- The Department of Resouces recently released a discussion paper titled A review of coexistence principles and coexistence institutions. This paper is seeking feedback on two coexistence-related actions in the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan (QRIDP): Provide your feedback via an online survey, or you can email your written submission to ResourcesPolicy@resources.qld.gov.au. Consultation closes at 5pm on Friday, 24 February 2023.
- QFF and project partners USQ, WTW and Celsius Pro are seeking EOIs from 10 horticulture growers to participate in a trial installation of a hail plate monitor on farm sites. Hailstorms can often impact very discrete areas much smaller than the 2km grid data provided by BoM. QFF has partnered with Hailios, to install their hail measurement plate on farm locations, to gather hail impact data at the paddock level that will help inform R&D of customised parametric hail insurance products. Download the EOI form HERE. By developing ‘fit for purpose’ affordable crop insurance products this project intends to grow the self-reliance and performance of the Ag sector. For more info contact QFF Project Officer Bec Tkal at rebecca@qff.org.au.
- Central Queensland farmers will be able to bid for water from the Rookwood Weir, with online tenders officially opening last week. Landholders located along the Lower Fitzroy River system can take part in this water tender which closes at 2pm on 3 February 2023 with bids to be submitted via the Queensland Government’s QTenders website. Read more in the Queensland government statement HERE.
- Eight innovative projects will share $28.9 million in grants under the first development and demonstration grant round of the Federal government’s $50 million National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge to accelerate the development of reliable, low-cost technologies for measuring soil organic carbon. The University of Queensland in partnership with FarmLab, Ziltek, AgriCircle and University of Aberdeen, has been awarded $4.3 million to develop high resolution maps of soil organic carbon using proximal and remote sensing combined with machine learning. A list of the successful projects can be found HERE.
- Hormones and steroids have not been used in Australia’s meat chicken industry for more than 60 years, but the myth that hormones are behind rapid growth in meat chickens persists, despite the industry’s best efforts to dispel it. Chicken meat is the most consumed meat in Australia. Read more HERE to learn how selective breeding, improved nutrition and animal husbandry has delivered growth increases in today’s chickens.
- Decentralized and dispatchable energy resources (DER) could make a considerable impact on regional electricity networks. The Queensland Farmers Federation are conducting market research to identify the emerging appetite for local DES’s across Queensland’s Renewable Energy Zones (QREZ) and insights that improve the planning, utilization and affordability of integrating DER’s on regional grids. QFF are currently seeking participants for a short 20 minute phone survey. If you are located in a REZ zone, council, agricultural or business energy consumers and interested in participating, register HERE.
- Walking the Wire is a resource designed to assist in strengthening the financial security of rural agribusiness women. This e-kit is a simple guide to provide directions about questions to ask, issues to be aware of, and where to find further information, education and obtain initial advice. A collaborative project by industry, community and government, Walking the Wire has been written by rural women for rural women. Share Walking the Wire widely to support a strong financial future for agribusiness women.
- Horticulture growers and traders operating through the Central markets must have a valid Horticulture Produce Agreement (HPA). QFF members Growcom has worked extensively to ensure their members are informed of their rights and obligations under the Code and has developed HPA template and Code of Conduct resources for growers. View these resources HERE.
- Maintaining connectivity is important during times of extreme weather events. This week’s Telstra Technology Tips talks about how to prepare for this summer’s flood, bushfire and disaster season. Read more HERE.
- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) is consulting with its customers to understand how they can best match access to their services to meet the needs and expectations of industry, community and customers generally. DAF want to hear your thoughts about what engagement solutions work best for you to inform how the Department may be able to improve the way they deliver services in the future. Provide your feedback before 12th December HERE.
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