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Rural News

Third biggest lamb production quarter on record

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Third biggest lamb production quarter on record

Key points:

  • Continuation of above average rainfall for most livestock regions resulted in high carcase weights overall.
  • Supply is increasing and is being driven by the national herd rebuild and flock growth.
  • Record value of production figures for the cattle industry, driven by high cattle prices.

On Friday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the official livestock and production figures for the second quarter of 2022. The data also provided insights on slaughter, production, value and carcase weight for sheep and cattle for the 2022 financial year.

Gross value of livestock

The value of cattle slaughtered in FY2022 was a new financial record totalling $14.48b AUD, this was $2.2b higher than the value of cattle slaughtered in FY2021. Q2 of 2022 recorded the highest value of cattle slaughtered ever, hitting $3.85b for the quarter and 20% higher than Q2 2021.

High livestock prices were behind the record value of livestock slaughtered in FY22. The average price of cattle being slaughtered in FY22 was $2,457.82, 25.7% higher than FY21 prices.

In sheep, the value of lambs and sheep slaughtered in FY22 was $5,13b. This figure is 14.5% above the value of sheep and lambs slaughtered in FY21.

Q2 FY22 (October to December 2021) was the quarter recording the highest value of sheep and slaughtered ever. The average price for a finished lamb/sheep in FY22 was $189.39, up 10.5% on 2021.

Cattle

Slaughter

As calves born in 2020 and early 2021 reached processing weights in 2022, Q2 of this year saw an increase in slaughter volumes of 11.2% quarter-on-quarter, with 1.49m head processed. The biggest jump in quarterly slaughter was in Tasmania, increasing by 13.4%, followed by Queensland, which was up 13.2%.

For FY22 Australian cattle slaughter was 5.89m, this is 6.6% below the 2021 levels. Queensland was responsible for 47.7% of all cattle slaughtered last financial year.

Carcase weights

According to Stephen Bignell, Manager – Market Information at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), continued strong seasonal conditions, improved genetics across the national herd and strong on-farm management has helped carcase weights to remain at historically high levels.

“Carcase weights across the country are averaging 317.6kg/head. This is the second highest carcase weights ever, only behind the record previous quarter.

“National male carcase weights rose by 600g to a new record of 348.5kg, driven by jumps in Victorian, Western Australian and South Australian male carcase weights. However, the increased volumes of females slaughtered prevented the national carcase weights reaching record levels.

“A softening in average carcase weights for cattle is not uncommon through the Australian winter. This has been particularly relevant in 2022 with wet and cool conditions affecting livestock’s’ ability to gain or maintain weight,” Mr Bignell said.

Beef production

With increased higher slaughter numbers and only slightly lower carcase weights, beef production rose by 9% quarter-on-quarter to 473,394 tonnes but was softer year-on-year.

“Overall, with carcase weights remaining high and forecast actual cattle supply to increase into the end of 2022 and beyond, the Australian beef industry is well positioned to capture emerging opportunities both domestically and globally,” Mr Bignell said.

Lambs 

Lamb production

In Q2 of 2022, lamb production was 140,165 tonnes, the third highest quarterly volume on record, behind Q2 2018 and Q4 2016. The quarterly total of 140,165 tonnes was a 12.5% increase on Q1 2022 levels and 1.8% higher than the same quarter in 2021.

Lamb slaughter

Lamb slaughter for Q2 was recorded at 5.44m, an increase of 9.5% on the previous quarter and 1.1% higher than the June 2021 quarter. For the full financial year, lamb slaughter nationally stood at 20.8m lambs.

“The fact that lamb slaughter for Q2 2022 was not within in the historical top 20 lamb slaughter volumes, but was the third highest level of production, shows the benefits of increasing carcase weights,” according to Mr Bignell.

Lamb carcase weight

“The implementation of new genetics, well managed on-farm production and above average rainfall patterns have ensured national lamb carcase weights achieved record highs in Q2 2022.

At 25.8kg/head, this is a 0.6% increase year-on-year levels, demonstrating that genetic improvement and management is driving increased efficiencies and production for the national lamb flock,” Mr Bignell said.

New South Wales lambs are weighing 26.8kg/head on average, leading the trend for heavier lambs nationally, they are followed by South Australian lambs at 26.7kg/head.

Sheep

Slaughter

Unlike lambs and cattle, sheep slaughter fell in Q2 2022, reducing by 13.2% or 209,600 head. According to Mr Bignell however, a drop in slaughter in the June quarter is common as producers are retaining ewes for lambing during this period.

