NORTH EAST AND GOULBURN MURRAY
Part of the Farmer Group Rural Newspapers Covering Victoria Published since 1984
Growing crops in desperate need of a drink PAGE 8
JUNE, 2015
37 Rowan Street, Wangaratta 3677
$1 at newsagents
Farmer to Farmer
PAGES 16-21
year SPECIALS FINANCIAL
PAGE 22
Groundwork for Ag White Paper set after budget Federal budget offers farmers decent tax concessions, but state budget is another story
AGRICULTURAL CHAMPION: Ellen Versteegen is the 2015 winner of the Ag Institute of Australia’s (AIA) National Student Award which is an annual competition for undergraduate students that are completing an honours research project as part of an agricultural science degree. The award was part of the recent AIA National Conference which explored how agriculture will See page 5 for full story. look in 2040, with a particular focus on creating a profitable yet sustainable industry.
$JULPD[ 6HUYLFHV 3W\ /WG QRZ WUDGLQJ DV 0F'RQDOG $JULPD[
)XOO UDQJH RI IHUWLOLVHUV %XON VSUHDGLQJ DQG EDJJLQJ VHUYLFH /RFDO /LYHVWRFN &DUWDJH
AUSTRALIA’S farming groups and leaders believe that the 2015-16 federal budget lays the groundwork for the release of the government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper later this year. National Farmers’ Federation president Brent Finlay said the budget delivered modest gains for the farm sector through specific initiatives that will assist cash flow on farm, lower business taxes, boost bilateral trade agreement outcomes and recognise challenging seasonal conditions facing parts of the sector. Mr Finlay said the agriculture portfolio largely held its ground, with funding of about $2 billion, despite an expected decrease in the Federal Government’s tax receipts of
BY JODIE FLEMING
jfleming@ nemedia.com.au
about $14 billion. “This recognises that the agriculture sector is a source of economic strength, linked to growing appetites for safe, clean and sustainable Aussie produce in key Asian markets,” he said. “The measures on trade, tax breaks and small business measures will be welcome news for Australian farmers. “We hope that the budget is a preview of policies and significant funding commitments for tangible initiatives to support agricultural competitiveness and growth. Continued page 4
Servicing existing clients in Wangaratta and surrounds, Yarrawonga and Southern New South Wales. NEW CLIENTS WELCOME.
37 Cusack St, Wangaratta
P. (03) 5721 4400
v/12d13029/23-15
E. info@agrimax.com.au