R[0]="624"; T[0]="CNH Australia moves toward Single Brand of Tillage and Seeding Equipment"; A[0]="By ... Case IH"; Dn[0]="20060317"; Dt[0]="Friday 17 March 2006"; Acats[0]="a01"; B1[0]="      CNH Australia has announced plans to reintroduce Flexi-Coil as its sole tillage and seeding brand, with the change expected to take effect "; B2[0]="by mid-2006... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]="      CNH Australia has announced plans to reintroduce Flexi-Coil as its sole tillage and seeding brand, with the change expected to take effect "; S2[0]=" by mid-2006.
      Both Case IH and New Holland dealers, along with other interested parties, are being encouraged to apply for distribution "; S3[0]=" of the Flexi-Coil product line which is known for its innovation and includes a full line of air carts, air drills, cultivators, coil packers, ground "; S4[0]=" engaging tools and trailing sprayers.
      'We have aggressive plans to return Flexi-Coil to its number one position in the highly competitive "; S5[0]=" Australian market by offering customers the best in tillage and seeding technology,' said John Lloyd, CNH Managing Director and Vice President, Agriculture, Australia and New "; S6[0]=" Zealand.
      'This strategy exclusively applies to tillage and seeding equipment and in no way effects the dual-brand distribution strategy that is in "; S7[0]=" place for New Holland and Case IH tractor, harvester, and hay and forage equipment.
      Those products will continue to be developed and "; S8[0]=" supported with high levels of differentiation through their existing dealer networks,' explained John.
      'By focusing on a single tillage and seeding brand, "; S9[0]=" we can better leverage our significant investment in manufacturing and technology to deliver a new generation of products that provide accurate seed metering and precise "; S10[0]=" depth control to optimise crop outputs.
      'Our investment also extends to superior service and I'm pleased to announce that Steve Mulder has "; S11[0]=" been appointed to support and grow the Flexi-Coil brand as part of our CNH Precision Agriculture business unit.
      Steve worked for Flexi-Coil "; S12[0]=" prior to CNH's acquisition of Flexi-Coil in 1999 and has worked in various roles within CNH since the acquisition.' Customers who have purchased Case "; S13[0]=" IH and New Holland tillage and seeding products will continue to be fully supported by their existing dealers until the product warranty expires.
    "; S14[0]="   Applications for Flexi-Coil distribution close on 7 April, 2006.
      The Flexi-Coil product will return to its original grey livery under "; S15[0]=" the new arrangement... "; R[1]="620"; T[1]="Farmers set the no-till agenda"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20060310"; Dt[1]="Friday 10 March 2006"; Acats[1]="a02a72"; B1[1]="      No-tillage and conservation farming practices are already winning converts with their scientifically proven benefits of water-use efficiency, managing climate variability, and protection "; B2[1]="of the natural resource base... "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      No-tillage and conservation farming practices are already winning converts with their scientifically proven benefits of water-use efficiency, managing climate variability, and protection "; S2[1]=" of the natural resource base.
      Now there is an opportunity for those sitting on the fence to tell researchers and decision makers "; S3[1]=" what needs to happen for them to make the move.
      NSW Department of Primary Industries is offering discounted fees for farmers to "; S4[1]=" attend a conference in Tamworth on March 29 and 30 to find ways to accelerate the adoption of conservation farming techniques as part of a "; S5[1]=" major research project.
      Registrations close on March 13 for the two-day 'No-tillage and Conservation Farming Practices Conference' that features an impressive line "; S6[1]=" up of speakers, including several farmers delivering case studies on their experiences converting to no-tillage.
      The aim is to better understand the "; S7[1]=" many factors that come into play when farmers choose not to embrace new technology or practices and to come up with potential solutions.
    "; S8[1]="   Project Leader and Director of the Tamworth Agricultural Research Institute, Bob Martin, said the conference would provide the missing link in the research by "; S9[1]=" mapping the way forward.
      'This is the first time that farmers, industry representatives, and researchers will have been given the opportunity to "; S10[1]=" take a close look at why adoptions rates are so low despite the proven economic benefits,' Dr Martin said.
      'Focus group meetings "; S11[1]=" conducted with farmers in the north-west of the State give us a clear indication that economic and social, as well as technical and managerial constraints, "; S12[1]=" are at the core of the issue.
      'The information gathered so far will set the scene for discussion and workshopping of potential "; S13[1]=" solutions and this is where farmer input is so vital.' The conference in Tamworth this month will develop a strategy to accelerate the adoption of "; S14[1]=" conservation farming and no-tillage practices across the northern cropping region.
      Recommendations and strategies arising from the conference will be of special interest "; S15[1]=" to rural R&D corporations, catchment management authorities, government agencies, agribusiness and farmers.
      In conjunction with the conference, no-tillage expert from Western Australia, "; S16[1]=" Bill Crabtree, will be holding workshops in the region to introduce farmers to no-tillage.
      Full conference details are available from the department's "; S17[1]=" website.
      People without internet access can obtain a brochure and program by phoning Michelle Delaney on 02 6763 1100.
      "; S18[1]=" The conference is part of a project funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, and is sponsored by the Grains Research and Development "; S19[1]=" Corporation, the University of New England, and the Namoi Catchment Management Authority... "; R[2]="602"; T[2]="Desert Uplands field days target economic benefits"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20060308"; Dt[2]="Wednesday 8 March 2006"; Acats[2]="a02a53a72"; B1[2]="      Economic benefits of improving land condition and developing property infrastructure will be outlined to Desert Uplands landholders at three field days in "; B2[2]="late June... "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      Economic benefits of improving land condition and developing property infrastructure will be outlined to Desert Uplands landholders at three field days in "; S2[2]=" late June.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries sustainable grazing systems extension officer Jill Aisthorpe and rangelands scientist Paul Jones, both from "; S3[2]=" Emerald, are on track to complete the three-year Safe Carrying Capacity project funded by the Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre.
      The Desert "; S4[2]=" Uplands covers some 75,000 square kilometres in a region bounded by Alpha, Blackall, Barcaldine, Pentland, Charters Towers and Clermont.
      Ms Aisthorpe said "; S5[2]=" 10 Desert Uplands grazing enterprises were used to develop the computerised carrying capacity models to deliver paddock by paddock information to ensure long term industry "; S6[2]=" sustainability.
      'Preparations are being put into place to hold field days on June 20, 21 and 22 at sites within the northern, "; S7[2]=" central and southern sectors of the Desert Uplands to wrap up the project on June 30,' Ms Aisthorpe said.
      'A great deal "; S8[2]=" of our field work to develop computerised carrying capacity models has been collated from on-the-ground observations relating to variable land types, land condition, infrastructure and "; S9[2]=" climatic conditions.
      'All testing to date indicates that the models have accurately matched landholder predictions,' Ms Aisthorpe said.
      'Our "; S10[2]=" team is confident that the calibrated models will provide a useful management tool that can be used to quantify the likely economic benefits of property "; S11[2]=" development or land condition improvement.' Ms Aisthorpe said the Desert Uplands represented a key bioregion as much of the woodland was intact.
      "; S12[2]=" A loss of perennial grasses and soil erosion in some areas had been linked to overly optimistic assessments of long term 'safe' carrying capacity.
  "; S13[2]="     The June field days will demonstrate the benefits of implementing sustainable management practices based on realistic stocking rate estimates to support a viable "; S14[2]=" livestock business.
      The field day venues will be publicised at a later date... "; R[3]="594"; T[3]="Trials confirm summer weeds have major impact"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20060306"; Dt[3]="Monday 6 March 2006"; Acats[3]="a02a03a72a85"; B1[3]="      Trials by the Department of Agriculture have shown summer weeds can have a serious impact on wheat grain yield and protein and "; B2[3]="at the same time seriously reduce soil nitrogen... "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      Trials by the Department of Agriculture have shown summer weeds can have a serious impact on wheat grain yield and protein and "; S2[3]=" at the same time seriously reduce soil nitrogen.
      The trials, funded by CRC Australian Weed Management, saw wheat grain yield down by "; S3[3]=" as much as 40 per cent in two out of three years, soil nitrogen levels down by as much as 66 per cent and grain "; S4[3]=" protein levels substantially reduced.
      'Given the weather we have had this year the timing of the trial results is very apt,' said "; S5[3]=" Department of Agriculture Senior Researcher Dr Abul Hashem, who along with Dr Shahab Pathan, carried out the trials.
      'Summer weed growth is "; S6[3]=" a real issue after recent summer rains and the messages from these trials are clear.
      It is of the highest importance for "; S7[3]=" growers to make every effort to control summer weeds,' said Dr Hashem.
      The trial was carried out between 2003 and 2005 on "; S8[3]=" sandy loam duplex soil at Merredin Research Station and measured soil nitrogen and soil water up to a depth of 90cm in January and May "; S9[3]=" (before sowing wheat crop), growth, grain yield and quality of winter wheat over three years.
      Key findings were: · A combination of "; S10[3]=" summer rain and uncontrolled weeds reduced soil nitrogen within the rooting zone of crop plants by up to 66 per cent - winter crops would "; S11[3]=" have 66 per cent less nitrogen in the soil to start with in a paddock where summer weeds were not controlled.
      · "; S12[3]=" Summer weeds did not use any more soil water than lost otherwise from a weed-free plot.
      This is probably because the evaporative "; S13[3]=" demand on the site during summer period was 3-4 times higher than the amount of total summer rain received.
      · Wheat emergence "; S14[3]=" was reduced by 22% in 2003 only when caltrop was the dominant summer weed species.
      This means caltrop may have a strong "; S15[3]=" allelopathic effect on wheat emergence.
      · Summer weeds reduced wheat grain yield by up to 40 per cent in two out of "; S16[3]=" three years.
      · Wheat grain protein was substantially reduced by a combination of summer rain and summer weeds in all the three "; S17[3]=" years.
      · Soil nitrogen fixed by summer weeds will be released slowly as their biomass decomposes although this released nitrogen will not "; S18[3]=" be available to wheat plants during vegetative stages when demand is high.
      'Summer weeds can also serve as green bridges for insects "; S19[3]=" and diseases.
      They can also block the seeding machine leading to poor crop establishment.
      Early treatment is essential,' said "; S20[3]=" Dr Hashem.
      Grazing is a very cheap management option for summer weeds.
      The palatability of summer weeds species such "; S21[3]=" as melons, radish, capeweed and doublegee may be increased by spraying 2,4-D amine @ 250 g ae/ha.
      Most summer weeds can be "; S22[3]=" effectively controlled by spraying a mixture of glyphosate @ 250-500 g ae/ha + 2,4-D ester @ 200-400 g ai/ha when the wind speed is between "; S23[3]=" 3-15 km/hour.
      Where there is a restriction on 2,4-D spraying or growers are not sure how summer weed herbicides are going to "; S24[3]=" affect their winter cropping plan, they should seek advice on appropriate herbicides to control summer weeds... "; R[4]="591"; T[4]="Managing the unmanageable"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20060306"; Dt[4]="Monday 6 March 2006"; Acats[4]="a02a57a72"; B1[4]="      Agricultural consultants are being advised to 'play' the season, rather than try to predict the season when suggesting different cropping strategies to "; B2[4]="the State's grain growers... "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      Agricultural consultants are being advised to 'play' the season, rather than try to predict the season when suggesting different cropping strategies to "; S2[4]=" the State's grain growers.
      Department of Agriculture principal research officer Bill Bowden made the recommendation to agricultural consultants yesterday (15 Feb) at "; S3[4]=" the Department's Agribusiness Crop Updates supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
      Dr Bowden said considering the vast number of uncontrollable "; S4[4]=" cropping factors such as season and soil type, the best strategy for farmers was to prepare cropping plans for each scenario, such as early, average "; S5[4]=" and late break of season.
      'The timing of the break of season is one of the major variables impacting on crop yield "; S6[4]=" potential and management,' Dr Bowden said.
      'Although the time of the break is unpredictable, farmers can prepare plans for each possibility, taking "; S7[4]=" into account fertilisers, herbicides and available seeds for different cultivars and species.' Dr Bowden said the most important factors were the season, soil type, prices "; S8[4]=" and the vagaries of individual grain growers.
      He said these factors varied considerably and contributed markedly to crop productivity and profitability.
  "; S9[4]="     'Growers differ noticeably in their skills, risk aversion preferences, economic situations, spending preferences and on-farm resources,' Dr Bowden said.
      'Bearing "; S10[4]=" in mind the different priorities of growers, agricultural consultants should highlight the full range of management options available and provide 'sensitivity analyses' by discussing the "; S11[4]=" consequences in production and dollar terms for each management strategy.
      'By revealing how a chosen management option can be affected by input "; S12[4]=" levels, the season, soil types, available water and prices, growers will be able to make management decisions with a thorough understanding of their affect on "; S13[4]=" production factors, and the associated risks.' Dr Bowden said although many cropping factors varied, the best management decisions could be made based on knowledge of "; S14[4]=" how the factors interacted with each other... "; R[5]="571"; T[5]="New Hollands New T8000 Series ensures Maximum productivity and Control"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20060303"; Dt[5]="Friday 3 March 2006"; Acats[5]="a01"; B1[5]="      New Holland's new Tier III compliant Series T8000 tractor to become available mid year is set to impress with best in class "; B2[5]="pulling power, hydraulic capacity and comfort... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      New Holland's new Tier III compliant Series T8000 tractor to become available mid year is set to impress with best in class "; S2[5]=" pulling power, hydraulic capacity and comfort.
      With four models in the range from 175 PTO to 255 PTO Hp, the Series T8000 "; S3[5]=" which replaces the current Series TG range, is designed to maximise productivity and control in a wide range of farming operations.
      "; S4[5]=" 'When we launched the TG Series three years ago, this flagship tractor pointed the way forward with its styling and functionality.
      "; S5[5]=" The high-performance T8000 tractors are again leading the way,' New Holland Product Manager, Don Forrester said.
      While the name change reflects "; S6[5]=" New Holland's new model naming approach, the unique styling that farmers have come to know will remain the same.
      'The new name "; S7[5]=" is also reflective of our continued evolution of the tractor range as we strive to provide farmers with innovative new products that reflect their demand "; S8[5]=" for high productivity and power,' he explained.
      With heavy-duty front and rear axles standard on all models in the range, the Series "; S9[5]=" T8000 leads the industry with three 4WD front axle options - Standard steer, SuperSteerTM and TerraGlideTM.
      'The SuperSteer axle is ideal "; S10[5]=" for row crop farmers and others looking for optimum turning ability or a long wheel base designed to enhance traction and ride quality, while the "; S11[5]=" TerraGlide suspended front axle provides enhanced traction, stability, control and comfort, making it ideal for contractors and farmers working at higher speeds.
      "; S12[5]=" The operators ride quality in the cab is also enhanced,' Don said.
      Industry leading horsepower growth comes via a six cylinder, 24 "; S13[5]=" valve, 8.3 litre engine that actually increases horsepower as it pulls down, providing consistent performance in demanding conditions.
      'With proven power "; S14[5]=" at the drawbar and plenty of lugging power to pull through heavy tillage, disking and ripping jobs, the Series T8000 responds with up to 56 "; S15[5]=" per cent PTO torque rise and a power growth of up to 44 Hp,' Don said.
      Eight working speeds are provided "; S16[5]=" from 4.9 to 12.9 kph, with a consistent 14 per cent speed change between gears.
      'There are also two new transmission options "; S17[5]=" designed to provide farmers with flexible options for a wide range of farming operations,' Don said.
      The 23x6 powershift with creeper "; S18[5]=" is designed with five slower forward and two reverse speeds for working in vegetable, potato or other specialty crops.
      The operator can "; S19[5]=" engage and disengage the creeper gears at the end of the rows without stopping.
      The19x4 powershift has a special gear that increases "; S20[5]=" fuel economy during transport.
      'All transmissions are enhanced with the convenience of AutoShift™ automatic transmissions features in both road and field "; S21[5]=" modes with the push of a button, providing even more flexibility in this leading tractor series,' Don said.
      Outstanding weight distribution is "; S22[5]=" ensured with the engine centrally mounted directly to the transmission, guaranteeing optimum tractive performance regardless of the application.
      Handling the heaviest of "; S23[5]=" implements is easy, with huge three-point lift capacity through the full lifting range, when compared to some competitors who may only offer a high three-point "; S24[5]=" lift capacity when measured midway through the range.
      'Our three point lift capacity ranges from 7,243 kg to 8,214 kg, ensuring "; S25[5]=" performance regardless of the task,' Don said.
      A MegaFlow™ hydraulics option delivers an unprecedented 257 Lpm flow to ensure the most advanced "; S26[5]=" seeders and specialty equipment can be operated with ease.
