from the acting ceo - nt farmers...further workshops for ipm and training events for farm chemi cal...
TRANSCRIPT
1
APRIL
2017
NT Farmers Staff Back Row Greg Owens Robyn Purtill Shenal Basnayake
Front Row Samantha Tocknell Aisla Connolly Trish McInnes
From the Acting CEO
Hi everyone
Shenal has moved to Sydney to start his new job with the NSW Government I am acting in the
CEO role at NT Farmers for the next 3 months
Itrsquos a very busy time for all the Top End famers with the vegetable and melon crops all started
and the preparations for mango flowering in full swing
Staff at NT farmers have also been busy with workshops meetings roadshows and producing
the e-news and our newsletters Further workshops for IPM and training events for farm chemi-
cal safety and Freshcare V4 are in the pipeline so keep reading the e-news
May is also conference season with the AMIA mango conference in Bowen from 2-5 May and the
Hort Connections event in Adelaide 15-18 May for vegetable growers apple and pear growers
and a host of other associated horticulture associations Some funding for airfares and accom-
modation is available to vegetable levy payers to attend this convention if anyone is still interest-
ed in attending
The NT Farmerrsquos office is undergoing a full renovation thanks to the NT government grants for
not-for-profit organisations so things are a bit disorganised but it is also amazing what gets
found in the old files We are looking forward to the new look office when complete in a couple of
weeks and for members to visit us and check it out
Cheers
Greg Owens
NT Farmers Acting
CEO Greg Owens
NT Farmers Staff at Shenalrsquos
farewell lunch
2
Northern Territory
2017 Rural Woman of the Year
Kate Peake
With an aim to improve water management in the Northern Territory Kate Peake NT Farmers Board of Directors Treasurer has been named the Northern Territorys 2017 RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year
The Rural Industries Research and Development Cor-poration runs the award to acknowledge the efforts of women in rural industries but also to help develop projects they are passionate about
As part of the award the winner receives a $10000 bursary to pursue their project which Ms Peake said this year would go towards increasing stewardship within the community of water management
I would love to see a conversation about water com-mence that is less reactive and more proactive and collaborative and allows us to come up with the tools that we need to know that we are using the water resource sustainably she said
[As part of the project] I would very much like to do a survey of interested stakeholders
Ms Peake said her passion for water management stemmed from the fact that water was crucial to life
I think in this part of the world we have such a lot of it [water] that its importance is underestimated and the potential to manage it poorly is not really under-stood she said
Ms Peake said in order to achieve sustainable man-agement of water resources the whole community had to get involved
This is our project It cant be what I think it really has to be community engagement and driven by the stakeholders that are going to make the change she said
Because you can only manage the resource if the people that use it use it respectfully
I hope that [in 12 months time] I will be able to say that we have a completed water allocation plan which is a process that is already in play but that the community has a really strong ownership and under-standing of the importance of that document
Ms Peake will now go on to represent the Northern Territory at the National RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year Awards
PHOTO Kate Peake is presented with her award by Primary Industries Minister Ken
Vowles (Supplied RIRDC)
Story source httpwwwabcnetaunews2017-03-30nt-2017-rirdc-rural-
woman-kate-peake8398202
Donrsquot Risk a Fine For Not Controlling Your
Gamba Grass
Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) establishment has reached dan-gerous levels in Darwin Batchelor and the surrounding regions This is despite the concerted efforts by thousands of land holders to con-trol gamba grass on their own properties To achieve improved compliance and therefore safety it has been determined that a two-pronged approach is required 1 Provision of ongoing support for those that are committed to responsible gamba grass control and 2 Administration of a transparent equitable and risk based compli-ance program that protects those who are doing the right thing and tackles the most challenging areas of infestation
In 2016 nine lsquohotspotsrsquo were identified based on risk factors and stra-tegic management outcomes After extensive road surveys and prop-erty inspections more than 20 orders to control gamba grass were issued
Non-compliance with an order within a designated timeframe may result in an infringement notice costing $271 Ongoing resistance to orders may result in further fines or prosecution where fines of up to $15400 could apply
Source httpsntgovau
environmentweeds
Gamba infestation
httpsntgovauenvironment
weedslist-of-declared-weeds-in-the
-ntgamba-grass
3
In the lead up to International Womenrsquos Day on 8 March the Businesswomenrsquos Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held on 2 March and recognised Australiarsquos female business trailblazers
Now in its 19th year the 2017 inductees joined more than 200 women previously inducted into this respected commu-nity
Marie Piccone Managing Director of Manbulloo was one of 18 ladies inducted along with women from the health and beauty construction and mining and fashion and home-wares industries
ldquoBeing inducted into the HerBusiness Businesswomenrsquos Hall of Fame is wonderful recognition that is staying true to my vision lsquoNever giving uprsquo and building great relationships and a great team are cornerstones to the success of my busi-ness Manbulloo My induction makes me very proud that I am a lsquowoman in businessrsquo especially in a horticultural busi-ness I hope that my journey might encourage other people to follow their dream lsquohang in therersquo or take the next lsquocalculated riskrsquordquo Marie said
Suzi Dafnis Chief Executive Officer of HerBusiness said
ldquoThe collective influence that women entrepreneurs have
on business in Australia has never been as cohesive and
prominent as it is now
ldquoThe women inducted into this yearrsquos Hall of Fame are in-credibly inspiring with stories of determination and passion that have set them on paths to successmdashpaths that often have quite a few big bumps along the way
ldquoBeing a business owner is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences a woman can have The Hall of Fame shines a light on Australiarsquos most talented women entrepreneurs and shares their authentic stories that in-spire other women to be bold and confident in businessmdasheven when the going gets rough or they lose their mojo Successful women inspire other women to strive for suc-cessrdquo
Marie said her key to success was paying it forward and that her mentors have provided amazing insights and expe-riences that have gifted her with great guidance and more knowledge
Source httpwwwindustrymangoesnetauresource-collection2017323marie-
piccone-inducted-into-the-businesswomens-hall-of-fame
Marie Piccone inducted into the Businesswomenrsquos Hall of Fame
ldquoWhen times have been really tough they have be-lieved in me and the future of the business and have also given me very honest and relevant feedback when Irsquove needed it most They have all variously provided me with mental strength and carried me forward for an hour when I have been exhausted by the enormity of some of the challenges that I have faced I know that Manbulloo would not be in as strong a position if I had not had mentors There are a few situations that I won-der whether Manbulloo would have survived without themrdquo said Marie
The criteria for the Hall of Fame requires inductees to be founders or business owners who have demonstrat-ed they are exemplary in their field making new path-ways be mentors amongst mentors of other women demonstrate inspiring and aspiring business journeys and trailblazers Women are nominated by Business-womenrsquos Hall of Fame Alumni industry and business groups and the HerBusiness Advisory Board A highly-respected selection panel which features a diverse mix of women in business the media and government is responsible for the selection process and review
For more information please visit httpherbusinesscomhall-of-fame
4
FROM THE MINISTER Desert Springs Farm - Ali Curung
I recently had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in the Barkly Region hosted by my colleague Gerry McCarthy where I was able to view first-hand some of the primary industry projects in the area We visited the Desert Springs Farm near Ali Curung 150km south of Tennant Creek
NT Farmers vice president Paul McLaughlin showed us around the property and its current operations I was impressed with the value it provided for both industry and community The farm has grown a reputa-tion for producing high yields of watermelon as well as other crops like pomegranates The other exciting on farm development is the NT Government Mango trial
This is an exciting operation as the objective is to extend the harvest window for high quality Territory Man-goes The trial is a good example of government and industry working collaboratively and innovatively to expand the horticulture sector in the NT
Our government is focussed on expanding the horticulture sector as a key economic driver in the rural re-gions of the Territory I would like to thank Paul McLaughlin for taking the time to show us his property and NT farmers for the great work they do within the horticulture industry As Minister for Primary Industry and Resources I look forward to liaising with industry people both on the farm and in the boardroom and advo-cating within government for an ever-expanding and vibrant Horticulture Industry in the NT
The Hon Ken Vowles Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
Phil Hausler Executive Director Plant Industries Gerry McCarthy MLA Barkly Paul
McLaughlin OwnerManager Desert Farms and Vice President NT Farmers The Hon Ken
Vowles Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
5
Please contact adminntfarmersorgau for Agenda Proxy Form Nomination Form and minutes from the 2016 AGM
6
Office Renovations
NT Farmers would like to announce they have been suc-cessful in procuring a grant from the NT Government Immediate Works Grant Program With this money we are renovating our Coolalinga office
We will be minimising disruptions as much as we can but please bear with us
Many thanks to the Department of Trade Business and Innovation for providing the Grant
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
httpswwwfacebookcom
NTFarmersAssociation
httpstwittercomNTFarmers
NT Farmers Support the future of farming in
the Northern Territory
Partner up with us
httpwwwntfarmersorgaublogsam-tocknellnt-
farmers-association-partnership-brochure
Sagittaria - Just 8 Plants Left to Find
In August 2016 28 sagittaria plants were sold by Darwin and Katherine
retailers and to date 20 of these plants have been found and destroyed
The Weed Management Branch would like to thank everyone who called
in a suspected sagittaria sighting It is your involvement which has resulted
in the recovery of these plants as well as the discovery of two historical
sagittaria plantings from earlier introductions
Although these results are great there may be at least eight mature sag-
ittaria plants out there and we still need your help to locate them
Dont let sagittaria impact on your boating and fishing activities
This high-risk aquatic weed could irreversibly and quickly choke our
aquatic habitats if allowed to escape from Top End gardens or ponds
Sagittaria Source wwwntgovauweeds
7
The Food Value Chain Innovators Young Food Innovators pro-
gram is a 12-month intensive accelerated development pro-
gram for young people working in the red meat horticulture
seafood and dairy primary producer sectors
This program is designed for producers or supporting profes-
sionals looking to develop new high value opportunities in do-
mestic or export markets implement innovative new business
models or accelerate the adoption of new disruptive technolo-
gies within their production business
The Young Food Innovators program will equip you with ad-
vanced design-led innovation and value chain design approach-
es to enable you to become an effective innovation catalyst It
will provide you with the insights and best practice innovation
tools needed to participate effectively in the value chains of the
future
Program design
The Young Food Innovators program is a 12-month intensive
development program that will help you develop a lsquowhole-of-
chainrsquo (paddock to plate) approach Drawing on market and
consumer insights and using real-life industry case studies you
will learn how to use the latest innovation tools in a practical
way Yoursquoll undertake a major project as well as develop a new
business opportunity that is not standard lsquobusiness-as-usualrsquo
Eligibility
This program is aimed at future-focused open-minded young
producers or AgTech and rural professionals looking to develop
new high value opportunities or introduce new disruptive tech-
nologies You should be currently working within the production
sector (or a business closely related to the production sector)
with a minimum of five yearsrsquo experience as well as hold a uni-
versity degree or relevant qualification You will have excellent
communication skills a desire to work collaboratively and to
make a genuine contribution to the agriculture industry If you
are not currently employed in a farming enterprise you will
need to demonstrate how this program will help you return to
the production sector
Apply now
Applications close COB Friday 28 April 2017 To apply or for
more information contact Stuart Quigley Project Manager In-
sights2Innovation E insights2innovationmlacomau M 0419
773 007
Contact NT Farmers for further information
Who will be the Territoryrsquos first NRM Champions
