News

Alpaca breeding is becoming a serious business among small landholders in Western Australia and they are set to celebrate during National Alpaca Week on 12 -20 May.

Co-operatives have a lot of potential for modern farmers wanting to build relationships with consumers and attract premium prices. This will be the message from a seminar on 3 May in South Perth run by the Department of Agriculture and Food and Fruit West.

A new booklet is now available which focuses on practical actions that farm businesses can take now to improve their emissions performance. In many cases, actions to reduce emissions or increase carbon on farms have multiple benefits for farm businesses, such as increasing farm health and profitability.

The Western Australian annual crop of jujubes, one of the most popular fruits in China, is now in season and should be available in specialist shops until the end of April.

Pet owners are reminded of the dangers chocolate poses to pets, especially dogs, with Easter fast approaching.

A Manjimup producer has been fined for failing to enter details of cattle he purchased into the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.

The producer was convicted in the Manjimup Magistrate’s Court this month of two offences occurring in 2010 and 2011.

DPI has released two new videos developed to help chemical users manage risks associated with spraying agricultural chemicals. Two new videos developed to help chemical users manage risks associated with spraying agricultural chemicals will be available online from today.

Grape growers and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are urging broadacre farmers using phenoxy herbicide products containing 2,4-D and MCPA, to be vigilant in managing the risk of spray drift.

Water plays a key role on rural lifestyle properties so it is essential landholders understand what supply options are available to them.

Online tools, case studies and booklets created by industry experts at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are now freely available to help landowners weigh up the benefits and risks of different water supply options.

Livestock producers in the agricultural region are reminded that summer rainfall, including recent falls from ex-Tropical Cyclone Iggy, is likely to cause stock nutrition and toxicity issues unless preventative action is taken.

Department of Agriculture and Food Animal Disease Surveillance Manager Marion Seymour said recent rain would further reduce pasture quality to the point where it could not meet the energy and protein levels needed by stock.