Western Victoria Rural Report
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Latest Report
Chinese wine
Babs McHugh
In China a slowing economy actually means just a slower rate of growth.
China's economy is growing at an incredible 8 per cent, creating a massive middle class that likes nothing better than to consume.
At the top of the list is wine, and they're rapidly developing their own wine industry, and Aussies are helping them do it.
Wine maker Stuart Blackwell spoke with Babs McHugh from Shen Zhen
More barley likely next year
Despite the barley crop across the state looking scattered in terms of quality, some agronomists say there will be more planted next year.
Mary Raynes from the DPI says that in the Mallee the barley harvest is almost finished, and further south it's got a few weeks to go.
Ms. Raynes says that there is a lot of feed barley around and much less malting barley than was expected.
In the northern Mallee, a 'significant' amount of f4 grade barley has been harvested.
Ms. Raynes says she feels there will be a shift from wheat to barley sown next season, and also foreshadows a move more toward the feed variety.
"They need the cash flow, so they need the yields, so there'll be more around in general, and more around feed barley."
Mens shed group opens
A new "men's shed" group has opened in Stawell, and this one's been set up to try and combat what can be a problem in smaller towns - boredom.
Terrry Dunn, who helped organise the group, says it's become a big problem in the community.
"You've got fellas who have been working 5 days a week for 40 years, and then they just cut back to nothing - it's a pretty big jump, and it can be a real challenge," he says.
The group will be creating furniture for local groups who need new items made for them, and will be restoring items important to the community.
"Now don't laugh, but we're also thinking of giving pet coffins a go," says Brian Winters, one of the original drives of the project.
"We're not sure how it will work out but we're giving it a go."
Those interested in the group can contact Terry Dunn at his shop in Stawell.
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.
