Connect with us
Byron Bay News and Weather copy
Mt Warning News and Weather copy
Kyogle News
Grafton News and Events copy
Byron Bay News and Weather copy
Mt Warning News and Weather copy
Kyogle News
Grafton News and Events copy
previous arrow
next arrow

Northern Rivers & Rural News

Global dairy markets “teetering on the edge”

Published

on

Global dairy markets “teetering on the edge”
Advertisements
MadeComfy

Global dairy markets “teetering on the edge”

Global dairy markets are “teetering” at low milk production levels not seen since 2014, Rabobank says in its just-released Q4 Global Dairy Quarterly report.
The agribusiness banking specialist says weather-related issues have decimated peak milk production in New Zealand and Australia, while supply growth has also been stymied in the US and Europe by squeezed profit margins for producers.
This has resulted in a year-on-year global milk production deficit that is too deep to be offset by favourable milk production gains seen in South America, it says.
The report says – after nine consecutive quarterly increases – combined global milk supply growth in the major dairy-exporting regions halted in quarter three this year and will dip into negative territory in quarter four.
Report co-author, Rabobank senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey said combined quarter four milk production in the big seven dairy exporting regions – New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, EU, US and Australia – is expected to decline by 0.3 per cent compared with quarter four last year. This will be the first quarterly year-on-year decrease since 2019.
The report said farmgate milk prices have followed commodity prices higher worldwide, with more potential upside still to come in some regions. Still, rising costs for inputs, labour shortages, unfavourable weather and questionable feed quality will limit the production response by producers, it said.
Global dairy exports have slowed in response to logistic disruptions, rising transportation costs, and elevated commodity prices.
“Global dairy exports based on product volume ran seven per cent ahead of the prior year during the first half of 2021, but slowed to one per cent in July and August,” the report said.

Chinese demand
Mr Harvey said a slowdown in demand for dairy inputs from China is expected and is needed to cool global prices in the face of limited supply-side increases.
“Chinese buyers are torn between the bullish sentiment outside China and the current weak fundamentals within China to decide whether, when, and at what price levels they should return to the market,” he said.

Inflation pressures
Despite rising inflationary pressures, consumers have yet to face “sticker shock” (where higher prices become a deterrent) for dairy products in most countries, the Rabobank report said, and this is supporting demand. That would not be the case in 2022, it said, as higher commodity prices from the second half of 2021 are passed through to consumers.
In addition, Mr Harvey said, new variants of Covid-19, inflation, labour and logistic challenges, along with others weigh on the global economic recovery with the potential for global dairy markets to “teeter or totter”.

NZ market impact
A sluggish spring milk production peak in New Zealand – the world’s largest dairy exporter – also contributed to a global supply slow down.
Mr Harvey said New Zealand milk production has only recently started to benefit from more sunshine and warmth for much of the country.
“Unfortunately, the change to more favourable weather was too late for the peak milk month of October, when collections dropped by 3.3 per cent year on year. There have now been three consecutive months of milk supply slipping backward against 2020 since August 2021,” he said.
“Rabobank’s New Zealand milk production forecast for the entire 2021/22 season is -1 per cent year-on-year. In a high milk-price environment and depending on cow condition, it is possible that there will be a late run to recover some of the lost production so far. But our base case assumes the weaker peak will be hard to recoup across the season – especially given lingering challenges to milk production in parts of Canterbury and in addition to high comparables to match from February onwards,” he said.

