Dear ,
In November we held our Annual General Meeting and Industry Dinner, where we expressed our gratitude to outgoing President Joe Keynes, Vice President Allan Piggott, Glen Tilley, and Richard Kirkland for their dedicated service to the Livestock SA Board and our industry. We are pleased to welcome Lachie Seears and Mary Rowe to the Board and look forward to their contributions. More information here.
Throughout the year, Livestock SA has actively engaged with the government to address the challenges faced by producers, including adverse seasonal conditions. Our call for regional drought roundtable discussions (here) was |
|
taken up and organised by PIRSA, and together with our input through the Drought Advisory Group has been instrumental in the government’s recent drought package announcement (here). We are encouraged by the additional support measures for producers and regional communities, which demonstrate their responsiveness to our concerns, but more will need to be done if the current drought conditions persist (here).
We are in the final stages of our organisational review and restructure, focussing on enhancing committee efficiencies and effectiveness. The new structure aims to increase producer involvement and better align our work with the roadmaps industry has set, ensuring that investments are strategically linked to industry goals. This approach will promote transparency and broader awareness of committee activities within the industry.
Ongoing policy work areas that progressed included the release of the consultation report for a new Biodiversity Act, with public consultation on the draft Bill anticipated in early 2025; and the Biosecurity Bill 2024 passing the Upper House. We are examining the implications of Aboriginal Heritage legislation, discussed member concerns about degrading renewable energy infrastructure with Integrity Systems Company (here), and participated in the Buffel Grass Ministerial Roundtable, which looked at this issue from the perspective of multiple government agencies, industry and conservation. We remain committed to advocating on these and other policy issues affecting our members.
Kind regards,
Gillian Fennell
Chair, Livestock SA |
|
Regional Round Up - Port Augusta - 5 December These Livestock SA Regional Round Ups provide an opportunity for our members to connect and network while gaining the latest information on issues impacting the red meat and wool industry in their region. Join us for dinner and share any concerns or topics you wish to discuss. Guest speaker Alex McGorman, owner and director at Thornby in Sanderston. |
|
Long-range forecasts - Webinar - 19 December Join us to explore the Bureau of Meteorology’s upcoming changes to long-range forecasts and how they can support better seasonal decision-making. From December, the Bureau of Meteorology will focus on comprehensive forecasts, considering all global environmental factors rather than individual climate indicators like El Niño and La Niña. Discover how these updates enhance reliability and ease of use, helping you plan ahead with confidence. |
|
Don’t miss out on your chance to participate in AgRi-Silience! Do you operate a grain and/or livestock businesses in the Mallee or Limestone Coast regions and are looking for ways to navigate the current seasonal challenges? AgRi-Silience can help! AgRi-Silience is a program designed to build the strategic management capacity of farmers and farm managers to: Prepare for and manage risk; Adapt to a changing conditions; and Improve farm business’s economic, environmental, and social resilience.
By participating you will: Undertake a comprehensive three-day peer-to-peer workshop program as well as receive one-on-one coaching from your facilitator. Access $3,500 (ex. GST) worth of subject matter expert consultancy, designed to help focus areas of concern or opportunity identified through the program. Develop a Resilience Roadmap that helps you plan for and achieve identified goals within your business.
Chris Scheid from Moore Australia will be facilitating the following AgRi-Silience workshops in these regions: Mallee Group – 19 December 2024 at Loxton Hotel 2 SPOTS LEFT Limestone Coast (Upper South East Group) – 5 February 2025, location to be confirmed Limestone Coats (Lower South East Group) – 6 February 2025, location to be confirmed
This program is supported by the Limestone Coast and Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Boards, offering 50% off the participation cost to the first 12 eligible businesses in each respective region. Click here for more information and to register your interest. AgRi-Silience is delivered by Livestock SA, jointly funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions. |
|
Producer Stories Check out our “Producer Stories” playlist on YouTube, featuring South Australian producers like Tash Westbrook, Ben and Kerry Heinrich, Tom Cosentino, and Ellen Arney. From eID tags and biosecurity to sustainable practices and industry advocacy, these stories showcase the resilience and innovation of our local producers.