The Weed Management Branch is excited to launch the Territoryrsquos first fully sponsored Natural Resource Man-agement (NRM) Champions program The program consists of a tailored training package in-cluding a range of personalised opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge in NRM The Weed Management Branch is seeking two self-starter individuals who have demonstrated
An active interest in land management Long term commitment to the pastoral industry A desire to learn and implement actions leading to
sustainable rangelands management Opportunities for the successful nominees will include an
interstate trip to understand the impacts of prickly acacia
(Vachellia nilotica) There will also be the chance to
attend NRM conferences and learn a variety of rangeland
monitoring and management skills like the use and
maintenance of aerial incendiary devices
Nominations close on 5 June 2017 with this yearrsquos pro-
gram commencing 1 August 2017 Go to wwwntgovau
nrmchampions for more information
Prickly Acacia ((Vachellia nilotica)
8
Growers were encouraged to use the recently developed Field Guide
to Pests Beneficials Diseases and Disorders of Vegetables in Northern
Australia to identify different insects during the field walk and to con-
sider how the use of a refuge area of sorghum or tall grasses can keep
the existing beneficial insects on farm and ready to protect the vegeta-
ble crops Growers will be invited back to the site to witness the devel-
opment of the IPM strategy compared with a conventional chemical
based pest control strategy The demonstration will aim to improve
their own identification and monitoring skills for these crops which
will form the basis of their own IPM program The demo site will host
at least another two field activities this vegetable season where other
technologies like improved fertigation systems and soil moisture moni-
toring will be demonstrated Grower feedback forms collected so far
have been extremely positive with the responses indicating that most
of the participants believe they acquired new knowledge that was
relevant to their businesses and would be likely to attend the next field
day
The IPM Demonstration Site is being conducted as a part of project
VG15044 Regional Capacity Building to Grow Vegetable Businesses
(NT) which is part of a nationally run project being delivered across
Australia Each of the project deliverers in their respective states
around Australia form the National Vegetable Extension Network or
VegNET VegNET has been set up by Horticulture Innovation Australia
(Hort Innovation) and the vegetable industry to effectively communi-
cate vitally important research-based information to Australian vege-
table growers This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation
Australia Limited using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australi-
an Government
NT Vegetable Growers get set for the 2017 Dry
Season
NT vegetable growers melon growers and industry representatives
engaged in a pre-season meeting at the NT Department of Primary
Industry and Resources (NTDPIR) Coastal Plains Research Farm (CPRF)
to hear the latest on the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus
(CGMMV) incursions across Australia The group heard the latest NT
regulatory requirements for cucurbit production and the progress of
the national CGMMV research and development project that is being
led by the NTDPIR plant pathology molecular biology unit The current
research has focussed on the retention and viability of the CGMMV
virus in soils weeds and non-host vegetable crops as well as the virusrsquo
interaction with honey bees and the development of testing in field
and for seed diagnosis
The meeting was held at CPRF to introduce growers to the site of the
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Demonstration that has been
started in the first paddock close to the main meeting hall There has
been an upsurge in interest in using IPM to manage the cluster cater-
pillars and mites that are a constant problem for Top End Okra and
Snake Bean producers Pests that are proving very difficult to control
with traditional chemical based programs There is increased enthusi-
asm by NT vegetable growers to embrace IPM as insect resistance to
chemical-only management programs has been increasing over the last
10 years The demonstration site will show farmers some of the alter-
native methods of pest management and investigate which beneficial
predator and parasite bugs are already in the area Preliminary work
on 2 farms in the Marrakai area have already identified a range of
predators that can build up quickly and start helping with caterpillar
and mite control
Growers will be invited to a series of field days at the demo site to look
at pest control across the growing season the first of which was the
afore mentioned Pre-season Vegetable Meeting A green manure crop
of forage sorghum has been growing on the site over the wet season
and will be incorporated in the next month ready for planting Okra and
Snake Beans in late April Growers were taken on a pre-planting field
walk into the forage sorghum to identify the many pests and beneficial
insects already resident at the site
Predator Ladybird beetle feeding on Mealy bugs on okra
9
A group of Farmers from across the Northern Territory gather at Coastal Plains
Research Farm for the start of the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting
NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting Held at Coastal Plains Research Farm
A local farmer works with Entomologist - Haidee Brown to identify good and bad bugs
in the pests and diseases clinic at the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting in
Collaboration and sharing of information
A large group of vegetable and melon growers and stakeholders gather for the start of
the 2017 pre-season meeting at Coastal Plains Research Farm in Darwin
NT Farmers Association Industry Development Officer Samantha Tocknell
and Department of Primary Industry and Resources Entomologist Haidee
Brown examine beneficial predatory bugs under the microscope
Growers are led by NT Farmers Industry Development Manager Greg Owens out into the field
for an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site where grow-
ers discussed pre-planting best practice and the process of integrating a green manure crop to
build refuge for predators
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
2
Northern Territory
2017 Rural Woman of the Year
Kate Peake
With an aim to improve water management in the Northern Territory Kate Peake NT Farmers Board of Directors Treasurer has been named the Northern Territorys 2017 RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year
The Rural Industries Research and Development Cor-poration runs the award to acknowledge the efforts of women in rural industries but also to help develop projects they are passionate about
As part of the award the winner receives a $10000 bursary to pursue their project which Ms Peake said this year would go towards increasing stewardship within the community of water management
I would love to see a conversation about water com-mence that is less reactive and more proactive and collaborative and allows us to come up with the tools that we need to know that we are using the water resource sustainably she said
[As part of the project] I would very much like to do a survey of interested stakeholders
Ms Peake said her passion for water management stemmed from the fact that water was crucial to life
I think in this part of the world we have such a lot of it [water] that its importance is underestimated and the potential to manage it poorly is not really under-stood she said
Ms Peake said in order to achieve sustainable man-agement of water resources the whole community had to get involved
This is our project It cant be what I think it really has to be community engagement and driven by the stakeholders that are going to make the change she said
Because you can only manage the resource if the people that use it use it respectfully
I hope that [in 12 months time] I will be able to say that we have a completed water allocation plan which is a process that is already in play but that the community has a really strong ownership and under-standing of the importance of that document
Ms Peake will now go on to represent the Northern Territory at the National RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year Awards
PHOTO Kate Peake is presented with her award by Primary Industries Minister Ken
Vowles (Supplied RIRDC)
Story source httpwwwabcnetaunews2017-03-30nt-2017-rirdc-rural-
woman-kate-peake8398202
Donrsquot Risk a Fine For Not Controlling Your
Gamba Grass
Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) establishment has reached dan-gerous levels in Darwin Batchelor and the surrounding regions This is despite the concerted efforts by thousands of land holders to con-trol gamba grass on their own properties To achieve improved compliance and therefore safety it has been determined that a two-pronged approach is required 1 Provision of ongoing support for those that are committed to responsible gamba grass control and 2 Administration of a transparent equitable and risk based compli-ance program that protects those who are doing the right thing and tackles the most challenging areas of infestation
In 2016 nine lsquohotspotsrsquo were identified based on risk factors and stra-tegic management outcomes After extensive road surveys and prop-erty inspections more than 20 orders to control gamba grass were issued
Non-compliance with an order within a designated timeframe may result in an infringement notice costing $271 Ongoing resistance to orders may result in further fines or prosecution where fines of up to $15400 could apply
Source httpsntgovau
environmentweeds
Gamba infestation
httpsntgovauenvironment
weedslist-of-declared-weeds-in-the
-ntgamba-grass
3
In the lead up to International Womenrsquos Day on 8 March the Businesswomenrsquos Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held on 2 March and recognised Australiarsquos female business trailblazers
Now in its 19th year the 2017 inductees joined more than 200 women previously inducted into this respected commu-nity
Marie Piccone Managing Director of Manbulloo was one of 18 ladies inducted along with women from the health and beauty construction and mining and fashion and home-wares industries
ldquoBeing inducted into the HerBusiness Businesswomenrsquos Hall of Fame is wonderful recognition that is staying true to my vision lsquoNever giving uprsquo and building great relationships and a great team are cornerstones to the success of my busi-ness Manbulloo My induction makes me very proud that I am a lsquowoman in businessrsquo especially in a horticultural busi-ness I hope that my journey might encourage other people to follow their dream lsquohang in therersquo or take the next lsquocalculated riskrsquordquo Marie said
Suzi Dafnis Chief Executive Officer of HerBusiness said
ldquoThe collective influence that women entrepreneurs have
on business in Australia has never been as cohesive and
prominent as it is now
ldquoThe women inducted into this yearrsquos Hall of Fame are in-credibly inspiring with stories of determination and passion that have set them on paths to successmdashpaths that often have quite a few big bumps along the way
ldquoBeing a business owner is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences a woman can have The Hall of Fame shines a light on Australiarsquos most talented women entrepreneurs and shares their authentic stories that in-spire other women to be bold and confident in businessmdasheven when the going gets rough or they lose their mojo Successful women inspire other women to strive for suc-cessrdquo
Marie said her key to success was paying it forward and that her mentors have provided amazing insights and expe-riences that have gifted her with great guidance and more knowledge
Source httpwwwindustrymangoesnetauresource-collection2017323marie-
piccone-inducted-into-the-businesswomens-hall-of-fame
Marie Piccone inducted into the Businesswomenrsquos Hall of Fame
ldquoWhen times have been really tough they have be-lieved in me and the future of the business and have also given me very honest and relevant feedback when Irsquove needed it most They have all variously provided me with mental strength and carried me forward for an hour when I have been exhausted by the enormity of some of the challenges that I have faced I know that Manbulloo would not be in as strong a position if I had not had mentors There are a few situations that I won-der whether Manbulloo would have survived without themrdquo said Marie
The criteria for the Hall of Fame requires inductees to be founders or business owners who have demonstrat-ed they are exemplary in their field making new path-ways be mentors amongst mentors of other women demonstrate inspiring and aspiring business journeys and trailblazers Women are nominated by Business-womenrsquos Hall of Fame Alumni industry and business groups and the HerBusiness Advisory Board A highly-respected selection panel which features a diverse mix of women in business the media and government is responsible for the selection process and review
For more information please visit httpherbusinesscomhall-of-fame
4
FROM THE MINISTER Desert Springs Farm - Ali Curung
I recently had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in the Barkly Region hosted by my colleague Gerry McCarthy where I was able to view first-hand some of the primary industry projects in the area We visited the Desert Springs Farm near Ali Curung 150km south of Tennant Creek
NT Farmers vice president Paul McLaughlin showed us around the property and its current operations I was impressed with the value it provided for both industry and community The farm has grown a reputa-tion for producing high yields of watermelon as well as other crops like pomegranates The other exciting on farm development is the NT Government Mango trial
This is an exciting operation as the objective is to extend the harvest window for high quality Territory Man-goes The trial is a good example of government and industry working collaboratively and innovatively to expand the horticulture sector in the NT
