The Level Up Hort report provides a nationwide snapshot of the vegetable and onion industries, highlighting their strengths and some of the challenges growers face.
Planfarm horticulture and agronomy director Paul Omodei said the figures were a warning sign that action was needed to address rising costs such as labour, which was a major cost for growers and becoming increasingly expensive.
“Labour costs per hectare and as a percentage of income have increased significantly. It’s also taking more labour to do the same job than it was five to 10 years ago due to legislative changes imposed on growers,” Mr Omodei said.
The Level Up Hort program is a five-year initiative funded through Hort Innovation, providing specialised business consulting valued at up to $10,000 per year to growers.
A free webinar on Wednesday, July 3, will be held to introduce the program. Mr Omodei will explain what’s in it for growers, how they can take part and answer questions.
Register for the webinar, which starts at 2pm, at: https://leveluphort.com.au
For more information or to enrol in the Level Up Hort program, contact Steff Carstairs on 0428 712 852, email steff@planfarm.com.au or go to: https://leveluphort.com.au
China wants New Zealand dairy, meat
There is a growing demand in China for high-quality dairy, beef and lamb products from New Zealand, Premier Li Qiang said during his recent trip to the country.
China is the biggest trading partner of both Australia and NZ.
Mr Li visited the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research in Auckland, a government agency tasked with promoting the farming, food and beverage industries, before meetings and a dinner with business people, academics and diplomats.
His visit came as Chinese firms formally applied for an anti-dumping probe into pork imports from the European Union, escalating tensions after the bloc imposed anti-subsidy duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
Global food companies from dairy producers to pork exporters are on high alert for potential retaliatory tariffs from China.
Strathallan Hall to be demolished
Campaspe Shire Council has approved the demolition of the Strathallan Hall, after considering other options to repair or rebuild.
Between Rochester and Echuca, the hall was damaged in the 2022 flood, raising concerns about its structure.
It was built in the 1920s by the community, and has had several additions made to the building over the years.
Council says it is working with the Strathallan Hall Committee to develop the space in line with the community’s aspirations.
Historic win for Aussie farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation’s immediate past president Fiona Simson has been elected as World Farmers’ Organisation vice-president.
The NFF nominated Ms Simson, and she was subsequently elected at the recent WFO General Assembly in Rome.
NFF president David Jochinke, who was in Rome at the event with NFF CEO Tony Mahar, said this was a significant moment for ‘Team Australia’. It’s believed Ms Simson is the first Australian representative to be elected at this level.
“This elevates the NFF’s voice at the table, ensuring Australian farmers will be heard in international conversations on global agricultural policy and how food and fibre are produced in Australia,” Mr Jochinke said.
Ms Simson has previously served on the WFO’s women and youth committees, and in the past year has been the Oceania representative on the WFO Board.
Index lifts as wheat prices rally
The NAB Rural Commodities Index has continued its upwards momentum, increasing 1.4 per cent in May, driven by rising prices for wheat, barley, canola and lamb.
The index is now around levels last seen in February 2023.
NAB’s Lea Jurkovic said wheat was again the key driver of the index’s climb.
“Wheat prices rose a little over 10 per cent in the month, as prices rallied on the back of poor seasonal conditions in Europe which weighed on global supply,” Ms Jurkovic said.
“Canola and feed barley prices also increased in May, rising 7.1 per cent and around 7.8 per cent in monthly average terms respectively.
“Trade lamb prices increased nearly three per cent month-on-month in May in monthly average terms. Prices rose despite high supply on the back of strong domestic demand.
“Cattle prices were little changed in May, rising nearly one per cent again in monthly average terms. Despite elevated slaughter rates and increased supply, export demand helped support prices.”
