Dear ,
At Livestock SA, we know productivity is more than just running more sheep or cattle. It’s about creating the conditions where producers can get on with the business of farming without unnecessary barriers in the way. Earlier this month, the Federal Government held the Productivity Roundtable on Agriculture. The discussions echoed what many of you have been raising with us for years: too much duplication, too much red tape, and too many delays in decision-making. |
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Regulation is important, especially in areas like animal welfare, food safety, and biosecurity. But the system needs to work with industry, not against it. Having three different sets of rules across local, state, and federal jurisdictions for the same task simply wastes time and money. There is a need for faster, risk-based approvals. Long delays in infrastructure, land use, or market access decisions are costing producers. We’re calling for a culture shift in government regulation from a “precaution at all costs” approach to a balanced system that supports timely, evidence-based outcomes. The roundtable also highlighted the importance of strategic investment in regional infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications, water, and energy. These are not luxuries; they are essential to keeping livestock businesses viable and globally competitive. The South Australian government cannot wait to see what the Feds decide to do – it needs to make regional SA a priority and invest in our industry. Our producers are ready to do their part, but we need the right policy and regulatory settings in place to unlock productivity and ensure a strong, competitive future for livestock industries. On a brighter note, I’m really looking forward to the Royal Adelaide Show. As shocking as it may seem to some, in the 25-odd years that I have lived in SA, I have never been to the Show. The Royal Adelaide Show is one of the most important showcases of our industry and is a unique opportunity to bridge the urban–rural divide. It gives city families a chance to see first-hand the care, skill, and innovation that goes into producing the food and fibre they rely on every day. It’s also a time for our producers to celebrate the strength of our sector and share our story with pride. I hope to see many of you at there – if you see me wandering around please come and say hello.
Kind regards, Gillian Fennell Chair, Livestock SA 0419 839 174 | 08 8297 2299 | [email protected] |
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Celebrating Biosecurity Champions - Nominate Now! Biosecurity is more than a checklist and the Livestock SA Biosecurity Farmer of the Year Award recognises producers who lead by example.
In 2024, the Heinrich's at Ella Matta Pastoral, Kangaroo Island, were honoured for embedding biosecurity into every part of their sheep operation. Their measures include strict visitor protocols, clean feed sourcing, boot cleaning stations, and detailed planning.
In 2023, the inaugural award went to Inverbrackie Border Leicester Stud, where manager Ellen Arney highlighted simple, effective practices like boot disinfectant mats, secure double fencing, and quarantining new stock.
Know a producer who’s raising the bar in biosecurity? Nominations for the 2025 Biosecurity Farmer of the Year are now open - help us celebrate leadership in livestock biosecurity. |
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Apply Now: Red Meat Challenges Workshops
Livestock SA is inviting applications from farming systems groups, Ag Bureaus, councils and other community organisations to host Tools and Talk Session workshops as part of the Red Meat Challenges Project. These small, locally delivered events provide livestock producers with practical technical advice while also fostering vital social connections in regional communities. Successful applicants can access up to $1,500 in funding per event, with workshops required to feature a technical expert, include a social element such as a BBQ or meal, and meet basic monitoring and branding requirements. Applications can be submitted online via the Livestock SA website here. |
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Industrial Relations Update - August 2025 As we head into spring, several important updates affecting employment laws and workplace safety are coming into effect. Here's a quick overview to help you stay informed.
Key points: Right to Disconnect Laws - From 26 August 2025, small business employers and their employees will be covered by new right to disconnect laws. Employees may refuse work-related contact outside of their agreed hours unless the refusal is unreasonable. Casual Employment Conversion - Also from 26 August 2025, the process for converting casual employees to part-time or full-time roles will change. Employers will no longer be required to initiate reminders; instead, eligible employees can make a formal request to convert. Employment Record Requirements - Employers must ensure employment records are accurate and properly maintained. Failure to do so may result in infringement notices (fines) issued by Fair Work Inspectors. October is Safety Month - October marks National Safe Work Month. Visit SafeWork SA to explore local events, webinars, and resources promoting workplace health and safety.
>> Access the full update here |
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Have your say - Livestock SA Annual Producer Priorities Survey The Livestock SA Annual Producer Priorities Survey enables us to gather your views and insights to better inform our advocacy, policies and submissions on your behalf. The survey is short and confidential, taking just 10 minutes of your time. You can remain anonymous, but if you choose to provide your details, you’ll go into the draw to win one of three $500 fuel vouchers! |
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Register Now: Annual Livestock Industry Dinner Livestock SA invites red meat and wool producers, along with industry stakeholders, to attend the Annual Livestock Industry Dinner on 19 November 2025 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Delivered in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia and the University of Adelaide, the dinner is part of two days (19-20 November 2025) of industry insights, connection and innovation. The event will feature guest speakers, a two-course meal and local wines, providing an opportunity to reflect on the year and celebrate the resilience of the livestock sector. Attendance is free for livestock producers.