Our government is focussed on expanding the horticulture sector as a key economic driver in the rural re-gions of the Territory I would like to thank Paul McLaughlin for taking the time to show us his property and NT farmers for the great work they do within the horticulture industry As Minister for Primary Industry and Resources I look forward to liaising with industry people both on the farm and in the boardroom and advo-cating within government for an ever-expanding and vibrant Horticulture Industry in the NT
The Hon Ken Vowles Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
Phil Hausler Executive Director Plant Industries Gerry McCarthy MLA Barkly Paul
McLaughlin OwnerManager Desert Farms and Vice President NT Farmers The Hon Ken
Vowles Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
5
Please contact adminntfarmersorgau for Agenda Proxy Form Nomination Form and minutes from the 2016 AGM
6
Office Renovations
NT Farmers would like to announce they have been suc-cessful in procuring a grant from the NT Government Immediate Works Grant Program With this money we are renovating our Coolalinga office
We will be minimising disruptions as much as we can but please bear with us
Many thanks to the Department of Trade Business and Innovation for providing the Grant
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
httpswwwfacebookcom
NTFarmersAssociation
httpstwittercomNTFarmers
NT Farmers Support the future of farming in
the Northern Territory
Partner up with us
httpwwwntfarmersorgaublogsam-tocknellnt-
farmers-association-partnership-brochure
Sagittaria - Just 8 Plants Left to Find
In August 2016 28 sagittaria plants were sold by Darwin and Katherine
retailers and to date 20 of these plants have been found and destroyed
The Weed Management Branch would like to thank everyone who called
in a suspected sagittaria sighting It is your involvement which has resulted
in the recovery of these plants as well as the discovery of two historical
sagittaria plantings from earlier introductions
Although these results are great there may be at least eight mature sag-
ittaria plants out there and we still need your help to locate them
Dont let sagittaria impact on your boating and fishing activities
This high-risk aquatic weed could irreversibly and quickly choke our
aquatic habitats if allowed to escape from Top End gardens or ponds
Sagittaria Source wwwntgovauweeds
7
The Food Value Chain Innovators Young Food Innovators pro-
gram is a 12-month intensive accelerated development pro-
gram for young people working in the red meat horticulture
seafood and dairy primary producer sectors
This program is designed for producers or supporting profes-
sionals looking to develop new high value opportunities in do-
mestic or export markets implement innovative new business
models or accelerate the adoption of new disruptive technolo-
gies within their production business
The Young Food Innovators program will equip you with ad-
vanced design-led innovation and value chain design approach-
es to enable you to become an effective innovation catalyst It
will provide you with the insights and best practice innovation
tools needed to participate effectively in the value chains of the
future
Program design
The Young Food Innovators program is a 12-month intensive
development program that will help you develop a lsquowhole-of-
chainrsquo (paddock to plate) approach Drawing on market and
consumer insights and using real-life industry case studies you
will learn how to use the latest innovation tools in a practical
way Yoursquoll undertake a major project as well as develop a new
business opportunity that is not standard lsquobusiness-as-usualrsquo
Eligibility
This program is aimed at future-focused open-minded young
producers or AgTech and rural professionals looking to develop
new high value opportunities or introduce new disruptive tech-
nologies You should be currently working within the production
sector (or a business closely related to the production sector)
with a minimum of five yearsrsquo experience as well as hold a uni-
versity degree or relevant qualification You will have excellent
communication skills a desire to work collaboratively and to
make a genuine contribution to the agriculture industry If you
are not currently employed in a farming enterprise you will
need to demonstrate how this program will help you return to
the production sector
Apply now
Applications close COB Friday 28 April 2017 To apply or for
more information contact Stuart Quigley Project Manager In-
sights2Innovation E insights2innovationmlacomau M 0419
773 007
Contact NT Farmers for further information
Who will be the Territoryrsquos first NRM Champions
The Weed Management Branch is excited to launch the Territoryrsquos first fully sponsored Natural Resource Man-agement (NRM) Champions program The program consists of a tailored training package in-cluding a range of personalised opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge in NRM The Weed Management Branch is seeking two self-starter individuals who have demonstrated
An active interest in land management Long term commitment to the pastoral industry A desire to learn and implement actions leading to
sustainable rangelands management Opportunities for the successful nominees will include an
interstate trip to understand the impacts of prickly acacia
(Vachellia nilotica) There will also be the chance to
attend NRM conferences and learn a variety of rangeland
monitoring and management skills like the use and
maintenance of aerial incendiary devices
Nominations close on 5 June 2017 with this yearrsquos pro-
gram commencing 1 August 2017 Go to wwwntgovau
nrmchampions for more information
Prickly Acacia ((Vachellia nilotica)
8
Growers were encouraged to use the recently developed Field Guide
to Pests Beneficials Diseases and Disorders of Vegetables in Northern
Australia to identify different insects during the field walk and to con-
sider how the use of a refuge area of sorghum or tall grasses can keep
the existing beneficial insects on farm and ready to protect the vegeta-
ble crops Growers will be invited back to the site to witness the devel-
opment of the IPM strategy compared with a conventional chemical
based pest control strategy The demonstration will aim to improve
their own identification and monitoring skills for these crops which
will form the basis of their own IPM program The demo site will host
at least another two field activities this vegetable season where other
technologies like improved fertigation systems and soil moisture moni-
toring will be demonstrated Grower feedback forms collected so far
have been extremely positive with the responses indicating that most
of the participants believe they acquired new knowledge that was
relevant to their businesses and would be likely to attend the next field
day
The IPM Demonstration Site is being conducted as a part of project
VG15044 Regional Capacity Building to Grow Vegetable Businesses
(NT) which is part of a nationally run project being delivered across
Australia Each of the project deliverers in their respective states
around Australia form the National Vegetable Extension Network or
VegNET VegNET has been set up by Horticulture Innovation Australia
(Hort Innovation) and the vegetable industry to effectively communi-
cate vitally important research-based information to Australian vege-
table growers This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation
Australia Limited using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australi-
an Government
NT Vegetable Growers get set for the 2017 Dry
Season
NT vegetable growers melon growers and industry representatives
engaged in a pre-season meeting at the NT Department of Primary
Industry and Resources (NTDPIR) Coastal Plains Research Farm (CPRF)
to hear the latest on the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus
(CGMMV) incursions across Australia The group heard the latest NT
regulatory requirements for cucurbit production and the progress of
the national CGMMV research and development project that is being
led by the NTDPIR plant pathology molecular biology unit The current
research has focussed on the retention and viability of the CGMMV
virus in soils weeds and non-host vegetable crops as well as the virusrsquo
interaction with honey bees and the development of testing in field
and for seed diagnosis
The meeting was held at CPRF to introduce growers to the site of the
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Demonstration that has been
started in the first paddock close to the main meeting hall There has
been an upsurge in interest in using IPM to manage the cluster cater-
pillars and mites that are a constant problem for Top End Okra and
Snake Bean producers Pests that are proving very difficult to control
with traditional chemical based programs There is increased enthusi-
asm by NT vegetable growers to embrace IPM as insect resistance to
chemical-only management programs has been increasing over the last
10 years The demonstration site will show farmers some of the alter-
native methods of pest management and investigate which beneficial
predator and parasite bugs are already in the area Preliminary work
on 2 farms in the Marrakai area have already identified a range of
predators that can build up quickly and start helping with caterpillar
and mite control
Growers will be invited to a series of field days at the demo site to look
at pest control across the growing season the first of which was the
afore mentioned Pre-season Vegetable Meeting A green manure crop
of forage sorghum has been growing on the site over the wet season
and will be incorporated in the next month ready for planting Okra and
Snake Beans in late April Growers were taken on a pre-planting field
walk into the forage sorghum to identify the many pests and beneficial
insects already resident at the site
Predator Ladybird beetle feeding on Mealy bugs on okra
9
A group of Farmers from across the Northern Territory gather at Coastal Plains
Research Farm for the start of the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting
NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting Held at Coastal Plains Research Farm
A local farmer works with Entomologist - Haidee Brown to identify good and bad bugs
in the pests and diseases clinic at the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting in
Collaboration and sharing of information
A large group of vegetable and melon growers and stakeholders gather for the start of
the 2017 pre-season meeting at Coastal Plains Research Farm in Darwin
NT Farmers Association Industry Development Officer Samantha Tocknell
and Department of Primary Industry and Resources Entomologist Haidee
Brown examine beneficial predatory bugs under the microscope
Growers are led by NT Farmers Industry Development Manager Greg Owens out into the field
for an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site where grow-
ers discussed pre-planting best practice and the process of integrating a green manure crop to
build refuge for predators
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
3
In the lead up to International Womenrsquos Day on 8 March the Businesswomenrsquos Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held on 2 March and recognised Australiarsquos female business trailblazers
Now in its 19th year the 2017 inductees joined more than 200 women previously inducted into this respected commu-nity
Marie Piccone Managing Director of Manbulloo was one of 18 ladies inducted along with women from the health and beauty construction and mining and fashion and home-wares industries
ldquoBeing inducted into the HerBusiness Businesswomenrsquos Hall of Fame is wonderful recognition that is staying true to my vision lsquoNever giving uprsquo and building great relationships and a great team are cornerstones to the success of my busi-ness Manbulloo My induction makes me very proud that I am a lsquowoman in businessrsquo especially in a horticultural busi-ness I hope that my journey might encourage other people to follow their dream lsquohang in therersquo or take the next lsquocalculated riskrsquordquo Marie said
Suzi Dafnis Chief Executive Officer of HerBusiness said
ldquoThe collective influence that women entrepreneurs have
on business in Australia has never been as cohesive and
prominent as it is now
ldquoThe women inducted into this yearrsquos Hall of Fame are in-credibly inspiring with stories of determination and passion that have set them on paths to successmdashpaths that often have quite a few big bumps along the way
ldquoBeing a business owner is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences a woman can have The Hall of Fame shines a light on Australiarsquos most talented women entrepreneurs and shares their authentic stories that in-spire other women to be bold and confident in businessmdasheven when the going gets rough or they lose their mojo Successful women inspire other women to strive for suc-cessrdquo
Marie said her key to success was paying it forward and that her mentors have provided amazing insights and expe-riences that have gifted her with great guidance and more knowledge
Source httpwwwindustrymangoesnetauresource-collection2017323marie-
piccone-inducted-into-the-businesswomens-hall-of-fame
Marie Piccone inducted into the Businesswomenrsquos Hall of Fame
ldquoWhen times have been really tough they have be-lieved in me and the future of the business and have also given me very honest and relevant feedback when Irsquove needed it most They have all variously provided me with mental strength and carried me forward for an hour when I have been exhausted by the enormity of some of the challenges that I have faced I know that Manbulloo would not be in as strong a position if I had not had mentors There are a few situations that I won-der whether Manbulloo would have survived without themrdquo said Marie
The criteria for the Hall of Fame requires inductees to be founders or business owners who have demonstrat-ed they are exemplary in their field making new path-ways be mentors amongst mentors of other women demonstrate inspiring and aspiring business journeys and trailblazers Women are nominated by Business-womenrsquos Hall of Fame Alumni industry and business groups and the HerBusiness Advisory Board A highly-respected selection panel which features a diverse mix of women in business the media and government is responsible for the selection process and review
