Articles tagged: Rural
Store sale returns, agent hopeful
Colac’s store cattle sale returned this month with a district stock agent positive that spring will bring a change for drought-stricken farmers.
Rate relief package ‘good first step’
A Colac Otway Shire councillor says the State Government’s rate relief package for district drought-stricken farmers is a good first step but there’s plenty more that can be done, and the council will “keep the pressure on”.
Feedback to help refine initiative
The Australian Government is asking farmers and primary producers for their opinions on the On Farm Connectivity Program before round three applications open.
Report details farmland drop
Colac district farms have dropped more than four per cent in value, a shire-wide valuation indicates, but a Colac property agent says it’s not all doom and gloom.
Councillors approve five houses
Colac Otway Shire’s councillors have granted permits for new homes to be built at Apollo Bay, Birregurra, Irrewillipe East, Murroon and Wongarra, with their new delegation powers.
Autumn hope to grow market
Colac and district is holding out for a “good autumn break” to strengthen the cattle market.
Mentor wants boost for youth
Alvie dairy farmer Brooke Lane hopes to see more support for young people in the industry well into the future.
New guide for healthy hectares
A free, easy reference guide was released in Colac to help small landholders create productive and environmentally sustainable properties.
Rain vital for district farmers
Wool Wool farmer Toby Campbell says above average rainfall over the next “two to three months” is vital if the region is to get out of the woods from the green drought.
Next chapter for dairy farmer
After thirty years of dairying excellence, Princetown farmer Rhys Smethurst is ready for the next chapter.
District Polwarths claim national wins
Fairview Polwarths’ Greg Potter says he is proud of his family’s achievements at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, winning supreme exhibit at the prestigious industry event.
Terry’s dairy journey recognised
Deans Marsh dairy farmer Terry Richardson says he is prouder of the relationships he has built during his 20 years in the area than the awards he has received along the way. But he has described his latest accolade as an honor. Terry has received the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s 2023 Pat Rowley Outstanding Service […]
Local wool producers on show
Fairview Polwarths’ Greg Potter is looking forward to this weekend’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, recognised as “the largest event of its type in the world”.
Study tour inspires district landcarers
Colac district farmers and Heytesbury District Landcare Network representatives have returned from a New Zealand study tour with fresh ideas on regenerative and sustainable farming that could be adopted locally.
Prices, cattle numbers lift at Colac saleyards
Prices increased and cattle numbers continued to lift at Colac Regional Saleyards’ weekly fat sale on Thursday.
Green drought impacts region
Farmland across the Colac district might look green at first glance but the soil underneath is bone dry, and the green drought is a concern for anyone involved in the local agriculture industry. For farmers, stock agents and business owners, the first half of 2024 has presented the driest autumn and start to winter they have experienced.
Planting to protect the future
More than 5000 trees later, Corunnun’s Nigel Barry knows the importance of shelter and biodiversity, living on the windy hills near Lake Corangamite.
For the love of limousins
Breeders like Tanybryn Park Limousins’ Helen Masters are enthusiastic about their cattle breed and its development over the years, with more Colac district farmers than ever herding Limousins.
Processors declare milk prices
Two major milk processors have released their opening milk prices for the 2024-25 season, with more expected to announce their prices today.
Local finalists in south west dairy awards
Colac district farmers and a Colac agricultural business manager are among the list of finalists in the service provider category in this year’s Great South West Dairy Awards.
Student’s herd work pays off
Colac Secondary College Year 10 student Adriana Suares says undergoing work experience at Herd Improvement Co-Operative’s Colac branch was a valuable move for a future in agricultural work.
District hosts international event
Things are going to get woolly at Tarndwarncoort this Saturday, with the homestead set to host its first International Back to Back Wool Challenge event.
Colac store sale attracts crowd
Livestock agent Matt Nelson said Friday’s store cattle sale at the Colac Saleyards saw about 350 head go under the hammer.
Rain welcome after dry but district needs more
Irrewarra’s John Martin says farmers are now playing the waiting game for the proper autumn break to settle in across the district.
