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September 2024

Dear ,


Welcome to September and spring!


We are hopeful that this month brings much-needed rainfall and good pasture growth and while we can remain optimistic, it’s important to acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding the season's development. There is still time for beneficial rains, but it is important to be prepared and consider scenario planning for both the short and long term.

Livestock SA has been proactive in supporting producers through workshops and initiatives to prepare for the coming months. We have covered topics such as containment and ewe feeding strategies, managing your bank manager, early weaning for sheep and cattle, pasture growth strategies, wellbeing, and more. Check out our YouTube channel here to catch up on some of the webinars.


We'll continue to collaborate with governments, industries, banks, and consultants to ensure we support producers to meet the challenges ahead as the season unfolds. If you need support there are services available to you. A great place to start is the Family and Business (FaB) Mentors through PIRSA (Family and Business Mentors (pir.sa.gov.au). FaB mentors are located across the state in regional areas to provide support and a listening ear when things get tough. They are independent, confidential, and experienced in dealing with difficult situations.


Livestock SA recently wrapped up a series of workshops on Livestock Strategies for the Next 100 Days, supported by the SA Drought Hub and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions. Many producers have found the early weaning information presented during these workshops valuable, and for those that couldn’t attend face to face the information is available online via our webinars.


The Livestock SA position remains strong in that we condemn the Labour government's move to cease the live sheep trade, and we are supporting and advocating our position at every opportunity. We’re backing our board members and producers attending the National Ag Rally on 10 September in Canberra, where over 1,000 producers and industry representatives will unite, have our voice heard, and stand up against this ill-conceived policy.


August was a busy month, filled with various activities, including a morning tea at the Eyre Peninsula Field Days with our partner, Perrys Fuel. CEO Travis attended and engaged with members on industry matters and Livestock SA’s initiatives. We also participated in LambEx, which was a great success for the lamb and sheep industry. Congratulations to the organising committee, led by Jason Schulz. South Australia has also won the bid to host LambEx again in 2026.


We’re excited about the launch of the Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030. A collaboration between industry, government, researchers and professional service providers, the South Australian Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030 is the industry’s strategic plan and roadmap. The 2030 Blueprint vision is for: “A progressive and sustainable South Australian red meat and wool value-chain, that is connected and adaptable. Together, we are empowered to capture market opportunities and to continually improve the wellbeing, productivity and profitability of our livestock, people and land”. Read more here.


Livestock SA is pleased with the Yorke Peninsula Council's decision to continue to allow higher-productivity vehicles on roads in the area, after they proposed to reduce these important freight carriers’ access. The council received many submissions, including one from Livestock SA which has led to this decision. Read it here.


Livestock SA has also made a submission to the Department for Environment and Water regarding the proposed changes to the Pastoral Board Guideline for Change of Land Use applications. We have expressed support for amendments that allow more flexible land management, such as incorporating conservation and carbon farming, while also highlighting the need to retain a focus on pastoralism and its economic viability. Read it here.


We have concluded our annual producer priority survey and will be analysing the data in the coming weeks. This survey is essential for our planning and continuous improvement.


More details about upcoming Livestock SA Regional Round Ups in Murray Bridge, Clare and Port Augusta can be found below.

Kind regards,

Joe Keynes
President, Livestock SA

Sheep Industry Fund booth at LambEx 2024, including the Red Meat and Wool 2030 launch.

Regional Round Up

These Livestock SA events provide an excellent opportunity for our members to connect and network while gaining the latest insights on issues impacting the red meat and wool industry in your region. Join us for dinner and share any concerns or topics you wish to discuss.

Livestock SA at the Royal Adelaide Show

Join Livestock SA at the Royal Adelaide Show on September 6th! We’re hosting a morning tea at 10am in our office, and we invite all producers to come along and say hello. Chat with our Board Members, enjoy some coffee and treats, and learn more about the newly launched Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030. You can also collect a free biosecurity sign when you visit.

National Ag Rally in Canberra - 10 September

Livestock SA has board members and producers making the trek to Canberra for a protest not seen in 50 years! Producers and the broader agricultural industry are coming together to fight against the live sheep ban and other policies that harm our industry.

>> Register your attendance here

Federal government commitment needed on dog fence rebuild

Livestock SA urges the federal government to fulfil its funding commitment to complete the South Australian Dog Fence rebuild, a crucial infrastructure project for the state's sheep industry.

>> Read the full media release here.

Livestock SA Members’ Industrial Relations August Update

Recent changes to the Pastoral Award, including the introduction of workplace delegate rights and a new definition of casual employment. New laws such as the right to disconnect outside work hours and South Australia's industrial manslaughter laws are highlighted in the update, emphasising the importance of compliance and understanding for employers and employees in the agricultural sector.

Telstra and Optus 3G Closure Extension

Telstra and Optus have announced an extension for the closure of their 3G networks and will conduct a public safety awareness campaign to help Australians prepare for the transition to 4G and 5G networks by 28th October. Users must ensure their devices, including phones and connected devices like medical monitors and EFTPOS, are compatible with 4G to maintain essential services, especially emergency calls.

>> More Information

AFI Roundtable – Walking the talk: Putting policy into action

The Australian Farm Institute's 2024 Roundtable in Canberra will challenge leaders from all sectors of agriculture to actively contribute to building connected agrifood systems. This event, featuring prominent speakers and strategic discussions, aims to transform policy into action for the next two decades and beyond.

>> More Information

New Native Vegetation Council Grant Opportunities

The Native Vegetation Council is offering two funding opportunities for landowners to restore and protect native vegetation through long-term and short-term projects. Round 1 of the NVC Restoration Grants, with $11.4 million available, is now open for select regions, while Heritage Agreement Incentive Grants are available statewide until June 2026.
>> More Information

THE AUSTRALIAN FARMER digital journal – July 2024 Edition

Free access to some of Australia’s “best kept secrets” on agri sci-tech-innovation. Featuring new original articles by:

  • Nutrien Ag Solutions (pp 74-75)

  • Cattle Australia (pp 191-193)

  • Australian Chicken Growers Council (pp 180-181)

  • Australian Horse Industry Council (pp 198-199)

  • TNN Australia (p 133)

  • Pacific Biologics (pp 128-129)

  • CLAAS (p 62)

 >> Read more here.

Copyright (C) 2024 Livestock SA. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Livestock SA

PO Box 211

Goodwood, SA 5034

Australia
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