For more information please visit httpherbusinesscomhall-of-fame
4
FROM THE MINISTER Desert Springs Farm - Ali Curung
I recently had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in the Barkly Region hosted by my colleague Gerry McCarthy where I was able to view first-hand some of the primary industry projects in the area We visited the Desert Springs Farm near Ali Curung 150km south of Tennant Creek
NT Farmers vice president Paul McLaughlin showed us around the property and its current operations I was impressed with the value it provided for both industry and community The farm has grown a reputa-tion for producing high yields of watermelon as well as other crops like pomegranates The other exciting on farm development is the NT Government Mango trial
This is an exciting operation as the objective is to extend the harvest window for high quality Territory Man-goes The trial is a good example of government and industry working collaboratively and innovatively to expand the horticulture sector in the NT
Our government is focussed on expanding the horticulture sector as a key economic driver in the rural re-gions of the Territory I would like to thank Paul McLaughlin for taking the time to show us his property and NT farmers for the great work they do within the horticulture industry As Minister for Primary Industry and Resources I look forward to liaising with industry people both on the farm and in the boardroom and advo-cating within government for an ever-expanding and vibrant Horticulture Industry in the NT
The Hon Ken Vowles Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
Phil Hausler Executive Director Plant Industries Gerry McCarthy MLA Barkly Paul
McLaughlin OwnerManager Desert Farms and Vice President NT Farmers The Hon Ken
Vowles Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
5
Please contact adminntfarmersorgau for Agenda Proxy Form Nomination Form and minutes from the 2016 AGM
6
Office Renovations
NT Farmers would like to announce they have been suc-cessful in procuring a grant from the NT Government Immediate Works Grant Program With this money we are renovating our Coolalinga office
We will be minimising disruptions as much as we can but please bear with us
Many thanks to the Department of Trade Business and Innovation for providing the Grant
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
httpswwwfacebookcom
NTFarmersAssociation
httpstwittercomNTFarmers
NT Farmers Support the future of farming in
the Northern Territory
Partner up with us
httpwwwntfarmersorgaublogsam-tocknellnt-
farmers-association-partnership-brochure
Sagittaria - Just 8 Plants Left to Find
In August 2016 28 sagittaria plants were sold by Darwin and Katherine
retailers and to date 20 of these plants have been found and destroyed
The Weed Management Branch would like to thank everyone who called
in a suspected sagittaria sighting It is your involvement which has resulted
in the recovery of these plants as well as the discovery of two historical
sagittaria plantings from earlier introductions
Although these results are great there may be at least eight mature sag-
ittaria plants out there and we still need your help to locate them
Dont let sagittaria impact on your boating and fishing activities
This high-risk aquatic weed could irreversibly and quickly choke our
aquatic habitats if allowed to escape from Top End gardens or ponds
Sagittaria Source wwwntgovauweeds
7
The Food Value Chain Innovators Young Food Innovators pro-
gram is a 12-month intensive accelerated development pro-
gram for young people working in the red meat horticulture
seafood and dairy primary producer sectors
This program is designed for producers or supporting profes-
sionals looking to develop new high value opportunities in do-
mestic or export markets implement innovative new business
models or accelerate the adoption of new disruptive technolo-
gies within their production business
The Young Food Innovators program will equip you with ad-
vanced design-led innovation and value chain design approach-
es to enable you to become an effective innovation catalyst It
will provide you with the insights and best practice innovation
tools needed to participate effectively in the value chains of the
future
Program design
The Young Food Innovators program is a 12-month intensive
development program that will help you develop a lsquowhole-of-
chainrsquo (paddock to plate) approach Drawing on market and
consumer insights and using real-life industry case studies you
will learn how to use the latest innovation tools in a practical
way Yoursquoll undertake a major project as well as develop a new
business opportunity that is not standard lsquobusiness-as-usualrsquo
Eligibility
This program is aimed at future-focused open-minded young
producers or AgTech and rural professionals looking to develop
new high value opportunities or introduce new disruptive tech-
nologies You should be currently working within the production
sector (or a business closely related to the production sector)
with a minimum of five yearsrsquo experience as well as hold a uni-
versity degree or relevant qualification You will have excellent
communication skills a desire to work collaboratively and to
make a genuine contribution to the agriculture industry If you
are not currently employed in a farming enterprise you will
need to demonstrate how this program will help you return to
the production sector
Apply now
Applications close COB Friday 28 April 2017 To apply or for
more information contact Stuart Quigley Project Manager In-
sights2Innovation E insights2innovationmlacomau M 0419
773 007
Contact NT Farmers for further information
Who will be the Territoryrsquos first NRM Champions
The Weed Management Branch is excited to launch the Territoryrsquos first fully sponsored Natural Resource Man-agement (NRM) Champions program The program consists of a tailored training package in-cluding a range of personalised opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge in NRM The Weed Management Branch is seeking two self-starter individuals who have demonstrated
An active interest in land management Long term commitment to the pastoral industry A desire to learn and implement actions leading to
sustainable rangelands management Opportunities for the successful nominees will include an
interstate trip to understand the impacts of prickly acacia
(Vachellia nilotica) There will also be the chance to
attend NRM conferences and learn a variety of rangeland
monitoring and management skills like the use and
maintenance of aerial incendiary devices
Nominations close on 5 June 2017 with this yearrsquos pro-
gram commencing 1 August 2017 Go to wwwntgovau
nrmchampions for more information
Prickly Acacia ((Vachellia nilotica)
8
Growers were encouraged to use the recently developed Field Guide
to Pests Beneficials Diseases and Disorders of Vegetables in Northern
Australia to identify different insects during the field walk and to con-
sider how the use of a refuge area of sorghum or tall grasses can keep
the existing beneficial insects on farm and ready to protect the vegeta-
ble crops Growers will be invited back to the site to witness the devel-
opment of the IPM strategy compared with a conventional chemical
based pest control strategy The demonstration will aim to improve
their own identification and monitoring skills for these crops which
will form the basis of their own IPM program The demo site will host
at least another two field activities this vegetable season where other
technologies like improved fertigation systems and soil moisture moni-
toring will be demonstrated Grower feedback forms collected so far
have been extremely positive with the responses indicating that most
of the participants believe they acquired new knowledge that was
relevant to their businesses and would be likely to attend the next field
day
The IPM Demonstration Site is being conducted as a part of project
VG15044 Regional Capacity Building to Grow Vegetable Businesses
(NT) which is part of a nationally run project being delivered across
Australia Each of the project deliverers in their respective states
around Australia form the National Vegetable Extension Network or
VegNET VegNET has been set up by Horticulture Innovation Australia
(Hort Innovation) and the vegetable industry to effectively communi-
cate vitally important research-based information to Australian vege-
table growers This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation
Australia Limited using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australi-
an Government
NT Vegetable Growers get set for the 2017 Dry
Season
NT vegetable growers melon growers and industry representatives
engaged in a pre-season meeting at the NT Department of Primary
Industry and Resources (NTDPIR) Coastal Plains Research Farm (CPRF)
to hear the latest on the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus
(CGMMV) incursions across Australia The group heard the latest NT
regulatory requirements for cucurbit production and the progress of
the national CGMMV research and development project that is being
led by the NTDPIR plant pathology molecular biology unit The current
research has focussed on the retention and viability of the CGMMV
virus in soils weeds and non-host vegetable crops as well as the virusrsquo
interaction with honey bees and the development of testing in field
and for seed diagnosis
The meeting was held at CPRF to introduce growers to the site of the
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Demonstration that has been
started in the first paddock close to the main meeting hall There has
been an upsurge in interest in using IPM to manage the cluster cater-
pillars and mites that are a constant problem for Top End Okra and
Snake Bean producers Pests that are proving very difficult to control
with traditional chemical based programs There is increased enthusi-
asm by NT vegetable growers to embrace IPM as insect resistance to
chemical-only management programs has been increasing over the last
10 years The demonstration site will show farmers some of the alter-
native methods of pest management and investigate which beneficial
predator and parasite bugs are already in the area Preliminary work
on 2 farms in the Marrakai area have already identified a range of
predators that can build up quickly and start helping with caterpillar
and mite control
Growers will be invited to a series of field days at the demo site to look
at pest control across the growing season the first of which was the
afore mentioned Pre-season Vegetable Meeting A green manure crop
of forage sorghum has been growing on the site over the wet season
and will be incorporated in the next month ready for planting Okra and
Snake Beans in late April Growers were taken on a pre-planting field
walk into the forage sorghum to identify the many pests and beneficial
insects already resident at the site
Predator Ladybird beetle feeding on Mealy bugs on okra
9
A group of Farmers from across the Northern Territory gather at Coastal Plains
Research Farm for the start of the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting
NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting Held at Coastal Plains Research Farm
A local farmer works with Entomologist - Haidee Brown to identify good and bad bugs
in the pests and diseases clinic at the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting in
Collaboration and sharing of information
A large group of vegetable and melon growers and stakeholders gather for the start of
the 2017 pre-season meeting at Coastal Plains Research Farm in Darwin
NT Farmers Association Industry Development Officer Samantha Tocknell
and Department of Primary Industry and Resources Entomologist Haidee
Brown examine beneficial predatory bugs under the microscope
Growers are led by NT Farmers Industry Development Manager Greg Owens out into the field
for an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site where grow-
ers discussed pre-planting best practice and the process of integrating a green manure crop to
build refuge for predators
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
4
FROM THE MINISTER Desert Springs Farm - Ali Curung
I recently had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in the Barkly Region hosted by my colleague Gerry McCarthy where I was able to view first-hand some of the primary industry projects in the area We visited the Desert Springs Farm near Ali Curung 150km south of Tennant Creek
NT Farmers vice president Paul McLaughlin showed us around the property and its current operations I was impressed with the value it provided for both industry and community The farm has grown a reputa-tion for producing high yields of watermelon as well as other crops like pomegranates The other exciting on farm development is the NT Government Mango trial
This is an exciting operation as the objective is to extend the harvest window for high quality Territory Man-goes The trial is a good example of government and industry working collaboratively and innovatively to expand the horticulture sector in the NT
Our government is focussed on expanding the horticulture sector as a key economic driver in the rural re-gions of the Territory I would like to thank Paul McLaughlin for taking the time to show us his property and NT farmers for the great work they do within the horticulture industry As Minister for Primary Industry and Resources I look forward to liaising with industry people both on the farm and in the boardroom and advo-cating within government for an ever-expanding and vibrant Horticulture Industry in the NT
The Hon Ken Vowles Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
Phil Hausler Executive Director Plant Industries Gerry McCarthy MLA Barkly Paul
McLaughlin OwnerManager Desert Farms and Vice President NT Farmers The Hon Ken
Vowles Minister for Primary Industry and Resources
5
Please contact adminntfarmersorgau for Agenda Proxy Form Nomination Form and minutes from the 2016 AGM
6
Office Renovations
NT Farmers would like to announce they have been suc-cessful in procuring a grant from the NT Government Immediate Works Grant Program With this money we are renovating our Coolalinga office
