NEWS IN BRIEF: Virtual fencing gets green light, new RIC loans, young auctioneer finalists announced

Victoria and NSW have both green-lighted virtual fencing technology for cattle this week. Farmers adopting this technology, which uses collars with GPS and wireless technology to control livestock without physical fences, will need to comply with certain requirements – such as using approved technologies, completing manufacturer training, maintaining a physical boundary fence or barrier and ensuring collars are checked regularly. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President Brett Hosking said: “This announcement is the culmination of years of behind the scenes work and we thank Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence for backing this technology and working with us to get it done,” Mr Hosking said. Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said the state’s farmers now have access to this new technology like their counterparts use in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania.

Record numbers of lambs have started entering the chiller this week as processing officially kicks off for the LambEx26 AMPC Carcase Showcase - the nation’s largest single collection of lamb carcase performance data. More than 60 producers from most parts of Australia have signed on, representing flocks from a range of production systems. Showcase lambs will be assessed across multiple plants, including JBS Bordertown, South Australia, Gundagai Meat Processors, NSW and WAMMCO, Western Australia as part of a national effort to benchmark genetics, management and eating quality utilising MSA Grading technologies - vital information for sheep producers and processors.  

Congratulations to the 10 finalists who will compete in the 2026 ALPA NSW Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. They are Jasper Bourke, Paull & Scollard Nutrien, Corowa; Joshua Fenech, Jim Hindmarsh and Son, Moss Vale; Sam Mackay, Forbes Livestock & Agency Co., Forbes; Will McLachlan, Elders Rural Services, Wagga Wagga; Lachlan Miller, Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co, Forbes; Harry Morton, Riverina Livestock Agents, Wagga; Sam Thomas, Nutrien Milling Thomas, Dubbo; Riley Wellman, George & Fuhrmann, Casino; Jack Whitty, Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co, Forbes; and, Myles Williams, Elders Rural Services, Guyra.

The Federal Government has responded to the Independent Review of the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) Act 2018, announcing two additional loan products expected to be available in the first half of next year. National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President Hamish McIntyre said: “We particularly welcome the Government’s agreement with the review’s key recommendations that concessional lending is an effective policy tool that should be retained and that the RIC be maintained to deliver such lending in a nationally consistent manner. The NFF also welcomed the new Drought Hardship Loan and the expanded concessional loan option for slow-onset ecological events.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has appointed Tracy Sullivan to its board, filling the casual vacancy created when Hamish McIntyre was elected President. Located in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, Dr Sullivan is an experienced cattle veterinarian with more than two decades working across the supply chain. Her career includes roles as a grassroots beef producer, veterinary consultant and positions within industry and government. The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) has also appointed two new Board Directors, Brooke Dawson and Dominic van Dyk.

Producers are being urged to stay vigilant this summer and report any signs of pasture dieback, a destructive condition that targets summer-growing grasses such as kikuyu, paspalum, buffel grass and sabi grass. Pasture dieback typically begins as small patches but can rapidly expand, devastating pastures and paving the way for invasive broadleaf weeds to take hold. If you suspect pasture dieback at your place, contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 for advice and support.