(08) 9071 2173
Share
The WA Christmas trees are in bloom, the Christmas decorations are appearing in shops and homes, and there’s certainly an air of festivity about the place here in town. It’s been a short and sweet harvest this year, with many growers beginning to finish up for the year. Most – if not all – should be finished in time for Christmas Day.
Turning our focus globally, to begin with, and despite the threat from Russia, Ukraine is witnessing increased grain shipments via the Black Sea. More ships are heading to Ukraine’s Black Sea ports and departing with grain cargo, contributing to Ukraine’s economy and providing food to regions facing rising prices and food insecurity.
This surge in shipments follows the establishment of a protected shipping corridor after Russia withdrew from a U.N.-brokered agreement, which had previously facilitated safe food transport from Ukraine during the conflict. While the risk to vessels remains a concern due to the ongoing conflict, the corridor has facilitated significant grain exports, providing essential products to multiple countries. Despite challenges, farmers and exporters are finding ways to navigate the risk and continuing, currently, to export grain to global markets via this corridor.
Back on home soil now and John Snooke, a Cunderdin grain farmer, asserts that a seed company owes compensation to multiple farmers due to a substantial loss in a specific canola strain before harvest. The canola seeds, known as 'garrison' and supplied by Pacific Seeds, were advertised as herbicide-tolerant but faced a 21% mortality rate post the initial glyphosate application. While Pacific Seeds proposed partial compensation, they required Snooke to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before providing payment. WA Farmers have actively supported Snooke's claim for full compensation, serving as a reminder to growers about the risks associated with relying solely on a particular seed variety.
Navigating integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can be a challenge for grain growers due to the various methods available for pest control while minimising insecticide usage. Fortunately, The National Pest Information Network has launched a new checklist aimed at simplifying this process. Developed in collaboration with entomologists, extension scientists, and agronomists, this tool aids in pre-season planning and effective pest management, aligning with sustainable pest control methods. It complements the WeedSmart Big 6 initiative, actively promoting and supporting IPM practices. Both agronomists, and growers, can leverage this checklist to assess pest risks, enhance crop profitability, and reduce the likelihood of insecticide resistance. Access to the IPM Checklist is available for both parties involved in crop management via the AgPest website.
Finally, turning our focus back to Esperance and the WA Government has announced a $12.2 million investment into the roads leading into the Port of Esperance as part of a three-year Port Roads Improvement Program. Stage one is already underway, with a $7.4 million upgrade to Hughes Road, the primary access route for heavy vehicles into the port.
In case you haven’t seen already, we are currently recruiting for a Client Services Assistant (CSA) here at the Smith Shearer office. If you think you’re a fit, or if you know someone who would be perfect for the role, head over to Seek to check out all of the details.
That’s all for today folks. I hope things are going well for you, whether you’re out harvesting or in the office following your clients’ journeys, (much like I am!).
Increasing numbers of ships are streaming toward Ukraine’s Black Sea ports and heading out loaded with grain, metals and other cargo despite the threat of attack and explosive mines
ROAD upgrades are coming to Esperance as the Western Australian government aims to improve safety, access and efficiency at Southern Ports’ Port of Esperance.
The National Pest Information Network has today released a new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Checklist to demystify the processes involved in IPM and provide the Australian grains industry with clear, standardised advice.
A Wheatbelt farmer says a prominent seed company owes farmers tens of thousands of dollars in compensation after a fifth of one of its canola strains died prior to harvest.
The Government has reinvigorated the 120% skills training and technology costs deduction for small and medium business. An election ago, the 2022-23 Budget proposed a 120% tax deduction for expenditure by small and medium businesses on technology, or skills and training for their staff. This proposal has now been adopted by the current Government and details released in recent exposure draft by Treasury.
From 1 July 2022, the standard Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate increased from 10% up to 10.5%. It’s part of the government’s commitment to increase the SG by half a percent each year until 2025, when the SG rate will reach 12%.
The Australian Federal Budget 2022 was delivered on 29 March 2022 by the Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. See our breakdown of the tax measures impacting small business in Australia.
Smith Shearer, in collaboration with Kitto and Kitto Lawyers, will be hosting the ECCI Business After Hours on 12 August 2021
To receive news and resources relevant to you, your farming business and the farming community, fill in your details below and we'll add you to our mailing list.