NFF chief executive officer Troy Williams has resigned.
NFF CEO resigns
Troy Williams has resigned as National Farmers’ Federation chief executive officer after less than five months on the role.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
NFF president David Jochinke said on July 29 that the NFF Board had accepted Mr Williams’ resignation, which was made for personal reasons.
“We thank Mr Williams for his contribution and wish him the very best for the future,” Mr Jochinke said.
He said the board will start recruitment for the new CEO, mindful of the NFF AGM in October. In the meantime, an interim CEO will be appointed to ensure leadership and operational continuity.
Community grants program returns
Applications for Nutrien Ag Solutions’ Community Grants Program are now open for 2025.
Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply for a grant of up to $5000 to support local community projects across remote, rural and regional Australia.
Applications for the 2025 Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program close on Thursday, August 7, with successful recipients announced in October.
Bowen FlexiCare was one recipient of the 2024 Nutrien AgSolutions’s community grants.
Ramp up safety
Cattle handling remains one of the most dangerous jobs on a farm, as workers are often in close quarters with large, heavy animals that can kick, crush or trample with little warning.
This is especially the case during loading and unloading, when animals are often stressed and unpredictable.
Since 2021, there have been four workplace fatalities and more than 240 people have been seriously injured while working with livestock.
Many of these incidents occurred during routine tasks — a harsh reminder that just because something feels familiar doesn’t always mean it’s safe.
Safe loading practices include ensuring someone familiar with the cattle is in control, never loading cattle alone, having secure and well-maintained gates, and ensuring everyone working in the yards is trained and experienced.
Farmers can contact WorkSafe’s advisory service on 1800 136 089, or apply online for OHS Essentials — a free, independent and in-depth consultation service.
Grants to help bush connectivity
The Regional Tech Hub has announced a new grants program, offering up to $3000 to community groups across rural, regional and remote Australia.
The Connect Grants are open to grassroots projects that help people navigate the complex world of phone and internet connectivity.
Eligible applicants include not-for-profits, community groups, councils and regional service providers.
Applications close at noon on Friday, August 8.
Projects must be delivered within six months of approval, but applicants don’t need to have confirmed dates when applying.
AgriFutures Australia has launched a new podcast to uncover the big ideas, bold decisions and real-world impact shaping the future of our rural industries.
Unearthed: The people changing Australian agriculture explores what happens when big ideas and new opportunities run up against established practices of farming.
AgriFutures hopes to unearth the farmers, scientists and big characters who have found a new path to a more profitable, productive and resilient future for Australian agriculture.
Each episode offers a fresh, thought-provoking perspective on where Australian agriculture is heading.
Equine Veterinarians Australia has reinforced the importance of vaccination and biosecurity after Biosecurity Queensland confirmed a case of Hendra virus in an unvaccinated horse in south-east Queensland.
EVA president Laura Hardefeldt supported the veterinarian who managed the case and reiterated the critical role of horse owners in preventing the spread of this deadly disease.
“This case is a stark reminder that Hendra virus remains a real and present threat. Vaccination is the best defence we have to protect horses, veterinarians, and the broader community,” Dr Hardefeldt said.
The AVA and EVA continue to advocate for widespread uptake of the Hendra virus vaccine and encourage all horse owners to talk to their veterinarian about vaccinating their horses and using personal protective equipment when managing sick animals.
A new ABARES report, Australia’s native forests and wood production, highlights the important role Australia’s diverse native forests play in helping to combat climate change.
ABARES executive director Jared Greenville said sustainable wood harvesting ensures the long-term productive capacity of forests is not compromised and long-term environmental values are upheld.
“Sustainably managed native forests and sustainable harvesting ensures that trees are regrown after harvesting, unlike deforestation,” Dr Greenville said.
The report said the total amount of carbon stored in Australia’s native forests in 2021 was 19.2 million tonnes, an increase of 27 million tonnes since 2016.
“Most sustainable wood harvesting uses selective techniques to identify single trees or small groups of trees for harvest,” Dr Greenville said.
A new handbook empowering landowners and solar developers to harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy is now available.
EnergyCo will launch the Agrivoltaics Handbook, a guide to preserving productive agricultural practices while meeting the state’s growing renewable energy needs.
The handbook includes:
Information for landowners wanting to graze sheep or cattle within solar farms, and/or grow crops and horticulture under solar panels.
Guidelines for how developers can incorporate farming into solar systems.
Comprehensive checklists of consideration in planning an agrisolar development.
10°C