News

 Managing an orchard can be incredibly rewarding, but for small landholders just embarking on such a development, it can be a very complex operation.

Who contributes more to the local economy: hobby or conventional farmers? A groundbreaking study delivered the first findings this week.

Alpaca breeding is becoming a serious business among small landholders in Western Australia and they are set to celebrate during National Alpaca Week on 12 -20 May.

Co-operatives have a lot of potential for modern farmers wanting to build relationships with consumers and attract premium prices. This will be the message from a seminar on 3 May in South Perth run by the Department of Agriculture and Food and Fruit West.

A new booklet is now available which focuses on practical actions that farm businesses can take now to improve their emissions performance. In many cases, actions to reduce emissions or increase carbon on farms have multiple benefits for farm businesses, such as increasing farm health and profitability.

The Western Australian annual crop of jujubes, one of the most popular fruits in China, is now in season and should be available in specialist shops until the end of April.

Pet owners are reminded of the dangers chocolate poses to pets, especially dogs, with Easter fast approaching.

A Manjimup producer has been fined for failing to enter details of cattle he purchased into the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.

The producer was convicted in the Manjimup Magistrate’s Court this month of two offences occurring in 2010 and 2011.

DPI has released two new videos developed to help chemical users manage risks associated with spraying agricultural chemicals. Two new videos developed to help chemical users manage risks associated with spraying agricultural chemicals will be available online from today.

Grape growers and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are urging broadacre farmers using phenoxy herbicide products containing 2,4-D and MCPA, to be vigilant in managing the risk of spray drift.