The NSW Food Authority again released details last week of testing for Listeria that identified Riverina property, Rombola Family Farms, as the source of the recent outbreak. It follows reports that there was no clear link to the property.

Genetic sequencing was used to test samples. More than 30 samples of melons through the supply chain, including retail and on farm, tested positive to Listeria monocytogenes.

Additional testing found L. monocytogenes in the packing area. All L. monocytogenes samples had the same genetic sequence as human cases. NSW Food Authority believes the cause of the outbreak was a combination of environmental conditions and weather contaminating the surface of the fruit, with low levels of the bacteria persisting after the washing process.

Throughout the incident the NSW Food Authority worked with the Australian Melon Association to support its members, providing a written letter advising of its confidence that all affected product has been removed from the supply chain.

 

A new Drought Transport Fund announced on Monday by the NSW Government will help farmers manage livestock through dry conditions. The NSW Drought Transport Fund will provide up to $20,000 in low interest loans, with a two-year interest and repayment free period.

Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said the fund would help eligible farmers pay freight costs for fodder, water, or to move stock to agistment.

Niall said these costs have provided significant challenges for a number of producers who are trying to manage their property during these difficult conditions.

“We know that more than a third of the state is struggling with drought or conditions approaching drought. My colleagues, including the Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen have expressed particular concern for the Hunter, Central Tablelands, Central West and in the Far West of the state.

“Primary production is the lifeblood of the communities in these regions and when farmers are struggling, the whole community feels the impact. This additional step in our drought strategy will allow farmers to better manage core breeding stock,” said Niall.

The NSW Drought Transport Fund will complement existing transport subsidies for the cost of transporting donated fodder within NSW and transporting stock off a property for animal welfare purposes.

These measures form part of the wider NSW Drought Strategy, which includes a rural resilience program, rural support workers and financial counselling, and the Farm Innovation Fund for on-farm drought preparedness work and capital improvement.

The Farm Innovation Fund has approved $54 million worth of low-interest loans this financial year, with almost $9 million worth of loans applied for in March alone, and more than $200 million since its inception in 2013.

More information on the NSW Drought Transport Fund and application details are available from www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au.

Darren Cowan Mobile Welding & Fabrication, situated on the corner of Show and Junction Street in Forbes, was established in 2005. The proficient team of 10 employees specialises in:
• Truck and trailer repairs
• Roll over tarps and hungry boards
• Sandblasting and soda blasting
• Prompt and reliable breakdown service
• Fabrication and erection of engineer certified sheds

Also now available for hire:
• Mini digger with 4-in-1 bucket, trencher and post hole borer on trailer (half day and full day hire available)
• 18kva generator for onsite welding or power supply
• Tandem axle 12 x 6 Trailer
• 6mt electric scissor lift

For further information contact Darren and the team on 6852 4228 or send an email to darren@dcmw.com.au.

After a hesitant start on Wednesday the market gained momentum leaving most MPG’s 10-20 cents dearer at the close. Thursdays market saw strong support for the better style fine wools, which gained more ground in the last designated superfine sale for the season, while the broader end retreated up to 30 cents in some areas.

The skirting market performed with mixed results. Wools carrying less than 2.0% vegetable matter (vm) and possessing good length and strength results were highly sought after and therefore dearer for the week, faultier lots and those with less favourable results were highly irregular, tending cheaper.

The crossbred market also had varied results. 25.0 to 28.0 micron were generally 10 to 25 cents dearer, however the broader types lost 10-15 cents. The carding market also suffered further corrections this week after a solid start, with all types and descriptions suffering general losses of between 10 and 30 cents, with the Southern region least affected.

46,490 bales are currently rostered for sale week commencing 6th March.

Source AWEX

An application to declare the severe storm at Back Yamma and Cookamidgera late last year as a natural disaster has been approved.

On 13th December 2017 Central West Lachlan Landcare submitted an Agricultural Natural Disaster Assessment application for Back Yamma and Cookamidgera, in consultation with the Central West Local Land Services, to the Department of Primary Industries.

The intention of this assessment was to have the isolated hail incidents and flash flooding that saw many crops and infrastructure significantly impacted in November when they were on the verge of, or had commenced harvest, recognised as a natural disaster.

Due to this event being isolated to the Back Yamma and Cookamidgera areas, many in the surrounding districts did not receive the significant rain and hail events that were experienced in this area.

This declaration is an important step to allowing access, through application, to funding provided by the State Government.

This funding will potentially assist with preparations for 2018 sowing season.

The Department of Primary Industries has

approved the application, which will now allow for submissions from landholders impacted by the event, through the Rural Assistance Authority to access disaster relief loans and transport freight subsidies.

The Natural Disaster Relief Scheme assists primary producers affected by flood/ fire/storm damage or any other declared natural disaster. Assistance under this scheme by its nature is not compensatory therefore applicants need to be in urgent and genuine need of assistance.

Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare said the BackYamma and Cookamidgera areas are not  only picturesque, but also have some of the most fertile soils in the Parkes and Forbes Shire areas. “This funding will enable primary producers, some of whom suffered significant crop losses and other infrastructure losses, the ability to seek assistance to address immediate concerns and enable preparation for this year’s sowing season.”

Central West Lachlan Landcare are thankful for the assistance of landholders at a difficult time when harvest had commenced, the State Government through the Central West Local Land Services and Department of Primary Industries, appreciate the support from Member for Orange, Philip Donato and his willingness to meet with landholders to see the impact first hand after the event.

Philip met with affected landholders recently, Cr Neil Westcott and Cr Steven Karaitiana from Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils respectively, Alli Gartrell from the Rural Assistance Authority, President of Parkes and Forbes NSW Farmers, Gavin Tom and Marg Applebee to share the good news of the declaration.

For landholders seeking further details, information may be accessed through the Rural Assistance Authority website at www.raa.nsw.gov.au and are encouraged to contact Marg Applebee on 6862 4914 if assistance is required with applications submissions.

This week’s sale opened on a cautious note with most wools selling at discounted levels, the only notable exception were low mid break lots, which were attracting strong demand under limited volume. Buyer confidence slowly returned as the sale progressed and wools which were previously being overlooked started to attract stronger competition.

The skirting market experienced an up and down week, prices generally fell by 20 – 40 cents on the first selling day, only to recover the losses on the second day, to finish the sale generally unchanged.

The crossbred sector performed with mixed results. The finer and broader end managed to record small gains of 5 – 10 cents, while the bulk of the offering in the 26 to 30 micron range slipped another 10 – 20 cents.

Oddments continued to lack buyer confidence with all types and descriptions discounted further as the market struggled to find a level, leaving the carding indicators to shed another 40 cents on average.

Source AWEX

This week saw buyers keen to secure more volume before the looming recess. Price increases in the merino sector were gradual rather than extreme, as buyers slowly increased their limits. By the close of trade, the market was generally 10-20 cents dearer.

The skirting market experienced similar movement to the fleece, gradual increases rather than dramatic rises, with the main buyer interest focused on wools carrying less than 2.0% vegetable matter or those exhibiting excellent additional measurement results.

The crossbred market defied the other sectors and continued its downward trend. Prices were generally discounted by 10 to 25 cents. Buyers were very selective with their purchases, focusing on the well prepared lots.

The oddment market rose slightly leaving the NR carding indicator 1 cent dearer, while washing lambs were extreme as buyers attempted to purchase them before the small buying window closes for the year.

Source AWEX.