More than $9 million is available under Round two of Smart Farms Small Grants. Grants of between $5,000 and $200,000 to assist farmers and groups to adapt to change, innovate and become more sustainable.

Part of the National Landcare Program’s $134 million Smart Farms Program. Landholders and community groups
can now apply for up to $200,000 under round 2 of Smart Farms Small Grants. Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud encouraged Landcare groups, NRM bodies, Indigenous organisations and community groups to throw their hat in the ring. “The future of Aussie agriculture relies on sustainable farming and land management practices,” the Minister said.

“Our farmers are looking for new practices and tools to stay sustainable and profitable. These grants support new projects to improve Aussie soil, biodiversity and vegetation. They will also help support water security and promote climate-smart farming. Smart Farms Small Grants is a competitive grant funding opportunity, and supports projects to increase farming, forestry and fishing communities’ knowledge and capacity to adopt sustainable agricultural best
practice. Almost $5 million in funding was awarded to 77 projects under Round 1.

More than $9 million is available for Round 2. The National Landcare Program’s 2nd phase is investing more than $1 billion over six years to 2023, with $134 million for the Smart Farms Program.

More information is available online. Visit the Community Grants Hub to apply.

As the sale progressed buyer confidence eroded this week, pushing prices down continually. The finer microns were the hardest hit and by the end of the series 17.5 micron and finer were selling at levels 100-150 cents below those achieved the previous week. 19 micron and coarser did not sustain the same losses and were generally 50-75 cents easier.

The NRI lost a total of 107 cents for the week, closing at 1914 cents. The large price corrections were met with firm seller resistance, reflected by a passed in rate of 23.1% for the week, this was the highest passed in rate since February 2014, and came on top of the 6.9% of wool that was withdrawn prior to sale.

The skirtings followed a very similar path to the fleece. General losses of 100-150 cents were experienced, wool finer than 17.5 micron were most affected. The oddment sector had another week of large losses. Locks, stains and crutchings fell by 100-150 cents, pushing the three carding indicators down by an average of 138 cents.

Source:AWEX

Melbourne sold in isolation on Tuesday, due to Friday’s public holiday. The market opened with discounts and prices continued to fall as the sale progressed. Sydney and Fremantle joined in on Wednesday and quickly realised similar
losses before further reductions were felt in all three centres. The Western region was the hardest hit, resulting in the WRI falling by 74 cents for the day. Sydney recorded more losses on the final day, while Fremantle managed to steady. By the end of the series prices had fallen by 50-90 cents, with losses felt across all microns, leaving the NRI 66 cents cheaper at 2,074c/kg.

The skirting market suffered similar corrections, with prices generally falling by 60-80 cents, wools carrying >4% VM were most affected. The crossbreds also lost ground, but not to the same extent with losses generally 20-40 cents cheaper. The oddment sector was the poorest performer for the week, with a limited selection struggling to attract buyer support, leaving prices generally 100 cents off the pace.

Source: AWEX

As the drought continues to tighten its grip on the Parkes Shire, landholders should remain aware of the risk of weed seed spread when buying grain or hay to feed livestock. “Livestock feed can contain numerous weed seeds, and as stockfeed is being transported long distances, it can pose a significant threat to agricultural production and biosecurity with potentially negative impacts for both cropping and pasture enterprises,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure, Andrew Francis.

To minimise the risk of spreading weed seed, Council advises landholders to follow Plant Health Australia’s Biosecurity Manual for Grain Producers (2017) by taking the following precautions:
* Check the origin of the hay or grain, request a commodity vendor declaration and ask the seller what weeds were present at the time of cutting hay.
* Observe any restrictions on the movement of plant material interstate and within states.
* Check hay for weeds as you feed out: this may alert you to future issues.
* If possible source locally grown feed.
* Feed stock in a designated quarantine paddock: this will limit the area where weed seeds are dispersed for easier monitoring and management after rain. Keep stock in paddock after feeding for sufficient time for them to empty out.
* Feed away from watercourses to reduce risk of weed spread.
* Monitor hay and grain storage areas, paddocks and roadways for new weeds.
* Post rain, identify any new weeds for appropriate control strategies.

The Salvation Army has released resources to help farmers and regional communities. Farmers needing assistance, can call (02) 8757 8088 to book an assessment, or complete an online assistance form at salvos.org.au/drought.
If you would like to donate to help farmers go to salvos.org.au/ruralsupport or donate at Westpac (Salvos or Rotary). All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Cash is preferred to benefit fringe businesses in the affected area also.

The CWA of NSW offers assistance to help meet household expenses for drought affected families up to a maximum of $3,000 per family/household. Expenses can include grocery bills, vehicle maintenance, school fees, electricity, rates, telephone, dental and medical (gap payments or cost of travel to access treatment) etc. To access drought aid grants contact drought@cwaofnsw.org.au or (02) 8337 0210. The information provided will remain confidential.

To discover if you are in an “intense drought” or “drought” area according to the DPI Combined Drought Indicator go to https://edis.dpi.nsw.gov.au For those who wish to donate, go to https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/donate and select Disaster Relief Fund from the Donate To drop down menu.

Vinnies has launched a state-wide fundraising campaign for NSW Drought Assistance to help farmers affected. To find out more call 6862 5758 or email wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au All queries will remain in complete confidence.

Information on all current drought funding and farm assistance packages is available at the NSW Government Drought Hub with information on services and support to prepare for and manage drought conditions. Visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 678 593.

The hub has information on the following: Farm Innovation Fund; Drought Assistance Fund; Transport Costs for Donated Fodder; Animal Welfare Transport Subsidy; Farm Business Skills Professional Development Program; Rural Financial Counselling Service; NSW Farm Debt Mediation; Farm Household Allowance; Local Land Services; Drought Feed Calculator; NSW Rural Resilience Program; Farm Management Deposits; Drought Loans; and Don’t Self-Assess.

Thursday’s Melbourne sale was postponed by one day, due to a warehouse fire near the selling facility, making it one of only three Friday sales in the history of AWEX (since 1995).

The market increased progressively over the series, resulting in rises of 10-50 cents for Merino types, leaving the NRI 28 cents dearer for the week.

The designated Superfine sale in Sydney saw significant premiums being paid for Spinners styles and high nkt types in the ultrafine range.

Merino Skirtings were in similar demand, particularly the well-classed better types with low vm and good length. The smallest Crossbred catalogue for the season saw prices firm by around 10 cents over the three days. Merino Carding types also added to their recent gains with further rises this week. Improvements of 40-60 cents pushed all three Merino Carding Indicators into record territory, beating the previous benchmark made in January.

Source:AWEX

The NSW Government has improved access for heavy vehicles carrying supplies and stock to drought-affected areas. The new NSW Class 3 Drought Assistance Dimension Exemption Notice will: allow eligible vehicles transporting hay to travel under notice and without a permit, including B-doubles up to 26 metres long; up to 2.83 metres wide on all approved roads; up to 4.6 metres high, on the approved 4.6 metre high network; on a case-by-case basis, allow
access permits for road trains on roads not currently approved for road trains; on a case-by-case basis, provide access permits for trucks transporting loads of hay in excess of 4.6 metres high; refund or waive National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Roads and Maritime permit fees for drought relief applications; a dedicated hotline (1800 952
292) and website (www.rms.nsw.gov.au/drought-freight) for questions.