Overwhelming support for MG sale to SaputoMG vote UPDATE: MURRAY Goulburn shareholders have approved the sale of their co-operative’s operating assets and liabilities to Canadian dairy giant Saputo. nav_large_duration17mCombined Shape0
premium_iconDarling could run dry by DecemberDarling woes AUSTRALIA’S longest river — the Darling — is forecast to run dry by December, in the wake of “flawed” rules allowing over-pumping in the northern Murray Darling Basin and rules governing the Menindee Lakes. Combined Shape0
premium_iconMG disaster may have been avertedDairy sale ANALYSIS: ANOTHER Aussie agricultural icon is about to bite the dust, writes PETER HEMPHILL. nav_large_duration11mCombined Shape0
premium_iconCFA ‘needs help’Fire reform THE way the Country Fire Authority operates needs to change, farmers say following the sensational defeat of the Victorian Government’s fire services reforms. Combined Shape0
premium_iconCrackdown on illegal huntersOperation ILLEGAL hunters have been targeted by Game Management Authority officers and Victoria Police over Easter with deer spotlighters in Upper North-East Victoria in their sites. Combined Shape0
Listeria outbreak linked to Riverina stormsStorm link A STORM followed by a number of dust storms over a Riverina melon farm is believed to have caused levels of bacteria on rockmelons at the property to spike, leading to a national outbreak of listeria that claimed the lives of six people. nav_large_duration7mCombined Shape0
premium_iconTop gig for Littleproud’s ex-bossPlum job AGRICULTURE Minister David Littleproud’s old boss has landed the top job on the board of the Federal Government’s new concessional loans authority. Combined Shape0
Farmers lax on crime callRural crime FARMERS responding to a crime survey in Victoria are admitting they are often not reporting thefts to police. Combined Shape0
ACCC approves MG sale to SaputoDairy deal UPDATE: THE Australian competition watchdog has given Saputo the green light to proceed with its takeover of dairy co-operative Murray Goulburn. Combined Shape0
premium_iconSA plans clamp on frackingOpposition grows SOUTH Australia’s new Liberal Government will introduce a moratorium on fracking for coal-seam gas in the state’s South East as soon as possible. Combined Shape0
premium_iconCash for bypassEnvironmental flows THE NSW Government is charging ahead with reforms that would allow the Commonwealth to pay the state’s northern irrigators to let environmental water flow past their pumps. Combined Shape0
premium_iconCruelty is just not kosher RELIGION has its good and bad points. But religion, when it is linked to livestock production and not having to stun animals before slaughter, appears all bad, writes JENNY KELLY. Combined Shape0
premium_iconMutton remains strong EARLY results from opening sales this week suggest price rates for good quality lamb and mutton are holding despite the pressure of the season, writes JENNY KELLY. Combined Shape0
premium_iconInternational uncertainty hitting local markets ALL eyes are on the weather forecasts and although the outlook remains dry, grain growers are well advanced in their preparations for new crop plantings, writes COLIN PEACE. Combined Shape0
premium_iconSupply packing punch THE dry weather looms as the biggest threat to beef prices and cattle demand in the short-term, writes JENNY KELLY. Combined Shape0
premium_iconKanga cull a tough choicePlague problem IT’S not a pleasant subject but, while we’re in the midst of a kangaroo plague, what can we do to control the population, asks Ed Gannon. Combined Shape0
premium_iconFood resource wastedRoo harvesting DEBATE about kangaroo culling is marked by fear and ignorance, writes MICHAEL DELAHUNTY. Combined Shape0
premium_iconRural Australia is on track for much safer roadsCountry roads THE roads of the future will be vastly different, writes MICHAEL CALTABIANO. Combined Shape0
premium_iconHose off the dirty politics IT WOULD be easy to turn off the CFA issue and wish it all went away, based on the shameful performance of our parliamentarians in the past week. Combined Shape0
MG suppliers get extra milk payMG sale MURRAY Goulburn dairy suppliers are set to reap farmgate milk price gains following a successful sale of its business to Saputo. Combined Shape0
premium_iconPick and pickleOlive adventure THIS isn’t just a pick-your-own day at an olive grove, it’s a pickle-it-yourself opportunity, too. nav_large_duration43m
premium_iconNZ trial breeds interest in AustraliaSterile pests STERILE insects could be the answer to combating the fruit-damaging codling moth. nav_large_duration43mCombined Shape0
premium_iconCream of dairying rises to the topDairy awards FOR an award-winning family farm in Tasmania’s North-West benchmarking has been a key tool in expanding the milking operation and herd. nav_large_duration43mCombined Shape0