For Australia
For Australia, the Dairy Quarterly report said, many dairy farms had been dealing with a wet spring – particularly in Victoria and Tasmania.
October – peak dairy production in Australia – saw output down 2.1 per cent below last year. This means season-to-date production is down 2.9 per cent, Mr Harvey said.
Rabobank has lowered its milk production forecast, to -1.8 per cent for the 2021/22 season, back to 8.68 billion litres.
Mr Harvey said dairy companies in Australia’s southern export region are upwardly adjusting their initial (June) announced farmgate milk prices.
“Fonterra Australia and Saputo Dairy Australia both lifted prices to AUD 7.05/kgMS or more. There is potential for further increases as dairy exporters benefit from higher commodity prices, particularly skim milk powder. But there are lingering headwinds for local dairy exporters given the weaker-than-expected spring flush and ongoing supply chain bottlenecks and disruptions,” he said.
Rabobank’s revised farmgate milk modelled price for 2021/22 stands at AUD 7.75/kgMS, underpinned by rising commodity prices and a weaker currency.
“Australian dairy farmers continue to enjoy good margins,” Mr Harvey said “There are, though, production and margin risks beyond the weather, which will remain into the new year. Input costs have spiked for fertiliser and herbicide, with supply risks lurking in the next few months.”
Mr Harvey said high water allocations and healthy soil moisture profiles for irrigated dairy farmers in the southern Murray-Darling Basin will provide good prospects for summer feed crops.
“Rabobank also forecasts another large Australian winter grain crop for 2021/22. This will be welcome news for feed purchases – but noting global prices are supporting local prices,” he said.
The report says Australia’s food market is once again on the road to recovery.
“The Australian economy will grow in 2022, but consumers will face rising costs of living and food inflation including in the dairy aisle,” Mr Harvey said.
Australian dairy exports have remained buoyant through the nine months of the year, according to the Dairy Quarterly. Export volumes are higher across all the major commodities. Liquid milk exports have been strong, underpinned by Chinese demand with volumes 25 per cent higher. Exports of skim milk powder and butter have also performed well.

Advertisements
Tenterfield-The Bowlo

Local News

TUCKURIMBA PUBLIC HALL

Published

on

By

Tuckurimba Hall taken in 1937
Advertisements
MadeComfy

TUCKURIMBA PUBLIC HALL

 

By Helen Trustum

The first Tuckurimba Hall was built in 1905. Sadly, this hall was burnt down in 1925. It was many years before another hall was built because they could not decide where to build it. The trustees became divided into two groups, the top enders and the bottom enders (residents of Delelvin) and no agreement could be reached where the new hall was to be built.

Agreement was reached in May 1933 when a meeting was held at the Coraki School of Arts. It was unanimously decided to build a new hall on the site of the old one. Five trustees were nominated. They were Fred Paff, Edward Jenner, Peter Gaudron, Walter Threlfo and Henry McCaughey.

The hall was built in 1937. A cyclonic storm in 1940 demolished the hall where it was rebuilt by district farmers, helped by donations of cattle and cash. The residents were very proud of the rebuilt hall and many school concerts, meetings, dances to raise money in World War 11 were held there. Young people came out from Coraki in trucks, rode horses from Dungarubba and because of the excellent dance floor, it was a popular venue.

Tuckurimba Hall taken in 1998

Tuckurimba Hall taken in 1998

Tuckurimba Hall never had a supper room but prepared supper on trestle tables near the stage. Cakes and sandwiches were passed around the hall on platters. Tea would follow served from big tea pots where the water was boiled in cans over an open fire and carried inside. The children would sleep under the stools.

Land around the hall was used as a horse paddock for the school children attending Tuckurimba School during school hours. Electricity was connected to the hall in 1958. A switching on the light’s dance was held where everyone had a great time.

Performers: Alex Strong, Bruce McCaughey and Betty Fava played for many years, then Doug Blanch took over from Bruce. They called themselves “Melody Makers” and played at Green Ridge, Pidcocks Lane, Brandon Hall in Coraki, Ruthven, Bungawalbyn, Bora Ridge and Tuckurimba Halls.

Honour Rolls have always graced the walls of Tuckurimba Hall. One for 1914 – 1919 War and one for 1939 – 1945. The roll of Honour records members of the Australian Armed Forces who have died or returned home from serving overseas. They are now in a safe place at the Mid Richmond Historical Society Museum in Coraki for all to see.

George Hunt was President of the Tuckurimba Hall for many years. The hall declined during the 1970’s and 1980’s leaving no other choice but to sell. On August 9th 1997 the Tuckurimba Hall was sold to adjoining residents Rodney and Cherie Veral. Many local people have fond memories of their hall.

Jess Dolby, Nita Haynes and Marie Smith with their Red Cross Certificates.