We will be minimising disruptions as much as we can but please bear with us
Many thanks to the Department of Trade Business and Innovation for providing the Grant
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
httpswwwfacebookcom
NTFarmersAssociation
httpstwittercomNTFarmers
NT Farmers Support the future of farming in
the Northern Territory
Partner up with us
httpwwwntfarmersorgaublogsam-tocknellnt-
farmers-association-partnership-brochure
Sagittaria - Just 8 Plants Left to Find
In August 2016 28 sagittaria plants were sold by Darwin and Katherine
retailers and to date 20 of these plants have been found and destroyed
The Weed Management Branch would like to thank everyone who called
in a suspected sagittaria sighting It is your involvement which has resulted
in the recovery of these plants as well as the discovery of two historical
sagittaria plantings from earlier introductions
Although these results are great there may be at least eight mature sag-
ittaria plants out there and we still need your help to locate them
Dont let sagittaria impact on your boating and fishing activities
This high-risk aquatic weed could irreversibly and quickly choke our
aquatic habitats if allowed to escape from Top End gardens or ponds
Sagittaria Source wwwntgovauweeds
7
The Food Value Chain Innovators Young Food Innovators pro-
gram is a 12-month intensive accelerated development pro-
gram for young people working in the red meat horticulture
seafood and dairy primary producer sectors
This program is designed for producers or supporting profes-
sionals looking to develop new high value opportunities in do-
mestic or export markets implement innovative new business
models or accelerate the adoption of new disruptive technolo-
gies within their production business
The Young Food Innovators program will equip you with ad-
vanced design-led innovation and value chain design approach-
es to enable you to become an effective innovation catalyst It
will provide you with the insights and best practice innovation
tools needed to participate effectively in the value chains of the
future
Program design
The Young Food Innovators program is a 12-month intensive
development program that will help you develop a lsquowhole-of-
chainrsquo (paddock to plate) approach Drawing on market and
consumer insights and using real-life industry case studies you
will learn how to use the latest innovation tools in a practical
way Yoursquoll undertake a major project as well as develop a new
business opportunity that is not standard lsquobusiness-as-usualrsquo
Eligibility
This program is aimed at future-focused open-minded young
producers or AgTech and rural professionals looking to develop
new high value opportunities or introduce new disruptive tech-
nologies You should be currently working within the production
sector (or a business closely related to the production sector)
with a minimum of five yearsrsquo experience as well as hold a uni-
versity degree or relevant qualification You will have excellent
communication skills a desire to work collaboratively and to
make a genuine contribution to the agriculture industry If you
are not currently employed in a farming enterprise you will
need to demonstrate how this program will help you return to
the production sector
Apply now
Applications close COB Friday 28 April 2017 To apply or for
more information contact Stuart Quigley Project Manager In-
sights2Innovation E insights2innovationmlacomau M 0419
773 007
Contact NT Farmers for further information
Who will be the Territoryrsquos first NRM Champions
The Weed Management Branch is excited to launch the Territoryrsquos first fully sponsored Natural Resource Man-agement (NRM) Champions program The program consists of a tailored training package in-cluding a range of personalised opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge in NRM The Weed Management Branch is seeking two self-starter individuals who have demonstrated
An active interest in land management Long term commitment to the pastoral industry A desire to learn and implement actions leading to
sustainable rangelands management Opportunities for the successful nominees will include an
interstate trip to understand the impacts of prickly acacia
(Vachellia nilotica) There will also be the chance to
attend NRM conferences and learn a variety of rangeland
monitoring and management skills like the use and
maintenance of aerial incendiary devices
Nominations close on 5 June 2017 with this yearrsquos pro-
gram commencing 1 August 2017 Go to wwwntgovau
nrmchampions for more information
Prickly Acacia ((Vachellia nilotica)
8
Growers were encouraged to use the recently developed Field Guide
to Pests Beneficials Diseases and Disorders of Vegetables in Northern
Australia to identify different insects during the field walk and to con-
sider how the use of a refuge area of sorghum or tall grasses can keep
the existing beneficial insects on farm and ready to protect the vegeta-
ble crops Growers will be invited back to the site to witness the devel-
opment of the IPM strategy compared with a conventional chemical
based pest control strategy The demonstration will aim to improve
their own identification and monitoring skills for these crops which
will form the basis of their own IPM program The demo site will host
at least another two field activities this vegetable season where other
technologies like improved fertigation systems and soil moisture moni-
toring will be demonstrated Grower feedback forms collected so far
have been extremely positive with the responses indicating that most
of the participants believe they acquired new knowledge that was
relevant to their businesses and would be likely to attend the next field
day
The IPM Demonstration Site is being conducted as a part of project
VG15044 Regional Capacity Building to Grow Vegetable Businesses
(NT) which is part of a nationally run project being delivered across
Australia Each of the project deliverers in their respective states
around Australia form the National Vegetable Extension Network or
VegNET VegNET has been set up by Horticulture Innovation Australia
(Hort Innovation) and the vegetable industry to effectively communi-
cate vitally important research-based information to Australian vege-
table growers This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation
Australia Limited using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australi-
an Government
NT Vegetable Growers get set for the 2017 Dry
Season
NT vegetable growers melon growers and industry representatives
engaged in a pre-season meeting at the NT Department of Primary
Industry and Resources (NTDPIR) Coastal Plains Research Farm (CPRF)
to hear the latest on the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus
(CGMMV) incursions across Australia The group heard the latest NT
regulatory requirements for cucurbit production and the progress of
the national CGMMV research and development project that is being
led by the NTDPIR plant pathology molecular biology unit The current
research has focussed on the retention and viability of the CGMMV
virus in soils weeds and non-host vegetable crops as well as the virusrsquo
interaction with honey bees and the development of testing in field
and for seed diagnosis
The meeting was held at CPRF to introduce growers to the site of the
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Demonstration that has been
started in the first paddock close to the main meeting hall There has
been an upsurge in interest in using IPM to manage the cluster cater-
pillars and mites that are a constant problem for Top End Okra and
Snake Bean producers Pests that are proving very difficult to control
with traditional chemical based programs There is increased enthusi-
asm by NT vegetable growers to embrace IPM as insect resistance to
chemical-only management programs has been increasing over the last
10 years The demonstration site will show farmers some of the alter-
native methods of pest management and investigate which beneficial
predator and parasite bugs are already in the area Preliminary work
on 2 farms in the Marrakai area have already identified a range of
predators that can build up quickly and start helping with caterpillar
and mite control
Growers will be invited to a series of field days at the demo site to look
at pest control across the growing season the first of which was the
afore mentioned Pre-season Vegetable Meeting A green manure crop
of forage sorghum has been growing on the site over the wet season
and will be incorporated in the next month ready for planting Okra and
Snake Beans in late April Growers were taken on a pre-planting field
walk into the forage sorghum to identify the many pests and beneficial
insects already resident at the site
Predator Ladybird beetle feeding on Mealy bugs on okra
9
A group of Farmers from across the Northern Territory gather at Coastal Plains
Research Farm for the start of the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting
NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting Held at Coastal Plains Research Farm
A local farmer works with Entomologist - Haidee Brown to identify good and bad bugs
in the pests and diseases clinic at the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting in
Collaboration and sharing of information
A large group of vegetable and melon growers and stakeholders gather for the start of
the 2017 pre-season meeting at Coastal Plains Research Farm in Darwin
NT Farmers Association Industry Development Officer Samantha Tocknell
and Department of Primary Industry and Resources Entomologist Haidee
Brown examine beneficial predatory bugs under the microscope
Growers are led by NT Farmers Industry Development Manager Greg Owens out into the field
for an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site where grow-
ers discussed pre-planting best practice and the process of integrating a green manure crop to
build refuge for predators
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
5
Please contact adminntfarmersorgau for Agenda Proxy Form Nomination Form and minutes from the 2016 AGM
6
Office Renovations
NT Farmers would like to announce they have been suc-cessful in procuring a grant from the NT Government Immediate Works Grant Program With this money we are renovating our Coolalinga office
We will be minimising disruptions as much as we can but please bear with us
Many thanks to the Department of Trade Business and Innovation for providing the Grant
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
httpswwwfacebookcom
NTFarmersAssociation
httpstwittercomNTFarmers
NT Farmers Support the future of farming in
the Northern Territory
Partner up with us
httpwwwntfarmersorgaublogsam-tocknellnt-
farmers-association-partnership-brochure
Sagittaria - Just 8 Plants Left to Find
In August 2016 28 sagittaria plants were sold by Darwin and Katherine
retailers and to date 20 of these plants have been found and destroyed
The Weed Management Branch would like to thank everyone who called
in a suspected sagittaria sighting It is your involvement which has resulted
in the recovery of these plants as well as the discovery of two historical
sagittaria plantings from earlier introductions
Although these results are great there may be at least eight mature sag-
ittaria plants out there and we still need your help to locate them
Dont let sagittaria impact on your boating and fishing activities
This high-risk aquatic weed could irreversibly and quickly choke our
aquatic habitats if allowed to escape from Top End gardens or ponds
Sagittaria Source wwwntgovauweeds
7
The Food Value Chain Innovators Young Food Innovators pro-
gram is a 12-month intensive accelerated development pro-
gram for young people working in the red meat horticulture
seafood and dairy primary producer sectors
This program is designed for producers or supporting profes-
sionals looking to develop new high value opportunities in do-
mestic or export markets implement innovative new business
models or accelerate the adoption of new disruptive technolo-
gies within their production business
The Young Food Innovators program will equip you with ad-
vanced design-led innovation and value chain design approach-
es to enable you to become an effective innovation catalyst It
will provide you with the insights and best practice innovation
tools needed to participate effectively in the value chains of the
future
Program design
The Young Food Innovators program is a 12-month intensive
development program that will help you develop a lsquowhole-of-
chainrsquo (paddock to plate) approach Drawing on market and
consumer insights and using real-life industry case studies you
will learn how to use the latest innovation tools in a practical
way Yoursquoll undertake a major project as well as develop a new
business opportunity that is not standard lsquobusiness-as-usualrsquo
Eligibility
This program is aimed at future-focused open-minded young
producers or AgTech and rural professionals looking to develop
new high value opportunities or introduce new disruptive tech-
nologies You should be currently working within the production
sector (or a business closely related to the production sector)
with a minimum of five yearsrsquo experience as well as hold a uni-
versity degree or relevant qualification You will have excellent
communication skills a desire to work collaboratively and to
make a genuine contribution to the agriculture industry If you
are not currently employed in a farming enterprise you will
need to demonstrate how this program will help you return to
the production sector
Apply now
Applications close COB Friday 28 April 2017 To apply or for
more information contact Stuart Quigley Project Manager In-
sights2Innovation E insights2innovationmlacomau M 0419
773 007
Contact NT Farmers for further information
Who will be the Territoryrsquos first NRM Champions
The Weed Management Branch is excited to launch the Territoryrsquos first fully sponsored Natural Resource Man-agement (NRM) Champions program The program consists of a tailored training package in-cluding a range of personalised opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge in NRM The Weed Management Branch is seeking two self-starter individuals who have demonstrated
