AUSVEG Weekly Update – 25 September 2018

In this edition: Latest veg production data from ABARES, project investigates soil fumigation for potatoes, Farm Household Allowance doubled to $2 million, and more!

Feature stories

Latest economic data for Australian vegetable farms published by ABARES

Among other findings, this new data shows that average farm cash income increased in all states in 2017-18. Click through for the full report!

Get free soil DNA testing as part of soil fumigation research

A new research project is investigating targeted soil fumigation technology and is looking for participant potato growers for field trials.

Industry news

Nimitz label extended to include all states and new crops

The label for Nimitz has been extended to include all states and additional vegetables. Click here to see the label, current 25 September 2018.

vegetablesWA releases program for upcoming Industry Summit

vegetablesWA has published the program for its upcoming Industry Summit, including a grower tour, a HortConnectWA brunch, and the full speaker list for the event.

Hort Innovation project steps closer to commercialisation of clay-based ‘vaccine’ for plants

A project funded by Hort Innovation and CRDC is trialling a non-toxic, biodegradable spray called BioClay to fight pests and pathogens.

Farm Household Allowance loan limit doubled to $2 million

Click through to read Minister Littleproud’s announcement about changes to the Farm Household Allowance, which supports farmers in hardship, including those affected by drought.

SA Government announces new measures in fruit fly fight

The South Australian Government has appointed a dedicated Riverland Fruit Fly Coordinator and announced new measures to protect the region against fruit fly.

Free chemical handling training offered for veg growers in Cranbourne

A free one-day intensive chemical handling workshop is being delivered by the VegPRO project for vegetable growers in the Cranbourne area.

New answers to common questions about incoming changes to heavy vehicle regulations

The VFF has published a valuable set of common questions and answers about incoming changes to Australian heavy vehicle regulations and your responsibilities and obligations.

Learn more about innovative, safe and healthy farming at Farmsafe Conference 2018

This conference offers farm agencies, policy makers, researchers and safety practitioners the chance to network, present current research and showcase contemporary and practical WHS programs.

New Soil Wealth video provides guidance on buckwheat as cover crop

This levy-funded video provides guidance on sowing, management, and termination of buckwheat as a cover crop, which offers advantages like quick residue breakdown.

Manage life’s challenges with private learning tools from ifarmwell

ifarmwell is an online toolkit, designed based on feedback from Australian farmers, that can help you reduce the negative impacts of stress on your life.

2019 Science and Innovation Awards offer up to $22,000 for industry research

The 2019 Science and Innovation Awards offer grants of up to $22,000 for research benefitting primary industries, including biosecurity research.

Nuffield shines a light on best and brightest of ag industry

The recipients of the 2019 Nuffield Farming Scholarships were announced at the Nuffield Australia National Conference last week.

Production and consumer insights workshop for SA growers

AUSVEG SA and VegNET SA will host a workshop on Monday 8 October in South Australia to share some of the latest R&D outcomes funded through the National Vegetable Levy.

Hort Connections 2019: Speaker applications open!

Those interested in presenting at the Hort Connections 2019 conference in Melbourne from 24-26 June are invited to apply via the online application form.

Improve your crop health with four-part Vegetable Crop Nutrition Masterclass

Boost your overall crop nutrition and increase your knowledge of soil health by taking part in this four-part master class from 17 October 2018.

Weekly round-up

New and revised Minor Use permits applicable to the vegetable industry for the week ending 25 September 2018.