26 October, 2018

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TFGA BUSINESS
Below is a snapshot of the Council and Committee meetings that have been held recently.

Dairy Council

98% attendance at October Meeting
Significant discussion around accepting a modified ADF Code of Conduct
Established and seeking members to assist with TFGA Dairy Welfare Working Group – Bobby Calves handling, loading and transport (WHS)
Dairy Council discussions with TFGA RTO to provide AI training in Tasmania within animal welfare requirements
Scoping possibility of leveraging off UDV NZ study tour 2019
Established Council priorities for 2019: Biosecurity, Industry Training, Communications, on farm WHS

Water Committee

99% attendance at October Meeting
Guests from Tas Irrigation, Water management Branch DPIPWE and environmental consultancy
Discussion around implementing the Legislative Council Report
Discussion around direct and indirect input into the community consultation process, whether new schemes or reviews, under recently reduced Guiding Principles for Development of Statutory Water Management Plans. Upcoming includes Circular Head and Great Forester
DPIPWE advised Committee that WMP priorities 18/19 are: Duck, Shannon, North Esk, Swan and Great Forester with Rural Water Use Planning Review aims of “optimising water use to achieve Agri Vision 2050”
Strategic priority for Water Committee is continued advocacy to ensure surety, reliability, and access to a critical agricultural resource along with accountability, transparency and ease of use of regulatory framework for farmers

Vegetable Council

Next meeting 31 October, 12-2pm via teleconference. Agenda out soon.

Potato Sub Committee

Both subcommittees will meet in Launceston 29 or 31 October. Agenda out soon.

Wool Council

Meet on 7 November

Meat Council

Strong attendance at Red Meat Roundtable meeting in Hobart
Member’s Survey out regarding Red Meat Projects
Council meets on 30 November at TFGA followed by a tour of Powranna Feedlot
Revised Fit to Load MLA guide out for discussion

Cross Commodity News

Developing the 4^th in the Farming Communities and Bushfire series – Managing Livestock during a Bushfire
Submissions on Ag Visa, Ag Vet Chemical Harmonisation and Ausveg Crisis Preparation Guide
Participated in TIA preplanning research project – Water Management in Circular Head
Attended Rural Stakeholders Form – price of grain, dry conditions on East Coast – biggest concerns
Attended TIA Forth Field day – excellent presentation from WA farmer directly impacted by TPP outbreak
Attended Dairy Tas Environmental Forum – outstanding insight into NZ dairy social license and welfare issues
Advocacy continues around Chain of Responsibility

BEEF
Tasmanian’s Beef Industry Trust met at Campbell Town on 11 October for the AGM and election of key positions. Peter Ball was elected as Chairperson, replacing the indefatigable Brett Hall. Peter will be ably assisted by Donna Lucas, elected as Deputy Chair.

BIOSECURITY UPDATE
Forthside Open Day was a great opportunity to see the facilities at the TIA Vegetable Facility and hear from researchers and producers, including WA potato grower Darryl Smith.

Darryl experienced first-hand Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) when it was detected on his farm in February 2016. After 3 weeks in quarantine and over 180 tonnes of undelivered potatoes, he was able to recommence farming. TPP is still present in Perth and it is vital to keep an eye out for it here in Tasmania!

For your FREE pocket guide on TPP click here

VEGETABLESA number of farms on the South Island of New Zealand have been affected by the Potato Mop-Top Virus (PMTV). The virus was detected in September this year and 18 farms are now suspected of being affected.

WOOLThe Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) have opened registrations for Wool Classers for the 2019-21 triennium. This invitation will include details and a clickable link, which will take the recipient to the Renewal web page via WoolClip. Wool Classers with e-mail addresses will have received an Invitation to Renew.

EDUCATIONApplications are now open for the Rotary Tourism and Primary Industry Professional Development Exchange program for young professionals. The program is open to professionals and business people between the ages of 25-40 who are in the early stages of their careers.

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DAYWFI, TFGA and Rural Bank will host a free BBQ for National Agricultural Day in Ross on Wednesday, 21 November from 11-2pm.The event will include a guest speaker from the Bureau of Meteorology, so come along and enjoy a snag and celebrate the day!

EVENTS

So many highlights on out agricultural events calendar, including:

Irrigation basic skills workshop
Tamar NRM red meat field day
Grant writing workshop
Pest & Disease ID Workshop
VegNet Process Mapping Training
22nd International Farm Management Congress

To explore our events calendar click on the link below. Do you have an upcoming event that you would like to share with the Tasmanian agricultural community? Email [email protected] with all the details.
Items with imagery will be given first preference.

OUR EVENTS CALENDAR