Gippsland Rural Report
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Latest Report
Farmers say they're not feeling the GFC
Have you felt the pinch of the global economic crisis yet?
According to the most recent rural confidence survey, the majority of Victorian farmers say they haven't noticed yet.
Rabobank's survey also found that for most farmers, the glass is half empty rather than half full, with optimism waning across all commodity groups.
Rabobank's Gippsland Manager, Tony Anderson says rains in the last week, followed the survey, so optimism is on the rise.
Mr Wilson remembers
Working more than a hundred hours a week for 15 shillings, sounds like a bit of a slog, but that's how Colin Wilson, retired stock agent started the career of his lifetime.
After 75 years in the auctioneering business, "CJ" Wilson has more than a few tales to tell.
Last week, he spoke about the wool industry, and the pig trade.
So it's only natural, that we should follow on this week with the cattle industry. Mr Wilson takes us back this morning to 1940's Gippsland.
Weir could spill in next fortnight
With plenty of rain over the weekend, irrigators in the Macalister Irrigation District, are licking their lips at the prospect of a spill.
To tell us exactly how much water is about, welcome back to the Rural Report Graeme Anderson - of the Macalister, Customer, Consultative Committee.
Victorian Features
Community cooking reduces isolation and improves health
Obesity levels in Victoria's Gippsland region are above the state average, but one town is meeting the challenge head-on.
Nematode leads potato growers into the great unknown
The pest Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN), has been discovered at Thorpdale in Gippsland. It's discovery, just over six weeks ago has lead to a trade standstill for the region. Farmers are eagerly awaiting to hear if they'll be able to sell their crops this summer. The region, 140k's south east of Melbourne, produces on average 70,000 tonnes of spuds each year, with ninety per cent of the harvest going interstate. But while the region remains in quarintine, no potato can cross the border, leaving farmers and their families in the unknown...
Home owner advice on managing locusts
NSW DPI provides valuable information to urban dwellers as locusts swam start to move into urban areas of Southern NSW.
GM canola harvest starts in Victoria
Harvesting has begun for the genetically modified canola crop in Victoria, and one farmer says it validates his decision to use the new technology.
No Pain, No Grain
It has been a horror grain season for much of the northern Victoria. With next to no rain for much of the growing season and then a deluge halting harvest.
Sheep sales hit peak in Victoria
Sheep sales have hit their highest point for the season, with 62,000 head of lamb yarded at a recent sale in Hamilton in western Victoria.
GM crop contamination fears
Anti-GM groups say they've found proof that GM canola is spreading further than where it has been planted.
Feeding time at Werribee Zoo
How would you droughtproof your property if destocking is not an option?
Champagne corks popping as rain soaks Gippsland
After one of the driest years on record, rain finally fell on Gippsland over the weekend. Falls of more than 150mm were recorded across the region and farmers have welcomed the drink with open arms.
Benalla sets its sights on a healthy future
The Waminda Community House in Benalla, north-east Victoria, is working to improve the health of residents in a public housing estate, where many people say they cannot afford healthy food.