An active interest in land management Long term commitment to the pastoral industry A desire to learn and implement actions leading to
sustainable rangelands management Opportunities for the successful nominees will include an
interstate trip to understand the impacts of prickly acacia
(Vachellia nilotica) There will also be the chance to
attend NRM conferences and learn a variety of rangeland
monitoring and management skills like the use and
maintenance of aerial incendiary devices
Nominations close on 5 June 2017 with this yearrsquos pro-
gram commencing 1 August 2017 Go to wwwntgovau
nrmchampions for more information
Prickly Acacia ((Vachellia nilotica)
8
Growers were encouraged to use the recently developed Field Guide
to Pests Beneficials Diseases and Disorders of Vegetables in Northern
Australia to identify different insects during the field walk and to con-
sider how the use of a refuge area of sorghum or tall grasses can keep
the existing beneficial insects on farm and ready to protect the vegeta-
ble crops Growers will be invited back to the site to witness the devel-
opment of the IPM strategy compared with a conventional chemical
based pest control strategy The demonstration will aim to improve
their own identification and monitoring skills for these crops which
will form the basis of their own IPM program The demo site will host
at least another two field activities this vegetable season where other
technologies like improved fertigation systems and soil moisture moni-
toring will be demonstrated Grower feedback forms collected so far
have been extremely positive with the responses indicating that most
of the participants believe they acquired new knowledge that was
relevant to their businesses and would be likely to attend the next field
day
The IPM Demonstration Site is being conducted as a part of project
VG15044 Regional Capacity Building to Grow Vegetable Businesses
(NT) which is part of a nationally run project being delivered across
Australia Each of the project deliverers in their respective states
around Australia form the National Vegetable Extension Network or
VegNET VegNET has been set up by Horticulture Innovation Australia
(Hort Innovation) and the vegetable industry to effectively communi-
cate vitally important research-based information to Australian vege-
table growers This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation
Australia Limited using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australi-
an Government
NT Vegetable Growers get set for the 2017 Dry
Season
NT vegetable growers melon growers and industry representatives
engaged in a pre-season meeting at the NT Department of Primary
Industry and Resources (NTDPIR) Coastal Plains Research Farm (CPRF)
to hear the latest on the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus
(CGMMV) incursions across Australia The group heard the latest NT
regulatory requirements for cucurbit production and the progress of
the national CGMMV research and development project that is being
led by the NTDPIR plant pathology molecular biology unit The current
research has focussed on the retention and viability of the CGMMV
virus in soils weeds and non-host vegetable crops as well as the virusrsquo
interaction with honey bees and the development of testing in field
and for seed diagnosis
The meeting was held at CPRF to introduce growers to the site of the
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Demonstration that has been
started in the first paddock close to the main meeting hall There has
been an upsurge in interest in using IPM to manage the cluster cater-
pillars and mites that are a constant problem for Top End Okra and
Snake Bean producers Pests that are proving very difficult to control
with traditional chemical based programs There is increased enthusi-
asm by NT vegetable growers to embrace IPM as insect resistance to
chemical-only management programs has been increasing over the last
10 years The demonstration site will show farmers some of the alter-
native methods of pest management and investigate which beneficial
predator and parasite bugs are already in the area Preliminary work
on 2 farms in the Marrakai area have already identified a range of
predators that can build up quickly and start helping with caterpillar
and mite control
Growers will be invited to a series of field days at the demo site to look
at pest control across the growing season the first of which was the
afore mentioned Pre-season Vegetable Meeting A green manure crop
of forage sorghum has been growing on the site over the wet season
and will be incorporated in the next month ready for planting Okra and
Snake Beans in late April Growers were taken on a pre-planting field
walk into the forage sorghum to identify the many pests and beneficial
insects already resident at the site
Predator Ladybird beetle feeding on Mealy bugs on okra
9
A group of Farmers from across the Northern Territory gather at Coastal Plains
Research Farm for the start of the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting
NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting Held at Coastal Plains Research Farm
A local farmer works with Entomologist - Haidee Brown to identify good and bad bugs
in the pests and diseases clinic at the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting in
Collaboration and sharing of information
A large group of vegetable and melon growers and stakeholders gather for the start of
the 2017 pre-season meeting at Coastal Plains Research Farm in Darwin
NT Farmers Association Industry Development Officer Samantha Tocknell
and Department of Primary Industry and Resources Entomologist Haidee
Brown examine beneficial predatory bugs under the microscope
Growers are led by NT Farmers Industry Development Manager Greg Owens out into the field
for an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site where grow-
ers discussed pre-planting best practice and the process of integrating a green manure crop to
build refuge for predators
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
6
Office Renovations
NT Farmers would like to announce they have been suc-cessful in procuring a grant from the NT Government Immediate Works Grant Program With this money we are renovating our Coolalinga office
We will be minimising disruptions as much as we can but please bear with us
Many thanks to the Department of Trade Business and Innovation for providing the Grant
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
httpswwwfacebookcom
NTFarmersAssociation
httpstwittercomNTFarmers
NT Farmers Support the future of farming in
the Northern Territory
Partner up with us
httpwwwntfarmersorgaublogsam-tocknellnt-
farmers-association-partnership-brochure
Sagittaria - Just 8 Plants Left to Find
In August 2016 28 sagittaria plants were sold by Darwin and Katherine
retailers and to date 20 of these plants have been found and destroyed
The Weed Management Branch would like to thank everyone who called
in a suspected sagittaria sighting It is your involvement which has resulted
in the recovery of these plants as well as the discovery of two historical
sagittaria plantings from earlier introductions
Although these results are great there may be at least eight mature sag-
ittaria plants out there and we still need your help to locate them
Dont let sagittaria impact on your boating and fishing activities
This high-risk aquatic weed could irreversibly and quickly choke our
aquatic habitats if allowed to escape from Top End gardens or ponds
Sagittaria Source wwwntgovauweeds
7
The Food Value Chain Innovators Young Food Innovators pro-
gram is a 12-month intensive accelerated development pro-
gram for young people working in the red meat horticulture
seafood and dairy primary producer sectors
This program is designed for producers or supporting profes-
sionals looking to develop new high value opportunities in do-
mestic or export markets implement innovative new business
models or accelerate the adoption of new disruptive technolo-
gies within their production business
The Young Food Innovators program will equip you with ad-
vanced design-led innovation and value chain design approach-
es to enable you to become an effective innovation catalyst It
will provide you with the insights and best practice innovation
tools needed to participate effectively in the value chains of the
future
Program design
The Young Food Innovators program is a 12-month intensive
development program that will help you develop a lsquowhole-of-
chainrsquo (paddock to plate) approach Drawing on market and
consumer insights and using real-life industry case studies you
will learn how to use the latest innovation tools in a practical
way Yoursquoll undertake a major project as well as develop a new
business opportunity that is not standard lsquobusiness-as-usualrsquo
Eligibility
This program is aimed at future-focused open-minded young
producers or AgTech and rural professionals looking to develop
new high value opportunities or introduce new disruptive tech-
nologies You should be currently working within the production
sector (or a business closely related to the production sector)
with a minimum of five yearsrsquo experience as well as hold a uni-
versity degree or relevant qualification You will have excellent
communication skills a desire to work collaboratively and to
make a genuine contribution to the agriculture industry If you
are not currently employed in a farming enterprise you will
need to demonstrate how this program will help you return to
the production sector
Apply now
Applications close COB Friday 28 April 2017 To apply or for
more information contact Stuart Quigley Project Manager In-
sights2Innovation E insights2innovationmlacomau M 0419
773 007
Contact NT Farmers for further information
Who will be the Territoryrsquos first NRM Champions
The Weed Management Branch is excited to launch the Territoryrsquos first fully sponsored Natural Resource Man-agement (NRM) Champions program The program consists of a tailored training package in-cluding a range of personalised opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge in NRM The Weed Management Branch is seeking two self-starter individuals who have demonstrated
An active interest in land management Long term commitment to the pastoral industry A desire to learn and implement actions leading to
sustainable rangelands management Opportunities for the successful nominees will include an
interstate trip to understand the impacts of prickly acacia
(Vachellia nilotica) There will also be the chance to
attend NRM conferences and learn a variety of rangeland
monitoring and management skills like the use and
maintenance of aerial incendiary devices
Nominations close on 5 June 2017 with this yearrsquos pro-
gram commencing 1 August 2017 Go to wwwntgovau
nrmchampions for more information
Prickly Acacia ((Vachellia nilotica)
8
Growers were encouraged to use the recently developed Field Guide
to Pests Beneficials Diseases and Disorders of Vegetables in Northern
Australia to identify different insects during the field walk and to con-
sider how the use of a refuge area of sorghum or tall grasses can keep
the existing beneficial insects on farm and ready to protect the vegeta-
ble crops Growers will be invited back to the site to witness the devel-
opment of the IPM strategy compared with a conventional chemical
based pest control strategy The demonstration will aim to improve
their own identification and monitoring skills for these crops which
will form the basis of their own IPM program The demo site will host
at least another two field activities this vegetable season where other
technologies like improved fertigation systems and soil moisture moni-
toring will be demonstrated Grower feedback forms collected so far
have been extremely positive with the responses indicating that most
of the participants believe they acquired new knowledge that was
relevant to their businesses and would be likely to attend the next field
day
The IPM Demonstration Site is being conducted as a part of project
VG15044 Regional Capacity Building to Grow Vegetable Businesses
(NT) which is part of a nationally run project being delivered across
Australia Each of the project deliverers in their respective states
around Australia form the National Vegetable Extension Network or
VegNET VegNET has been set up by Horticulture Innovation Australia
(Hort Innovation) and the vegetable industry to effectively communi-
cate vitally important research-based information to Australian vege-
table growers This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation
Australia Limited using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australi-
an Government
NT Vegetable Growers get set for the 2017 Dry
Season
NT vegetable growers melon growers and industry representatives
engaged in a pre-season meeting at the NT Department of Primary
Industry and Resources (NTDPIR) Coastal Plains Research Farm (CPRF)
to hear the latest on the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus
(CGMMV) incursions across Australia The group heard the latest NT
regulatory requirements for cucurbit production and the progress of
the national CGMMV research and development project that is being
led by the NTDPIR plant pathology molecular biology unit The current
research has focussed on the retention and viability of the CGMMV
virus in soils weeds and non-host vegetable crops as well as the virusrsquo
interaction with honey bees and the development of testing in field
and for seed diagnosis
The meeting was held at CPRF to introduce growers to the site of the
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Demonstration that has been
started in the first paddock close to the main meeting hall There has
been an upsurge in interest in using IPM to manage the cluster cater-
pillars and mites that are a constant problem for Top End Okra and
Snake Bean producers Pests that are proving very difficult to control
with traditional chemical based programs There is increased enthusi-
asm by NT vegetable growers to embrace IPM as insect resistance to
chemical-only management programs has been increasing over the last
10 years The demonstration site will show farmers some of the alter-
native methods of pest management and investigate which beneficial
predator and parasite bugs are already in the area Preliminary work