premium_iconCall for more fat to earn fair price A NEW report by one of the country’s major dairy-cattle breed groups is calling for an overhaul of milk-payment systems. nav_large_duration38mCombined Shape0
premium_iconAussie cheese in spotlight TASMANIAN farmer Shaelyn Van Brecht is usually at ease in a dairy, but not when there’s a film crew in the wings encouraging her to “relax” for the camera. nav_large_duration38mCombined Shape0
Monica churns out a buttery earner MONICA Cavarsan spent her redundancy package on a butter churn when she lost her job last year. Combined Shape0
Parmalat offers two year contracts PARMALAT has offered its Victorian suppliers a “minimum” price of $5.40 a kilogram of milk solids as part of a two year supply contract. Combined Shape0
2018 Stawell GiftRich run THE annual running of the Stawell Gift was watched by thousands of tourists and locals over the Easter weekend. meta_data13
Lankan Rupee’s TV stintTV star THE 2014 Australian Racehorse of the Year Lankan Rupee is the face of a new reality television program that will follow his progress as he is retrained to become a showjumper. meta_data17
Southwest Victorian bushfiresUp in flames HOT and windy weather conditions lead to serious fires in areas around Cobden and Scotts Creek in southwest Victoria. meta_data60
Duck hunting season opensSeason launch DUCK hunting season is underway in Victoria, with shooters gathering on opening weekend at Hospital Swamp in the Lake Connewarre Game Reserve. meta_data31
premium_iconFees please: agentsYard costs THE Ballarat agents association is pressing owners of the new $24 million Central Victoria Livestock Exchange saleyards, due to open in July, to outline what fees they will charge. Combined Shape0
premium_iconLivestock sales calendarComing up CATTLE and sheep sale dates for the week commencing April 4. Combined Shape0
premium_iconInterest in well-bred steers stays strongLivestock sales COOMA, MARCH 28: YOUNG steers held their value reasonably well, however plainer heifers continued to struggle for buyer support. Combined Shape0
premium_iconAngus set big numbers in Tasmania and VictoriaBull sales A STATE record and two sales grossing more than $1 million were the highlights of autumn bull sales this week. Combined Shape0
premium_iconAustralia’s biggest landholders WHO owns Australian farms? Check out The Weekly Times’ list of more than 500 properties and their owners. Combined Shape0
premium_iconDairy spread AS A battle for the assets of Murray Goulburn heats up, we list who is behind Australia’s largest dairy operations. Combined Shape0
premium_iconFormula for success COMPANIES with investments in infant formula and dairy have come out on top as the best agribusiness performers last year, based on share price. Combined Shape0
premium_iconRisk mounts as country roads crumble VICTORIA’S country roads are crumbling, with growing fears that many are now beyond repair. Combined Shape0
premium_iconDiving deeper into the gene poolSimple but effective YOU can’t make money from beef until you get calves on the ground, writes FIONA SHEEAN.
premium_iconTrial with herbs under lights proves to be illuminatingInnovative idea FRANK Donato opened the doors to his trial vertical farm, a shipping container on his 4ha Mornington Peninsula Hydroponics business, writes SARAH HUDSON.
premium_iconLaw of the landBeefed up A TREE-CHANGE for their family led two Melbourne barristers to a new business venture, writes NICOLA BELL.
premium_iconFlavour the saviour at BioelaFlavour saviour A SWITCH to herb growing during a major drought has delivered a windfall for some Queensland farmers, writes FIONA SHEEAN. Combined Shape0
Saffron’s golden moment THE Noonan family of Tasmanian Saffron at Glaziers Bay were named The Weekly Times Coles FARM Magazine Innovative Farmer of the Year at a ceremony in Melbourne last month.
A boardroom for the brave THE culmination of the year’s work is this — The Weekly Times Coles 2017 Farmer of the Year Awards, writes NATALEE WARD.
Head over heart in quest for success IF FARMING is a numbers game, Matthew and Rachel Hinkley have it well and truly figured out. Combined Shape0
Shining lights THE Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year 2017 winner Matthew and Rachel Hinkley and family celebrate their moment in the sun. Combined Shape0
Deere diary, present-day drama one for the agesRural drama WHO would have thought one advertisement in The Weekly Times could cause so much drama? nav_large_duration2hCombined Shape0
premium_iconAutumn abundanceOrganic celebration ORGANIC growers Gena and Steve Cavini of Yackandandah Organics will share their garden and orchard’s bounty with High Country Harvest guests.
