TRAIN operators have suffered a couple of derailments on the Mildura line lately.
One was at Donald before Christmas and the other two weeks ago at Dunolly.
The poor state of rail lines has become a significant issue in Victoria and NSW.
And it appears Western Australia is no different.
About the same time as the Donald incident, a grain train derailed near Mogumber, 40km south of Moora, in WA, damaging 7km of track and ripped up 10,000 sleepers.
Focus on canola
CANOLA will be a focus at the Grains Research and Development Corporation research update for growers at Elmore on February 16.
GRDC southern panel chairman David Shannon said canola was popular and profitable last season.
Market Check economist Steve Powell will talk about what growers can expect in grain prices.
The update will be held at Elmore Football Club from 9am to 1pm and lunch will be provided.
Aussie affinity
AMERICAN no-till farmer Dennis Haugen has had an affinity with Australia for a long time.
The North Dakota grain grower has an Australian-designed disc drill, manufactured in the US, on the farm he runs with his wife, Jody.
Mr Haugen will be a guest speaker at Ian Lea's winter cropping pre-season forum at Deniliquin on March 23.
It will be held at The Deniliquin Club with a barbecue at 7pm and talks start at 8pm.
- Details: Ian Lea on 0428 629 265.
- Send your grain news to Peter Hemphill, The Weekly Times, PO Box 14999, Melbourne, 8001, email hemphillp@theweekly times.com.au or fax your item to (03) 9292 2697.