>> Click here to watch |
|
Over 60 BBQs are firing up across SA! The Beyond the Paddock BBQ Series, led by Livestock SA with support from PIRSA and the SA Drought Hub, is helping regional groups host events that bring producers together. Find a BBQ near you and join the fun!
>> View all Beyond The Paddock BBQ events here |
|
|
|
Meeting with the Minister |
|
|
Presentation at the Livestock Industry Dinner |
|
Future Livestock Leaders Complete 2024 Program The 2024 Future Livestock Leaders Program has successfully concluded, with recipients Jarred Wrench and Alisha Carter completing the initiative aimed at fostering leadership skills, expanding industry knowledge, and building professional networks. Both participants praised the program for its transformative impact and the invaluable opportunities it provided to engage with key stakeholders across the livestock sector.
Jarred and Alisha engaged in discussions on sustainability, biosecurity, and advocacy, meeting with leaders such as the Hon. Clare Scriven, Minister for Primary Industries and Regions, and mentors including Joe Keynes, Elke Hocking, Jason Schulz, and Caroline Rhodes. They explored key programs, including the SA Drought Hub, Dog Fence Program, and Kangaroo Management Program, while gaining valuable insights from The Stock Journal and Mellor Olsson.
The program also included attendance at the Livestock SA Annual General Meeting and Industry Dinner, offering further opportunities to network with members and industry professionals.
Livestock SA extends its gratitude to everyone who contributed to the program’s success, generously sharing their time and expertise.
Applications for the 2025 Future Livestock Leaders Program will open next year. Those interested in mentoring for the 2025 program are encouraged to contact Hannah Trevilyan at Livestock SA.
>> Watch Alisha's recap video here >> Watch Jarred's recap video here |
|
Bulk Fuel Savings Member Benefit Livestock SA members can access great deals on bulk fuel through our partnership with Perrys, helping you save on bulk fuel costs. Members also enjoy discounts on on-road fuel at over 70 Perrys outlets across South Australia, with no monthly card fees and savings averaging 3–8 cents per litre.
>> Register your interest for the Livestock SA member benefit here |
|
AgRi-Silience partners with Humans of Agriculture to share South Australian Resilience Stories through podcasts Explore our podcast page for engaging conversations with South Australia’s agriculture community, featuring stories of resilience, mental health strategies, and sustainable farming practices. Episodes also offer expert advice on strategic planning and financial literacy tailored to build resilience among South Australian producers.
>> Listen to the podcasts here
AgRi-Silience is delivered by Livestock SA, jointly funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions |
|
Media Release: Livestock SA welcomes SA Government Drought Support Package, but more likely to be needed Livestock SA has welcomed the South Australian Government’s $18 million investment to support farming communities grappling with one of the driest seasons on record.
>> Read more here |
|
Column: Grazing and Green Energy: Navigating Risk in Shared Landscapes Livestock producers understand the competition for land and resources is intensifying, particularly in support of a decarbonising world. Renewable energy generation is a key part to Australia’s clean energy transition, and it is becoming a more common feature in the landscape. Members have recently raised concerns about the potential longer-term impacts of land and food chain contamination from renewable energy generation.
