=" of purchased feeds not meeting the description they were given or the standard they expected.' Ms Taylor said with unprocessed stock feeds such as "; S8[49]=" whole cottonseed, various forms of hay and horticultural by-products, livestock producers are a little more susceptible.
      'Not only can feeds be nutritionally "; S9[49]=" well below what is expected, they may contain weeds, burrs, moulds and other substances that may make them unpalatable, poisonous, or a residue risk, or "; S10[49]=" spread undesirable weed seed,' she said.
      'No stock feed should contain 'prohibited materials' or excessive levels of 'harmful ingredients',' Ms Taylor said.
"; S11[49]="       She said that when buying unprocessed stock feeds, purchasers should ask for a Commodity Vendor Declaration that included an accurate description of "; S12[49]=" the product, and information about the use and presence of agricultural chemicals.
      She said manufacturers of processed stock feeds such as dry "; S13[49]=" licks, weaner pellets, liquid supplements, and bagged protein meals were required by law to clearly label them with specific nutritional and safety information.
    "; S14[49]="   'It's up to the purchaser to have the skills to assess whether the product can cost-efficiently provide the nutritional needs of a particular group "; S15[49]=" of stock.
      'The DPI&F provides training in this field through courses such as Nutrition EDGE,' Ms Taylor said.
      DPI&F "; S16[49]=" regional inspector Geoff Cahill said feed buyers who felt they had been misled about the description of unprocessed stock feed could consider refusing to take "; S17[49]=" delivery, or seek legal advice from a solicitor.
      'Where purchasers suspect that a commodity breaches the prohibited material or harmful ingredient provisions "; S18[49]=" of the Agricultural Standards Regulation 1997, they can submit a sample to an independent accredited laboratory for analysis.
      'DPI&F inspectors can investigate "; S19[49]=" the incident if the analysis confirms the presence of a prohibited material or an excessive quantity of a harmful ingredient,' he said... ";