on 2 farms in the Marrakai area have already identified a range of
predators that can build up quickly and start helping with caterpillar
and mite control
Growers will be invited to a series of field days at the demo site to look
at pest control across the growing season the first of which was the
afore mentioned Pre-season Vegetable Meeting A green manure crop
of forage sorghum has been growing on the site over the wet season
and will be incorporated in the next month ready for planting Okra and
Snake Beans in late April Growers were taken on a pre-planting field
walk into the forage sorghum to identify the many pests and beneficial
insects already resident at the site
Predator Ladybird beetle feeding on Mealy bugs on okra
9
A group of Farmers from across the Northern Territory gather at Coastal Plains
Research Farm for the start of the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting
NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting Held at Coastal Plains Research Farm
A local farmer works with Entomologist - Haidee Brown to identify good and bad bugs
in the pests and diseases clinic at the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting in
Collaboration and sharing of information
A large group of vegetable and melon growers and stakeholders gather for the start of
the 2017 pre-season meeting at Coastal Plains Research Farm in Darwin
NT Farmers Association Industry Development Officer Samantha Tocknell
and Department of Primary Industry and Resources Entomologist Haidee
Brown examine beneficial predatory bugs under the microscope
Growers are led by NT Farmers Industry Development Manager Greg Owens out into the field
for an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site where grow-
ers discussed pre-planting best practice and the process of integrating a green manure crop to
build refuge for predators
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
7
The Food Value Chain Innovators Young Food Innovators pro-
gram is a 12-month intensive accelerated development pro-
gram for young people working in the red meat horticulture
seafood and dairy primary producer sectors
This program is designed for producers or supporting profes-
sionals looking to develop new high value opportunities in do-
mestic or export markets implement innovative new business
models or accelerate the adoption of new disruptive technolo-
gies within their production business
The Young Food Innovators program will equip you with ad-
vanced design-led innovation and value chain design approach-
es to enable you to become an effective innovation catalyst It
will provide you with the insights and best practice innovation
tools needed to participate effectively in the value chains of the
future
Program design
The Young Food Innovators program is a 12-month intensive
development program that will help you develop a lsquowhole-of-
chainrsquo (paddock to plate) approach Drawing on market and
consumer insights and using real-life industry case studies you
will learn how to use the latest innovation tools in a practical
way Yoursquoll undertake a major project as well as develop a new
business opportunity that is not standard lsquobusiness-as-usualrsquo
Eligibility
This program is aimed at future-focused open-minded young
producers or AgTech and rural professionals looking to develop
new high value opportunities or introduce new disruptive tech-
nologies You should be currently working within the production
sector (or a business closely related to the production sector)
with a minimum of five yearsrsquo experience as well as hold a uni-
versity degree or relevant qualification You will have excellent
communication skills a desire to work collaboratively and to
make a genuine contribution to the agriculture industry If you
are not currently employed in a farming enterprise you will
need to demonstrate how this program will help you return to
the production sector
Apply now
Applications close COB Friday 28 April 2017 To apply or for
more information contact Stuart Quigley Project Manager In-
sights2Innovation E insights2innovationmlacomau M 0419
773 007
Contact NT Farmers for further information
Who will be the Territoryrsquos first NRM Champions
The Weed Management Branch is excited to launch the Territoryrsquos first fully sponsored Natural Resource Man-agement (NRM) Champions program The program consists of a tailored training package in-cluding a range of personalised opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge in NRM The Weed Management Branch is seeking two self-starter individuals who have demonstrated
An active interest in land management Long term commitment to the pastoral industry A desire to learn and implement actions leading to
sustainable rangelands management Opportunities for the successful nominees will include an
interstate trip to understand the impacts of prickly acacia
(Vachellia nilotica) There will also be the chance to
attend NRM conferences and learn a variety of rangeland
monitoring and management skills like the use and
maintenance of aerial incendiary devices
Nominations close on 5 June 2017 with this yearrsquos pro-
gram commencing 1 August 2017 Go to wwwntgovau
nrmchampions for more information
Prickly Acacia ((Vachellia nilotica)
8
Growers were encouraged to use the recently developed Field Guide
to Pests Beneficials Diseases and Disorders of Vegetables in Northern
Australia to identify different insects during the field walk and to con-
sider how the use of a refuge area of sorghum or tall grasses can keep
the existing beneficial insects on farm and ready to protect the vegeta-
ble crops Growers will be invited back to the site to witness the devel-
opment of the IPM strategy compared with a conventional chemical
based pest control strategy The demonstration will aim to improve
their own identification and monitoring skills for these crops which
will form the basis of their own IPM program The demo site will host
at least another two field activities this vegetable season where other
technologies like improved fertigation systems and soil moisture moni-
toring will be demonstrated Grower feedback forms collected so far
have been extremely positive with the responses indicating that most
of the participants believe they acquired new knowledge that was
relevant to their businesses and would be likely to attend the next field
day
The IPM Demonstration Site is being conducted as a part of project
VG15044 Regional Capacity Building to Grow Vegetable Businesses
(NT) which is part of a nationally run project being delivered across
Australia Each of the project deliverers in their respective states
around Australia form the National Vegetable Extension Network or
VegNET VegNET has been set up by Horticulture Innovation Australia
(Hort Innovation) and the vegetable industry to effectively communi-
cate vitally important research-based information to Australian vege-
table growers This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation
Australia Limited using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australi-
an Government
NT Vegetable Growers get set for the 2017 Dry
Season
NT vegetable growers melon growers and industry representatives
engaged in a pre-season meeting at the NT Department of Primary
Industry and Resources (NTDPIR) Coastal Plains Research Farm (CPRF)
to hear the latest on the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus
(CGMMV) incursions across Australia The group heard the latest NT
regulatory requirements for cucurbit production and the progress of
the national CGMMV research and development project that is being
led by the NTDPIR plant pathology molecular biology unit The current
research has focussed on the retention and viability of the CGMMV
virus in soils weeds and non-host vegetable crops as well as the virusrsquo
interaction with honey bees and the development of testing in field
and for seed diagnosis
The meeting was held at CPRF to introduce growers to the site of the
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Demonstration that has been
started in the first paddock close to the main meeting hall There has
been an upsurge in interest in using IPM to manage the cluster cater-
pillars and mites that are a constant problem for Top End Okra and
Snake Bean producers Pests that are proving very difficult to control
with traditional chemical based programs There is increased enthusi-
asm by NT vegetable growers to embrace IPM as insect resistance to
chemical-only management programs has been increasing over the last
10 years The demonstration site will show farmers some of the alter-
native methods of pest management and investigate which beneficial
predator and parasite bugs are already in the area Preliminary work
on 2 farms in the Marrakai area have already identified a range of
predators that can build up quickly and start helping with caterpillar
and mite control
Growers will be invited to a series of field days at the demo site to look
at pest control across the growing season the first of which was the
afore mentioned Pre-season Vegetable Meeting A green manure crop
of forage sorghum has been growing on the site over the wet season
and will be incorporated in the next month ready for planting Okra and
Snake Beans in late April Growers were taken on a pre-planting field
walk into the forage sorghum to identify the many pests and beneficial
insects already resident at the site
Predator Ladybird beetle feeding on Mealy bugs on okra
9
A group of Farmers from across the Northern Territory gather at Coastal Plains
Research Farm for the start of the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting
NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting Held at Coastal Plains Research Farm
A local farmer works with Entomologist - Haidee Brown to identify good and bad bugs
in the pests and diseases clinic at the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting in
Collaboration and sharing of information
A large group of vegetable and melon growers and stakeholders gather for the start of
the 2017 pre-season meeting at Coastal Plains Research Farm in Darwin
NT Farmers Association Industry Development Officer Samantha Tocknell
and Department of Primary Industry and Resources Entomologist Haidee
Brown examine beneficial predatory bugs under the microscope
Growers are led by NT Farmers Industry Development Manager Greg Owens out into the field
for an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site where grow-
ers discussed pre-planting best practice and the process of integrating a green manure crop to
build refuge for predators
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
8
Growers were encouraged to use the recently developed Field Guide
to Pests Beneficials Diseases and Disorders of Vegetables in Northern
Australia to identify different insects during the field walk and to con-
sider how the use of a refuge area of sorghum or tall grasses can keep
the existing beneficial insects on farm and ready to protect the vegeta-
ble crops Growers will be invited back to the site to witness the devel-
opment of the IPM strategy compared with a conventional chemical
based pest control strategy The demonstration will aim to improve
their own identification and monitoring skills for these crops which
will form the basis of their own IPM program The demo site will host
at least another two field activities this vegetable season where other
technologies like improved fertigation systems and soil moisture moni-
toring will be demonstrated Grower feedback forms collected so far
have been extremely positive with the responses indicating that most
of the participants believe they acquired new knowledge that was
relevant to their businesses and would be likely to attend the next field
day
The IPM Demonstration Site is being conducted as a part of project
VG15044 Regional Capacity Building to Grow Vegetable Businesses
(NT) which is part of a nationally run project being delivered across
Australia Each of the project deliverers in their respective states
around Australia form the National Vegetable Extension Network or
VegNET VegNET has been set up by Horticulture Innovation Australia
(Hort Innovation) and the vegetable industry to effectively communi-
cate vitally important research-based information to Australian vege-
table growers This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation
Australia Limited using the vegetable levy and funds from the Australi-
an Government
NT Vegetable Growers get set for the 2017 Dry
Season
NT vegetable growers melon growers and industry representatives
engaged in a pre-season meeting at the NT Department of Primary
Industry and Resources (NTDPIR) Coastal Plains Research Farm (CPRF)
to hear the latest on the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus
(CGMMV) incursions across Australia The group heard the latest NT
regulatory requirements for cucurbit production and the progress of
the national CGMMV research and development project that is being
led by the NTDPIR plant pathology molecular biology unit The current
research has focussed on the retention and viability of the CGMMV
virus in soils weeds and non-host vegetable crops as well as the virusrsquo
interaction with honey bees and the development of testing in field
and for seed diagnosis
The meeting was held at CPRF to introduce growers to the site of the
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Demonstration that has been
started in the first paddock close to the main meeting hall There has
been an upsurge in interest in using IPM to manage the cluster cater-
pillars and mites that are a constant problem for Top End Okra and
Snake Bean producers Pests that are proving very difficult to control
with traditional chemical based programs There is increased enthusi-
asm by NT vegetable growers to embrace IPM as insect resistance to
chemical-only management programs has been increasing over the last
10 years The demonstration site will show farmers some of the alter-
native methods of pest management and investigate which beneficial
predator and parasite bugs are already in the area Preliminary work
on 2 farms in the Marrakai area have already identified a range of
predators that can build up quickly and start helping with caterpillar
and mite control