      Two pumps provide two separate circuits, to allow two systems, such as a "; S27[5]=" low-flow/high pressure system from one remote and a high-flow/low pressure system from another remote, to be operated simultaneously without sacrificing performance.
      Up "; S28[5]=" to five remotes are available.
      All models feature electronic engine management for the convenience and fuel savings of setting a constant engine "; S29[5]=" speed or 'cruise' control.
      A large 682-litre fuel tank ensures more time in field before needing to refuel.
      'A "; S30[5]=" roomy cab and best in class 3600 lighting make this Series even more attractive,' Don said.
      'The cab's rounded corners and curved "; R[6]="570"; T[6]="New Holland Adjusts Engine Power on Popular Cr960 Combine"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20060303"; Dt[6]="Friday 3 March 2006"; Acats[6]="a01"; B1[6]="      New Holland has adjusted the engine power on its popular CR960 combine ensuring more power is available earlier in the engine RPM "; B2[6]="curve, making it easier to get through tough spots during harvesting, while improving fuel efficiency and reducing engine wear... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      New Holland has adjusted the engine power on its popular CR960 combine ensuring more power is available earlier in the engine RPM "; S2[6]=" curve, making it easier to get through tough spots during harvesting, while improving fuel efficiency and reducing engine wear.
      We have adjusted "; S3[6]=" the engine power curve so that maximum power is available earlier,' Ben Petersen, New Holland Product Manager explained.
      'Although neither power at "; S4[6]=" rated speed nor maximum power has increased, the more aggressive power curve will significantly improve engine responsiveness in difficult harvesting conditions, and make more power "; S5[6]=" available when harvesting.' Previously, when an operator hit a tough spot such as heavy crops or an uphill slope, it was necessary to drop back "; S6[6]=" to 1800 rpm to get the full benefit of the CR960s 330 Hp.
      'Now, he only needs to drop back to 2000 "; S7[6]=" rpm so he can keep powering through without losing momentum.
      And because the machine is more responsive, there's less pressure on the "; S8[6]=" engine, reducing wear and improving fuel efficiency.' New Holland's unique ASP Rock Protection System has also been enhanced.
      'We've introduced a noise "; S9[6]=" responsive system to improve rock detection.
      Efficiency is increased as a result because the operator can feel confident that any rocks picked "; S10[6]=" up during the harvest drop out before reaching and damaging the rotors.' Customers who place an order on the new CR 960 before the end "; S11[6]=" of March will go in the draw to win a trip for two to North America... "; R[7]="569"; T[7]="Agronomic expertise vital for mungbeans"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20060302"; Dt[7]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[7]="a02a17a72"; B1[7]="      Mungbean growers should contract the best possible professional agronomic advice and have a marketing plan in place before the pulse crop is "; B2[7]="in the ground... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      Mungbean growers should contract the best possible professional agronomic advice and have a marketing plan in place before the pulse crop is "; S2[7]=" in the ground.
      Forty grain growers, crop consultants and marketers attending the February 24 mungbean industry field day held at the Department "; S3[7]=" of Primary Industries and Fisheries Biloela Research Station were told that this quick turnaround cash crop demanded high management expertise to succeed.
      "; S4[7]=" DPI&F pulse crop scientist Col Douglas, who is overseeing the Grains Research and Development Corporation-funded agronomic research and development of new mungbean varieties, said that "; S5[7]=" with 65 days from planting to harvest, there were no second-chance management options.
      'Mungbeans have been aptly described as a 'broadacre horticultural "; S6[7]=" crop' as optimum crop performance, insect pest management, and premium grain quality are dependant on timely agronomic management decisions,' Mr Douglas said.
      "; S7[7]=" 'The GRDC-funded evaluation and assessment of some 200 experimental lines from former CSIRO plant material acquired in 2003 is now well advanced with newly developed "; S8[7]=" lines now emerging from the mungbean breeding and selection program.' Mr Douglas said that of the major commercial varieties, White Gold was regarded as the "; S9[7]=" best performer with a 12 per cent yield advantage over Emerald, the industry standard, closely followed by Delta with an eight per cent advantage.
  "; S10[7]="     'An as yet unnamed selection from the breeding program that has been put forward for commercial tender has drawn strong Central Queensland grower "; S11[7]=" and pulse seed marketers' interest,' Mr Douglas said.
      'This new line, which is expected to be available next season, has recorded the "; S12[7]=" same yield as White Gold but has consistently produced superior quality seed from 30 trial sites in Central Queensland, Darling Downs, Maranoa and Narrabri district.' "; S13[7]=" DPI&F Kingaroy-based entomologist Hugh Brier and integrated pest management extension officer Austin McLennan, Pittsworth, demonstrated how important it was to monitor mirid insect populations during "; S14[7]=" the budding to flowering growth period.
      'In the pre-flowering stage, it can take just a week for mirids to have a severe "; S15[7]=" impact on bud development and lost yield potential can never be retrieved,' Mr Brier said.
      'Adult mirids can also migrate into mungbeans "; S16[7]=" from adjacent cotton or lucerne crops and it takes just 4-5 days for eggs to hatch so constant crop monitoring is vital.
      "; S17[7]=" 'When mirid counts exceed the 0.3 insects/sq m threshold, research suggests that two sprays of dimethoate insecticide should be applied one week apart.
    "; S18[7]="   'This split rate extends the efficacy of the systemic spray absorbed by the plant which in turn kills the mirids and limits any negative "; S19[7]=" impact on valuable predatory bugs,' Mr Brier said.
      Mr Brier said the recent increase in silverleaf whitefly numbers in cotton producing areas "; S20[7]=" was not a threat to mungbeans as nymph development in the crop was poor.
      Australian Mungbean Association president Stephen Donnelly, a Brisbane "; S21[7]=" based seed and pulse grain exporter, told growers that mungbean market values were expected to increase during the next three years.
      'This "; S22[7]=" year's drought-affected Australian harvest is likely to reach just 35,000 tonnes and even if it expanded to 100,000t in the next three years, the increased "; S23[7]=" volume was unlikely to affect market returns,' Mr Donnelly said.
      'There has been a 67 per cent increase in the world-wide mungbean "; S24[7]=" market and Australia's superior quality beans coupled with an effective vendor declaration and product traceback testing system has boosted the international demand,' he said.
  "; S25[7]="     Mr Douglas said the planting window for mungbeans was rapidly nearing a close for the current summer season but planting of an irrigation "; S26[7]=" assisted trial at DPI&F Emerald Research Station would be undertaken in early March... "; R[8]="566"; T[8]="Mitchell Grasslands GLM on track for April"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20060302"; Dt[8]="Thursday 2 March 2006"; Acats[8]="a02a24a72"; B1[8]="      The EDGEnetwork Grazing Land Management (GLM) education package is now available for property managers in Queensland's Mitchell grass areas.... "; B2[8]=" "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      The EDGEnetwork Grazing Land Management (GLM) education package is now available for property managers in Queensland's Mitchell grass areas.
      "; S2[8]=" Aiming to promote better understanding, assessment and development of grazing management strategies, the first Mitchell Grasslands GLM workshop for the Central West will be delivered "; S3[8]=" in Longreach, 26 - 28 April.
      Specifically customised for the Mitchell grasslands, this package is one of the nine regional EDGEnetwork GLM "; S4[8]=" education packages developed to service cattle and sheep grazing businesses in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
      In Western Queensland, packages for the "; S5[8]=" Channel Country, Southern Gulf and Desert Uplands are also close to completion.
      The GLM workshop has been developed by Department of Primary "; S6[8]=" Industries and Fisheries staff for EDGEnetwork, the producer education arm of Meat and Livestock Australia.
      The package focuses on specific issues and "; S7[8]=" land types for this region and draws on the best available local research and development information.
      Accredited DPI&F trainers will deliver "; S8[8]=" the practical, integrated and relevant material of the package through a process which ties together the wide range of ecological and grazing land information and "; S9[8]=" encourages stimulating decision-making and planning.
      Other related packages which have been run in western Queensland include Nutrition EDGE and Breeding EDGE.
  "; S10[8]="     DPI&F rangelands scientist, Jenny Milson, said the Mitchell grass GLM package was developed to assist sheep and cattle producers understand and resolve a "; S11[8]=" range of management issues, such as assessing paddock condition and improving carrying capacity.
      'Through the course, graziers also develop a better understanding "; S12[8]=" of frequently-asked questions relating to effective use of fire, achieving the right balance of trees and grass, potential pasture restoration options and management of weeds,' "; S13[8]=" Miss Milson said.
      'In essence, landholders gain an understanding of the grazing ecosystem to enable them to meet production targets while remaining "; S14[8]=" sustainable and profitable in the long term.' Participants at workshops can use the tools and information, along with their local knowledge and experience, to explore "; S15[8]=" different management paths for their current situation.
      'This process helps them determine financial impacts of various grazing management options to suit their "; S16[8]=" individual enterprise,' Miss Milson said.
      The package involves a half-day preparation session, a three-day workshop and a follow-up day within six to "; S17[8]=" 12 months.
      Miss Milson said this program would benefit graziers who were interested in: improving both the productivity and sustainability of their "; S18[8]=" properties; learning a simple method of assessing land condition in each paddock; and gaining an understanding of how to improve carrying capacities.
      "; S19[8]=" 'Participants will also acquire satellite images or aerial photos and maps of their properties and use these, with the knowledge and tools gained during the "; S20[8]=" workshop, to develop a plan that can be used to document land management practices,' she said.
      'This will give direction business decision "; S21[8]=" making and may also be helpful in lease renewal applications or for bank information.' Miss Milson said that thanks to financial support from Desert Channels "; S22[8]=" Queensland for delivery of the workshops, DPI&F can presently offer the Mitchell Grasslands GLM package for only $300/participant in the short term.
      "; S23[8]=" 'Considering the package is normally priced at $1570, this presents a great opportunity for producers to attend at a much reduced price,' she said.
"; S24[8]="       The first Mitchell GLM workshop will be delivered at Longreach, 26 - 28 April.
      A second workshop is planned "; S25[8]=" for May.
      Places are limited.
      For more information or workshop registration, contact Jenny Milson at Longreach DPI&F on 4658 "; S26[8]=" 4400... "; R[9]="544"; T[9]="Improving viability in Australian horticulture"; A[9]="By ... ABARE"; Dn[9]="20060301"; Dt[9]="Wednesday 1 March 2006"; Acats[9]="a02a07a57a72a93"; B1[9]="      While some growers of vegetables for processing are under pressure from imports, this is not the case across the entire industry, conference "; B2[9]="delegates were told by Ms Karen Schneider, Deputy Executive Director, ABARE, at OUTLOOK 2006... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      While some growers of vegetables for processing are under pressure from imports, this is not the case across the entire industry, conference "; S2[9]=" delegates were told by Ms Karen Schneider, Deputy Executive Director, ABARE, at OUTLOOK 2006.
      'Fresh imports are negligible and while competition is "; S3[9]=" increasing in processed vegetables and fresh vegetable export markets, Australian growers are generally coping with the pressure of competition,' Ms Schneider said.
      "; S4[9]=" This is the story from a major ABARE research project that looked at production data, retail turnover data, and included an economic survey of vegetable "; S5[9]=" growers.
      Import penetration is restricted to the processed vegetables market.
      For example, processed vegetable imports are equivalent to 16 "; S6[9]=" per cent of Australia's processed vegetable production.
      This is in contrast to the fresh market where more than 95 per cent of "; S7[9]=" vegetable turnover is Australian grown.
      Ms Schneider told delegates that while Australian growers are generally competitive internationally, there is a wide variation "; S8[9]=" in costs of production.
      Compared with high cost producers, low cost producers tend to be bigger, generate more farm income and a "; S9[9]=" higher rate of return to capital, and are generally more positive about their future in the industry.
      Not withstanding these results, the "; S10[9]=" industry will need to continually innovate to secure a positive future.
      Ms Fiona Chambers, General Manager, Fernleigh Farms told delegates that her "; S11[9]=" business has continued to use a personalised approach to marketing both in export and domestic markets to achieve ongoing business viability.
      'The "; S12[9]=" business strategy that we've found to be highly successful is the development of personal relationships as the foundation for effective marketing,' Ms Chambers said.
  "; S13[9]="     Mr Richard Hamley from Yandilla Park Ltd, discussed an alternative approach to improve productivity.
      'Our approach has been to use "; S14[9]=" cutting edge technology in growing and packing our produce.
      While these technologies are suited to very large farms, as we learn more "; S15[9]=" about these technologies, I expect there will be trickle down benefits for smaller growers,' he said... "; R[10]="536"; T[10]="Pastures and precision agriculture on forum agenda"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20060227"; Dt[10]="Monday 27 February 2006"; Acats[10]="a01a02a72"; B1[10]="      Two topics of major interest to Maranoa primary producers are the focus of a forum at the Roma Research Station on Friday, "; B2[10]="March 3... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      Two topics of major interest to Maranoa primary producers are the focus of a forum at the Roma Research Station on Friday, "; S2[10]=" March 3.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries extension agronomist Mike McDonald said the topics included the introduction of forage crops or "; S3[10]=" pastures into cropping systems and the role of precision agriculture on the Western Downs.
      Mr McDonald said with planning for next season's "; S4[10]=" winter grain and forage crops underway, Maranoa-Balonne Grain & Graze was running the participative workshop to explore producers' experiences with the development of cropping sequences.
"; S5[10]="       'Buoyant livestock prices, Roma's unique position with saleyards and feedlots, and the downturn in grain prices make increasing herd size and "; S6[10]=" pasture or forages a major discussion topic,' he said.
      Mr McDonald said Maranoa-Balonne Grain & Graze research agronomist Jay Singh recognised "; S7[10]=" that introducing forages or pastures into the cropping rotation had both positive and negative effects on the following crop.
      'Through examining "; S8[10]=" the concepts behind putting crop rotations together and drawing on the experiences of producers, this workshop will examine how the strengths of such systems can "; S9[10]=" be maximised and the weaknesses minimised.
      'With autumn approaching, the workshop is also an opportunity for producers to have a say about "; S10[10]=" what research activities the Maranoa-Balonne Grain & Graze team pursues in the winter cropping season,' Mr McDonald said.
      'The second half of "; S11[10]=" the day starting at 1pm and finishing at around 3pm will resolve the potential role for precision agriculture in farming enterprises on the Western Downs,' "; S12[10]=" he said.
      'It's an opportunity for growers to catch up with some of the latest research results and help set a "; S13[10]=" research direction for further activities.
      'Lisa Brennan, a precision agricultural economist with the CSIRO, and Troy Jensen, a DPI&F agricultural engineer "; S14[10]=" with experience in control traffic and crop mapping systems, will discuss particular topics of interest,' Mr McDonald said.
      He said the day "; S15[10]=" was a response to the need to develop a locally relevant research and information.
      'We can learn from what's been happening "; S16[10]=" in Western Australia or Europe, but our systems are fundamentally different and we need to develop technologies that will be useful for local farmers under "; S17[10]=" local conditions,' he said.
      Mr McDonald said the forum would start at the Research Station at 8.30am, but participants could come "; S18[10]=" for part of the day by arriving or leaving during lunch from noon until 1pm.
      'RSVPs will help catering (Jay Singh, "; S19[10]=" 4624 1717 or 0428 886 723, or Mike McDonald, 4671 6716),' he said... "; R[11]="535"; T[11]="Farmers and the environment to be helped by new research project"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20060227"; Dt[11]="Monday 27 February 2006"; Acats[11]="a02a42a72a93"; B1[11]="      A three-year $750,000 Wide Bay project is seeking to enhance the future sustainability of farms and also help the environment through improved "; B2[11]="water quality... "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      A three-year $750,000 Wide Bay project is seeking to enhance the future sustainability of farms and also help the environment through improved "; S2[11]=" water quality.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior agronomist Dr Peter Stork said the project which began in January 2005 is "; S3[11]=" being funded under the $7.8 million Sustainable Agriculture State Level Investment Plan, (AG-SIP) under the auspices of the Water Quality and Salinity National Action Plan.
"; S4[11]="       He said that DPI&F researchers are tracking the causes and effects of any nutrient and pesticide transport, either in surface runoff "; S5[11]=" or deep drainage, from major farming systems in the Wide Bay Burnett region.
      'This work will help to dispel any myths about "; S6[11]=" environmental contamination from agriculture and horticulture.
