Tag: Agriculture
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‘Food bowl’ under threat as heat rises
Australia’s worrying future under climate change was laid bare last week when the first National Climate Risk Assessment was released. It revealed extreme heat, fires, floods, droughts and coastal inundation already threatens lives and livelihoods – and will wreak further havoc in coming decades. Much media attention focused on the effects in the continent’s south,…
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Record forecast for Australia’s world-class agriculture
The price of livestock is set to tick Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry production value to a record of more than $100 billion. Beef, lamb and milk products have boosted overall agriculture sector production with this financial year’s forecast a good omen for producers around the nation, the federal government’s commodities forecaster says. However, crop…
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Three finalists announced for 2025 AgTown of the Year
This year’s Agricultural Town of the Year award will see the towns of Keith, Kimba and Lameroo vie for the coveted title. Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven congratulated the towns’ communities on reaching this stage of the competition, noting each town went “above and beyond to exceed the award criteria”. This year’s…
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These are the drones ag is looking for in venture fund
A drone buzzes around tomato plants and strawberry bushes in a humid greenhouse, its propellers gently shaking the flowers. This is what automated pollination looks like, reducing mother nature’s uncertainty and chance. Polybee, an ag-tech start-up, uses drones and artificial intelligence to help farmers grow plants in greenhouses, where there are no natural pollinators like…
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Major acquisition for Elders amid ‘resilient’ financial year
National agriculture firm Elders, which is headquartered in Adelaide, recorded a 55 per cent decrease in statutory profits after tax in the financial year to $45.1 million, with a 25 per cent decrease to $128 million in underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBITS) On top of 13 business acquisitions during the financial year, the…
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Virus-hit tomato growers can start replanting
Perfection Fresh north of Adelaide was shut down by the state government in September alongside two other producers following the outbreak of a highly contagious tomato virus. There had been little indication of how long strict quarantine for Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) would be maintained, but a PIRSA biosecurity official was reported as…
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Grain industry backlash over Viterra buyout plan
The proposed acquisition by global grain handler and exporter Viterra Operations (Viterra) is under investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Viterra has sought to acquire a mobile ship loader and various grain silos from Cargill and AWB Grainflow, which own and operate a mobile ship loader at Port Adelaide Inner Harbour and 16…
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The future of Taylors Wines
Last week, the Australian Financial Review reported Taylors Wines was “considering” the acquisition of several brands divested by Treasury Wine Estates, including South Australia’s Wolf Blass brand, Yellowglen, Lindeman’s and Blossom Hill. While managing director Mitchell Taylor said there is “certainly a consideration” to acquire brands such as these when they enter the market, Taylors…
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Penola: where heart meets soil
Within South Australia’s Coonawarra wine region, the town of Penola thrives on its connection to the land. Locals not only work the rich soil — they live by it, inviting those who pass through to experience the journey from paddock to plate and vineyard to glass. Bellwether Wines embodies this connection, where founder and winemaker…
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The future is in the fabric of Burra
The mid-north town of Burra is the self-proclaimed “Merino capital of the world.” Once a historic mining town, Burra has evolved into a leader in modern agriculture, earning recognition beyond its borders, particularly for its high-quality wool and sheep production. Positioned between the Clare Valley and Flinders Ranges, Burra’s strategic location along major transport routes…