Jess Dolby, Nita Haynes and Marie Smith with their Red Cross Certificates.

PATRIOTIC LEAGUE

The Patriotic League was formed in the Tuckurimba Hall on July 2nd1940. President- Henry McCaughey Jnr., Vice Presidents L. Sutton and A.E. Campbell, Treasurer – Ted Leadbeater, Secretary – H.G. McCaughey.

Bridle race meetings and socials were held to defray cost of sending parcels of comforts for Christmas to local recruits at War. All men received a parting gift from the League and a khaki pullover from the Red Cross. In 1943, 42 parcels were forwarded and included a half pound cake made by local members. A welcome home social was arranged for the recruits returning and an invitation extended to the families. An Honour Roll was unveiled on Empire Day 24th May 1946 and was hung in the Tuckurimba Hall along with an Honour Roll from the First World War. In 1997 both Rolls were handed over to the Mid Richmond Historical Society at Coraki.

Honour Roll from Second World War.

Honour Roll from Second World War.

RED CROSS

The Tuckurimba ladies met in the Tuckurimba Hall on Wednesday August 22nd 1917 for the purpose of forming a branch of the Red Cross Society. Those present were, Mesdames Hindmarsh, McLean, Barnard and Harris from Lismore, Simpson, Kennedy, Hunt, Smith, Tinkler, J. Paff, F. Paff, Margaret Maxwell, Jenner, Thurgood, Threlfo, McCaughey and Misses Hunt, Paff and Tinkler. Apologies were received from Mrs Mclaren, Mrs Casey, Mrs Smith and Mrs McLean.

Officers elected – President – Mrs Simpson, Vice Presidents – Mrs Tinkler and Mrs Hunt, Secretary – Miss Gladys Hunt and Treasurer – Mrs Kennedy.

Members took on the task of sewing and knitting for the troops and many items were forwarded to the Lismore Branch for despatch. On July 7th 1920 the group disbanded and reformed again on October 25th 1939 in conjunction with Coraki. Then in 1940 the group decided to change back to Tuckurimba and go alone. The branch has continued to function to this day, where they meet monthly in the Wyrallah Hall.

Red Cross Ladies - Mavis Garbutt and Barbara Schaffer

Red Cross Ladies – Mavis Garbutt and Barbara Schaffer

PROGRESS ASSOCIATION

The first meeting of the Tuckurimba Progress Association was held on June 1st 1890 at Alex Robertson’s residence, North Arm. Mr Baxter was paid 1/- (10 cents) for the use of Baxter’s Cottage near the Tuckurimba Provincial School for the purpose of holding their Progress Meetings. Their meeting on August 16th 1905 was held in the newly built Tuckurimba Hall.

President – William McLean, Vice President – James Fogwell, Secretary/Treasurer – Henry McCaughey.

Ref – Mid R. R. H. Society at Coraki, RRHS in Lismore, Northern Star May 22nd 1933, also from the writings of the late Monica McCaughey, Tuckurimba.

 

For more rural news, click here.

Advertisements
Tenterfield-The Bowlo
Continue Reading

Local News

Vigilance Urged to Combat Invasive Giant Devil’s Fig

Published

on

By

Giant Devil's Fig
Advertisements
MadeComfy

Vigilance Urged to Combat Invasive Giant Devil’s Fig

 

By Robert Heyward

North Coast landholders are being called upon to stay vigilant against the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig (Solanum chrysotrichum), a highly invasive woody weed that poses a significant threat to agriculture and natural ecosystems. This problematic species is prevalent in grazing lands, waterways, forests, roadsides, parks, and gardens, particularly in the coastal regions of northern and central New South Wales.

Ashley Donges, Regional Weed Coordinator for North Coast Local Land Services, highlighted the critical role of community involvement in controlling this invasive plant.

“Preventing the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig is crucial for safeguarding our agricultural productivity and protecting native ecosystems,” Donges said. “We urge all residents and landowners to actively identify and manage this weed to minimise its impact.”