>> Read more here |
|
Focus on long-range forecasts for seasonal decision making From December, the Bureau of Meteorology will start making a series of changes to improve how it communicates long-range forecasts. The changes will encourage people to focus on its long-range forecasts – which capture all ocean and atmospheric conditions that affect seasonal weather – rather than just a few climate indicators. Click here for more information. |
|
Are ewe eID ready? From 1 January 2025, all sheep and farmed goats born in South Australia must be tagged with an NLIS-accredited eID tag before leaving their property of birth, with mandatory tagging for older animals starting 1 January 2027. Producers should prepare for changes such as switching to electronic tags and scanning for P2P movements, and can access funding programs, including eID tag discounts and equipment rebates, to support the transition. Click here to visit PIRSA's website for details. |
|
Call to action on 3G shutdown concerns Farmers are facing challenges with degraded call quality and reduced coverage due to the 3G shutdown, and it’s vital to report these issues through the Regional Tech Hub. The Hub streamlines support by escalating concerns directly with providers, saving time and ensuring a smoother resolution process. Encourage members to share details such as location, phone number, and a brief issue description with the Hub to maximise the impact of this service. Contact the Hub via their website here or call 1300 081 029. |
|
A RIC Drought Loan can help eligible farmers prepare, manage through and recover from drought Fund measures including water efficiency techniques, accumulating feed reserves, pay outstanding bills, pay for fodder or water cartage, planting or restocking. If your farm business suffered a significant financial disruption because of drought over the past five years, you may be eligible for a Drought Loan. To see if a Drought Loan is right for you, take our eligibility quick quiz at ric.gov.au/quickquiz |
|
Australian Beef Sustainability Framework seeks new Steering Group Chair The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) is calling for Expressions of Interest for the position of Chair of the Steering Group (SG), with current Chair, Mark Davie, set to conclude his term on 30 November 2024. Interested applicants for the position of SG Chair can view the position description here. Expressions of interest are to be emailed to MLA Manager – Beef Sustainability, Jacob Betros at [email protected] by COB Sunday 8 December 2024. |
|
Inaugural Cattle Australia event draws a large crowd Cattle Australia’s inaugural Cattle Connect event at Bective Station, Tamworth, brought together over 500 stakeholders, including Livestock SA Chair Gillian Fennell, to discuss key issues facing the beef industry, from biosecurity to sustainability and consumer perceptions. Plans are already underway for the next Cattle Connect in 2025, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to fostering collaboration, building knowledge, and supporting the industry’s future. |
|
NHVR calls for submissions for heavy vehicle safety grant program The NHVR is now accepting submissions for Round 10 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, funding projects that improve heavy vehicle safety and compliance. Open to anyone in the industry or supply chain, applications close 5pm AEST, Monday 17 February 2025. Details: www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi |
|
5 Dec - Regional Round Up, Port Augusta
7 Dec - Peterborough Christmas Pageant and Twilight Fair, Peterborough
8 Dec - 5431 Christmas Get Together, Second Street, Orroroo
8 Dec - Washpool Christmas BBQ, Washpool 9 Dec - Summer Soil Strategies, Kadina
11 Dec - Yongala Farmers Christmas Catch Up, Yongala
13 Dec - Minnipa Christmas Party, Minnipa
13 Dec - Narrung Community Xmas BBQ and Christmas Party, Narrung
14 Dec - Tailem Bend Christmas Parade and Christmas Market, Tailem Bend
14 Dec - Christmas in Beltana, Beltana
15 Dec - BMW's Christmas Social Bowls and BBQ, Melrose
15 Dec - Cambrai Carols by Candlelight, Cambrai 15 Dec - Summer Soil Strategies, Jamestown
16 Dec - Avenue Range Christmas BBQ, Avenue Range 16 Dec - Young Farmers Golf Day, Port Hughes
17 Dec - Fleurieu Beef Group December BBQ, Ashbourne
21 Dec - Booleroo Centre Community Christmas Party, Booleroo Centre
22 Dec - Christmas at The Bugle Hut, Bugle Hut
22 Dec - Koppio Community Christmas Tree, Koppio 22 Dec - Furner Christmas Get Together, Furner
For more information and future events, please click here. Submit your event for promotion. |
|
Copyright (C) 2024 Livestock SA. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Livestock SA PO Box 211 Goodwood, SA 5034 Australia
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or |
|
|
.png)
.png)
