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After two successful years of leading the Young Dairy Development Program (YDDP), United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) are supporting the program’s principal sponsor, the Gardiner Foundation, in planning ahead for long-term investment to secure the YDDP’s long-term future.
 
UDV President Doug Chant said that since its formation in 2006, the YDDP had secured itself as a superior program for enhancing Victoria’s dairy industry, as reflected in the substantial increase in membership during this time.

“The YDDP is an exceptional program for young people within the dairy industry and its success over the past two years has resulted in an increase in its participation base to more than 800 young dairy farmers and service providers across Victoria,” Mr Chant said.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has agreed with the interim Senate Committee report on fertiliser pricing, released yesterday, which said that the ACCC should be strengthened to investigate anti-competitive practices in the fertiliser industry more fully.

VFF Economics Committee Chairman, Russell Amery, said that it was time that the concentrated fertiliser industry started behaving like every other competitive aspect of the agricultural market.

“The interim report from the Senate Inquiry has shown what farmers have been saying all along - price gouging and failing to honour contracts are a prevalent part of the fertiliser industry,” Mr Amery said.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Reserve Bank that the official cash rate will be reduced by a further 1 percent.

VFF President Simon Ramsay has called on all banks and financial institutions to pass on the full benefits of today’s rate cut to rural borrowers. The VFF is also calling on Victorian farmers who believe cuts have not been passed on to contact the VFF.

“Today’s Reserve Bank announcement to lower official interest rates comes at the right time to boost business confidence. Banks and financial institutions need to pass on the full benefits of this cut to farmers and rural businesses as soon as possible,” Mr Ramsay said. 

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and Agfarm have announced the opening of a Victorian regional office manned by respected grain marketer Brad Knight to service the VFF-Agfarm Brokerage Alliance.
VFF Grains Group President Geoff Nalder said having an office based in Horsham, with Brad Knight at the helm, would increase the one-on-one service available to Victorian farmers.

“Agfarm has built a solid reputation based on the independent service it provides to farmers. It has a strong history of providing grain growers with opportunities to maximise the money they receive for their grain,” Mr Nalder said.

“Brad Knight has already established his credentials among Western Victorian growers. He now has the opportunity to use his skills for the benefit of all Victorian farmers. The VFF is pleased to welcome Brad to the Agfarm team.”
“Having an on the ground presence in Horsham will give Victorian farmers a local point of contact and a familiar face to go to when in need of brokerage services,” Mr Nalder said.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and CFA are urging Victorian farmers to prepare now for the severe bushfire season predicted for this summer.

VFF President Simon Ramsay said that with many reports suggesting this bushfire season is set to be one of the worst on record, farmers and landowners are advised to develop and implement an effective property fire management plan.
 
“If weather predictions are correct, we’re set for an extremely dangerous bushfire season that will significantly affect farmers and rural landowners. Preparing properties now for the likelihood of severe bushfires is vital not only to ensure that rural properties and livestock are protected, but also to safeguard surrounding communities,” Mr Ramsay said.