premium_iconWholly goodNatural Harry SHE followed her passion into wholefoods, and now Harriet Birrell is teaching others, writes SARAH HUDSON. Combined Shape0
premium_iconIt’s game on for cod and yellowbellyBiteline COD to 78cm have been caught in the mighty Murray, while the bream are biting in Gippsland, writes STEVE COOPER. Combined Shape0
So many cupcakes, despite lazy bees BACK Paddock loves a good stat. And that was why we were taken by Olam International boss Sunny Verghese at the Global Food Forum. Combined Shape0
Eden Park explores a new export SLIPPING through the cracks, because it fell on Easter Sunday, was April Fool’s Day. Combined Shape0
Weed spotting: a bot now does a boy’s job LAST week’s Global Food Forum had a big focus on agtech and the wonders it offered agriculture. Combined Shape0
Laughing gear: Farm upgrade A FARMER buys an old, run-down farm with plans to turn it into a thriving enterprise. Combined Shape0
premium_iconGrain stays on-farm as storage changesTrend prediction NEARLY all grain harvested in Australia in 10 years will be stored on-farm. Combined Shape0
Big data raises trust concernsPrecision agriculture A US expert on precision agriculture is helping Victorian farmers nut out how to get the most out of shared data. Combined Shape0
premium_iconReluctant buyers step upPrice conscious ANOTHER dry week in most areas has encouraged buyers to the negotiating table, writes COLIN PEACE. Combined Shape0
premium_iconPulses GRDC’s priorityStrategic plan PULSES have been identified as a priority area for spending by the Grains Research and Development Corporation. Combined Shape0
Dry times forecast to drag on FARMERS across southeast Australia will have to wait a bit longer for the all-important autumn break, with next to no rain on the horizon for the next week. Combined Shape0
Winter wonder WEATHER forecaster David Taylor believes a cold blast is just around the corner. Combined Shape0
premium_iconA nice drop, and fortunes change in Gippsland DUNCAN McNeil is calling it. “I’d call it the break, this is a break yeah,” Mr McNeil said referring to the 30mm of rain that fell over west Gippsland at the weekend. Combined Shape0
premium_iconRain fails to quench thirst SOAKING rain across parts of southeast Australia in the past week has failed to turn around a drier than average March. Combined Shape0
premium_iconFamily ties show principal’s love for school, communityFamily connection JOHN Richmond has notched up many highlights during his 41 years as a teacher and later principal at Birchip P-12 school.
Ag goes geek chicProblem solvers TECHNOLOGY has the power to bring youth back to ag, writes Dr Sigfredo Fuentes, fellow at the University of Melbourne. Combined Shape0
Connections advance in 30 yearsGetting ConnectEd WOOMELANG’S Travis Mitchell was in Year 10 when Mallee teachers first dreamt about connecting remote schools using technology. Combined Shape0
Teeny bottersCreative coding GENAZZANO FCJ College’s innovative co-curricular Gen Tech program gives students a chance to combine creativity with technology.
All the winners MEGGS Hannes has courageously overcome adversity to shine in our inaugural awards. For her and the other winners’ stories, see the Shine magazine, in The Weekly Times this week. Combined Shape0
Shine winners announced FARMERS’ market champion and Lancefield resident Meggs Hannes is the winner of The 2017 Shine Awards, leading an outstanding line-up of winners. READ MORE. Combined Shape0
Meggs taps into accolade MEGGS Hannes has described herself has a “glass-half-full kind of person”, but this week that cup has been overflowing. Combined Shape0
A salute to those who shine FROM a lone doctor in a tiny coastal town ensuring the locals keep their medical service, to a gun shearer who has overcome a heart condition with the simple motto, “Have no fear, just shear”.