Giant Devil’s Fig competes with desirable pasture species, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and increased costs. The plant contains toxins that can harm livestock if ingested in large quantities, and its sharp prickles can cause injuries to both humans and animals, as well as hinder access to water sources for livestock. In natural landscapes, the weed forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation, further degrading the environment.

“Our goal is to equip the community with the knowledge and tools needed to combat Giant Devil’s Fig effectively,” Donges continued. “By working together, we can mitigate its impact and protect our valuable natural resources.”

Under the NSW Biosecurity Act, all residents have a General Biosecurity Duty to prevent, eliminate, or minimise the biosecurity risk posed by Giant Devil’s Fig.

The weed can be identified as a shrub or small tree up to four meters tall, with prickly stems and hairy leaves when young. It produces small, white star-shaped flowers in clusters from autumn to spring, followed by round berries that turn yellow or orange-yellow.

For detailed identification and control methods, residents are encouraged to visit the NSW WeedWise website.

There is a Giant Devil’s Fig Exclusion Zone covering the local government areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Lord Howe Island, Nambucca Valley, and Port Macquarie-Hastings. In these areas, residents must notify their local council if the weed is found and eradicate it immediately. A Containment Zone covering Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed local government areas requires residents to prevent the plant’s spread, reduce its impact, and report sightings to Rous County Council.

For technical advice and assistance, residents can contact their local council’s weeds officer or consult resources available on the NSW WeedWise website

 

For more rural news, click here.

Advertisements
Tenterfield-The Bowlo
Continue Reading

Local News

Free webinar for farmers to learn how RIC loans can help rebuild and recover from severe business disruption

Published

on

By

RIC loans Webinar
Advertisements
MadeComfy

Free webinar for farmers to learn how RIC loans can help rebuild and recover from severe business disruption

 

Australian Government farm business lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is hosting a free webinar on 18 September 2024 for farmers, advisers and agriculture industry representatives to learn more about how RIC’s low-cost Farm Investment Loan can help support farm businesses to rebuild and recover after severe business disruption.

RIC Chief Executive Officer, John Howard, said RIC’s Farm Investment Loan is aimed at supporting farmers who have experienced significant financial downturn, as a result of an unforeseen disruption or cumulative impacts to their business.

“Our Farm Investment Loan recognises that unexpected business shocks outside a farmer’s control can play havoc with financial plans. With a low variable interest rate and interest-only terms for the first five years, RIC loans can provide some financial relief to help farmers get back on their feet,” Mr Howard said.

“To be eligible for a Farm Investment Loan, farmers need to show their underlying business is solid, but that they need help to recover following an event that has financially impacted their business, like drought or other natural disasters, or even a biosecurity event.

“More than 100 people from across the country have already registered to learn more from our specialist Agri Lending Manager and one of our customers who will share their experience,” Mr Howard said. Queenslander cattle grazier Rachael Lehmann is pleased to join the webinar to help other farmers learn more about how she and her husband Dane benefited from a RIC Loan. She will share how their low-interest loan supported their recovery and helped improve their business after experiencing drought and successive natural disasters.

The RIC Farm Investment Loan enabled them to refinance part of their existing commercial debt to RIC’s concessional variable interest rate. This allowed the business to improve cash flow, enabling them to recover faster and move forward. “The change in interest rate is quite a substantial amount of money for us, so it has taken the pressure off. It just meant that we were going to have the opportunity to get ahead.

“It’s a huge step up for us and it will have amazing onflow effects for our cost of production and that’s very exciting,” Rachael said.

The Farm Investment Loan provides up to $2 million over a 10-year term with the first five years interest only followed by principal and interest for the remaining five years. The current variable interest rate is 5.18 per cent and there are no fees to apply, make extra repayments, or for early loan repayments.

The free webinar is on 18 September 2024 from 12pm-1pm AEST, to register visit. For more on the Farm Investment Loan visit here. Read more about Rachael and Dane Lehmann’s story here.

 

For more rural news, click here.

Advertisements
Tenterfield-The Bowlo
Continue Reading

NRTimes Online

Advertisement

KC-Farm-Equipment

National News Australia

Facebook

Latest News

Verified by MonsterInsights