As a farmer, and head of the National Farmers’ Federation, I’m alarmed by the growing number of decisions being made in Canberra that aren’t about what’s best for farming.

It feels like we’re being drowned out by interest groups who want to tell a negative story about who we are and what we do.

Whether it’s banning live sheep exports, water buybacks, new taxes and red tape, or destroying productive agricultural land, these policies are being driven by people who don’t understand what we do.

On 10th September, farmers from across Australia will meet outside Parliament House in Canberra to send a united mes­sage. We want to tell all parliamentarians ahead of the next election that they should listen to farmers, not anti-farming activists, when it comes to what’s best for our indus­try.

It’s our chance to come together and send a clear and positive message that we deserve a seat at the table, and we de­serve a fair go.

Join me as we come together as an in­dustry to celebrate the positive story of Aussie farming in the heart of Canberra.

David Jochinke,
President National Farmers’ Federation

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Youth Group are calling for applications for the 2025 All Roads to the Royal program, offering one lucky school a once-in-a-life­time opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge through an all-expenses-paid, three-day excursion to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Open to students from years 7-12, the pro­gram will run from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th April 2025, and provides return trans­port, accommodation and meals for up to forty people, including students, teachers and guardians.

Heather Earney, Agriculture and Science teacher at Trundle Central School in Cen­tral West, NSW, and RAS’ 2024 All Roads to the Royal recipient, said the excursion was a highlight of the year for both students and teachers alike.

“All Roads to the Royal was an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing the students to broaden their horizons and create lasting memories and networks”, Earney said.

“The students are so thankful to have been given this amazing opportunity. They have gained experience and knowledge about the various aspects of the Show. Along with this, students gained an appreciation for the industry and the work that goes into putting such a large-scale event together”.

The All Roads to the Royal program was designed by the RAS Youth Group, with the aim to break down the financial and acces­sibility barriers that prevent many rural stu­dents from attending the Show. The 2025 program will be supported by the RAS Foun­dation, who will contribute up to $25,000 to­wards bus travel, food and expenses.

For further information about the program criteria or to apply, please visit www.rasnsw.com.au/AgriLink/all-roads-to-the-royal/

The recent “Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day” held at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange was a success with ap­proximately 60 people attending.

Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, trans­port companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations. The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, the Grain Transport Safety Network, NSW Police, SafeWork NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers and the Australian Custom Harvesters Association.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said anecdotal feedback from attendees on the day was very positive.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are im­portant to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period. Thanks to Forbes Machinery Centre, Hutcheon and Pearce, O’Connors, Bob Wythes, Luke Magill and Nina Hooper who were very generous in loaning equipment for the display.”

If you missed the field day, there will be free satellite events:

• Tuesday 27 August: Tottenham War Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Wednesday 28 August: Parkes Show Farmer’s Day 1.30pm – 3.45pm (please note: you will be required to pay the gate admis­sion)

• Thursday 29 August: Wirrinya Community Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Friday 30 August: Bogan Gate Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

Register via link: https://forms.office.com/r/akBJumLfwD

Farmers, contract harvesters, truck drivers, transport companies, pilots and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend this year’s Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day on Thursday 8th August at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange.

Breakfast will be provided from 7.30am, with the official program kicking off at 8am.

There will be a hands-on machinery dis­play and other interactive activities from 10.30am.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Of­ficer, Melanie Suitor, said that this year’s event will focus on the rules and regulations for safely and legally moving agricultural ve­hicles, combinations and trucks on the road.

“This year we will discuss conditional reg­istration, notices, access, fatigue, load re­straint and much more. There will be a deep dive into dimensions, signage and other travel conditions.

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.”

Registration is free but spaces are limited.

Register via the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Councils’ Facebook pages or this link: https://forms.office.com/r/akBJumLfwD

“We’ll also be running four satellite events to provide the same information to more farmers across the three local government areas. You can register for these events us­ing the above link,” Ms Suitor said.

The satellite events will be held on:

• Tuesday 27th August at Tottenham War Memorial Hal, 7.30am – 10.15am

• Wednesday 28th August at the Parkes Show Farmer’s Day, 1.30pm – 3.45pm

• Thursday 29th August at Wirrinya Com­munity Hall, 7.30am – 10.15am

• Friday 30th August at Bogan Gate Me­morial Hall, 7.30am – 10.15am