TWO planning permits for a $326 million wind farm at Ararat have been granted.

Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden said the Ararat Wind Energy Facility would include up to 75 wind generators and would produce up to 247.5 megawatts of electricity - enough power for more than 135,000 homes.

An independent panel reviewed the permit applications and the main issues addressed were noise, visual impact, fauna and native vegetation.

CBH exports to Saudi Arabia

WEST Australian grain company Cooperative Bulk Handling has exported its first cargo of wheat to Saudi Arabia in more than 20 years.

Since 2008, Saudi Arabia has purchased 4.1 million tonnes of wheat, mostly sourced from the US, Canada, Germany, the Black Sea region and now Australia.

Lamb marketing campaign

A THREE-YEAR $1 million marketing campaign will aim to lift the consumption of lamb in the US.

Last week, sheepmeat industry leaders the US, New Zealand and Australia, who form the Tr-Lamb partnership, agreed to fund the campaign to increase sales in the lucrative US market, which is worth more than $300 million for Australia alone.