      It will also evaluate if there is any potential for these farming systems to cause any "; S7[11]=" escape of agrochemicals to the wider environment and recommend management solutions' Dr Stork said the Wide Bay was selected for the benchmarking pesticide and nutrient "; S8[11]=" movement project because of it's growth and diversity of farming systems and its location to nearby coastal ecosystems nearby' Project leader and Kingaroy DPI&F "; S9[11]=" principal agronomist Dr Mike Bell said little on-farm research on nutrients and pesticides had been done in the region, particularly on horticulture, but also in "; S10[11]=" sugarcane with the advent of 'new cane' systems.
      He said the project is recognition of that and is also different to "; S11[11]=" other research programs which simply focus on monitoring the environment for chemicals or nutrients.
      The AGSip project involves 40 staff from "; S12[11]=" five different agencies in 18 AG SIP projects being run throughout Queensland.
      .. "; R[12]="520"; T[12]="Case IH launches next generation MX Series Magnum line"; A[12]="By ... Case IH"; Dn[12]="20060224"; Dt[12]="Friday 24 February 2006"; Acats[12]="a01"; B1[12]="      Case IH is beefing up its MX Series Magnum™ tractor line with more power from new Tier 3 compliant engines, a high-pressure "; B2[12]="fuel injection system, new productivity enhancing features, increased operator comfort and innovative transmission options that save fuel... "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      Case IH is beefing up its MX Series Magnum™ tractor line with more power from new Tier 3 compliant engines, a high-pressure "; S2[12]=" fuel injection system, new productivity enhancing features, increased operator comfort and innovative transmission options that save fuel.
      'We regularly survey our "; S3[12]=" customers to get input on what they'd like to see in their tractors,' says Adam Gatenby, Product Manager for Case IH Magnum and Steiger Tractors.
"; S4[12]="       'These new tractors are the result of their requests and suggestions.' More power and productivity - Case IH customers wanted more "; S5[12]=" power, and the next generation of MX Magnum tractors provide plenty.
      The top-of-the-line MX305 boasts a new 9.0L, Tier 3 engine with "; S6[12]=" 255 PTO Hp, up to 50 percent torque rise and 37 Hp growth.
      The MX215 now has 175 PTO Hp; the MX245 "; S7[12]=" offers 200 PTO Hp; and the MX275 has 225 PTO Hp.
      These three models are powered by an 8.3L, 505 cubic inch, "; S8[12]=" Tier 3 compliant engine.
      'The new 24-valve, 2,000 rpm-rated engines are at the heart of the new MX Magnum Series improvements,' "; S9[12]=" Gatenby adds.
      The Tier 3-compliant engines are electronically controlled with a new high-pressure, common rail fuel injection system that's quieter, cleaner and "; S10[12]=" more powerful than previous models.
      Electronic engines monitor and respond better to changing conditions, improving engine life and reducing overall fuel consumption.
"; S11[12]="       The new Case IH engines also feature an efficient cross-flow head design system that intakes air from one side and vents "; S12[12]=" exhaust directly out the other side.
      Compared to systems that exhaust air on the same side of the air intake, the cross "; S13[12]=" flow head keeps air cooler, provides smooth air flow and better coolant circulation for longer engine life.
      The new tractors' air "; S14[12]=" intake and air cleaning systems also have been redesigned.
      Air is drawn from the top of the front grill, allowing approximately 15 "; S15[12]=" percent more air flow than the previous generation Magnum tractors.
      Improved air flow translates to better performance, longer component life, less chaff "; S16[12]=" plugging and reduced fuel consumption.
      In addition, all models have an expanded 682 litre tank for longer intervals in the field.
  "; S17[12]="     Efficient performance - Producers interested in a new Case IH Magnum tractor have three easy-to-operate, economical, full Powershift transmission options: a standard 18F/4R "; S18[12]=" speed transmission; a new, optional 19F/4R option with a special 19th gear designed to conserve fuel during transport; as well as a 23F/6R transmission with "; S19[12]=" shift-through creeper speeds.
      All tractors come standard with AutoShift, which features field and road modes, allowing operators to simply automate and improve "; S20[12]=" transmission performance, while also simplifying their task list.
      An extra road gear (19F/4R) produces a maximum road speed of 40 kph "; S21[12]=" at a reduced engine RPM to save fuel: 'It's an ideal option for operations requiring long distance hauling or transport,' says Gatenby.
      "; S22[12]=" 'Our tests have shown that the 19th gear transport option can reduce fuel usage during transport by 11 percent - that means with just 300 "; S23[12]=" hours of transport, a farmer can more than cover the cost of the feature.
      And as fuel prices continue to rise, that "; S24[12]=" window will only shrink.' Other performance enhancing features on the new Case IH Magnum family include a re-sculpted front end, providing the industry's tightest turning "; S25[12]=" radius - 16-feet for standard 'R34' tyres - for an MFD tractor on 30-inch rows.
      When equipped with an optional high-flow hydraulic "; S26[12]=" pump, the new MX Series tractors also deliver industry leading hydraulic flow - 219 litres per minute - and industry leading hitch lift capacity on "; S27[12]=" the MX275 and MX305.
      'With the optional hitch, you can get up to 8128 kg of lift capacity for high-demand applications, "; S28[12]=" such as planting and tillage with deep rippers and drills,' Gatenby adds.
      More 'electrical' power - The electrical system also has "; S29[12]=" been upgraded, with higher capacity alternators that provide electrical capacity to meet customer demands during the day and night.
      Operators can choose "; S30[12]=" from a standard 150-amp, 12-volt alternator, or the 175-amp option for use with implements with higher electrical requirements, electric motors or additional lighting.
    "; R[13]="504"; T[13]="Precision agriculture basics on show"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20060221"; Dt[13]="Tuesday 21 February 2006"; Acats[13]="a01a02a72"; B1[13]="      The basic principles of how precision agriculture can be used on farm will be explained and demonstrated in a one day workshop "; B2[13]="being held at Muresk... "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      The basic principles of how precision agriculture can be used on farm will be explained and demonstrated in a one day workshop "; S2[13]=" being held at Muresk.
      The March 1 workshop aims to help improve growers' awareness of the range of precision agriculture technology that "; S3[13]=" is available and how its use can be assessed in terms of the benefits and costs of its application.
      growers understand how "; S4[13]=" precision agriculture can be used on their farm estimate the costs and benefits.
      Precision agriculture is all about putting the optimal level "; S5[13]=" of inputs in the right place at the right time for the best result.
      Research is showing it This can improve farm "; S6[13]=" efficiency, profitability and sustainability, with increased profits of between .
      Research is showing benefits of $10-55 per ha.
      Crop "; S7[13]=" yield in one paddocks is known to vary depending on soil type, and landscape position, and how they respond to interact with farm management practices "; S8[13]=" and seasonal conditions.
      Traditionally farmers have managed their paddocks as a single unit with o keep farming simple paddocks are generally managed "; S9[13]=" as one area for example, a standard rates of fertiliser and pesticides is applied across the whole paddock.
      The development of new "; S10[13]=" computer-based technologies, such as global positioning systems (GPS), and machinery that is able to vary application rates make it possible for farmers to easily manage "; S11[13]=" paddock variation more effectively and place use inputs where they will maximise in the right place to get the best yield.
      Precision "; S12[13]=" agriculture techniques can include controlled traffic/tramline farming, precise inter-row management, zone management (with or without the use of spatial information) and variable rate agriculture with "; S13[13]=" spatial referencing.
      There are four basic components of a PA system: GPS-to record the position where data is collected and guide the "; S14[13]=" user back to that location, Sensors and data loggers- to record information on paddock production performance, for example crop or pasture, soil, and climate conditions.
"; S15[13]="       Computer with a geographic information system - to map and compare the data using specialised computer software package.
      Interpretation "; S16[13]=" - to determine the cause of yield variation and the best management practice.
      The workshop is being run in collaboration with by "; S17[13]=" DAWA and Curtain University, Muresk Institute.
      It is part of a training program being developed by a DAWA and GRDC funded project "; S18[13]=" that is part of a national initiative on precision agriculture... "; R[14]="502"; T[14]="Workshops to address precision decisions"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20060221"; Dt[14]="Tuesday 21 February 2006"; Acats[14]="a01a02a72"; B1[14]="      Central Queensland grain growers will be able to gain a better understanding of 'Precision Agriculture' and the potential for hi-tech farming systems "; B2[14]="at a series of free introductory workshops planned for March 7, 8 and 9... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      Central Queensland grain growers will be able to gain a better understanding of 'Precision Agriculture' and the potential for hi-tech farming systems "; S2[14]=" at a series of free introductory workshops planned for March 7, 8 and 9.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries extension officer "; S3[14]=" Jessica Mowat said regional growers were now asking the question, 'What's in it for me?' Ms Mowat said that while many US farmers had embraced "; S4[14]=" precision agriculture, Australian growers must weigh up any future investment in state-of-the-art farming technology to be assured it had economic potential for their particular enterprise.
"; S5[14]="       Ms Mowat said that the adoption of zero till cropping and Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) had paved the way for the introduction "; S6[14]=" of GPS (Global Positioning Systems) in combination with steer-assist and machinery guidance technology.
      'Researchers have also developed a computerised package that enables "; S7[14]=" farmers to map paddock variability based on soil type, depth and fertility,' Ms Mowat said.
      'To gain the optimum cost-saving benefits from "; S8[14]=" the accuracy of self-steer machinery operating in CTF systems, farmers can use the mapping technology to tailor fertiliser application rates to where it is needed "; S9[14]=" or apply herbicide sprays where required.' Ms Mowat said that to evaluate on-farm application of this technology, DPI&F Western Farming System's (WFS) team members led "; S10[14]=" by Mike McDonald have put together a basic introductory workshop.
      Mr McDonald, a Goondiwindi extension agronomist, will be joined by Dalby-based agricultural "; S11[14]=" economist Tony Koch and technical engineer Troy Jensen to guide Central Queensland farmers through the interactive process using individual worksheets to enable growers to explore "; S12[14]=" their options.
      Ms Mowat said the WFS team had delivered a number of well received workshops to Darling Downs and Maranoa grain "; S13[14]=" growers.
      The three Central Region workshops were open to all growers with each workshop limited to 20 participants.
      The "; S14[14]=" workshops would run from 8am to 3pm starting at Moura Memorial Club on March 7; 10am - 5pm Capella Cultural Centre on March 8; and "; S15[14]=" 10am - 5pm Emerald DPI&F Conference Room on March 9.
      To secure a place, Central Queensland Sustainable Farming Systems Project group "; S16[14]=" members and all other interested farmers should contact Jessica Mowat, Emerald on 4983 7424, Brendan Lynch, Emerald on 4983 7436 or Rod Collins, Biloela on "; S17[14]=" 4992 9146... "; R[15]="498"; T[15]="Toxic waste ends Sydney Harbour commercial fishing"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20060222"; Dt[15]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[15]="a03a04a34a42"; B1[15]="      Toxic waste in Sydney Harbour has forced authorities to end centuries of commercial fishing, warn recreational anglers not to eat too much "; B2[15]="harbour fish, and undertake a A$200 million (US$150 million) clean-up programme... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      Toxic waste in Sydney Harbour has forced authorities to end centuries of commercial fishing, warn recreational anglers not to eat too much "; S2[15]=" harbour fish, and undertake a A$200 million (US$150 million) clean-up programme.
      The New South Wales state government announced on Thursday an end "; S3[15]=" to commercial fishing after tests showed the level of cancer-causing dioxin in fish was almost 100 times World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended maximum levels.
  "; S4[15]="     The state's Primary Industry Minister Ian Macdonald said the dioxin, a key ingredient of the Agent Orange defoliant used in the Vietnam War, "; S5[15]=" was the result of years of industrial pollution and that further fish testing would occur.
      The NSW government will spend A$5.8 million "; S6[15]=" buying back fishing licences and compensating some 40 fishermen, some of whom have seen generations of their families haul harbour fish and prawns to sell "; S7[15]=" to seafood restaurants which dot the shoreline.
      'I have been here for 45 years fishing on Sydney Harbour and I don't want "; S8[15]=" the compensation, a lot of us don't, we want to continue fishing,' fisherman Cameron Aiello told reporters.
      Many of the fishermen are "; S9[15]=" worried their families may have been contaminated after eating dioxin contaminated fish.
      'A lot of the fishermen are concerned about their health "; S10[15]=" and the health of their families -- they have been feeding their kids seafood regularly all their lives,' said fisherman Kippa Waters.
      "; S11[15]=" Commercial harbour fishing was banned for three months in January after upstream fish tests revealed industrial waste dioxin almost 100 times WHO levels.
    "; S12[15]="   Fish caught near the harbour entrance recorded dioxin 10 times WHO levels.
      Recreational anglers have been told to eat no more "; S13[15]=" than 150g of Sydney Harbour fish a month.
      'These fishers have been doing it tough since the bans on commercial fishing were "; S14[15]=" introduced,' said Macdonald in a statement announcing the buy out of commercial fishing licences.
      'Through no fault of their own they have "; S15[15]=" been caught up in a problem caused by 100 years of industrial pollution by multinational companies like Union Carbide.' Macdonald said A$200 million was being "; S16[15]=" spent cleaning up 30 toxic sites in and around Sydney Harbour.
      State government documents have shown that between 1949 and 1976 Homebush "; S17[15]=" Bay, site of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, was used as a dumping ground for the deadly poison dioxin.
      Carcinogenic dioxin was produced "; S18[15]=" at a nearby Union Carbide chemical factory and waste was buried in landfills or scattered above ground in drums.
      The dioxin leeched "; S19[15]=" into the waters of Homebush Bay on the Parramatta River which feeds Sydney Harbour.
      Development of plans for the Sydney 2000 Olympics "; S20[15]=" site initially included cleaning up Homebush Bay waters, but this was then shelved for fear of disturbing the dioxin in sediment.
      Fishing.. "; R[16]="496"; T[16]="Researchers try to control grapevine leaf rust"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20060222"; Dt[16]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[16]="a03a13a33"; B1[16]="      Improving biosecurity in our wine and table grape industries is the focus of new research in East Timor..... "; B2[16]=" "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      Improving biosecurity in our wine and table grape industries is the focus of new research in East Timor.
      It "; S2[16]=" is hoped trials near Dili will find a control for the damaging disease, grapevine leaf rust.
      But working offshore has been challenging.
"; S3[16]="       Researcher Stephen West describes how the team made sterile potting mix from scratch.
      'The team had to be very "; S4[16]=" creative, we exposed it to the sun under plastic and got some very high temperatures up around 70 degrees.
      We needed some "; S5[16]=" organic matter so they ended up, the guys got some coffee husks.
      So they had to find some of that and they "; S6[16]=" got that.
      The guy that they got it from was scratching his head thinking, 'what are these Australians doing? This is a "; S7[16]=" bit weird.' But anyway they got it all together.
      We've had some information and feedback there are green buds popping up everywhere, "; S8[16]=" so it looks like it has worked,' he said.
      Results are expected by the end of June.
      Grapevine leaf "; S9[16]=" rust is only present in Darwin and Palmerston in the Northern Territory.
      However, Australia is expected to be declared free of the "; S10[16]=" disease midway through this year, following a long running eradication campaign in the NT... "; R[17]="490"; T[17]="Wasp trials could end the aussie fly menace"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20060222"; Dt[17]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[17]="a02a27a42a86"; B1[17]="      A Tiny insect has raised scientific hopes of an end to the great Australian salute..... "; B2[17]=" "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      A Tiny insect has raised scientific hopes of an end to the great Australian salute.
      Primary Industries Department researchers "; S2[17]=" are using tiny native wasps to control blow flies in a cattle feedlot near Toogoolawah in the Brisbane Valley.
      If the trials "; S3[17]=" of the spalangia wasp prove successful it could have wider applications to help reduce the impact of nuisance flies on the Queensland lifestyle.
    "; S4[17]="   DPI principal scientist Rudolf Urech said the results of the first tests should be known in about a month.
      "; S5[17]=" The female wasps laid eggs into immature fly pupae, killing the developing fly and producing another wasp.
      Scientists had known for a "; S6[17]=" long time that the wasp attacked the fly.
      'But obviously there are still too many flies so we are trying a mass "; S7[17]=" or inundative release approach,' Dr Urech said.
      'For this pilot study the company is producing about 250,000 house fly pupae (hosts) and "; S8[17]=" 130,000 spalangia wasps per week for release on cattle feedlots.' If current and follow-up trials demonstrated successful control of fly populations, the wasps could be "; S9[17]=" produced commercially and made available to feedlot operators as a biological fly control, Dr Urech said... "; R[18]="489"; T[18]="Fight against citrus canker succeeding"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20060222"; Dt[18]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[18]="a03a18a33"; B1[18]="      All residential and non-commercial citrus plants identified in the Emerald Pest Quarantine Area (PQA) have now been treated and removed, however the "; B2[18]="National Citrus Canker Eradication Program (NCCEP) is urging residents to remain vigilant... "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      All residential and non-commercial citrus plants identified in the Emerald Pest Quarantine Area (PQA) have now been treated and removed, however the "; S2[18]=" National Citrus Canker Eradication Program (NCCEP) is urging residents to remain vigilant.
