Honey production in Western Australia is down more than half this year, compared with last year, after honeybees were affected by recent drought conditions. The University of Western Australia’s Professor Boris Baer said beekeepers should not expect their bees to produce honey. The weather conditions resulted in failure of blossom in a number of plants important for honey production. The fall in honey production comes on top of declines in honeybee populations nationally and world-wide. Professor... ...Read more »

South Australian Agriculture Minister Michael O’Brien says the mass transportation of livestock from Western Australia is providing an unexpected boost for the state’s primary industries. The ongoing movement of sheep and cattle from the drought-stricken West to South Australia and the eastern states is possibly the largest of its kind in Australian history. Mr O’Brien said significant restocking in South Australia could potentially generate $50 million in additional revenue across the sector. “It... ...Read more »

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has imposed a temporary ban on exports of grain and other agricultural products derived from corn from the country due to the worst drought in a century. He added that the country has sufficient reserves, but that it needs to “prevent the growth of domestic food prices in the Russian Federation [so] it is necessary to keep livestock and create reserves next year.” A spokesperson said the ban will come into effect from 15 August and will apply to... ...Read more »

Peak horticulture body Growcom welcomed confirmation by the Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke at the Rural Press Club’s Post-Budget breakfast of some progress on national biosecurity reform and of a fresh approach to national drought policy. Growcom Chairman John Bishop said he welcomed the Minister’s commitment to the continuation of reforms to national biosecurity policy and the announcement of an additional $20 million in the budget to enhance biosecurity operations within AQIS. Mr... ...Read more »

While much of Queensland has experienced heavy rainfalls this summer, apple growers around Stanthorpe, in the Granite Belt south west of Brisbane are facing tough growing conditions due to the drought. Picking of the Gala variety has begun, and growers in the region are reporting smaller and fewer fruit this season, compared to last year. Daniel Nicoletti, head of the Stanthorpe Apple Committee said the fruit they’re picking isn’t too bad considering what it has been through. “They’re... ...Read more »

There is optimism regarding winter crop planting and production because of recent rains across the Australian grains belt, according to ABARE’s June issue of the Australian crop report.”Rainfall in late May and early June was timely for those winter crops that had already been sown and provided an opportunity for remaining planting intentions to be realised,” Phillip Glyde, Executive Director of ABARE, said upon releasing the report. The area sown to winter crops in Australia is... ...Read more »

Australian crop production increased in 2007-08 in comparison to the previous year, but generally remains at among the lowest levels in five years, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The numbers of livestock fell while the horticulture sector reported mixed results. Lack of water was labelled as the major contributor, with a near complete suspension of rice production. Drought conditions and industry adjustments have lead to a decline in livestock, with sheep and... ...Read more »

Ricegrowers Ltd, which trades as SunRice and is one of the world’s largest branded rice companies, has been forced to “downscale” operations as a result of the impact of the drought on their harvest. The actions of the company to cope with the expected low 2009 crop of around 75,000 tonnes were today passed onto employees and shareholders of the company. The company has the capacity to handle 1.2 million tonnes each year and this year’s shortfall comes after last year’s... ...Read more »

The 2008-2009 growing season has presented more challenges for the Australian wine industry than would normally be expected in a generation, according to the latest Rabobank report analysing the impact of the heat wave on the Australian wine industry. Hammered by the after-effects of the heat wave, forecasts have tumbled ahead of the 2009 harvest. The Rabobank report says the extent of damage cannot be quantified until the grape harvest is complete, but evidence suggests a wide range of estimated... ...Read more »

A practical new toolkit developed by RMIT University researchers is set to help food manufacturers cut their water use by identifying the processes that use the most water and the changes they can make to reduce their consumption.Supported by the Smart Water Fund, the Water Saver Toolkit was developed in conjunction with the Plenty Food Group, the City of Whittlesea, the City of Hume, Yarra Valley Water and several industrial food manufacturers. Dr Nira Jayasuriya, from RMIT’s School of Civil,... ...Read more »