Registrations are essential and places are limited. Secure your spot here. |
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Upcoming November Disease Workshop Livestock SA, in partnership with PIRSA, invites producers from Carrieton and surrounds to a practical, half-day workshop focused on November Disease and broader livestock health in the region. Held locally in Carrieton, the workshop will include: An update on November Disease, including what’s currently understood, what’s still being explored, and insights into potential causes.
This is a chance to hear directly from experts, ask questions and connect with other producers in the area. A networking lunch will follow the sessions.
Date: 8 October, 2025 Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Carrieton Rodeo Club, Wilmington Rd, Carrieton |
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Join the Livestock SA Member Group Join the Livestock SA Member Facebook group to stay informed, have your voice heard, and connect directly with other members, staff, and the board. Be part of discussions, share insights, and help shape the future of our industry in a supportive and engaging space!
>> Click here to join the Facebook member group |
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AgRi-Silience Program – Expression of Interest As we wrap up the current round of the AgRi-Silience Program, we're proud of the work producers have done to build resilience, strengthen decision-making, and future-proof their businesses.
We encourage anyone interested in participating in future rounds to get in touch.
In the meantime, head to the Livestock SA website to hear from past participants about how AgRi-Silience has positively impacted their farm businesses.
For any general enquiries or to register your interest for future rounds, please contact Sophie Ashby at [email protected]
AgRi-Silience is delivered by Livestock SA and jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Government of South Australia. |
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'The Australian Farmer' digital journal – August 2025 Edition Got time for a spot of reading? Access the latest on agri sci-tech-innovation.
Featuring a range of articles including: Five Mins Q&A with Kelly Freeman - Nutrien Ag Solutions (pp 74-75) Expert insights from the top - Meat and Livestock Australia (pg 193) Social license in the 2020s - Grain Producers Australia (pg 233 - 234) Our $100 billion future starts with the soil - Soil CRC (pg 82 - 83)
>> Read more here. |
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WoolProducers Australia Monthly Newsletter - September 2025 Stay up to date with the latest in the wool industry through WoolProducers Australia’s monthly newsletter.
The September 2025 edition feature a range of articles including: WoolProducers Blog: WoolProducers Director Tim McShane talks about crutching indoors, upgrading his shearing shed to both streamline operations and improve staff comfort; and combining crutching with pregnancy scanning. CEO Report: WoolProducers on 12 August attended a roundtable hosted by the Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins and Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm. The roundtable focused on a critical national priority: unlocking productivity in Australian agriculture. The need for smarter regulation, better infrastructure, new technology and stronger trade to keep Australian agriculture competitive was highlighted. Engagement Update: From meetings on the National Sheep Industry Biosecurity Strategy, to discussions with the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia and the Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors, WoolProducers has been advocating strongly for the interests of Australian wool growers. This Month in Wool: Updates include recent activities through the National Wild Dog Action Plan, weather warnings and climate outlooks for September - November, and the need for proactive strategies to address wool production output being at a century low.
>> Read more here. |
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Sheep Producers Australia - The Roundup For more information on the resumption of live sheep exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the end of the October, click here. |
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Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) Workshop – Adelaide (SA) Animal Health Australia (AHA), the Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), and national Peak Industry Bodies (PIBs) are hosting a focused workshop to strengthen our collective response to Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) events. This hands-on session will: Clarify the roles and responsibilities of Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) representatives Provide practical training in EAD response frameworks and communication Include scenario-based exercises to build real-world skills Foster collaboration across the livestock sector.
This workshop is for individuals endorsed by a national PIB (as one of AHA’s livestock industry members) who are ready to represent their industry during an EAD outbreak. For more information, contact [email protected] or reach out to your Peak Industry Body. |
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Cattle Australia election process opening soon Cattle Australia’s 2025 election process is set to commence, providing members with a valuable opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the grass-fed cattle industry. Whether through nominating for a leadership role or casting a vote, member participation is essential.
This year, three Board positions and seven Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) roles are open across key regions.
Key Dates: Nomination period: 1 - 29 September Voting period: 8 - 29 October Results announced: 12 November at the CA Annual General Meeting
To be eligible to vote or nominate, you must be a financial member of Cattle Australia. Members will receive an email confirming eligibility or prompting renewal.
For further details on the election process and how to get involved, please visit the Cattle Australia website. |
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2 September – Understanding the Cost of Production with Cam Nicholson, Naracoorte 15 September – Introduction to Carbon Farming, Robe 16 September – Introduction to Carbon Farming, Keith 17 September – Introduction to Carbon Farming, Lucindale 17 September – Celebrating the Influence of Women in the Sheep Industry Forum, Watervale 18 September – Introduction to Carbon Farming, Hatherleigh 30 September to 2 October – Yorke Peninsula Field Days, Paskeville 19 November to 21 November – Livestock SA AGM and Industry Dinner / MLA Update and AGM, Adelaide
For more information and future events, please click here. Submit your event for promotion. |
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