      DPI&F General Manager (Plant Biosecurity), Chris Adriaansen, said most of "; S3[18]=" the hard work had been completed and the program was on track for the declaration of citrus canker eradication by 2009.
      Replanting "; S4[18]=" of citrus is still likely to be permitted from July 2007.
      'Some 490,000 citrus trees have been destroyed by the NCCEP in "; S5[18]=" the PQA, an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometres centred on the township of Emerald in central Queensland,' he said 'The NCCEP has also destroyed "; S6[18]=" 175,000 native citrus or citrus glauca which are endemic to the area and are hosts to citrus canker,' he said.
      Mr Adriaansen "; S7[18]=" thanked Emerald residents for their cooperation and said that while he was extremely pleased with the program's outcomes to date, ongoing cooperation from Emerald growers "; S8[18]=" was still needed if the disease is to be eradicated.
      'We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the people of Emerald in the "; S9[18]=" battle against citrus canker - their efforts and sacrifice have contributed to the protection of the Australian citrus industry,' Mr Adriaansen said.
      "; S10[18]=" 'While the destruction of all commercial and residential citrus in the Emerald PQA has had a major impact on the growers and residents, the National "; S11[18]=" Consultative Committee remains confident this action will avoid the much longer-term devastation associated with citrus canker that has been the case overseas.' 'Emerald residents should "; S12[18]=" be aware that regrowth or germination of seed is susceptible to potential infection by the bacteria and, if found, must be removed to prevent any "; S13[18]=" chance of this disease recurring.
      So please be vigilant and report regrowth,' Mr Adriaansen said.
      'Research shows factors like "; S14[18]=" short-term survival in remnant plant litter and regrowth from seeds and suckers, a period of 18 months after the removal of potential hosts is required "; S15[18]=" before it is considered safe for growers to replant commercial citrus in the area,' he said.
      Mr Adriaansen said native citrus destruction "; S16[18]=" had been paused for a few weeks while the National Consultative Committee considered the risks that exist from the remaining citrus glauca in the PQA "; S17[18]=" and the most effective way to deal with this.
      'Once Consultative Committee completes its consideration of this, we will be continuing with "; S18[18]=" whatever action it recommends.
      This may be to recommence native citrus destruction or to limit the activity to surveillance over the next "; S19[18]=" 18 months'.
      If Emerald residents notice regrowth of citrus on or around their properties, or become aware of any citrus elsewhere in "; S20[18]=" the PQA, they should notify the NCCEP immediately on 13 25 23 to arrange for its removal... "; R[19]="483"; T[19]="Testing nitrogen application to increase crop yield"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20060222"; Dt[19]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[19]="a03a24a46"; B1[19]="      Using yield forecasting systems with nitrogen decision tools increases the chances of matching fertiliser to yield potential according to Department of Agriculture "; B2[19]="development officer Jeremy Lemon... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      Using yield forecasting systems with nitrogen decision tools increases the chances of matching fertiliser to yield potential according to Department of Agriculture "; S2[19]=" development officer Jeremy Lemon.
      Mr Lemon said field trials conducted over the past three seasons demonstrated that delaying nitrogen decisions to key "; S3[19]=" times in the growing season reduced the risk of too much or too little nitrogen fertiliser being applied.
      The trials, conducted to "; S4[19]=" address grower concerns about declining protein levels in wheat, and the future marketability of WA grain, will be discussed at this month's Agribusiness Crop Updates, "; S5[19]=" supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
      'Wheat protein levels have shown a declining trend over the past 10 years due "; S6[19]=" to less frequent legume rotations, higher crop legume yields removing fixed nitrogen and higher cereal yields,' Mr Lemon said.
      'Higher cereal yields "; S7[19]=" have not always been matched with adequate fertiliser nitrogen.
      'In low legume cropping systems, a much higher proportion of the cereal's nitrogen "; S8[19]=" requirements come from fertiliser and the cost of nitrogen fertilizer is increasing.
      At up to $80 per hectare, nitrogen inputs account for "; S9[19]=" us much as 25 per cent of total crop input costs.
      'This is why it is important to determine how much is "; S10[19]=" needed and when it should be applied.' Mr Lemon said with the varied seasonal conditions across the State, farmers needed to defer nitrogen application and "; S11[19]=" use available tools to select best likely rates.
      'To achieve potential yield and maintain protein in low rainfall zones, farmers need to "; S12[19]=" respond to high yielding seasonal conditions by applying additional nitrogen fertilizer,' he said.
      'Similarly, growers in medium and higher rainfall areas need "; S13[19]=" to delay nitrogen application to reduce the risk of nitrogen losses from water logging and leaching, and ensure the crop has good yield potential.' Mr "; S14[19]=" Lemon said nitrogen could be applied to cereal crops at any stage up to booting if later rainfall was likely to wash the fertiliser into "; S15[19]=" the root zone.
      'If seasonal conditions deteriorate after late nitrogen application, there is less yield loss and no increase in screenings from "; S16[19]=" booting nitrogen application compared to tillering application,' he said.
      Agribusiness Crop Updates are being held in Perth on 16-17 February.
    "; S17[19]="   Mr Lemon will also be presenting at the Esperance Crop Updates on 10 March... "; R[20]="482"; T[20]="New tool for prediciting potassium needs"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20060222"; Dt[20]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[20]="a03a24a46a92"; B1[20]="      The Department of Agriculture has developed a new method for grain growers to help predict potassium application needs for different seasonal situations..... "; B2[20]=" "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      The Department of Agriculture has developed a new method for grain growers to help predict potassium application needs for different seasonal situations.
"; S2[20]="       The Potassium in Agricultural Systems Model (KASM), on show at the Department's Agribusiness Crop Updates this month, is a decision-support tool to "; S3[20]=" determine if growers need to apply potassium and if so, how much and how often.
      Department researcher Bill Bowden said the KASM "; S4[20]=" model was flexible and allowed users to address these potassium needs over a range of soil types, crops, rotations, yield potentials and rainfall zones.
  "; S5[20]="     'KASM simulates soil water, soil chemistry and root and shoot growth on a weekly basis,' Dr Bowden said.
      'It provides "; S6[20]=" a visual presentation for an individual situation, where the user can then determine the yield and profit consequences of different rates or timing of potassium "; S7[20]=" application.
      'KASM does not deliver recommended rates or strategies, but provides users with a framework for determining the best strategy for their "; S8[20]=" individual situation.' Dr Bowden said KASM could generate three types of output which were displayed graphically - short term analysis, animation and long term analysis.
"; S9[20]="       'In both the short-term and long-term analysis, growers can also compare two situations against the same initial data,' he said.
    "; S10[20]="   KASM is a weekly time-step, one dimensional soil-plant model developed in Microsoft Excel.
      It has been designed as a tool for "; S11[20]=" individual recommendations, group education and developing extension material.
      Further information on KASM will be available at the Agribusiness Crop Updates on February "; S12[20]=" 16-17, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
      For more information on dates and venues for Regional Crop Updates visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/cropupdates.. "; R[21]="469"; T[21]="Five years of ryegrass control"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20060222"; Dt[21]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[21]="a02a03a24a72a85"; B1[21]="      After five years of research in more than 30 focus paddocks, the Department of Agriculture stands behind integrated weed management (IWM) as "; B2[21]="a practical working solution to control ryegrass... "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      After five years of research in more than 30 focus paddocks, the Department of Agriculture stands behind integrated weed management (IWM) as "; S2[21]=" a practical working solution to control ryegrass.
      Department researcher Peter Newman said the extensive project, funded by the Grains Research and Development "; S3[21]=" Corporation, would be discussed at the Department's Agribusiness Crop Updates next week and later at the Liebe, Mingenew and Geraldton Regional Updates.
      "; S4[21]=" Mr Newman said growers using a combination of herbicide and integrated weed management (IWM) techniques were achieving improved reygrass control despite high levels of herbicide "; S5[21]=" resistance.
      He said grower groups worked with the Departrment over the 2001 to 2005 seasons to evaluate IWM strategies, including pasture phase, "; S6[21]=" crop topping, windrow burning and herbicide application.
      'Growers helped monitor 33 focus paddocks for ryegrass numbers and farming practices, and were surveyed "; S7[21]=" in 2001 and 2005 to measure changes in their farming systems and IWM,' Mr Newman said.
      'Ryegrass numbers were generally reduced for "; S8[21]=" the majority of paddocks.
      Results showed ryegrass numbers decreased in 67 per cent of focus paddocks, increased in one paddock (3 per "; S9[21]=" cent) and stayed the same in the remaining 30 per cent.' Mr Newman said one of the biggest issues of weed management was the over-use "; S10[21]=" of herbicide.
      Widespread resistance to trifluralin would occur if growers relied entirely on this method of weed control.
      'Growers "; S11[21]=" who added IWM techniques such as pasture phase, crop topping and windrow burning generally managed to erode a ryegrass seed bank.
      This "; S12[21]=" reduced weed competition with the crop and reduced the pressure to use herbicides,' he said.
      'Crop topping of lupins to reduce seed "; S13[21]=" set of annual ryegrass was rated by growers as one of the most important IWM techniques.
      'Many growers said that crop topping "; S14[21]=" was beneficial to the rotation even where they felt that they did not crop top at the ideal time.' Mr Newman said rotating paddocks from "; S15[21]=" cropping to pasture and/or livestock was generally not popular with growers who had herbicide resistance problems as they made the majority of their income from "; S16[21]=" cropping.
      'However, many of the case studies showed that even one year of pasture would benefit the farming system,' he said.
  "; S17[21]="     'Several growers experienced improved crop yields where they included pasture in the farming system due to nutrition and disease implications as well as "; S18[21]=" improved weed control.' Mr Newman said the harvest management of weeds had also been adopted in large areas of Western Australia over the past five "; S19[21]=" years.
      'A survey relating to the 2004 harvest indicated that 50 per cent of growers were burning windrows to destroy weed seeds.
"; S20[21]="       This number is likely to be higher now,' he said.
      'This result shows that many growers are now looking.. "; R[22]="468"; T[22]="Case IH powers up next generation STX Steiger Tractors"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20060222"; Dt[22]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[22]="a01"; B1[22]="      Case IH has added even more performance across both the wheeled and Quadtrac® versions of its industry-leading Steiger tractors..... "; B2[22]=" "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      Case IH has added even more performance across both the wheeled and Quadtrac® versions of its industry-leading Steiger tractors.
      "; S2[22]=" Increased drawbar horsepower in six new models is being put to work in a durable package designed to drive power to the ground, while still "; S3[22]=" going easy on both operators and fuel.
      'Our customers' requirements break down into three key areas,' says Adam Gatenby, Product Manager for "; S4[22]=" Case IH Magnum and Steiger tractors.
      'They look at performance and productivity, comfort and convenience and cost of ownership.
      "; S5[22]=" From our model range we can expressly match horsepower to any four-wheel drive (4WD) task.' Performance and productivity Operators in the 4WD and tracked segments "; S6[22]=" are looking to make the most of their horsepower, a trademark of Case IH Steiger tractors.
      New Tier 3-compliant, 24-valve, electronic engines "; S7[22]=" provide power for all six models, topping out with the STX530 TIGER, rated at 530 Hp in wheeled, and Quadtrac configurations.
      A "; S8[22]=" 15-litre, Cummins QSX15 engine offers 40 percent torque rise, growing an additional 54 Hp at 1,800 rpm.
      Like the STX530 TIGER, the "; S9[22]=" other five new models also match engine horsepower to their names.
      The wheeled STX280 and STX330, which feature AccuSteer versions, use new "; S10[22]=" 8.3-litre and 9.0-litre engines, respectively.
      Both the STX380 and the STX430 share a new 12.9-litre Case IH engine with 40 percent torque "; S11[22]=" rise.
      Comparisons with this engine and the 15 litre Cummins, show major fuel economy and torque advantages with the new 12.9 litre "; S12[22]=" Case engine.
      The STX480 is powered by the same engine as the STX530 TIGER.
      'One of the key "; S13[22]=" features of electronic engines is their ability to continually monitor operating conditions and adjust fuel and air flows,' says Gatenby.
      'By automatically "; S14[22]=" optimising performance engine life and fuel efficiency are improved.' Each of the in-line, six-cylinder engines found in next generation Steiger tractors are turbo-charged and air-to-air "; S15[22]=" aftercooled using an efficient cross flow head design that intakes air from one side and vents exhaust directly out the other side.
      "; S16[22]=" Compared to systems that exhaust air on the same side as the air intake, the cross flow head keeps air cooler, provides smooth air flow "; S17[22]=" and better coolant circulation for longer engine life.
      To accommodate the extra cooling needs of higher-horsepower engines, due to the Tier III "; S18[22]=" emissions requirements, the engine air filter for the STX380, STX430, STX480 and STX530 TIGER tractors has been relocated under the hood, improving the efficiency of "; S19[22]=" air flow and filter life.
      Engine speeds have also been decreased to 2,000 rpm for the majority of the line, rising to "; S20[22]=" 2,100 rpm on the STX530.
      'Lower rpm speeds help prolong engine life, reduce noise and increase.. "; R[23]="463"; T[23]="Theodore grazing workshop sets goals"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20060222"; Dt[23]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[23]="a02a24a25a26a27a53a54a72"; B1[23]="      A mix of established Theodore district cattle producers with a wealth of local experience and others who are relatively new to the "; B2[23]="region will develop best practice Grazing Land Management (GLM) plans during the next six months... "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      A mix of established Theodore district cattle producers with a wealth of local experience and others who are relatively new to the "; S2[23]=" region will develop best practice Grazing Land Management (GLM) plans during the next six months.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries grazing "; S3[23]=" lands extension officer Caroline Sandral said 14 participants from Theodore, Wandoan and north to Thangool took part in four day (February 1-2 and 8-9) GLM "; S4[23]=" workshop.
      Ms Sandral said the EDGEnetwork Fitzroy GLM workshop drew on the beef and pasture productivity expertise of experienced DPI&F extension officers "; S5[23]=" to assist rural landholders incorporate natural resource management objectives into future property development improvement plans.
      'When we pool this landholder and extension "; S6[23]=" knowledge, all participants have an opportunity to tailor their grazing land management options to determine the optimum carrying capacity matched to each paddock on their "; S7[23]=" property,' Ms Sandral said.
      Workshop participants Terry and Megan Dunne bought the cattle property Shawlands 60km east of Theodore in October last "; S8[23]=" year.
      Being new to the region, they now have a better understanding of their land and soil types and the know-how to "; S9[23]=" monitor pasture yields and work out a forage budget.
      Ms Sandral said that in six months, the Theodore group would meet again "; S10[23]=" for a one-day session to reassess their property development plans.
      'Grazing management planning involves fencing off land types to ensure better utilisation "; S11[23]=" of pasture burning to improve pasture species composition and woody weed control combined with wet season spelling and use of NRIS (Near Infra-red Spectroscopy) as "; S12[23]=" a means of measuring pasture nutritional value,' Ms Sandral said.
      Ms Sandral said the Central Region was fortunate to be able to "; S13[23]=" access the knowledge and experience of DPI&F's sustainable grazing systems extension officers Jill Aisthorpe (Emerald), Col Paton (Gayndah), Bill Schulke (Bundaberg) and John Chamberlain (Clermont) "; S14[23]=" to assist with the GLM workshop presentation.
      Ms Sandral said plans were in hand for a GLM workshop in the Emerald area "; S15[23]=" in early May and cattle producer inquiries were welcomed.
      GLM has been funded through the Australian Government's National Action Plan for Water "; S16[23]=" Quality and Salinity... "; R[24]="458"; T[24]="Fight against citrus canker succeeding"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20060222"; Dt[24]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[24]="a03a18a33"; B1[24]="      All residential and non-commercial citrus plants identified in the Emerald Pest Quarantine Area (PQA) have now been treated and removed, however the "; B2[24]="National Citrus Canker Eradication Program (NCCEP) is urging residents to remain vigilant... "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      All residential and non-commercial citrus plants identified in the Emerald Pest Quarantine Area (PQA) have now been treated and removed, however the "; S2[24]=" National Citrus Canker Eradication Program (NCCEP) is urging residents to remain vigilant.