“Encouragingly, when compared to the corresponding June period in 2021, mutton slaughter is up 27% or close to 300,000 head. This would suggest the flock rebuild is maturing and in line with MLA’s most recent June sheep projections,” Mr Bignell said.

Production

Production of mutton was recorded at 35,091 tonnes, a 11.3% reduction on the previous quarter but 25% higher than 2021 levels. As mutton production fell by less than the fall in slaughter, carcase weights climbed.

Carcase weights

National sheep carcase weights for Q2 2022 were recorded at 25.5kg/head, a 500g increase on Q1 2022 levels but well below the 2.2kg/head below the highs recorded in December 2021.

“Interestingly, the average carcase weights for sheep are below that of lambs on a national level. Sheep in New South Wales are the heaviest weighting 27.3kg, while sheep in Tasmania are the lightest weighing 19.5kg/head,” Mr Bignell said.

Goats

In FY22 goatmeat production jumped 47% to 24,091 tonnes. In FY22 production in all states except Tasmania jumped by at least 41%, with Western Australian production growing by 3,538% year-on-year.

Goat slaughter was up 52% in FY22 to 1.46m head. Production growth was slightly less than the growth in slaughter supply as goat carcase weights continued to soften marginally.

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Forestry Corporation Under Fire for Amended Sustainability Reports

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Greens MP and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson Forestry Corporation

Forestry Corporation Under Fire for Amended Sustainability Reports

 

By Ian Rogers

The NSW Forestry Corporation is facing serious scrutiny after it was caught quietly revising three years’ worth of sustainability reports, significantly reducing the reported timber yield from native forest logging since 2021. The revised data shows a 28% decline in yield across NSW, raising questions about the corporation’s reporting practices and the broader sustainability of native forest logging.

The discrepancy was uncovered in 2024 by members of the North East Forest Alliance and South East Forest Rescue. The discovery has prompted Greens MP and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson to call on the NSW Auditor-General to investigate the Forestry Corporation for maladministration.

“The reported yield from native forest logging is a cornerstone of so-called ecologically sustainable forest management,” Ms. Higginson said. “For this data to be revised down by 28% without any public announcement calls into question the entire justification for continuing native forest logging.”

Misleading Data Raises Alarm

Ms. Higginson described the changes as a case of maladministration, highlighting that the original data—now proven inaccurate—had been tabled in NSW Parliament as part of Forestry’s sustainability reports since 2022.

“The fact that these reports were altered without formal recognition or public explanation is deeply concerning,” Ms. Higginson said. “The Forestry Corporation has a legal obligation to ensure that yields are accurately measured and sustainable. This data revision confirms what we’ve known for decades—that neither of these obligations has been met.”

Industry Losses and Environmental Concerns

According to the Forestry Corporation’s own annual reports, the native forest logging industry in NSW has incurred $73 million in losses since 2020. Ms. Higginson argues that the revised data reflects not only the declining profitability of the sector but also the deteriorating health of the state’s native forests.

“If timber yields are 28% lower than what the Government was originally told, it’s clear that the forests are in a far worse state than the Forestry Corporation is willing to admit,” she said.

Calls for Immediate Action

Ms. Higginson urged the Minns Labor Government to act swiftly and end native forest logging in NSW.

“The writing is on the wall,” she said. “The native forest logging industry is collapsing. We already know what it will cost to transition workers and communities out of the industry, and it’s significantly less than the ongoing destruction of our precious native forests.”

Environmental advocates have long called for an end to native forest logging, arguing that it is both economically and ecologically unsustainable. Ms. Higginson’s call for a formal investigation could further intensify pressure on the government to reconsider its stance.

 

For more local news, click here.

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3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing

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3G Shutdown

3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing

 

By Ian Rogers

Opening Statement by Charlotte Wundersitz, National Farmers’ Federation General Manager of Rural Affairs – Date: Feb 5, 2024

Thank you for the opportunity to appear today.

The livelihoods of Australian farming families are intrinsically tied to accessible, reliable, affordable, and high-quality connectivity.

Since Telstra and Optus commenced the shutdown of their respective 3G mobile networks in October 2024, promising equivalent or improved coverage, Australian farmers remain unconvinced that these major providers have fulfilled that commitment. Three months post-shutdown, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) continues to receive widespread reports of diminished service availability and quality.

