Economists Predict a Bumper Year for Australian Agriculture
Rural Bank has forecast a solid year for Australian agriculture including strengthening cattle prices, farm gate milk values and an increasing average prices for lamb and mutton. Despite the trying conditions of 2018, Rural Bank’s recently released Australian Agriculture Outlook indicated that strong global demand for Australian produce is likely to offset declining supply levels […]
A Small-Scale Solution for a Big Problem: Small Farming Robots for Every Tom, Dick and Harry
Driverless tractors, bumper crops and an end to herbicide resistance. Despite the hype in recent years, the new agricultural revolution that technology promised is yet to be fully realised. While precision agriculture technologies have made significant inroads into sustainability gains, most still rely on a significant input from a human component, whether it be the […]
Australian Milk Production Could Hit 20 Year Low
A decline in the national dairy herd could lead to milk production being reduced to a 20 year low, according to a report released this month by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES). ABARES’ recent Agricultural Commodities report has forecast the production of milk to have declined to 8.1 billion […]
Flexible Work Arrangements: How to Navigate Applications for Employee Flexibility
A recent ruling by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) could increase access to flexible work conditions for employees, requiring a new approach for all employers engaging workers under a modern award. From the beginning of December 2018, employers are required to make a sufficient attempt to reach an agreement with a staff member requesting workplace […]
Thirsty: Chinese Demand for Australian Wine Continues to Rise
While still only in its infancy, Australia’s relationship with Chinese wine drinkers has proved to be a very successful venture. Only eight years ago, China represented just 10% of Australian wine exports, and strong recent growth and continuing demand has led forecasters to predict a very positive outlook for the future of this sector. According […]
Australian Farm Production Strong Despite Reduced Grain Yields
Widespread drought and patches of frost have resulted in a significant reduction to Australia’s grain harvest, with this year’s national wheat crop now expected to weigh in at 16.6 million tonnes, down by 11% and the smallest since 2008 (13.6 million tonnes). In New South Wales, a state hit particularly hard by unfavourable growing conditions, […]
Where the Bloody Hell Are You? Northern Territory Cattle Stations Sing Out for Staff
A shortage of skilled and unskilled labour has led to many Northern Territory Station owners calling 2018 the toughest year to find staff. Both family-owned stations and corporate pastoral companies are facing unprecedented staff shortages from entry level roles through to more skilled positions such as livestock and station management positions. While candidates for entry […]