1MG FlippingBooks
Livestock industry gets $3.8m funding boost
Paul Brescia
Livestock industries in South Australia have received $3.8m in funding, with the bulk going to sheep, $3.17m, and $667,000 allocated to cattle.
The funds will be used to protect the state’s sheep and cattle industries from biosecurity threats, controlling wild dogs, and enhancing animal health and disease surveillance are the focus for $3.8 million of livestock industry funds.
The big ticket items for the Sheep Industry Fund include $754k for the Footrot Management Program, $439k for the Enhanced Abattoir Surveillance Program, $372k for the NLIS Compliance Program, $239k for the Farm Biosecurity & Endemic Disease Management Program, and $473k to fight predators.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone says, “This significant industry investment has long term benefits for farmers and continues to assist in upholding South Australia’s enviable reputation in animal health management, traceability and biosecurity.
“South Australia’s cattle and sheep industries generated $3.4bn in revenue in 2017-18 and are significant economic contributors to the state’s economy.
“The Marshall Liberal Government has a vision for our livestock industry that would see an increased flock and larger herd to take advantage of strong cattle, sheep and wool returns.
“Our government is leading a new $7.5m Red Meat and Wool Growth Program and it is encouraging to see industry investing their own funds into this initiative.
“We will also work with industry to deliver the once-in-a-generation $25m rebuild of the 100-year-old South Australian Dog Fence which will benefit our livestock industry well into the future.”
Projects to be funded from 2019-20 livestock industry funds include support for disease management such as footrot, investment in the Dog Fence and opportunities to access new markets.
The Sheep Industry Fund and Cattle Industry Fund were established under the Primary Industry Funding Schemes Act 1998 and provide a way for South Australia’s primary industry sectors to raise funds so they can favourably position themselves in the national and international marketplace.
Minister Whetstone recently announced the sheep and cattle industry funds’ administration and governance will transition to Livestock SA in 2019-20.
NEWS
Nature is still too complex for artificial intelligence (AI) modelling to be effective, but the tipping point is close, according to a new study that found the technology may still trip at the last real-world hurdle.
Feedlot cattle with access to grooming brushes are generally more content, sociable and have less stress, according to recent research out of Murdoch University’s Centre for Animal Production and Health.
Computer modelling and simulation of crops can guide decision making by predicting consequences of crop management and genetic trait improvement options.
With business Greenhouse Gas emissions reporting now a reality in Australia, and agriculture becoming increasingly entangled in the carbon economy, how can farmers best position themselves?
Innovation, technological solutions and teamwork – those were the themes that comprised the first GrowHer ag-tech event in Rockhampton this week. 
New Zealand farmers are well-accustomed to turning sunlight into food and fibre. Now, as Mike Casey writes, there’s an opportunity to turn that sunlight into something else that will benefit New Zealand and the rural sector: renewable electricity.