Key Issues Raised

  • Reduced Service Quality: Farmers are experiencing more frequent call dropouts, inconsistent connectivity, slow download speeds, and, in some cases, a complete inability to access the internet.
  • Loss of Fortuitous Coverage: The shutdown has led to the disappearance of ‘bonus coverage’ areas, creating new blackspots in regions that previously enjoyed reliable service.
  • Increased Financial Burden: Farmers have had to invest heavily in expensive boosters, antennas, and software upgrades. Despite these measures, many still struggle with basic connectivity.

Impact on Safety and Productivity

This situation presents serious safety and productivity concerns, particularly during critical periods such as harvest and fire danger seasons. The NFF has documented several specific cases:

  1. Scott Loughnan (Muckadilla, QLD): Reports significant post-shutdown issues along the Warrego Highway, affecting communication during grain harvest transport—a critical, time-sensitive operation.
  2. Southern NSW Farmer: Despite being in a “guaranteed coverage area,” experiences persistent dropouts. Costs incurred from purchasing cel-fi boosters and upgrading farm equipment range between $10,000 and $20,000 due to the shutdown.
  3. Knuth Family (Charters Towers, QLD): Reliable call coverage has plummeted from 90% of their property to just 20%. This has severely impacted both operational efficiency and safety, especially during the calving season when immediate assistance is often required.

Challenges in Seeking Resolutions

Despite the severity of these issues, rural Australians are disillusioned with the prospect of reporting problems to their providers, citing long wait times, unhelpful responses, and suggestions to purchase additional equipment without guaranteeing improved outcomes.

A Call for Accountability

This is not the first major telecommunications transition in Australia, nor will it be the last. However, rural consumers must not be treated as collateral damage in a process designed primarily to benefit urban residents and boost providers’ profits.

The NFF remains committed to holding telecommunications providers accountable throughout this transition. We acknowledge the recent launch of Telstra’s 3G hotline, which represents a positive initial step. Nevertheless, we urge all providers to engage directly with rural communities, listen to their concerns, and implement meaningful solutions.

The current status quo is unacceptable. Rural Australians deserve better, and the NFF will continue to advocate fiercely on their behalf.

 

For more local news, click here.

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NFF Criticises Food Supply Chain Workforce Report for Lack of Actionable Data

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Food Supply Chain Rural News

NFF Criticises Food Supply Chain Workforce Report for Lack of Actionable Data

 

By Ian Rogers

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has voiced its disappointment over the recently released final report by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) on the future of the food supply chain workforce. While the report presented 41 recommendations to address workforce challenges, NFF President David Jochinke said it fell short of providing the much-needed workforce data to inform policy and business decisions.

“The Government intended to solve a critical gap in workforce data, but this report has largely restated old problems without delivering meaningful new insights,” Mr. Jochinke said.

Old Problems, Few Solutions

Mr. Jochinke acknowledged that while the report didn’t meet industry expectations, some of its recommendations were encouraging. Key highlights included:

  • Working Holiday Maker Program: The report cautioned against changes to specified work provisions within the program, reinforcing its critical role in addressing agricultural labour shortages and safeguarding national food security.
  • Labour Hire Licensing: A national approach to labour hire licensing was identified as urgently needed, echoing long-standing industry calls for reform.
  • Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme: The report highlighted the need to reduce the costs of placing workers under the PALM scheme to maintain its viability for businesses and ensure maximum benefits for Pacific communities.
  • Short-Term Visa Pathway: JSA recommended a targeted, capped visa to address short-term workforce surges in horticulture, a sector particularly vulnerable to labour shortages.

Familiar Challenges

Mr. Jochinke noted that many of the recommendations closely resembled those in the National Agricultural Workforce Strategy, launched by the previous government in 2020.

“The report covers a broad range of issues facing the agricultural workforce, but there’s little here that is groundbreaking. Producers are already acutely aware of these challenges,” he said.

The Road Ahead

Despite its limitations, the NFF sees the report as an opportunity for the government to take decisive action.

“Perhaps the most redeeming feature of the report is that no stakeholder—be it industry, unions, or others—is entirely satisfied with its findings. What matters now is how the government chooses to respond,” Mr. Jochinke said.

With critical issues like labour shortages, visa reform, and workforce mobility still unresolved, the NFF is urging the government to use the report as a springboard for meaningful change.

“All the hardest work is yet to be done. The agricultural sector is watching closely to see whether the government is prepared to back this report with the action and investment needed to address our workforce crisis,” Mr. Jochinke said.