      DPI&F General Manager (Plant Biosecurity), Chris Adriaansen, said most of "; S3[24]=" the hard work had been completed and the program was on track for the declaration of citrus canker eradication by 2009.
      Replanting "; S4[24]=" of citrus is still likely to be permitted from July 2007.
      'Some 490,000 citrus trees have been destroyed by the NCCEP in "; S5[24]=" the PQA, an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometres centred on the township of Emerald in central Queensland,' he said 'The NCCEP has also destroyed "; S6[24]=" 175,000 native citrus or citrus glauca which are endemic to the area and are hosts to citrus canker,' he said.
      Mr Adriaansen "; S7[24]=" thanked Emerald residents for their cooperation and said that while he was extremely pleased with the program's outcomes to date, ongoing cooperation from Emerald growers "; S8[24]=" was still needed if the disease is to be eradicated.
      'We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the people of Emerald in the "; S9[24]=" battle against citrus canker - their efforts and sacrifice have contributed to the protection of the Australian citrus industry,' Mr Adriaansen said.
      "; S10[24]=" 'While the destruction of all commercial and residential citrus in the Emerald PQA has had a major impact on the growers and residents, the National "; S11[24]=" Consultative Committee remains confident this action will avoid the much longer-term devastation associated with citrus canker that has been the case overseas.' 'Emerald residents should "; S12[24]=" be aware that regrowth or germination of seed is susceptible to potential infection by the bacteria and, if found, must be removed to prevent any "; S13[24]=" chance of this disease recurring.
      So please be vigilant and report regrowth,' Mr Adriaansen said.
      'Research shows factors like "; S14[24]=" short-term survival in remnant plant litter and regrowth from seeds and suckers, a period of 18 months after the removal of potential hosts is required "; S15[24]=" before it is considered safe for growers to replant commercial citrus in the area,' he said.
      Mr Adriaansen said native citrus destruction "; S16[24]=" had been paused for a few weeks while the National Consultative Committee considered the risks that exist from the remaining citrus glauca in the PQA "; S17[24]=" and the most effective way to deal with this.
      'Once Consultative Committee completes its consideration of this, we will be continuing with "; S18[24]=" whatever action it recommends.
      This may be to recommence native citrus destruction or to limit the activity to surveillance over the next "; S19[24]=" 18 months'.
      If Emerald residents notice regrowth of citrus on or around their properties, or become aware of any citrus elsewhere in "; S20[24]=" the PQA, they should notify the NCCEP immediately on 13 25 23 to arrange for its removal... "; R[25]="454"; T[25]="Healthy Sugar Project wins Innovation Grant"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20060222"; Dt[25]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[25]="a02a05a20a55"; B1[25]="      A century-old Queensland sugar mill has been awarded a $913,074 Australian Government innovation grant to develop a low-glycemic raw sugar alternative that "; B2[25]="promises to reduce blood glucose absorption while increase muscle mass... "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      A century-old Queensland sugar mill has been awarded a $913,074 Australian Government innovation grant to develop a low-glycemic raw sugar alternative that "; S2[25]=" promises to reduce blood glucose absorption while increase muscle mass.
      Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane today announced Mossman Central Sugar Mill Company "; S3[25]=" as one of 13 Queensland companies to be awarded funding worth more than $8.1 million in the latest round of Commonwealth innovation funding.
    "; S4[25]="   Nationally, more than $39 million was awarded for 63 projects under the Commercial Ready and Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) programs.
      'Mossman "; S5[25]=" mill's low-glycemic sugar project is a great example of an established Queensland company using innovation and invention to get an edge in the marketplace,' Mr "; S6[25]=" Macfarlane said.
      'It's an exciting project for an industry that has faced some tough times in recent years - and through the "; S7[25]=" Commercial Ready program, the Australian Government is pleased to provide some extra support in bringing this unique sugar product to market.' Other Queensland companies awarded "; S8[25]=" innovation funding this round include: o Loklite Pty Ltd, of Brisbane, awarded a $957,079 Commercial Ready grant to develop a resin-based panel technology that is "; S9[25]=" waterproof, termite proof and fire resistant for use in the building and construction industry.
      [Contact: Mr Allan Branagan 07 3849 7955] o "; S10[25]=" Replikun Biotech Pty Ltd, of Toowong, awarded a $1,035,109 Commercial Ready grant to help commercialise a new cancer drug designed to stimulate a patient's own "; S11[25]=" immune system to specifically detect and destroy cancer cells.
      [Contact: Dr Shane Storey 07 3327 9829] o Renewed Resources Pty Ltd, of "; S12[25]=" Parkwood, awarded a $47,360 COMET grant to commercialise a process to convert waste products from power generation (bottom ash) and organic biomass into high performance "; S13[25]=" horticulture and landscaping products.
      [Contact: Mr Humberto Rico 07 5574 5662 or 0416 032 089].
      A list of the "; S14[25]=" latest innovation grants and information on the Commercial Ready and COMET programs can be found at www.ausindustry.gov.au, or phone the AusIndustry hotline 13 28 46, "; S15[25]=" or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au... "; R[26]="448"; T[26]="Dry times may lead to increased peanut pests"; A[26]="By ... Editor"; Dn[26]="20060222"; Dt[26]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[26]="a02a19a72a86"; B1[26]="      Record December temperatures in Queensland have scientists worried about new and increasing pests for peanut growers..... "; B2[26]=" "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      Record December temperatures in Queensland have scientists worried about new and increasing pests for peanut growers.
      Department of Primary "; S2[26]=" Industries and Fisheries entomologist Hugh Brier said the high temperatures recorded last month are a cause of concern to peanut growers.
      'Similar "; S3[26]=" high temperature, if they reoccur over the next couple of months, could lead to the insect pest 'Etiella' or lucerne seed web moth, becoming a "; S4[26]=" severe problem.' 'Etiella is a spasmodic but widespread pest of all Australian peanut growing areas which causes only a small amount of pod damage in "; S5[26]=" wetter seasons.
      'However, up to 30 per cent of pods can be damaged in some crops in dry seasons, particularly if there "; S6[26]=" is an end of season drought prior to harvest.
      This is because newly hatched larvae can only reach the pods when the "; S7[26]=" surface soil is dry.
      Etiella damage is a major aflatoxin risk factor in peanuts, damaged pods having much higher aflatoxin levels than "; S8[26]=" undamaged pods,' Mr Brier said.
      He said Etiella numbers could become a problem in major dryland peanut growing areas in the Burnett "; S9[26]=" region, which often experience hot and dry seasons, and which may experience them more frequently as a result of climate change.
      'While "; S10[26]=" recent rains have eased the drought risk for many crops, some Burnett crops received only light rainfall during December/early January.
      As well, "; S11[26]=" significant etiella moth activity has already been observed in some crops.
      Whether this translates to end of season pod damage will depend "; S12[26]=" on rainfall between now and then,' Mr Brier said.
      Etiella are small 12-mm-long moths which lay eggs on peanut bushes.
    "; S13[26]="   Their larvae move down through the soil to enter peanut pods through tiny 0.2mm holes.
      Larvae are generally undetectable by growers "; S14[26]=" until they leave the pods to pupate in the soil.
      Larvae attack peanut pods at all stages and are frequently inside pods "; S15[26]=" at harvest.
      Mr Brier and his entomology team will collaborate with DPI&F's aflatoxin team and the Peanut Company of Australia to develop "; S16[26]=" new etiella management strategies.
      Etiella population will be monitored using auto-timed light traps and specific moth attractants will be explored to lure "; S17[26]=" and kill etiella moths, targeting the pest before its larvae enter peanut pods.
      Mr Brier said controlling the moths before larvae enter "; S18[26]=" the pods is a much more elegant management option, as only a small percentage (possibly only 2 per cent) of a crop might need to "; S19[26]=" be treated, saving on application costs and greatly reducing the amount of pesticides applied.
      Once larvae enter pods, they cannot be controlled... "; R[27]="447"; T[27]="DPI&F FutureCane conducts legume planting demonstrations in FNQ"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20060222"; Dt[27]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[27]="a01a02a19a20"; B1[27]="      Trial plantings in far north Queensland cane-growing districts aim to demonstrate the financial and environmental benefits of fallow legume crops on farm "; B2[27]="systems... "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      Trial plantings in far north Queensland cane-growing districts aim to demonstrate the financial and environmental benefits of fallow legume crops on farm "; S2[27]=" systems.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries FutureCane senior agronomist Derek Sparkes said legume fallow or 'break' crops have proven to: "; S3[27]="
      * break the pest and disease cycle
      * fix nitrogen for the following cane crop
    "; S4[27]="   * increase the organic matter in the soil stimulating microbial activity
      * Increase profitability 'Growing legume fallow crops improves soil quality "; S5[27]=" and provides a healthier environment for the next crop of cane,' Mr Sparkes said.
      'At the same time, the ability to reduce "; S6[27]=" tillage and fertiliser costs and minimise legume-growing costs helps to maximise the profitability of cane farms.' Commonly used legume crops are soybeans, Dolichos lablab, and "; S7[27]=" cowpeas.
      'Different planting methods are available and these can incur different costs and produce different results with the various legumes,' Mr Sparkes "; S8[27]=" said.
      'The information we gather from these demonstration plantings will be passed on to cane farmers.' 'The plantings are being carried out "; S9[27]=" on six sites - four in Tully and one each in Innisfail and Gordonvale.
      'They will demonstrate four planting techniques - zero-tillage, "; S10[27]=" zonal-tillage, planting on hills and broadcasting - with two legume species, namely Dolichos lablab and soybeans.' Mr Sparkes said each method would be assessed for "; S11[27]=" cost of establishment and its impact on soil erosion which could lead to significant environmental damage.
      The nitrogen fixed by the legumes "; S12[27]=" would be measured as well.
      'As the trials progress this year, DPI&F FutureCane and participating cane farmers will conduct field walks to "; S13[27]=" give farmers the opportunity to see the results of the different techniques,' Mr Sparkes said.
      'They will be able to discuss nitrogen, "; S14[27]=" soil compaction and the economics of fallow legumes.'.. "; R[28]="445"; T[28]="Precision irrigation has national benefits"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20060222"; Dt[28]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[28]="a02a04a07a40a72"; B1[28]="      A precision irrigation system in its commercial infancy in the United States has the potential to save water and improve irrigation efficiency "; B2[28]="in parts of Australia... "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      A precision irrigation system in its commercial infancy in the United States has the potential to save water and improve irrigation efficiency "; S2[28]=" in parts of Australia.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries rural water use efficiency specialist Graham Harris said variable rate irrigation technology "; S3[28]=" is used commercially in Georgia to deliver irrigation water in optimum amounts over an entire paddock.
      He said such a system had "; S4[28]=" Australian application in paddocks of varying soils and water infiltration rates, such as those in the Burnett and Burdekin.
      Mr Harris visited "; S5[28]=" the United States and Israel for eight weeks through a Swire Group Churchill Fellowship to evaluate research and commercial use of precision irrigation in cotton "; S6[28]=" and broadacre crops.
      Mr Harris said a global position system (GPS) and an Australian-developed irrigation controller were at the heart of the "; S7[28]=" modified centre pivot irrigation system, which improved watering, saved water and optimised pumping costs.
      'The benefits of variable rate irrigation will be "; S8[28]=" greatest in Australia where there are small, odd-shaped fields with significant variation in topographies and soil.' 'Its relevance is outside grain and cotton farming, but "; S9[28]=" there are certainly areas throughout Australia that would benefit through water and cost savings from the adoption of this technology,' he said.
      "; S10[28]=" Mr Harris said recycled water is used extensively for irrigation in northern California and Israel.'Since the 1890s, Californians have been reusing municipal wastewater for agriculture "; S11[28]=" and farm irrigation.' 'The most common uses are for recreation areas, power stations, produce, pastures, plant nurseries and flushing toilets in office buildings.' 'Recycled water "; S12[28]=" is also used to recharge aquifers in some areas,' Mr Harris said.
      He said Californians had not been receptive to the concept "; S13[28]=" of using recycled water to recharge ground water basins used for drinking water.
      'Those trying to sell the idea of potable recycled "; S14[28]=" water believe there has to be early and thorough public involvement in the decision-making for community acceptance of the practice.' Mr Harris said the integration "; S15[28]=" of fish farming and agriculture in Israel was particularly impressive.
      'This approach could well have benefits for Australia as fish stocks diminish "; S16[28]=" and irrigators need to maximise their returns from a limited water resource,' he said.
      He said his report on the study tour "; S17[28]=" is available online (www.churchilltrust.com.au), and he will discuss relevant observations with irrigators.
      Mr Harris said Churchill Fellowships are awarded annually so Australians "; S18[28]=" can travel overseas to benefit their country.
      Applications for 2006 fellowships close on February 28... "; R[29]="432"; T[29]="Life beneath the paddock"; A[29]="By ... Editor"; Dn[29]="20060222"; Dt[29]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[29]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[29]="      The latest research on the biology beneath the paddock will be featured at CSIRO s Black Mountain site this week (1 - "; B2[29]="4 February) during the annual Root/Soil Biology in Agriculture workshop... "; B3[29]=" "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      The latest research on the biology beneath the paddock will be featured at CSIRO's Black Mountain site this week (1 - 4 "; S2[29]=" February) during the annual Root/Soil Biology in Agriculture workshop.
      'Crop research has mostly focused on what was happening above ground,' says conference "; S3[29]=" organiser Professor Margaret McCully of CSIRO Plant Industry.
      'The important interactions between roots, soil, soil microbes and soil fauna are now coming "; S4[29]=" to the fore, particularly as they affect crop productivity.
      'New microscope, molecular and other technologies are revealing that there is a lot "; S5[29]=" more happening beneath the paddock than previously thought and several recent discoveries are pointing to ways that these complex interactions can be manipulated to increase "; S6[29]=" crop productivity.' Root/Soil Biology in Agriculture features lectures and discussion sessions with scientists from around Australia and the world, as well as practical sessions for "; S7[29]=" research students and post-doctoral fellows.
      The practical sessions are particularly popular and have been booked out for some time.
      "; S8[29]=" 'The conference aims to bring together researchers, farm advisers, farmers and young scientists interested in the way roots, soil and the things that live "; S9[29]=" amongst them interact in agricultural systems,' Professor McCully says.
      'The event is a unique opportunity to hear about a wide range of "; S10[29]=" fascinating research.' Visiting overseas researchers this year include Professor John Farrar, from the University of Wales Bangor, discussing plants, soil, carbon flux and climate change "; S11[29]=" Professor Patrick Lavelle, University of Paris, discussing below-ground ecological challenges for agronomists and Professor Walter Horst, University of Hannover, who will discuss nitrogen effects on "; S12[29]=" crop root growth.
      Prof Farrar and Prof Lavelle will be taking two of the practical hands-on sessions, giving students useful skills in "; S13[29]=" isotope labelling and using an ecological approach to soils respectively.
      CSIRO's Dr Richard Stirzaker will give a practical demonstration of his system "; S14[29]=" for monitoring irrigation water flow in the soil.
      In keeping with the hands-on emphasis to the event, the CSIRO Microscopy Centre is "; S15[29]=" running a full-day practical workshop on microscopy techniques for studying root/soil/microbial interactions.
      Students will be instructed in the use of standard fluorescence, "; S16[29]=" confocal and cryo-analytical scanning electron microscopes for observing the root/soil interface, organisms that live there and the structure of roots.
      All who "; S17[29]=" are interested are welcome to attend the lectures and discussions.
      The practical sessions are intended for students and post-doctoral fellows and have "; S18[29]=" been booked out... "; R[30]="430"; T[30]="CASE IH enters new sponsorship deal with No-Till Association"; A[30]="By ... Case IH"; Dn[30]="20060222"; Dt[30]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[30]="a01"; B1[30]="      A two-year sponsorship deal with Case IH will allow the South Australian No-Till Farmers Association (SANTFA) to undertake important research and development "; B2[30]="projects, including inter-row cropping and spraying trials... "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      A two-year sponsorship deal with Case IH will allow the South Australian No-Till Farmers Association (SANTFA) to undertake important research and development "; S2[30]=" projects, including inter-row cropping and spraying trials.
      The sponsorship agreement, to be officially announced at the annual SANTFA conference this month, includes "; S3[30]=" the loan of a Case IH MXM tractor fitted with an advanced AutoGuidance system accurate down to 2cm.
      Case IH Marketing Manager, "; S4[30]=" Phil Withell, says the company is proud to support SANTFA.
      'Case IH is committed to the agricultural community and is pleased to "; S5[30]=" support an organisation which is working on finding new and better ways to farm.
