Agribusiness leader Ben Dwyer has been elected to represent the western region on the Cattle Australia Board, with Bryce Camm and Elke Cleverdon returning for new terms. RCC elections delivered new representatives in several sub-regions, including Erica Halliday in Northern NSW, with others returning unopposed. Cattle Australia has also named its 2025–26 National Beef Leaders cohort, pictured above, selecting eight emerging leaders from across NSW and Queensland for development through the program.
Peak industry bodies have rejected comments from Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation chair Dr Ken Henry, who this week claimed Australia’s environmental laws leave a deforestation loophole and allow irresponsible land clearing. The Australian Forest Products Association and the National Farmers’ Federation said the remarks misrepresent forestry and farming, pointing to Federal Court findings on Regional Forest Agreements, the long-standing regulatory role of the EPBC Act, and UN guidance supporting sustainable forest management. Both groups said Australian industries are not engaged in deforestation and that the so-called loophole does not exist.
The Australian Plague Locust Commission’s November Locust Bulletin reports low to medium levels of Australian plague locusts across inland eastern Australia, with low-density and some medium-density adults common in Queensland and NSW. There is a low likelihood of widespread infestations developing into late spring and early summer. Spur-throated locust numbers remain at low to medium levels across inland eastern Australia, with consistent medium-density adults in Queensland’s Central West and nearby districts. NSW surveys found occasional low-density adults. A regional infestation is considered a low to moderate risk for Central West Queensland this season. Migratory locust populations have dropped sharply in Queensland’s Central West and North West after movements during winter and early spring and poor habitat conditions. Localised high-density nymphs and fledglings were still found near Clermont, where aerial control took place, and there is a moderate risk of regional activity emerging in the Central Highlands and a low to moderate risk in the Central West and Darling Downs.
WoolProducers Australia has elected Simon Riddle, Edward Brand and David Young as independent directors at its annual general meeting. Steve Harrison and Simon Riddle were re-elected unopposed as President and Vice President. Departing directors Skye Ward and Angus Hobson did not re-stand.
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is celebrating the commercial launch of Australian bovine collagen products in major US retail channels, following a collaboration with Freeze Dry Industries that began in 2019. The partnership has transformed waste hides into value-added collagen, with MLA saying the milestone shows how product innovation programs can help emerging businesses scale new opportunities for the red meat sector.
The NSW Government has cut interest rates on Drought Ready and Resilient Fund loans by 1%, reducing five-year loan rates to 3.98% and 10-year loans to 4.81%. The change follows a review of the program’s uptake and will save farmers up to $15,000 over the life of a $250,000 loan.
The 2025 National Farmer Wellbeing Survey is open, offering a short and confidential way for farmers to share insights that will guide future mental health support across the sector. MLA is also calling for grassfed beef producers to complete the Beef Producers Intentions Survey (BPIS) throughout November.
The Commonwealth will buy back an additional 130GL of water from Southern Basin communities, taking total buybacks to nearly 1400GL. The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the move is out of touch with regional impacts and warns it will further erode jobs, production and community resilience. Meanwhile a Federation University study has found farmers in the Wimmera and Southern Mallee are experiencing significant mental health strain linked to energy and mining developments. The research highlights pressures on identity, community cohesion and stewardship, with the VFF calling for earlier consultation and stronger mental health services in affected areas.
Rabobank says global fertiliser markets are entering a contraction phase as rising prices weigh on demand. Its semi-annual outlook reports fertiliser prices rising 15% between April and September, with phosphates up nearly 19%, and expects demand to soften further through 2025 and into 2026.
NSW landholders can now access free grain and bait through an $850,000 state program aimed at reducing feral pig numbers. The government says the supplies will support baiting and trapping programs that remain critical for protecting farms, native species and biosecurity, with advice available through Local Land Services.