 

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AgCAREERSTART Welcomes Dozens of Young Australians to On-Farm Careers

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AgCAREERSTART

AgCAREERSTART Welcomes Dozens of Young Australians to On-Farm Careers

 

By Ian Rogers

The National Farmers’ Federation’s flagship gap-year program, AgCAREERSTART, is back for another year, with dozens of young Australians beginning their agricultural careers this week.

The program connects 17- to 25-year-olds with farmers across Australia, providing participants with job placements, pastoral support, training grants, and opportunities to build networks within the industry. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, AgCAREERSTART is now in its fourth year and has become a vital pathway into the agricultural sector.

O-Week Prepares Participants for Farm Life

This year’s program began with an action-packed Orientation Week (O-Week) in Ballarat, Victoria, where 54 participants visited farms, underwent training, and connected with program alumni. The event serves as an essential stepping stone for participants, many of whom are stepping into rural life for the first time.

One of the participants, 19-year-old Morgan Carroll-Keays, is moving from Victoria to a beef cattle operation near Stanley, Tasmania. Morgan sees the program as an ideal way to kickstart his career in agriculture.

“Having the $4,500 bursary makes it so much easier. We can upskill across the industry, even beyond our placement’s focus, which helps set us up for the future,” he said.

Morgan added that O-Week gave him the confidence and preparedness for his new role. “I’m looking forward to just getting involved, giving it a crack, and getting my hands dirty.”

A Growing Program with Strong Retention Rates

In 2025, approximately 70 young Australians are expected to join the program, bringing the total number of participants since AgCAREERSTART’s inception to nearly 250. With a retention rate of 83% of graduates remaining in agriculture post-program, the initiative is proving successful in attracting and retaining fresh talent in the sector.

AgCAREERSTART Project Manager, Kayla Evans, highlighted the importance of O-Week in helping participants transition to rural life.

“For many, this is their first full-time job, first time living away from home, and first time without their usual support network,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see 54 fresh and nervous faces arrive, and just days later, leave with new friends, excitement for the year ahead, and a readiness to get started on the farm.”

Building the Future of Agriculture

AgCAREERSTART continues to attract a diverse range of young Australians to the agriculture industry, offering participants hands-on experience, industry connections, and a launchpad for long-term careers.

For more information about the program, visit here.

 

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Opportunities for Students to Excel in Rural and Remote NSW

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Selective School Application

Opportunities for Students to Excel in Rural and Remote NSW

 

Parents of high potential and gifted students in rural and remote areas of NSW are encouraged to apply now for placement in online opportunity classes (OC) or selective high school classes for the 2026 academic year, with the application deadline fast approaching on 21 February 2025.

Who Can Apply?

  • Opportunity Classes (OC): For students currently in Year 4 in 2025.
  • Selective High School Classes: For students currently in Year 6 in 2025.

Aurora College: A Virtual Learning Experience

Run by the NSW Department of Education, Aurora College delivers online classes to students at over 700 host public schools across rural and regional NSW. The program is designed to minimise disruption to students’ lives while offering them advanced educational opportunities.

Key Features:

  • Online Classes: High-quality education delivered virtually at students’ local schools.
  • Residential Camps: Two camps each year, providing opportunities for students to meet classmates, collaborate in hands-on lessons, and attend specialist excursions.
  • Equity Placement Model: Ensures fair access for students from under-represented groups, including those from low socio-educational backgrounds, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, rural and remote locations, and children with disabilities.

Equity Placement Model

Under the Equity Placement Model, 20% of all OC and selective school places are reserved for high potential and gifted students from under-represented groups.

  • Students may qualify if their test performance is within 10% of the general first-round offer threshold for their desired school.
  • More details are available on the Fair Access webpage.

Placement Tests

Once an application is submitted, students will be invited to take the Opportunity Class or Selective High School Placement Test between 2 and 4 May 2025. This year, the placement tests will shift from paper-based to computer-based formats.

How to Apply

Parents can view the list of Aurora College host schools and submit applications through the NSW Department of Education’s Selective High Schools and Opportunity Classes website.

Supporting Every Student to Thrive

Dr. Paul Wood, Executive Director of Educational Standards, NSW Department of Education, highlighted the program’s impact:

“Regardless of geography or background, we are committed to providing every child in NSW with access to an environment that supports them to reach their full potential.

“Aurora College enables students to remain in their local communities while benefiting from advanced educational opportunities. This minimises disruption to their and their families’ lives, allowing them to focus fully on their studies.”

For more information and to apply, visit the Department of Education website.

 

For more local news, click here.

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