      We've always been strong supporters of research initiatives "; S6[30]=" and as the leader in precision agriculture machinery we saw a great opportunity here to support some very important work.' SANTFA's Executive and Scientific Officer, "; S7[30]=" Dr Rohan Rainbow, says the sponsorship means SANTFA will be able to undertake projects that would otherwise have been very difficult to get off the "; S8[30]=" ground.
      'There's a real lack of resources for advanced no-till research and development and availability of equipment is limited, but the SANTFA "; S9[30]=" committee really wanted to do more research.
      Without this sponsorship we probably would have had to lease a tractor and would have "; S10[30]=" ended up with an older machine.
      Having the latest equipment is very valuable to us because it means we can demonstrate the "; S11[30]=" technology to its full potential, particularly GPS auto guidance solution, which we've used for all our work over the past couple of years and which "; S12[30]=" I think will become the benchmark for broadacre farmers, in particular.' The MXM will be used across a range of projects, from basic no-till demonstrations "; S13[30]=" to collaborative work on chemical injection research.
      It will also be used in leading-edge herbicide research and for inter-row spraying, tillage and "; S14[30]=" knife-rolling, a non-chemical approach to weed control which works by mechanically crimping the stems of the weed.
      In return for making the "; S15[30]=" fitted-out tractor available to SANTFA for two years, Case IH will get naming rights for the organisation's Crop Walk program.
      Under the "; S16[30]=" program, SANTFA conducts eight or nine demonstrations a year which include presentations about how no-till farming can successfully work and discussion with guest speakers.
  "; S17[30]="     Case IH's Phil Withell says the sponsorship agreement will give farmers a great opportunity to see Case IH's advanced AutoGuidance system in action.
"; S18[30]="       'Precision agriculture is a vital part of reducing the environmental impacts and costs of farming, and Case IH has always been a "; S19[30]=" leader in this area, so it's a natural partnership.
      'The RTK positioning system we're supplying for SANTFA offers incredible accuracy.
    "; S20[30]="   Unlike differential GPS systems, which have accuracy from 5 - 30 cm and rely solely on satellite signals, the RTK system we're fitting up.. "; R[31]="429"; T[31]="Ambitious Young Farmer Awarded CASE IH 2006 Scholarship"; A[31]="By ... Case IH"; Dn[31]="20060222"; Dt[31]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[31]="a01a05a53"; B1[31]="      With a strong field of applicants for this year s Development Scholarship Program at Victoria s Marcus Oldham College, New South Wales "; B2[31]="farmer, Tim Chaffey, was one of two people awarded the $6,500 Case IH scholarship to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Management... "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      With a strong field of applicants for this year's Development Scholarship Program at Victoria's Marcus Oldham College, New South Wales farmer, Tim "; S2[31]=" Chaffey, was one of two people awarded the $6,500 Case IH scholarship to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Management.
      Mark Lindner, Business "; S3[31]=" Manager for Case IH, said that the pool of applicants gets stronger every year.
      'This is the third year we've run the "; S4[31]=" scholarship program and it's great to see so many talented and enthusiastic young people keen to be part of the industry,' Mark said.
    "; S5[31]="   'With our industry facing a skills shortage, it's important for everyone to get behind the industry and to do what they can to encourage "; S6[31]=" more young people to work on the land.' Tim, 22, grew up on a 1,500-acre mixed cattle and cropping farm at Attunga, north of Tamworth, "; S7[31]=" New South Wales.
      Tim has spent the past year gaining experience on the Hereford stud 'Yarram Park' at Willaura in western Victoria.
"; S8[31]="       'Working on 'South Bunarba' Mungindi, New South Wales I also had the opportunity to learn a lot about cropping, but I didn't "; S9[31]=" know a lot about cattle and sheep so the past year has given me an opportunity to broaden by rural skills and knowledge.' However Tim's "; S10[31]=" dream is to work with the new technology that is becoming available for cropping.
      'I'm really fascinated with where cropping is going.
"; S11[31]="       With technologies such as GPS mapping and navigation systems currently used to improve crop yields and cutting the costs of producing them, "; S12[31]=" I think that in 20 years time, we will see the introduction of even more advanced technologies and I'm keen to be a part of "; S13[31]=" this development,' Tim said.
      Although the $6,500 scholarship funds will make Tim's life easier, the real benefit is the opportunity to work "; S14[31]=" closely with a major machinery company such as Case IH, Tim says.
      'The opportunity of developing industry contacts for the future is "; S15[31]=" invaluable,' he said... "; R[32]="428"; T[32]="Pasture management options for controlling Giant Rats Tail Grass"; A[32]="By ... Editor"; Dn[32]="20060222"; Dt[32]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[32]="a02a24a72a85"; B1[32]="      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal extension officer Graeme Elphinstone said the field day which attracted over 100 participants from Queensland "; B2[32]="and interstate illustrated the need for farmers to take up a strategic and long term program to control the weed... "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries principal extension officer Graeme Elphinstone said the field day which attracted over 100 participants from Queensland "; S2[32]=" and interstate illustrated the need for farmers to take up a strategic and long term program to control the weed.
      He said "; S3[32]=" the field day was held at the Hart family's 'Oakwood' property at Upper Kandanga Creek Road and participants inspected a range of management options to "; S4[32]=" control GRT in irrigated pastures and crops to steep hill slopes 'GRT was introduced to the property in 1964 through infested seed and gained a "; S5[32]=" large foothold before the threat was recognised and treatment regime was begun.
      With each GRT plant producing some 18 000 seeds, long "; S6[32]=" term planning is needed to ensure that successive generations are controlled and eradicated.' The Hart family have successfully improved their badly affected pastures by a "; S7[32]=" range of treatments depending on the amount of weed infestation.
      In dense infestations in a house paddock, GRT was controlled through timely "; S8[32]=" applications of Taskforce and glyphosate sprays, followed by direct drill planting of callide, bisset burgundy bean and wynn cassia grasses and legumes.
      "; S9[32]=" The Hart's were able to improve the strength of the pasture by soil renovation, fertiliser use, planting legumes and spelling before the Taskforce treatment to "; S10[32]=" reduce GRT regeneration after spraying.
      In another paddock with low GRT populations on undulating flats dense pasture winter spraying and spelling of "; S11[32]=" the block combined with increased competition by planting grasses swards of runner grasses significantly reduced new GRT seedlings.
      Field day participants were "; S12[32]=" told to prevent the spread of GRT required: all cattle be quarantined for a minimum of five days when moving them from infested to clean "; S13[32]=" properties, a stock proof fence plus a kept clean 10 metre wide buffer strip would hold 99% of GRT seed spread clean down of machinery "; S14[32]=" and vehicles to remove seed before moving to clean paddocks or properties Mr Elphinstone said studies had shown GRT could spread to pastures throughout Australia "; S15[32]=" if given the opportunity... "; R[33]="425"; T[33]="Inglewood forum to help manage sheep worms"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20060222"; Dt[33]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[33]="a02a08a25a86"; B1[33]="      With smart pasture management becoming an increasingly important part of worm control programs, there will be considerable interest in a related forum "; B2[33]="in Inglewood on February 17... "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      With smart pasture management becoming an increasingly important part of worm control programs, there will be considerable interest in a related forum "; S2[33]=" in Inglewood on February 17.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior technical officer Wayne Ehrlich said testing by the National Integrated "; S3[33]=" Parasite Management-sheep project (IPM-sheep) showed drench resistance is much more widespread than commonly believed.
      He said even directly neighbouring farms could have "; S4[33]=" different drench resistance profiles.
      'Making strategic use of clean pastures in worm control programs is vital for gaining good worm control and "; S5[33]=" reducing pressure for further development of drench resistance,' Mr Ehrlich said.
      He said the multi-state Australian Wool Innovation-funded project IPM-sheep would hold "; S6[33]=" a major Parasite control towards 2010 forum on worms, lice and flies and non-chemical mulesing strategies, at the Inglewood Memorial Bowls Club on February 17 "; S7[33]=" from 9.30am.
      'One of the key speakers on the day will be Dr Lewis Kahn, a senior research scientist at the University "; S8[33]=" of New England, and a pasture consultant, he said.
      Dr Kahn will discuss the latest research on grazing management, controlling Barbers Pole "; S9[33]=" worm, and strategies to increase stocking rates without increasing risk,' he said.
      'With most districts currently experiencing warm, wet conditions we're encouraging "; S10[33]=" producers to remain alert to rapidly rising worm levels and conduct regular worm checks.
      'If worms are not being killed by effective "; S11[33]=" drenching and good pasture management, clinical disease, productivity losses, breaks in the wool and sheep deaths can occur,' Mr Ehrlich said.
      'A "; S12[33]=" clean pasture is one that is not contaminated with worm eggs, and can be a pasture spelled for some time, a new pasture or forage "; S13[33]=" crop, a cropping paddock or stubble, or possibly one where adult cattle have been grazing.
      'On-farm testing by IPM-sheep shows that cooperator "; S14[33]=" farmers who use clean pastures as part of their control programs have significantly reduced worm levels for longer, and generally achieve better results from their "; S15[33]=" drenches,' Mr Ehrlich said.
      More information on the day is available from DPI&F senior technical officer Wayne Ehrlich (3362 9595)... "; R[34]="424"; T[34]="Grass crown size key to pasture response"; A[34]="By ... Editor"; Dn[34]="20060222"; Dt[34]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[34]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[34]="      A Combination of prolonged drought and heavy grazing pressure suppresses the ability of high value perennial pasture grasses to respond to useful "; B2[34]="summer rains... "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      A Combination of prolonged drought and heavy grazing pressure suppresses the ability of high value perennial pasture grasses to respond to useful "; S2[34]=" summer rains.
      Recently published results of the seven-year Keilambete grazing trial in the Central Highlands Rubyvale district clearly shows that the critical "; S3[34]=" factor for pasture recovery is linked to the crown cover of the 3P palatable, productive and perennial grasses.
      Department of Primary Industries "; S4[34]=" and Fisheries rangelands scientist Paul Jones who has overseen the long running grazing trial said lower stocking rates promoted larger grass species crown cover.
  "; S5[34]="     'Our so-called 3P pastures with the higher percentage of living crown material at ground level supports a larger root system that provides the "; S6[34]=" stored energy to assist the plant to respond to rain at the end of the winter dry season,' Mr Jones said.
      'Where "; S7[34]=" the 3P grasses such as forest Mitchell, black speargrass and golden beardgrass were heavily grazed, resultant low ground cover and reduced crown size accelerated soil "; S8[34]=" erosion and would make it easier for weeds to establish.' Mr Jones said 3P grasses weakened by drought and high stocking treatments lost their productive "; S9[34]=" potential and could not compete with invasive weeds which included poisonous forbs, unpalatable wire grasses, woody weeds and declared noxious plants.
      'Under "; S10[34]=" low stocking pressure, the trial showed that 3P grasses are able to increase their crown size.
      This in turn boosts the size "; S11[34]=" of the root system to store energy for drought recovery while contributing to improved soil health,' Mr Jones said... "; R[35]="423"; T[35]="Feedlot feedback encouraged"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20060222"; Dt[35]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[35]="a02a24a27"; B1[35]="      Environmental guidelines for the fast expanding Beef Cattle Feedlot sector are being reviewed by The WA Lot Feeders Association, and the Departments "; B2[35]="of Agriculture, Environment, Health and Water with the support of local government... "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      Environmental guidelines for the fast expanding Beef Cattle Feedlot sector are being reviewed by The WA Lot Feeders Association, and the Departments "; S2[35]=" of Agriculture, Environment, Health and Water with the support of local government.
      'Lot feeding is a growing component of the WA beef "; S3[35]=" cattle industry and is making an increasingly significant contribution to the State's economy,' said Agriculture Department Senior Research officer Dr Brian McIntyre.'The State government and "; S4[35]=" the feedlot association recognise that for the industry to prosper it needs to operate in harmony with its neighbours and the environment and this review "; S5[35]=" will assist in that process.' Areas of particular focus for the review are:
      * Creating easily understood environmental guidance suited to "; S6[35]=" a range of settings in WA
      * Effective buffers between new or upgraded feedlots and other land uses (including dwellings)
    "; S7[35]="   * Suitable communication processes between existing or planned feedlots and their local community
      * Best practice technologies to minimise noise, odour, "; S8[35]=" dust and water-based emissions from feedlots
      * The sustainable management of manure, wastewater and other feedlot by-products
      * "; S9[35]=" Appropriate regulatory measures are used for feedlot management in WA The Guidelines are not intended to cover animal, production or welfare issues, as appropriate information "; S10[35]=" is presently available elsewhere.
      The present guidelines are available on the Department of Agriculture website http://www.agric.wa.gov.au or by contacting the nearest Department "; S11[35]=" office.
      The aim of the review is to ensure the guidelines best meet the needs of both feedlot operators and the community.
"; S12[35]="       The working group undertaking the review is seeking input from industry and community groups or individuals with an interest in the interaction "; S13[35]=" of feedlots and their environment.
      Comments would be most useful if they offer insights on measures that the industry can implement "; S14[35]=" to minimise any impact on their surroundings.
      All comments will be considered by the working group, with the aim of publishing updated "; S15[35]=" environmental guidelines in late 2006.
      Your comments may be sent to: Dr Brian McIntyre Senior Research Officer Department of Agriculture Locked "; S16[35]=" Bag 4 Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 or by email to Brian McIntyre bmcintyre@agric.wa.gov.au For more information on the review, phone Brian McIntyre on 9368 "; S17[35]=" 3736 (office hours) or email: bmcintyre@agric.wa.gov.au.
      The comment period closes at 4pm on Friday 10 March 2006 at the Department of Agriculture, "; S18[35]=" South Perth... "; R[36]="420"; T[36]="CNH Australia restructures to further focus on brands"; A[36]="By ... Case IH"; Dn[36]="20060222"; Dt[36]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[36]="a01"; B1[36]="      CNH Global continues its steady path of growth with reports that net income for the full year 2005 improved by approximately 30 "; B2[36]="per cent to US$163 million, compared to US$125 million for 2004... "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      CNH Global continues its steady path of growth with reports that net income for the full year 2005 improved by approximately 30 "; S2[36]=" per cent to US$163 million, compared to US$125 million for 2004.
      These results have met expectations for full-year profit improvement and have "; S3[36]=" exceeded CNH's target for reduction of equipment operations net debt.
      Locally, CNH Australia has just announced a restructuring plan which heralds further "; S4[36]=" differentiation between the Case IH and New Holland brands.
      The restructuring plan announced last Friday, sees the creation of separate Case IH "; S5[36]=" and New Holland commercial business units which will operate with a greater degree of autonomy and full responsibility for brand sales and marketing including communications, "; S6[36]=" programs, product offering and forecasting.
      According to CNH Managing Director and Vice President, Agriculture, Australia and New Zealand, John Lloyd, 'Brand differentiation "; S7[36]=" has never been more important to the success of CNH.
      Our restructuring plan has been met with enthusiasm from dealers, who see "; S8[36]=" it as further evidence of our commitment to keep the brands separate and grow them with focus on their individual product lines and customer bases,' "; S9[36]=" he said.
      Heading up the New Holland business unit is John Payne in the role of General Manager, New Holland Sales and "; S10[36]=" Marketing.
      John previously held the role of General Manager, New Holland and brings many years of experience to the role.
    "; S11[36]="   Hylton Taylor has been appointed General Manager, Case IH Sales and Marketing and will lead the Case IH business unit.
      Hylton "; S12[36]=" joined CNH two years ago and most recently served as General Manager, CNH Marketing Services.
      He brings a wealth of experience from "; S13[36]=" external roles including National Manager of Beaurepaires and Goodyear Auto Service Centres.
      'John and Hylton are both excellent leaders and their ability "; S14[36]=" to focus on the success of their individual brands and operate autonomously without distraction, will guarantee even higher levels of service to our brand dedicated "; S15[36]=" dealer networks and valued customers,' commented Lloyd... "; R[37]="415"; T[37]="Cattle buyers risk prosecution for failure to transfer NLIS data"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20060222"; Dt[37]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[37]="a02a05a27a55"; B1[37]="      Private cattle buyers must record the movement of stock on the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database or face prosecution and heavy "; B2[37]="fines... "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      Private cattle buyers must record the movement of stock on the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database or face prosecution and heavy "; S2[37]=" fines.
      This includes buyers of cattle in private paddock sales, movements between properties under the same ownership or those who move cattle "; S3[37]=" from one property to another for agistment purposes.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries general manager animal biosecurity Ron Glanville said stock "; S4[37]=" inspectors will increase scrutiny of the NLIS database reports and target receivers of cattle that fail to upload property-to-property movements.
