20 Jan 2020
- As agricultural land values rise, some farmers are becoming liable for land tax for the first time or their liability is increasing and are facing greater financial pressure as their profitability margins are eroded and their business viability is threatened. QFF’s Queensland Country Life column HERE.
- Despite bushfires and drought, the property market in regional Queensland is stable with some agricultural property prices increasing. QFF CEO Dr Georgina Davis recently spoke to ABC Radio Brisbane about why. If you missed the interview, listen HERE.
- Some cotton regions received much needed rain over the past week, meaning those with crops in the ground may be spraying soon. Cotton Australia is reminding growers to use Satacrop, read and follow spray label instructions and check the conditions before spraying HERE.
- While the impacts of drought and bushfires are devastating for farmers and regional communities, QFF industry member Growcom is reassuring consumers they should not have concerns about where their next meal will come from. If a shortfall in production is anticipated from one region, then growers elsewhere will attempt to fill it. More HERE.
- Primary producers in the Whitsunday Regional Council area who were impacted by the Monsoon Trough in early 2019 may be eligible for a Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant of up to $75,000. Applications for these grants close on 28 February 2020. Find more information HERE.
- Freight subsidies and disaster assistance loans are available to bushfire affected farmers in parts of the Scenic Rim and Southern Downs Shires while financial assistance has been also extended to include eligible individuals in the Livingstone area. More details HERE.
- It’s no secret that Queensland gets its fair share of climate events including flooding rains and drought. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ latest Turf ‘n’ Surf podcast explores how the Drought and Climate Adaptation Program is helping producers to adapt, and better manage drought and climate impacts. Listen HERE.
- The International Year of Plant Health in 2020 has officially kicked off! Find out how you can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases, protect our plants and get involved in the celebrations in Australia HERE.
- The agriculture sector is supported with the most up-to-date information to help climate and weather-sensitive decisions. The Bureau of Meteorology is now producing more climate outlooks, more often. The suite of new outlooks includes weekly and fortnightly timescales. Check them out HERE.
- The Queensland Futures Institute’s 2020 Policy Leaders Breakfast on 5 February in Brisbane will feature influential policy makers and shapers, including QFF CEO Dr Georgina Davis, as they highlight the opportunities and challenges for the year ahead. Purchase your tickets HERE.
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