MyFarm - free computer training
MyFarm is a computer program aimed at assisting farmers with farm planning and management. It has been developed by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) to provide a suitable, low cost mapping application that will make it easier for farmers to manage their farms.
Eagle Nest Protection Program
Roaring 40s' Renewable Energy are continuning their partnership with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) to provide incentives to landholders to protect Wedge-tailed Eagle or White Bellied Sea-Eagle nesting sites on their land. The program is seeking Tasmanian landholders who may wish to enter into long term formal conservation agreements. The current incentives on offer are limited and the program has a capped number of sites.
Weed Alert - Yellow Nutsedge
Yellow nutsedge is a perennial sedge of the Cyperaceae, that over-winters in the form of tubers underground. Occurs mostly in moist, disturbed habitats and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Weeds: Time it Right!
This wall chart provides a ready reference to some of the major agricultural and environmental weeds land managers are faced with in Tasmania. This chart was provided under a partnership between TFGA, Cradle Coast NRM, NRM North, NRM South, Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority, DPIPWE and the Australian Government.
Vendor Declaration - Weeds Hygiene
This declaration is intended to inform purchasers of the potential weed risk arising from purchase and / or delivery of materials. It should be signed by the producer or sales agent or their representative approved to do so.
The Tasmanian Council for Social Services has received a small grant to undertake a consultation project on the issues associated with household energy supply and use by rural and regional Tasmanians.
If you would like to participate please contact Suzanne Vallance - details can be found on their media release
Emergency Plant Pest - Biosecurity fact sheet - July 2010
What is an emergency plant pest?
Any plant pest that we haven't got in Tasmania and that would cause significant problems for our primary industries and/or environment if it were to become established here.
Sheepmeat Council of Australia - media release "Annual Muster", a new annual publication that is free for producers and highlights the key industry issues affecting sheepmeat profitability in Australia.
Tasmanian Skills Institute - the total training package
Do you work in the horticulture, agriculture, foresty or conservation and land management industries? If you do, did you know that you can fast track your qualifications by attending a series of one day workshops?
Dairy Effluent Officer
TDIA has appointed Katie Tangney to the 18 month fixed-term full time position of Dairy Premises Effluent Management Officer. Katie has an appreciation for issues affecting the dairy industry and farmers and is looking forward to assisting farmers in developing a dairy effluent management plan that meets the requirement of the TDIA's new Farm Dairy Premises Effluent Management Code of Practice.
For more information contact TDIA on 6421 7638.
Sheep Lice
Lice is becoming an increasing problem for farmers. There are a range of options available to farmers, but just as importantly, you need to do the basics:
- work with your neighbours
- maintain good fencing
- make sure you get a clean muster and
- quarantine new stock.
Click on the link that will provide more information on techniques to help you control lice.
Industrial Pastoral Award
Please click on the heading to access the latest industrial award information
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
A direct link to the ACCC Horticulture Code webpage providing detailed information for growers and traders about the Horticulture Code of Conduct and access to a full range of ACCC publications.
National Harvest Labour Information Service (NHLIS) Grower Guide
The NHLIS is a one-stop-shop for growers seeking labour - just call 1800 062 332, and they will take care of the rest for you. The NHLIS alleviate growers of the arduous task of locating harvest workers. “Our Call Centre operators field thousands of calls from prospective job seekers each week and ensure that only suitable applicants are referred to the employer“ reports the NHLIS Manager. “Growers don’t have the time to take 100’s of calls from job seekers, so we try to minimise that for them”. And what’s even better, the service is completely FREE! Remember, even if you have a labour need at short notice, the NHLIS is a cost effective, convenient and efficient way to source harvest workers.
The Call Centre operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm (EST). For further information, please call the National Harvest Labour Information Service on 1800 062 332.
Land Tax Relief for Businesses and Land Tax Reforms
As you may be aware the Tasmanian Premier announced on 10th December 2009 a package of Land Tax reforms. The proposed legislative amendments will reduce the land tax rates for land holdings with an aggregated value of greater than $350,000, as well as provide land tax relief to certain shack owners, first home builders and home businesses from 1 July 2010. Please access further information from the State Revenue Office . Applications for the rebate opened on 7th January 2010 and will close on 21st April 2010.
Aurora - Media Release
Aurora to invest $3m in North-West power supply upgrades - see media release for more information.
SAFETY ALERT - Quad bikes and the workplace
Small off road vehicles such as four wheeled quad bikes (also known as all terrain vehicles or AVTs) have become commonly used and integral part of any workplace system in Australia. Workplace Standards Tasmania has adopted a policy of ZERO TOLERANCE of breaches of duty of care responsibilities with quad biikes. Click on the heading to view full details.
ChemCert Accreditation
ChemCert is a nationally accrediated course delivering competencies in chemical safety and handling. ChemCert is suited to people who are using agricultural and veterinary chemicals as part of their normal work duties as an employee.
Electric Farm Newsletter Online
Aurora Energy have recently published their Electric Farm newsletter online. It is a quarterly newsletter that includes news, advice, information and case studies relevant to Aurora's agricultural business customers.
First issue of the Fox Eradication Program’s new quarterly newsletter 'Eradicate' is now available.
Eradicate is being produced to keep stakeholders and the community up to date with Stage 2 operations of the Fox Eradication Program (FEP). Publication will coincide with the seasons of the fox life cycle: autumn (dispersal), winter (mating), spring (cubs born) and summer (rearing). Each issue will include a program activity update, feature stories about FEP operations and fox evidence updates (including a fox activity map). It will be electronically distributed through stakeholder networks, via mailing lists and via the FEP website at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fox (under 'Newsletters' link).
New Permit System for groundwater wells and bores
The Tasmanian Government recently announced that it will be introducing a permit system for water bores, wells and other excavations that access groundwater anywhere in Tasmania from September this year. For more information read the attached media release or go to http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/JMUY-7UC7W8?open