Alastair James has resigned as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Herefords Australia effectively immediately. “The challenges of being based remotely from the Armidale office, and the ongoing travel this requires, have proven increasingly difficult for the organisation, myself, and my family,” he said. Mr James has been instrumental in governance improvements and new programs such as Future Leaders and Breeders since he took on the role in August 2024. Hamish Chandler will step in as Interim CEO.
Varroa mite has been confirmed in South Australia for the first time, after detection in a managed hive at Pooginook in the Riverland. Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) surveillance teams found the pest in hives brought in from Queensland for almond pollination. Since its first appearance in NSW in 2022, varroa mite has now spread to Victoria, Queensland and the ACT.
NSW Farmers has renewed calls for stronger protections for landholders hosting renewable projects. Former Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Andrew Dyer recently warned in an interview that farmers could be left “on the hook” for decommissioning costs if contracts are unclear. NSW Farmers' Energy Taskforce Chair Reg Kidd said developers should be required to pay a bond, adding: “Farmers are being told they need to bear the burden of powering our future, the very least government can do is guarantee they won’t be bankrupted as a result.”
The House of Representatives has launched an inquiry into creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia. The committee will look at branding, certification, and how to better promote the nation’s clean and green agricultural, food and drink products. Chair Senator Marielle Smith said the inquiry is focused on opportunities to help small and medium businesses “not only stay in existing markets, but importantly to expand them.” Submissions close October 17, 2025.
The Australian red meat processing industry has broken three environmental performance records in the past year. The sector will showcase its progress at the AMPC Innovation Showcase in Brisbane next week, where more than 400 delegates will discuss how technology can drive competitiveness, productivity and sustainability. Interim AMPC CEO Edwina Toohey said: “The Showcase will demonstrate how robotics, AI and practical R&D are being turned into everyday practice, from reducing energy and water use to creating opportunities and attracting new talent in regional plants.”
Wool industry groups have called for a unified strategy on mulesing, following comments by AWI Chair Jock Laurie that they say downplay risks to Australian wool in global markets. The Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors, the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia and WoolProducers Australia issued a joint statement on Tuesday urging the industry to act.
WoolProducers Australia is seeking nominations for three independent director positions on its National Executive. Current independent directors Angus Hobson and Simon Riddle will re-nominate, while Skye Ward will not seek re-election. Nominations close Friday, September 19.
Nominations are also open for the upcoming Cattle Australia (CA) elections, with three Board Directors and seven Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) positions to be contested. CEO Will Evans encouraged participation, saying: “I encourage people to put forward nominations for people in their communities with the ideas and leadership skills to take the industry forward.” Nominations close Monday, September 29, with more details available on the CA website.