It was great to hear the news this week that my mate and respected livestock agent Brendan Wade has returned to the industry with his appointment as Chief Operating Officer with Wellard Rural Exports.
Brendan’s “hand’s on” management style was appreciated in his previous position as livestock manager at Landmark where he had 10 years before his “retirement”.
Brendan’s many contacts within the agency business and connections to livestock producers will be a pivotal in his new position at Wellard.
Brendan has started as of this week based out of Fremantle (not far from Margaret River!) and I know he will be a great asset to the Wellard business.
Good luck old mate and keep in contact.
Darling Downs update
Ryan Dellit, Graham Henderson & Co Dalby reported that cattle numbers at Dalby this year have remained steady at around 4000 per week. However, with the continuing dry weather numbers increased this week reaching nearly 6000 head. Over the past few weeks values have eased for all classes of cattle but still are achieving very good rates.
Ryan said the Darling Downs and surrounding areas are extremely dry with only isolated falls. Limited storm rain has supplied no running water in many areas and stock water has become a big issue. Many producers are ready to plant oats if they could receive planting rain.
He also told me that moving back from the Gold Coast, Graham “Gravel” Henderson has been back living in Dalby for the last couple of months. I look forward to catching up with Graham in the near future.
Ryan gave me this report on last week’s Dalby cattle sale. He said a large increase in numbers at Dalby resulted in a combined total yarding of 5728 head. In the export grades only a limited supply of bullocks were penned selling to a firm market. Large numbers of cows were offered with medium and heavyweight cows sold to processors losing ground with store cows returning to the paddock increasing in value. Medium and heavyweight steers and heifers to feed sold close to firm with lesser quality grades easing in value. Good numbers of store cattle were penned for the second round. Good quality lightweight cattle continued to demand solid rates with poorer quality classes cheaper.
Anzac Day celebrations
On Monday, with around 3000 citizens, we helped celebrate the 101st year Anzac Day at the Sherwood Services Club and Sherwood/Indooroopilly RSL Sub branch.
Once again the crowds were great, and also once again it is so pleasing to see so many young folk join in the celebrations and pay homage or our fallen comrades at Anzac Cove and all the battles since then.
Congratulations must go to Sherwood/Indooroopilly RSL president Kevin Alcock, Mick Rockett and all the committee and staff for putting together another top Anzac Day celebration.
Major Don Baker, Queensland University Regiment, was the guest speaker for this top day.
Thanks also to Haley Goss, Member Support Coordinator, Sherwood/Indooroopilly RSL Sub-branch Inc for sending me pics of the memorable day.
Mapping a path to better negotiations
AgForce Projects will help landholders map their properties at Digital Mapping workshops in Roma and Dalby in May.
CSG Project Leader Daniel Phipps said the workshops are important for landholders dealing with coal seam gas (CSG) and mining, as having a property map can put them in a stronger position to negotiate from.
"If a resource company comes to you with a map of proposed infrastructure for your property, having a comprehensive map of your property will put you in a better position to negotiate an agreement and address impacts their activity may have on your business," Mr Phipps said.
"The Digital Mapping workshops teach landholders how a map of their property can help in negotiating where and when a resource company conducts activity on their property and how it can assist in determining fair compensation."
The workshops will also demonstrate to landholders how having a comprehensive property plan can be used to better manage the timing of resource activities to minimise conflict as well as better prepare for future developments.
A property map and plan are great tools to help landholders highlight property infrastructure, seasonal activities and planned future developments which are important considerations when negotiating land access agreements.
Mr Phipps also said the workshops provided an opportunity for attendees to learn from other landholder's experiences.
"During the workshop we provide landholders an opportunity to share their story because many landholders find it beneficial to learn off others experiencing the same situations or challenges they are facing," Mr Phipps said.
A property map including features such as roads, bores, paddock activities and sensitive areas can help to better manage resource activities and allow landholders to better explain their operation to minimise the impacts of resource activities.
Attendees will get to know the Phoenix Mapping program and take home a demonstration licence as well as learn the basics of computer mapping and how it can assist with CSG negotiations as well as property management.
The workshops are being held from 8.45am to 4pm, on:
Roma - Tuesday May 10
Dalby - Wednesday May 11
Visit www.agforceprojects.org.au to register or call 3238 6048.
Weapons Forum welcome but must not be a one-off talkfest
AgForce has welcomed the establishment of a new Queensland Government Weapons Consultation Forum, but stressed it must be the start of regular discussion with industry stakeholders on firearms policy not just a one-off talkfest.
AgForce weapons spokesman Graham Park said AgForce had previously represented the agriculture sector on a Ministerial Weapons Advisory Panel that started under a previous Labor Government and continued under the LNP Government.
"Rural landholders make up the largest number of legitimate firearm users for 'business as usual' purposes such as feral animal control and euthanizing livestock to meet animal welfare needs," he said.
"While we welcome this week's announcement of a new Weapons Consultation Forum, we are concerned it has taken far too long for this Government to start engaging with stakeholders on firearms policy. We would expect this forum to commence as soon as possible.
"The previous advisory panel was well represented by stakeholder groups and had commenced a process of reviewing the Weapons Act 1990 to ensure legislation allowed for the improvement of firearm safety, met the needs of legal firearm owners and users, and provided Queensland law enforcement officers with greater confidence when dealing with the criminal element.
"Unfortunately, that process had stalled.
"We understand that the Queensland Police Service has been doing their own review of the Weapons Act 1990 in recent months without stakeholder consultation.
"AgForce is keen to ensure the views of rural landholders are taken into consideration on firearms policy and it's vitally important this new consultation forum is the start of regular discussion, and not just a one-off talkfest."
