Mandatory certification for chemical use

Did you know that to use chemicals on-farm you require chemical use certification?
This includes all agricultural chemical users – eg 1080, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, pour ons, backliners, fumigants and others. Certificates last 5 years and must be renewed.

Courses are available on-line and also in the Shoalhaven area (eg Nowra) from time to time. Online courses appear to cost $145-$165. We are currently awaiting costs of local courses. If you have not done this training and would consider undertaking it with the SBPA, please contact us ASAP.

Change of date - August workshop

The August 2013 workshop has been moved to Friday 23rd August. Further information will be posted shortly.

Sensational strategic planners

Congratulations to all who participated in SBPA's strategic planning session last Friday. Many of you have commented on the outcomes achieved and the collegiate way in which the session was conducted. The management committee would also like to thank Jason Carson and Peter Pigott from the CMA for facilitating the workshop, and advisers Amanda Britton and John O'Connor for their valued contribution.

Next steps are:

1. Participants/members to submit their preference for an association vision.
2. Jason/Peter to collate and massage the strategic objectives and craft a vision for review
3. Each working party to prepare a project outline and accountabilities for taking their project forward.

We would also like to welcome new members who participated in the workshop.

Getting value out of Soil Tests

In the business world we say that you can't manage what you don't measure. Perhaps the farming equivalent is that you can't (or are less likely to) grow great soil if you don't know what's missing.

the most critical step to soil testing is the actual sampling process. This article Soil nutrient testing - how to get good results covers key aspects of soil testing from how to sample to how to interpret the results.
Soil testing is a critical farming activity but it doesn't come cheap. So make sure you get the best bang for your buck by doing it well.

Weeds spreading too fast on your farm?

We know fireweed spreads with (like) the wind, and this year in the Shoalhaven members have reported an increase in parrmatta grass and Giant Parramatta Grass (GPG). Apart from animals carrying the GPG seed, it can also be brought in with utility contractors (through easements), farm contractors and other visitors.

A farm biosecurity toolkit is available to help farmers identify actions they can take to reduce biosecurity risks. There's also an introductory video featuringTony Cootes of Mulloon Creef Farms and other farmers - it's worth the 5 minutes to watch.

WA Dept Agriculture & Food

Organic Production expert joins DPI team at Berry

Primary producers in the Shoalhaven region have a new resource available.

Robyn Neesan has recently relocated from the west to the rain-soaked east. Robyn has a state-wide role to develop and provide information and advice on organic farming systems, liaise with the peak National Organic body and other organic industry groups and provide advice to the NSW Department of Primary Industry senior management and other State and Federal Government bodies on policy matters and correspondence in relation to organic farming systems.

Robyn’s objectives for the coming year are :

• To become more familiar with the coastal environment and organic management options
• To get to know the south coast district(s) and primary producers
• To develop projects
• To prepare a number of publications on aspects of organic farming and biosecurity

DPI organic farming websites that may be of interest to members:
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/farm/organic
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/resources/periodicals/newsletters/organic-news

Robyn can be contacted at the Berry DPI office on 4464 6003, email robyn.neeson@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Shoalhaven Beef Producers Association welcomes Robyn, and look forward to meeting her at the SBPA strategic planning workshop on 19 July. We are delighted to have an opportunity to gain more knowledge on the business case and methodologies for organic farming.

Southern Beef Production - shaping the future

Share your views, your voice and your needs for improved beef production performance. 

With the merging of CMAs and DPI front line services, future support for Shoalhaven and environs beef is changing. Shoalhaven Beef Producers Association has been recognised by State Government with the appointment of an Industry Partnerships Senior Land Services Officer (Jason Carson) to assist beef producers...read more and register for SBPA's strategic planning workshop, Friday July 19th, 2013.