      'Any producers, "; S5[37]=" large or small, that purchase cattle directly from another farm should take note as failure to upload the stock movement to their own property can "; S6[37]=" have severe consequences,' he said.
      'Sometime later, when these cattle are sent to a saleyards or abattoir, the breach of the regulation "; S7[37]=" will be detected and livestock owners could get hit with a double-whammy.
      'Not only do they risk prosecution and fines, their stock "; S8[37]=" will have lost their lifetime traceable status which could mean that abattoir buyers may exclude the cattle from higher value markets.
      'Failure "; S9[37]=" to upload property-to-property movements has only been detected in a handful of cases and the majority of commercial-scale cattle producers comply with regulations,' he said.
"; S10[37]="       Hobby farmers receiving cattle onto their farms can record their property-to-property transfer using the NLIS database web site facility at: www.nlis.mla.com.au/indexnew.asp.
  "; S11[37]="     There are also a number of trained NLIS service providers operating in Queensland who can perform the data transfers with a minimum of "; S12[37]=" fuss.
      Mob movements of 20 head or less can also be recorded on the correct form (Form A) available from Meat and "; S13[37]=" Livestock Australia's NLIS help desk by calling 1800 654 743.
      The form can then be faxed to the NLIS data base on "; S14[37]=" (02) 9463 9136.
      However electronic entry of data is strongly encouraged as transcription errors can occur with the faxed data.
    "; S15[37]="   All 16 digits printed on each NLIS tag or electronically stored on the tag for each individual animal, must be recorded together with the "; S16[37]=" date of movement, the property identification code (PIC) of the property where the cattle are being moved from, and the PIC of the destination.
  "; S17[37]="     A vendor declaration/waybill must also be completed for the movement.
      Mr Glanville said stock owners unsure of the requirements should "; S18[37]=" contact the NLIS Help Desk on 1800 654 743 or negotiate with a NLIS service provider or agent to process the transfer on their behalf.
"; S19[37]="       A list of NLIS service providers is available from our NLIS section or by calling 13 2523... "; R[38]="413"; T[38]="Alternative weed control in lupins"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20060222"; Dt[38]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[38]="a02a19a72a85"; B1[38]="      Increasing herbicide resistance in grass weeds will push growers to adopt alternative strategies of weed control, especially in lupin crops..... "; B2[38]=" "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      Increasing herbicide resistance in grass weeds will push growers to adopt alternative strategies of weed control, especially in lupin crops.
    "; S2[38]="   Department of Agriculture research officer Bob French said greater levels of herbicide resistance, particularly in annual ryegrass, and a tendency to sow lupin crops "; S3[38]=" in wider rows, mean't growers needed to investigate different weed control strategies.
      Herbicide resistance will be a major topic at the Department's "; S4[38]=" Agribusiness Crop Updates, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, and at the Merredin Crop Updates on 20 February and in Northam on 23 "; S5[38]=" February.
      'Greater levels of herbicide resistance means that weeds cannot be so easily, or cheaply, controlled,' Dr French said.
      "; S6[38]=" 'This can result in a reduction on return from the lupin phase in crop rotations.
      More importantly, it also increases the likelihood "; S7[38]=" of weed build up in the lupin phase which can carry over to the cereal phases of the rotation.' Dr French said in the 1980s, "; S8[38]=" lupins were highly valued because grass weeds could be more effectively controlled with herbicides than in other crops, which resulted in weed-free cereals.
    "; S9[38]="   'To maintain sustainable lupin rotations, growers will need to look at weed control strategies which are not as dependant on selective herbicides, including ways "; S10[38]=" of making lupins more competitive against weeds,' he said.
      Dr French said sowing lupins in 50 to 75 cm rows instead of "; S11[38]=" the traditional 18 to 25 cm rows had a number of benefits, including limiting the risk of very poor yields in dry seasons.
    "; S12[38]="   However, he said weed control may not be as effective in wide rows compared with narrow rows unless extra measures were taken, such as "; S13[38]=" spraying the inter-row area with non-selective herbicide.
      'Crops in wide rows take longer to achieve full canopy cover than crops in narrow "; S14[38]=" rows and do not compete as well with weeds,' he said.
      'In dry environments, where wide rows have greatest yield benefit, they "; S15[38]=" may never achieve full canopy cover and offer little competition against weeds.' Dr French said other research funded by the GRDC showed that low densities "; S16[38]=" also reduced crop competition against weeds.
      'It is recommended that lupins be sown at rates of 40 or more plants per square "; S17[38]=" metre to compete adequately against weeds, especially annual ryegrass,' Dr French said.
      Information on herbicide resistance and lupin sowing rates is available "; S18[38]=" in 'Herbicide registrations The Paddock Spray Guide DAWA Bulletin 4545'.
      For more information on dates and venues for Regional Crop Updates visit "; S19[38]=" www.agric.wa.gov.au/cropupdates... "; R[39]="410"; T[39]="Evaluation of the Fodder Crops and Pasture Seeds Programs Benefit"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20060222"; Dt[39]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[39]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[39]="      Fodder crops and pasture seeds are both long established agricultural industries in Australia that have grown in importance over the last ten "; B2[39]="years... "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      Fodder crops and pasture seeds are both long established agricultural industries in Australia that have grown in importance over the last ten "; S2[39]=" years.
      RIRDC Publication No 05/169 Both have seen growth in the domestic market and have targeted higher value export markets.
    "; S3[39]="   RIRDC has supported R&D in fodder crops since 1990 and pasture seeds since 1989, investing $7.48 million in fodder crops and $10.43 million in "; S4[39]=" pasture seeds from 1990 to 2005.
      Priorities in R&D as set out in the five-year plans for the industries reflect greater export "; S5[39]=" orientation and toward higher quality and quality assurance, although agronomic issues such as weed and pest control remain important.
      Environmental concerns centre "; S6[39]=" around access to water for the irrigated areas and minimising use of chemicals (especially pesticides) that have the potential for detrimental environmental impacts.
    "; S7[39]="   This report provides the results of four benefit-cost evaluations in the fodder crop sub-program and four in the pasture seeds program (8 projects).
  "; S8[39]="     It is the eighth report in a series of annual evaluations of RIRDC projects.
      A comparison of the results of "; S9[39]=" all RIRDC project evaluations is provided in chapter 1 of this report.
      FODDER CROPS Evaluation results The evaluation results reflect the wide "; S10[39]=" range of returns that can be expected from R&D.
      Many of the projects evaluated have or are expected to generate high returns "; S11[39]=" for industry.
      Testing for annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) (SAR-2A and CSA-3A) was timely work to ensure continued access to the Japanese market "; S12[39]=" for hay.
      ARGT is a toxin that can result from bacterium that is found on mature ryegrass and in high quantities is "; S13[39]=" lethal to ruminants.
      An unfortunate incidence of poisoning of dairy cows in Japan led to suspension of trade and threatened to close "; S14[39]=" the market unless Australian product could be certified as ARGT free.
      SAR-2A supported the implementation of a test that was acceptable to "; S15[39]=" the Japanese and hence made a major contribution to maintaining market access.
      While initially voluntary, the test has been made compulsory due "; S16[39]=" to concern about a small number of exporters so adoption rose to 100 per cent as the test is now required to export hay to "; S17[39]=" Japan.
      The work also identified harvest timing as critical for ARGT loads and led to the widespread adoption of practices that have "; S18[39]=" reduced the potential for toxin development in cut hay.
      CSA-3A has developed a more sophisticated test that identifies the presence of the "; S19[39]=" toxin, but this has not been implemented due to the adoption of management practices that have reduced the problem.
      The evaluation of "; S20[39]=" SAR-2A estimated an internal rate of return (IRR) of 237 per cent with benefits to the industry of $78.4 million over the 30-year period... "; R[40]="409"; T[40]="EcoRange: Market-Oriented Environmental Certification for Rangeland Pastoral Industries"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20060222"; Dt[40]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[40]="a02a07a24a72"; B1[40]="      The EcoRange project investigated and made recommendations on the types of environmental certification that could be applied to agriculture..... "; B2[40]=" "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      The EcoRange project investigated and made recommendations on the types of environmental certification that could be applied to agriculture.
      "; S2[40]=" Project No DAQ-276A The project recognised that supply chains, the end consumer and stakeholder groups all need to play important roles if environmental certification is "; S3[40]=" to assist agriculture achieve significant environmental, economic and social outcomes.
      Therefore, it was important that their views were taken into account when "; S4[40]=" developing environmental certification schemes for agriculture.
      This report discusses the perceptions and expectations of industry, conservation and consumer groups with regard to "; S5[40]=" the development and application of environmental certification in agriculture.
      Perceptions of these three categories of stakeholders were explored using a qualitative research "; S6[40]=" method known as convergent interviewing.
      In this way EcoRange interviewed representatives of 24 state or national organisations, eight from each category of "; S7[40]=" stakeholder.
      Industry, conservation and consumer groups all have a desire for agriculture to be profitable, ecologically sustainable and socially beneficial.
    "; S8[40]="   These groups are generally in favour of the application of environmental certification to agriculture, providing it can contribute to these outcomes.
      "; S9[40]=" The following paragraphs outline the broad principles and processes that these stakeholders wish to see incorporated within agricultural environmental certification.
      Stakeholder expectations "; S10[40]=" for environmental certification Certification standards and performance criteria Industry groups preferred environmental certification to occur on a national industry-wide scale, and to be based on "; S11[40]=" existing agricultural related standards such as quality assurance.
      It should contain regional performance measures, Australian industry best management practices, and be applied "; S12[40]=" to the whole supply chain.
      Conservation and consumer groups did not appear to have a preference for any particular type of standard.
"; S13[40]="       However, they did expect environmental certification to address the whole supply chain, and operate at regional, national and global scales.
    "; S14[40]="   Conservation groups emphasised three key criteria for environmental certification: ecosystem function, biodiversity conservation, and prices reflecting the true cost of production.
      "; S15[40]=" In relation to the cost of production, both conservation and consumer groups felt that the current retail price of some products did not adequately reflect "; S16[40]=" their full environmental and social costs.
      Conservation and consumer groups believed that minimum environmental performance measures should be combined with existing best "; S17[40]=" practice and continuous improvement processes.
      For these two groups it was important that environmental certification should question whether a land use should "; S18[40]=" exist in the first place, rather than just apply a continuous improvement process to it.
      Consumer groups also placed particular emphasis on "; S19[40]=" food safety.
      Uptake and expected outcomes Industry groups unanimously believed that environmental certification should be voluntary.
      While both conservation "; S20[40]=" and consumer groups also displayed a general preference for environmental certification to be voluntary, they desired some form of regulatory back-up to ensure that.. "; R[41]="393"; T[41]="Think before summer drenching sheep"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20060222"; Dt[41]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[41]="a02a03a25a33"; B1[41]="      Farmers are being reminded that summer drenching may not be necessary for every sheep, every year - and might increase drench resistance..... "; B2[41]=" "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      Farmers are being reminded that summer drenching may not be necessary for every sheep, every year - and might increase drench resistance.
"; S2[41]="       Department veterinary officer Rob Woodgate said by monitoring worm levels and keeping watch on the condition of sheep, it was possible to "; S3[41]=" avoid broad spectrum summer drenching some mobs of mature ewes in many areas of the State.
      Recommendations for the control of Barber's "; S4[41]=" Pole worm have not changed and existing control strategies should be maintained.
      'Broad spectrum summer drenching places very high selection pressure on "; S5[41]=" sheep worms for drench resistance so by modifying summer drenching, the life of the remaining effective drenches will be prolonged,' Dr Woodgate said.
    "; S6[41]="   'This is critical as drench resistance in sheep worms in WA is increasing to dangerous levels, and there appears to be little chance of "; S7[41]=" new worm control products being released in the short to medium term.' Since 2001 Department staff have been monitoring worm levels using faecal worm egg "; S8[41]=" counts (WEC) on more than 20 farms throughout the State.
      Dr Woodgate said following collaboration with farmers, private vets and consultants, a "; S9[41]=" very good picture of worm levels and seasonal changes was being developed.
      'Ongoing research as part of the Australian Wool Innovation Limited's "; S10[41]=" (AWI) Integrated Parasite Management of Sheep project (IPM-s) suggested weaners and hoggets did need a summer drench.
      'These younger sheep have less "; S11[41]=" immunity against worms and are carrying the added stress of growing through their first summer, therefore a single fully effective summer drench to all of "; S12[41]=" the weaners is still recommended,' he said.
      Dr Woodgate said in older sheep, especially mature ewes older than 2.5 years, worm monitoring "; S13[41]=" could make a real difference to the selection pressure for drench resistance.
      'In all of our work, we have consistently found that "; S14[41]=" two-thirds or more of mature ewe mobs have an average egg count below 200 eggs per gram at the traditional time of the first summer "; S15[41]=" drench,' Dr Woodgate said.
      'If these sheep look in good health and the seasonal conditions are reasonable then summer drenching could be "; S16[41]=" avoided.
      The sheep should be watched over summer-autumn, and if they continue to look healthy, they can be left untreated.' Dr Woodgate "; S17[41]=" said the autumn WEC monitor (in late March or early April) was the key to the modified summer drenching system.
      After late "; S18[41]=" March, environmental conditions usually mean that some worm eggs are starting to survive on paddocks.
      This means that sheep could be seeding "; S19[41]=" the paddocks with significant levels of worm contaminationTherefore the worm egg counts of mobs that are not summer drenched should be checked no later than "; S20[41]=" the first week of April and a drench given if results are greater than about 200 eggs per gram... "; R[42]="382"; T[42]="Think before summer drenching sheep"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20060222"; Dt[42]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[42]="a02a03a25a33"; B1[42]="      Farmers are being reminded that summer drenching may not be necessary for every sheep, every year - and might increase drench resistance..... "; B2[42]=" "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      Farmers are being reminded that summer drenching may not be necessary for every sheep, every year - and might increase drench resistance.
"; S2[42]="       Department veterinary officer Rob Woodgate said by monitoring worm levels and keeping watch on the condition of sheep, it was possible to "; S3[42]=" avoid broad spectrum summer drenching some mobs of mature ewes in many areas of the State.
      Recommendations for the control of Barber's "; S4[42]=" Pole worm have not changed and existing control strategies should be maintained.
      'Broad spectrum summer drenching places very high selection pressure on "; S5[42]=" sheep worms for drench resistance so by modifying summer drenching, the life of the remaining effective drenches will be prolonged,' Dr Woodgate said.
    "; S6[42]="   'This is critical as drench resistance in sheep worms in WA is increasing to dangerous levels, and there appears to be little chance of "; S7[42]=" new worm control products being released in the short to medium term.' Since 2001 Department staff have been monitoring worm levels using faecal worm egg "; S8[42]=" counts (WEC) on more than 20 farms throughout the State.
      Dr Woodgate said following collaboration with farmers, private vets and consultants, a "; S9[42]=" very good picture of worm levels and seasonal changes was being developed.
      'Ongoing research as part of the Australian Wool Innovation Limited's "; S10[42]=" (AWI) Integrated Parasite Management of Sheep project (IPM-s) suggested weaners and hoggets did need a summer drench.
      'These younger sheep have less "; S11[42]=" immunity against worms and are carrying the added stress of growing through their first summer, therefore a single fully effective summer drench to all of "; S12[42]=" the weaners is still recommended,' he said.
      Dr Woodgate said in older sheep, especially mature ewes older than 2.5 years, worm monitoring "; S13[42]=" could make a real difference to the selection pressure for drench resistance.
      'In all of our work, we have consistently found that "; S14[42]=" two-thirds or more of mature ewe mobs have an average egg count below 200 eggs per gram at the traditional time of the first summer "; S15[42]=" drench,' Dr Woodgate said.
      'If these sheep look in good health and the seasonal conditions are reasonable then summer drenching could be "; S16[42]=" avoided.
      The sheep should be watched over summer-autumn, and if they continue to look healthy, they can be left untreated.' Dr Woodgate "; S17[42]=" said the autumn WEC monitor (in late March or early April) was the key to the modified summer drenching system.
      After late "; S18[42]=" March, environmental conditions usually mean that some worm eggs are starting to survive on paddocks.
      This means that sheep could be seeding "; S19[42]=" the paddocks with significant levels of worm contaminationTherefore the worm egg counts of mobs that are not summer drenched should be checked no later than "; S20[42]=" the first week of April and a drench given if results are greater than about 200 eggs per gram... "; R[43]="373"; T[43]="Chemical spray drift campaign continues"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20060222"; Dt[43]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[43]="a03a42"; B1[43]="      Information and technology are being used to help reduce crop damage caused by spraying herbicides for weed control in the wrong weather "; B2[43]="conditions or with inappropriate equipment... "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      Information and technology are being used to help reduce crop damage caused by spraying herbicides for weed control in the wrong weather "; S2[43]=" conditions or with inappropriate equipment.
      Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries regional inspector Geoff Cahill said about 5 per cent of the "; S3[43]=" cotton planted on the Darling Downs had been accidentally damaged by agricultural chemicals drifting off-target.
      Mr Cahill said most damage reports received "; S4[43]=" concern damage to cotton from the phenoxy group of herbicides such as 2,4-D, but there are other susceptible crops and other chemicals that can cause "; S5[43]=" problems, Mr Cahill said.
      He said the DPI&F, Cotton Australia and major chemical reseller Nufarm are working together to provide the latest "; S6[43]=" information on spray application techniques through workshops and in other ways.
      'Spray equipment suppliers report a brisk demand for new technology nozzles "; S7[43]=" that reduce the spray drift potential by putting out coarse and very coarse droplets.' Mr Cahill said where there was significant crop damage from spray "; S8[43]=" drift, some farmers had instigated legal action to recoup their losses through compensation claims.
      He said where negligence or contravention of chemical "; S9[43]=" label requirements could be demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt, offenders faced fines of up to $7000.
      The DPI&F had appointed additional inspectors to "; S10[43]=" investigate spray drift complaints, he said.
      Mr Cahill said for the first time label amendments are attached to all phenoxy herbicide containers "; S11[43]=" with information aimed at reducing susceptible crop damage.
      The attachments include information on unsuitable wind conditions for spraying and the appropriate spray "; S12[43]=" nozzles to use.
      He said one of the many precautions was to be aware of chemical sensitive crops in adjacent or down "; S13[43]=" wind areas and not to spray in conditions or with equipment or formulations that could cause drift damage to off-target crops.
      'Weather "; S14[43]=" is a critical factor in managing off-target movement of agricultural chemicals,' he said.
      'The best weather to spray in is a light, "; S15[43]=" steady wind in moderate temperatures.
      High humidity is a bonus because it reduces droplet evaporation.
      'The weather to avoid "; S16[43]=" is still or windy conditions, thermal inversions or when the wind is blowing towards a crop that can be damaged by the chemical being used,' "; S17[43]=" Mr Cahill said.
      'Remember always maintain control of all spraying operations.
      Stop spraying or stop the contractor if conditions "; S18[43]=" are not right' he said He said Queensland's grain and cotton industries and the DPI&F had joined forces last year to publish guidelines to reduce "; S19[43]=" spray drift.
      The four-page leaflet provided guidelines for pesticide applications and included a section on techniques to minimise the drift hazard, spray "; S20[43]=" buffers, and equipment selection.
      It also has a section on record keeping, spray nozzles and a guide to suitable and a guide.. "; R[44]="370"; T[44]="Long term solution to ovine Johne s disease (OJD)"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20060222"; Dt[44]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[44]="a03a25a33"; B1[44]="      Producers should focus on two preventative practices when it comes to effective long term management of ovine Johne s disease - vaccination "; B2[44]="and grazing management... "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      Producers should focus on two preventative practices when it comes to effective long term management of ovine Johne's disease - vaccination and "; S2[44]=" grazing management.
      This was the key message presented at the recent MLA OJD Harvest Year Scientific Conference in Adelaide which was a "; S3[44]=" resounding success.
      The conference brought together R&D leaders from all over Australia to discuss the results of the national OJD research program, "; S4[44]=" co-funded by MLA.
      MLA funded research found that OJD is primarily spread when sheep graze in pastures contaminated with the manure of "; S5[44]=" infected animals, supporting recommended grazing management strategies which can reduce the level of infection within both vaccinated and non-vaccinated flocks.
      The research "; S6[44]=" also found that the only available vaccine, Gudair, can reduce the amount of OJD-causing bacteria found in sheep manure by 90%.
      Economic "; S7[44]=" losses can amount to $1/dry sheep equivalent (DSE)/year compared to the vaccine which costs 30 cents/DSE/year.
      A range of fact sheets, R&D "; S8[44]=" reports and information to manage OJD is available online at www.mla.com.au Proceedings of the MLA OJD Harvest Year conference are also available online... "; R[45]="369"; T[45]="BeefPlan for review"; A[45]="By ... Editor"; Dn[45]="20060222"; Dt[45]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[45]="a02a27"; B1[45]="      The BeefPlan initiative, part of MLA s Northern Beef Program is currently under review..... "; B2[45]=" "; B3[45]=" "; B4[45]=" "; B5[45]=" "; S1[45]="      The BeefPlan initiative, part of MLA's Northern Beef Program is currently under review.
      The review will include a cost-benefit "; S2[45]=" analysis using a triple bottom line approach, and compare this with other current and potential capacity building exercises.
      BeefPlan is a non-traditional "; S3[45]=" approach to learning in which groups of like-minded producers focus on issues of importance to their businesses outside of set training programs.
      "; S4[45]=" It is focused on the understanding that producers know their businesses better than anyone and it is this attitude and ownership of change that is "; S5[45]=" important for continual improvement.
      BeefPlan began in 1998 with an initial five groups.
      Currently there are 12 groups operating "; S6[45]=" in Queensland, the Sturt Plateau (NT) and coastal northern NSW... "; R[46]="365"; T[46]="US push for our clean gas exports"; A[46]="By ... Editor"; Dn[46]="20060222"; Dt[46]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[46]="a03a36"; B1[46]="      White House officials are working to clear the final barriers to the sale of billions of dollars worth of Australian gas to "; B2[46]="the US by the end of the decade... "; B3[46]=" "; B4[46]=" "; B5[46]=" "; S1[46]="      White House officials are working to clear the final barriers to the sale of billions of dollars worth of Australian gas to "; S2[46]=" the US by the end of the decade.
      Speaking ahead of crucial talks in Sydney this week on climate change and energy "; S3[46]=" markets, a senior Bush administration official said the US Government was keen to see Australian liquefied natural gas gain direct access to US customers for "; S4[46]=" the first time.
      Australian companies, such as BHP Billiton, have been lobbying for three years to win access to the US market, "; S5[46]=" with John Howard personally raising the issue with President George W.Bush and Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
      However, concerns about the safety of "; S6[46]=" LNG have delayed approval for a massive terminal off the coast of California that would transfer Australian gas from ships for sale in the US.
"; S7[46]="       James Connaughton, Mr Bush's adviser on the environment, said at the weekend that the US Government was throwing its weight behind efforts "; S8[46]=" to clear the way for the sale.
      'Certainly, California is an abundant user of natural gas, however, the siting of these terminals "; S9[46]=" raises the same kinds of questions as do other activities off the coast of our shores,' he said, adding that he was hoping 'to work "; S10[46]=" through those'.
      Approval for the gas terminal -- 20km offshore from Oxnard, about 100km north of Los Angeles -- could have shipments "; S11[46]=" of Australian LNG sent to the US market by the end of the decade.
      Australian LNG, mostly from the giant fields off "; S12[46]=" the coast of Western Australia, will feature in talks between the two countries at this week's inaugural Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate conference "; S13[46]=" in Sydney.
      US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has pulled out of the meeting, citing the poor health of Israeli Prime Minister "; S14[46]=" Ariel Sharon.
      However, Mr Connaughton, US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and undersecretary for global affairs Paula Dobriansky will attend.
      "; S15[46]=" In a separate Sydney meeting, Mr Bodman and Australian Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane will be joined on Thursday by industry and government representatives at the "; S16[46]=" US-Australian energy exchange conference.
      The White House has stressed it wants trade and private sector investment opportunities to feature strongly at the "; S17[46]=" climate conference.
      Apart from Australia, the conference brings together the world's biggest economies and its biggest polluters -- the US, Japan, South "; S18[46]=" Korea, China and India -- as inaugural partners in the new climate pact.
      On Saturday, The Weekend Australian revealed that the "; S19[46]=" Prime Minister was considering a $100million injection to kick-start the adoption of clean energy technologies -- a focus of the climate partnership.
      "; S20[46]=" 'Natural gas is one of the cleaner of the fossil energy sources currently and so.. "; R[47]="364"; T[47]="Goats fleece sheep in new spin on yarn"; A[47]="By ... Editor"; Dn[47]="20060222"; Dt[47]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[47]="a03a31"; B1[47]="      Merinos might have once been the backbone of Australian farming, but mohair is making the money these days..... "; B2[47]=" "; B3[47]=" "; B4[47]=" "; B5[47]=" "; S1[47]="      Merinos might have once been the backbone of Australian farming, but mohair is making the money these days.
      Norman "; S2[47]=" McCrea runs merino sheep and goats, which produce mohair, on his property at The Gap, near Wagga Wagga in southern NSW.
      'I "; S3[47]=" have 500 merino ewes and 300 breeding does,' he says.
      'I earn more money from the goats, though there are an extra "; S4[47]=" 200 ewes.
      The goats are terrific, but the ewes are barely covering their costs.' While wool prices have been falling steadily, ending "; S5[47]=" the year with a market indicator price of just $6.33/kg clean, mohair has kept rising.
      It averaged a record $15.07/kg last year, "; S6[47]=" with the top-priced bale reaching $27/kg.
      Demand for wool might be languishing, but it seems the world can't get enough of mohair, "; S7[47]=" which is used in luxury and everyday clothing.
      Mr McCrea and his wife, Jean, became interested in goats 23 years ago.
  "; S8[47]="     The townie couple wanted a sea-change move to a farm.
      Now semi-retired from his engineering job, Mr McCrea has a "; S9[47]=" full-time occupation on his property.
      They started with feral goats and an angora buck.
      Now they have purebreds, with "; S10[47]=" genetic stock from Texas and South Africa.
      The result is denser, better-quality fleeces.
      'Our mohair is now being "; S11[47]=" recognised overseas as equal to the best,' Mr McCrea says.
      His aim is to breed finer-fleeced, hardy goats with good temperaments.
  "; S12[47]="     He doesn't mind horns -- 'they are good for catching them, very practical'.
      Goats 'are easy to herd.
    "; S13[47]="   They don't run like sheep'.
      The goats like to eat weeds and will clean up thistles and the weed Paterson's curse.
"; S14[47]="       And, contrary to the widespread belief, they just need ordinary -- but sound -- fences.
      A sheepdog, Toby, protects "; S15[47]=" the kids from the foxes that come in from the hills.
      Mr McCrea admits mohair prices have fluctuated, but says there has "; S16[47]=" always been a market.
      He reckons it was mohair that got them through the 1983-84 drought.
      'They were selling "; S17[47]=" mobs of sheep for $1, and we were getting $10 to $15 a head from the abattoirs, plus the fleece was roughly $13 per kilo,' "; S18[47]=" he says.
      Now he would like to see more sheep farmers moving into angora goats.
      'We are using the "; S19[47]=" same shearing sheds.
      We shear like we do with the sheep, with the same handpieces.
      And the market is "; S20[47]=" already there.' The goats are shorn twice a year, with fleece from kids.. "; R[48]="352"; T[48]="Case IH 2388 Takes Harvesting to the extreme"; A[48]="By ... Case IH"; Dn[48]="20060222"; Dt[48]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[48]="a01"; B1[48]="      As one of the first 20 farmers in Australia to trial the new 2388 Extreme combine, South Australian farmer, Rob Heaslip, couldn "; B2[48]="t be happier... "; B3[48]=" "; B4[48]=" "; B5[48]=" "; S1[48]="      As one of the first 20 farmers in Australia to trial the new 2388 Extreme combine, South Australian farmer, Rob Heaslip, couldn't "; S2[48]=" be happier.
      Rob runs a 1,300-hectare property at Crystal Brook, 20 km from Port Pirie in South Australia.
      He "; S3[48]=" purchased the 2388 a week and a half before the harvest.
      'We cropped 404 hectares in six days and we had a "; S4[48]=" few cool days in there which meant our days weren't as productive.
      I reckon we were doing an average of 8 km "; S5[48]=" per hour and up to 10 km per hour in less dense crops so we were really impressed.' With his harvest coming in above average "; S6[48]=" at 3.7 tonnes per hectare of wheat, 4 tonnes per hectare of barley and 2.5 tonnes per hectare of lupins, Rob says the 2388s 250-bushel "; S7[48]=" (8,800L) grain tank combined with its unique threshing system stood out.
      The threshing system is based on the popular Axial-FlowTM AFX rotor, "; S8[48]=" which can be controlled at the touch of a button and is the result of Case IH's more than 28 years of innovation in rotary "; S9[48]=" technology.
      The latest AFX rotor provides advanced threshing and separation that is proven to deliver top-quality grain in a cost-effective way.
  "; S10[48]="     'The sample was excellent.
      We even had a few truck drivers who came to collect the grain, comment on how "; S11[48]=" clean it was,' Rob said.
      A strong feature of the new rotor is the impeller at the front of the rotor that "; S12[48]=" progressively accelerates the crop to threshing speed.
      This creates a vacuum that pulls both the crop and the dust into the rotor "; S13[48]=" cage, giving the operator excellent visibility in front of the header.
      One of the other stand-out features is the Tier III-compliant turbocharged "; S14[48]=" 8.3 litre, 6-cylinder Case IH engine with full authority fuel control.
      The engine produces 220 kW (295 Hp) at rated speed with "; S15[48]=" a boost of 7.5 kW (10 Hp) whilst unloading, providing all the power needed for any tough spots.
      'The new engine is "; S16[48]=" capable of spending a full day in the field without refueling,' Rob said.
      With a three-speed hydrostatic transmission that offers infinite control "; S17[48]=" of ground speed, the operator is always able to select the perfect speed for crop and field conditions.
      'The cabin controls are "; S18[48]=" fantastic,' Rob added.
      'One of the other things that won me over when I was selecting the combine is how well built "; S19[48]=" the Extreme is and how much thought has gone into the design.
      For example, they haven't painted a single nut which makes "; S20[48]=" the machine a lot easier to work on because if you need to remove a panel to do any work on it, you don't have.. "; R[49]="351"; T[49]="Esperance breaks field pea record"; A[49]="By ... Editor"; Dn[49]="20060222"; Dt[49]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[49]="a01a19a67"; B1[49]="      Growers in the Esperance port zone have delivered more than 50,000 tonnes of field peas, eclipsing the previous zone record of 45,000 "; B2[49]="tonnes in 2003... "; B3[49]=" "; B4[49]=" "; B5[49]=" "; S1[49]="      Growers in the Esperance port zone have delivered more than 50,000 tonnes of field peas, eclipsing the previous zone record of 45,000 "; S2[49]=" tonnes in 2003.
      Department of Agriculture pulse researcher Mark Seymour said the record tonnage had been attributed to a slight increase in "; S3[49]=" the area sown to field peas and a long soft finish to the year which resulted in higher than average yields.
      "; S4[49]=" 'In 2005, many farmers averaged around 2 t/ha with individual paddocks above 2.5 t/ha and yield monitors showing parts of paddocks well over 3 t/ha,' "; S5[49]=" Mr Seymour said.
      'The soft finish to the year suited the new semi-leafless variety Kaspa, and many growers noted Kaspa yielded about "; S6[49]=" 0.4 t/ha more than nearby Parafield crops.
      'Crops which yielded below 2 t/ha were mostly found in southern mallee areas where waterlogging "; S7[49]=" in June and a late flush of blackspot in September reduced yield.
      'Similarly we have noted farmers who sowed in early to "; S8[49]=" mid May in medium rainfall areas usually had 0.4 - 0.6 t/ha lower yielding crops than neighbours who delayed sowing and avoided the worst of "; S9[49]=" the blackspot showers.' It was not all good news though with most farmers in the Lakes district losing at least one paddock to frost.
  "; S10[49]="     Where frost did not occur yields were above average.
      Earlier in the year the Pulse Association of the South East "; S11[49]=" negotiated with CBH to allow farmers to be able to deliver to Lake King, and despite the vagaries of frost the bin has been well "; S12[49]=" patronised with 6,700 tonnes currently delivered and many growers still to harvest their peas.
      'The soft finish to the year suited the "; S13[49]=" new semi-leafless variety Kaspa not only in the south of the State but also in the central and northern regions.
      Yields greater "; S14[49]=" than 2.0 t/ha were common,' said pulse extension officer Ian Pritchard, commenting on other parts of the state.
      Farmers in the "; S15[49]=" low rainfall regions are reminded even though Kaspa performed well in 2005, varieties such as Dunwa and Helena are better suited to short season environments.'.. ";