Big is beautiful for Coleambally farmKidman Way WHEN Alan Walsh bought a swag of country at Coleambally, NSW, he had big plans. nav_large_duration8mCombined Shape0
Buying a business? Get a wriggle onFish food AUSTRALIA’S only producer of black worms — and, effectively, a world leader in this unique field — is on the market, witness to a remarkable story of business acumen. nav_large_duration8mCombined Shape0
Prosperous way to earn your cornVegetable farm GRAEME Hine has worked hard to build up his farm and the Willowbank Vegetable brand. Combined Shape0
Rare Riverina opportunityGrowing potential HIGH-QUALITY sandy loam country — and lots of it — is rare in this pocket of the NSW western Riverina, but Hill View has it. Combined Shape0
Massive range at Mansfield THE range of items up for grabs at a clearing sale doesn’t get much bigger than this one in Mansfield on Saturday. Combined Shape0
Two days to collect at Richmond IT WILL be one for the rev heads and antique collectors at Christian McCann Auctions in Richmond this weekend. Combined Shape0
Dairy farm dispersal at Tongala THIS Tongala dairy farm is getting rid of everything at their clearing sale on Friday. Combined Shape0
Shirl’s shed goodies on sale THERE will be something for everyone at a clean out of “Shirl’s Shed” on Sunday. Combined Shape0
Narrow track sends tractor into tighter spacesMighty mini MAHINDRA wants to “dominate” the No.3 position in the under-50hp tractor range in Australia. nav_large_duration1hCombined Shape0
Kubota achieves a better balance‘Cleaner burning’ STABILITY and comfort are the two key features of the new KX033-4 Kubota compact excavators. Combined Shape0
Big utes the new showroom darlingsModern utes CASHED-UP car buyers are putting down money on the new Mercedes-Benz ute before it has arrived in showrooms and without knowing the price. Combined Shape0
Big idea is to keep it smallJCB 516-40 AMID the chest-thumping braggadocio of machinery sales and marketing in which bigger is usually portrayed as better, sometimes a manufacturer wheels out something smaller. Combined Shape0
Silverado the star of the show IN A major coup for Farm World, the first converted Chevrolet Silverado in Australia will be on display at The Weekly Times site. Combined Shape0
Chinese ute hits five-star safety goal THE first Chinese ute to score five stars for crash safety — the LDV T60 — has started arriving in showrooms in decent numbers after quietly entering the Australian market late last year. Combined Shape0
SUV’s big price pull CASH-strapped families being romanced by the SUV phenomenon have a new suitor in Indian brand Mahindra‘s XUV500 seven-seater. Combined Shape0
Pulling power and all-round talent Mazda’s BT-50 has been a staple on the Australian ute scene since 2006, securing a loyal following among owners combining work and pleasure. Combined Shape0
premium_iconEagles planning to swoop back into the winner’s circleNew season THERE is no doubt in Paul Price’s mind what will happen after the Western Eagles’ next win — there will be tears. Combined Shape0
premium_iconWorried leagues resist AFL affiliationAgreements AT LEAST two major country footy leagues have yet to sign deals with the AFL, despite the season already getting under way. Combined Shape0
Former Picola league clubs find a new homeAffiliation THREE clubs that broke away from the Picola and District Football League have officially joined the Murray Football Netball League. nav_large_duration3hCombined Shape0
Walsh on a mission to take Mt Pleasant higherNew coach DARREN Walsh has had a lot of time to prepare for this moment, but his first game as Mt Pleasant coach is almost here. Combined Shape0
Koo Wee Rup V Phillip Island ROUND one of the West Gippsland Football League kicked off over the weekend, with Koo Wee Rup taking home the four points. meta_data29
premium_iconThoroughbreds make big leap THE 2014 Australian Racehorse of the Year Lankan Rupee is the face of a new reality television program that will follow his progress as he is retrained to become a showjumper. Combined Shape0
Patience pays off with first round victory COUNTRY football has only just kicked off, but already one of the longest droughts in country footy is over. Combined Shape0
premium_iconFast round gives Brent AM5 victory PAUL Brent and Cavalli Park Aliyah made jumping 1.30m look easy at the Yarra Valley Jump Club’s Easter carnival. Combined Shape0
premium_iconRosemary for remembrance ANITA Watt is building a business based on rosemary’s amazing power of recall, in memory of a partner who didn’t live to see the farm’s full potential.
premium_iconBrowns find greener pastures CRACKING the pastured egg market has been the toughest trial yet for the Brown family.
premium_iconSecrets to hide TRADITIONAL tanners are a dying breed, but Ross and Bruce Greenhalgh preserve the trade, with services still in high demand.
premium_iconMy life with the flock PETER Small has been an innovator in the wool industry for more than 50 years. He believes provenance is as important to fibre as it is to food. Combined Shape0
premium_iconBeef market report FARMERS need to maintain ‘discipline’ in relation to spending and costs when it comes to running cattle and producing beef.
premium_iconNorthern exposure CANADIAN agriculture may be Australia’s kindred spirit, but it’s not without some unique challenges.
premium_iconSheepmeat market report PROFIT margins for sheep have been rising strongly, with the challenge now for producers to control spending and explore the benefits of expanding production.
premium_iconHanding over the wheel BEING handed the keys to a new machine is an exciting prospect and it’s a pleasure to step into the Crop Gear driver’s seat to take over from founding editor Justin Law. Combined Shape0
premium_iconSwipe-and-go for tractors? A NEW credit card system to unlock features on a tractor is reported to be coming to US models by as soon as the end of this year. Combined Shape0
premium_iconWind control system for spreaders VISITOR’S to the UK’s LAMMA 2018 ag show got a close look at Amazone’s new WindControl system. Combined Shape0
premium_iconAgco picks up five AE50 awards AGCO was a big winner at this year’s AE50 awards, picking up five gongs for innovations in a variety of its machines. Combined Shape0