NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1984
MARCH, 2016
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
Hunting Season
Bruce Diffey talks water Bull sales
PAGES 14-15
PAGES 24-25
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Farmers say Joyce is the right choice Rural sector happy that issues will be front and centre after Barnaby Joyce appointed Nationals’ leader and Deputy Prime Minister
THE McLennan-McColl Victorian Flock of the Year competition, presented by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) in partnership with Merino Victoria, is heading to North East Victoria this month, with nine properties entered into the prestigious competition. Named in honour of two
of the merino industry’s most well-respected, wool producer, Neil McLennan and sheep classer, Keith McColl, the award celebrates and assists with improving the quality of Victoria’s merino ewe flocks. Culminating in the presentation of the $1500 cash prize winner, the competition encourages
North East residents and industry participants to view production systems and best practice management, with the RASV offering a free shuttle bus service to the competing properties. For a schedule of property opening times and more information visit www.rasv. com.au/flockoftheyear.
BY JODIE FLEMING
jfleming@ nemedia.com.au
entered a period of enormous opportunity in both existing and potential markets driven by growing global wealth and demand for our premium quality and safe food and fibre products,” Mr Finlay said. “Again, we congratulate Mr Joyce and look forward to the continued elevation of agriculture as a federal policy and economic priority,” Mr Finlay said. In response to the appointment of the other Nationals members to Parliament Mr Finlay said it was important the ministry held an understanding of one of the nation’s greatest drivers of export revenue, employment, growth and innovation. “We have seen the elevation of MPs who have an understanding of agriculture, re-
gional Australia and associated issues to portfolios which are critical to the ongoing success and growth of our industry,” he said. “Australian agriculture is entering a growth phase and is likely to generate $1.2 trillion between now and 2030, while this year alone, agriculture is predicted to reap a record farmgate return of $57.6 billion.” Mr Joyce retained the agriculture and water resources portfolios in the recent cabinet reshuffle and said he believed the work that he started with his department to turn around soft commodity prices, in implementing the Murray Darling Basin Plan and “the significant investments we are making in water infrastructure should continue”. Deputy Leader of the Nationals Fiona Nash will take on roles in three key areas as Minister for Regional Development, Regional Communications and Rural Health.
LOT 4 in our Sale K0092. Stud Sire Potential.
ON PROPERTY SALE 76 Bulls Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 at 1pm www.witherswoodangus.com.au Hoysted Road, Taminick via Glenrowan John & Joan Woodruff E: joanwoodruff@bigpond.com M: 0412 002 509 P: (03) 9826 0334
Ian Peake – Stud Manager M: 0419 111 936 P: (03) 5765 2222
BIRTH Wt, (kg) +4.4 200 Day wt. +44 400 Day wt. +85 600 Day wt. +113 Scrotal Size +3.2 EMA. +6.1 Rib Fat +1.8 IMF +1.0
Jim Bruce 0419 600 355 Stephen Street 0428 579 338
orcoran arker
Kevin Sanderson 0418 574 237 Justin Keane 0427 927 500
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VIC. FLOCK OF THE YEAR COMP HEADS NORTH EAST
BARNABY Joyce’s elevation to leader of the Nationals and Deputy Prime Minister appears to be a popular choice among agricultural groups and farmers who feel that their rural interests will at last have a “real voice”. The Member for New England and Minister for Agriculture ran unopposed in the recent leadership ballot, following the retirement of veteran parliamentarian and Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) led the way in congratulating Barnaby Joyce on his success. NFF president Brent Finlay said that the federation was “heartened” by the fact someone with strong ties to the agricultural sector and who was aware of current rural issues had replaced Mr Truss. Minister Joyce was also an advocate for regional Australia in the role of Deputy Prime Minister. “Australian agriculture has