Growers will be invited to a series of field days at the demo site to look
at pest control across the growing season the first of which was the
afore mentioned Pre-season Vegetable Meeting A green manure crop
of forage sorghum has been growing on the site over the wet season
and will be incorporated in the next month ready for planting Okra and
Snake Beans in late April Growers were taken on a pre-planting field
walk into the forage sorghum to identify the many pests and beneficial
insects already resident at the site
Predator Ladybird beetle feeding on Mealy bugs on okra
9
A group of Farmers from across the Northern Territory gather at Coastal Plains
Research Farm for the start of the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting
NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting Held at Coastal Plains Research Farm
A local farmer works with Entomologist - Haidee Brown to identify good and bad bugs
in the pests and diseases clinic at the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting in
Collaboration and sharing of information
A large group of vegetable and melon growers and stakeholders gather for the start of
the 2017 pre-season meeting at Coastal Plains Research Farm in Darwin
NT Farmers Association Industry Development Officer Samantha Tocknell
and Department of Primary Industry and Resources Entomologist Haidee
Brown examine beneficial predatory bugs under the microscope
Growers are led by NT Farmers Industry Development Manager Greg Owens out into the field
for an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site where grow-
ers discussed pre-planting best practice and the process of integrating a green manure crop to
build refuge for predators
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
9
A group of Farmers from across the Northern Territory gather at Coastal Plains
Research Farm for the start of the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting
NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting Held at Coastal Plains Research Farm
A local farmer works with Entomologist - Haidee Brown to identify good and bad bugs
in the pests and diseases clinic at the NT Vegetable and Melon Pre-season Meeting in
Collaboration and sharing of information
A large group of vegetable and melon growers and stakeholders gather for the start of
the 2017 pre-season meeting at Coastal Plains Research Farm in Darwin
NT Farmers Association Industry Development Officer Samantha Tocknell
and Department of Primary Industry and Resources Entomologist Haidee
Brown examine beneficial predatory bugs under the microscope
Growers are led by NT Farmers Industry Development Manager Greg Owens out into the field
for an introduction to the Integrated Pest Management Demonstration Site where grow-
ers discussed pre-planting best practice and the process of integrating a green manure crop to
build refuge for predators
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
10
Vegetable growers interested in attending the National Horticulture conventionmdashrdquoHort Connectionsrdquo in Adelaide 15-17 May 2017 please contact Greg Owens Funding support may be available for airfare and accom-modation for levy paying growers to attend industry workshops at the convention This year promises to be a massive event with over 200 stalls in the Trade Show Contact Greg by phone on 0437092551 or email idmntfarmerscomau hortconnectionscomau
Horticulture Code of Conduct Revisions Implemented
Revisions to the Horticulture Code of Conduct were implemented on Saturday 1 April 2017 The new Code includes a set of rights and obligations that apply between people trading in horticulture produce including a re-quirement to have a written contract Much of the Code remains unchanged however there are several important changes
Agreements made before 15 December 2006 are no longer exempt from the Code
There are financial penalties for non-compliance with the Code
All parties must act in good faith
You need to keep certain written records for at least six years
You can use a formula or method to determine your pricing and
You no longer have to sign a horticulture produce agree-ment to accept it Written acceptance (such as an email) is enough
You will have until 1 April 2018 (12 months) to make your existing horticulture produce agreements compliant with the Code If you renew or enter into a new agreement before 1 April 2018 it must be compliant with the Code immediately This information was provided by the ACCC For more information about the changes to the Code please see the ACCCrsquos website
Business Upskills
Business Reporting and
Cash Flow Management
Date Tuesday 16th May
Time 530pm to 830pm
Place Rydges Palmerston
15 Maluka Drive Palmerston
Cost FREE
Management information and cycles
Financial analysis and ratios
Analysis and interpretation of your financial data
Profit planning and cash flow forecasting
Register at wwwupskillseventbritecom by 12 May
Nominations Closing Soon
Closing 5pm 3 May 2017
Lets celebrate training in the Northern Territory
httpwwwtrainingawardsntgovau
Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT)
is proudly sponsoring the NT Training Awards 2017
For more information on the NT Training Awards
call Jayne Gray on 0401 119 742
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
11
drumMUSTER
NT Farmers is contracted by Agsafe limited to provide support services for the drumMUSTER program in the Northern Territo-ry and east Kimberly region of WA
drumMUSTER provides Agricultural and veterinary chemical users with a recycling pathway for cleaned eligible empty chem-ical containers A reminder that there are a number of drumMUSTER Collection sites in the Northern Territory
Call ahead to make a delivery
Humpty Doo Transfer Station Spencely Street Humpty Doo (08) 8983 0652
NT Recycling Depot 19 Pruen Road Berrimah (08) 8947 2721
Katherine Transfer Station Novis Quarry Road Katherine (08) 8971 2014
Douglas Daly Research Facility Jungwa Road Douglas Daly (08) 8978 2442
drumMUSTER provides an easy environmentally-friendly way of disposing of empty farming chemical containers across rural Australia For eligible containers to be accepted they must be
bull Rinsed until free of any visible chemical residue bull Clean and dry punctured if they are metal bull With All lids removed bull Inspected by an authorised drumMUSTER inspector
If you need more information about the drumMUSTER pro-gram email drummusterntfarmersorgau To find your local collection site click on httpwwwdrummustercomaufind-a-collecion-site To register to dispose of unwanted agvet chemicals go to wwwchemclearcomau
Citrus Biosecurity Program
The Australian Citrus industry with the support of the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) and NT Department of Primary Industries and Resources will be conducting biosecurity surveys of citrus plantings in the Darwin and Katherine regions in early May This will be the third in a series of surveillance activities looking for evidence of exotic citrus pests across the north of Australia Work has already been conducted in the Ord River in 2015 and Atherton Tablelands in 2016 Stuart Pettigrew Citrus Biosecurity Manager is leading this work on behalf of the citrus industry and is seeking support from growers to access their property to check for exotic pests such as citrus canker or Huanglongbing (HLB) ldquoAs far as we know these pests are not in Australia but we want to be surerdquo said Mr Pettigrew ldquoWith the biosecurity incursions in recent years for bananas and cucurbits we certainly donrsquot need to tell NT farmers the risks associated with new pests We are working proactively to ensure the citrus industry is as protected and prepared as possible and we look forward to working with citrus growers in the northrdquo The three surveys across northern Australia are part of the $200 million commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers to improve biosecurity and analysis to better target critical biosecurity risks More information is available from NT Farmers who are
supporting this important work on behalf of their
growers or by contacting Stuart Pettigrew on 0429 936
812 or stuartagdynamicscomau
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
12
WORKFORCE PLANNING COORDINATOR
In early March a group of NT Employers both Farmers and Hoteliers attended the Australian Em-ployers Conference in Dili Timor Leste One purpose was to inform the Timorese Govern-ment of Australian Employers expectations of workers via the Seasonal Worker Program A better understanding of the selection process was gained Employers took the opportunity and made suggestions to improve the selection of em-ployees For example implement pre-departure training such as team building to familiarise the workers with their colleagues and improve fitness this may also identify team leaders Other Australian employers experienced with the program shared their lessons learnt and provided suggestions to the programs facilitators on how to avoid issues The Department of Employment Representative informed those present that there are 72 Ap-proved Employers in Australiarsquos Seasonal Worker Program one third of those are farmers Many employers took the opportunity on day two of the conference to visit the various training cen-tres Hospitality Agriculture and English These training centres are frequented by many Timorese including seasonal workers who have returned to Timor with their hard-earnt money to fund further education The facilities are modern and manage-ment welcome suggestions and tools to provide appropriate training for seasonal workers
There are approximately 1400 seasonal workers availa-ble in Timor Leste who have passed all the required tests fitness health and English In late March Information Sessions on NT Government Business Programs and visa options for hiring overseas employees including the Seasonal Worker Program were held in Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Batchelor and Coolalinga Although the first three locations were not well attend-ed the latter two provided helpful information to both Horticulture and Hospitality Businesses The Assistant Labour Attacheacutersquo from Timor Leste presented a short video on the Timorese workers which included their motivations to participate in the program (work in Aus-tralia) and feedback from an Employer If you were unable to attend these Information Sessions and would like further information or to view the video please contact me Since then there has been an increase in the number of Farmers accessing assistance with a SWP application If you require assistance please contact me via phone 0400 416 558 or email wpcntfarmersorgau
The NT contingent at the airport in Timor-Leste
Pictured Left to Right
Andrew Coldbeck The Job Shop
Aisla Connolly NT Farmers
Ian Quin Toursquos Garden
Shenal Basnayake NT Farmers
Paul McLaughlin Desert Farm
Jenny Um Cafeacute 21
Robert Quach Darwin Sun Industries
Seasonal worker Program Pilot Project Information Session 31st March 2017 Coolalinga
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
13
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
14
Innovation Paves the Way for Remote Farming
Territory Business Station Innovation has developed an innovative product Ecosat to assist primary producers and farmers remotely monitor their property and infrastructure Ecosat an online mapping platform remotely monitors properties and infrastructure via satellite The device operates straight out of the box and can be easily moved between tanks troughs gates and pumps as required The data gathered by Ecosat is then sent via satellite to the QuickSmarttrade Property Map amp Web platform The property manager can then log into their own personal site and access a real time map of their assets and staff Station Innovationrsquos Director Mike Farrell said ldquoWe envisioned being able to walk past a live electronic property map early in the morning before starting your daysrsquo work and with a single glance be able to analyse the status of your wa-ter points or other infrastructurerdquo ldquoStarting your day with accurate intelligence will empower you to redirect staff in the opposite direction than first planned due to Ecosat ability to quickly identify a problem and then relay the infor-mation back within minutes The project has been supported through a $60000 Business Innovation Support Initiatives grant The BISI program assists Territory small businesses undertake research and development which could lead to new products processes or services ldquoThe BISI grant has enabled us to extend our product development capture area to include a wider variety of technolo-gy solutionsrdquo Mr Farrell said ldquoWe have been able to simultaneously develop multiple solutions with increased rigor in testing and evaluation because of this we have not only developed a more robust product but one which includes the most suitable technology for the task and environmentrdquo If you would like more information about Ecosat or how to purchase a unit you can contact Station Innovation on 1300 781 134 or emailing infostationinnovationcomau
Innovation grants a competitive application process under the Business Innovation Support Initiatives (BISI) program are now open and close on Monday 12 June 2017 If you have a great idea and would like to find out more about the BISI program visit NTGOVAU and search innova-tion or BISI
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
15
Rainfall to 31st March 2017
Source httpwwwbomgovau
XII INTERNATIONAL MANGO SYMPOSIUM
July 10-16 2017
Baise Guangxi China
Sustainable Mango Industry and Poverty Alleviation
We are delighted to invite you to the 12th International Mango Symposium initiative by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in Baise Guangxi China between 10 July and 16 July 2017
The Symposium is jointly organized by the Baise Municipal Peoples Government Guangxi University and Guangxi Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences
The Symposium will be comprised of plenary sessions discipline focused sessions workshops and poster session and a sponsor display where delegates can formally present promote and discuss their work and products with other delegates The event will include an optional field tour at Baise City where delegates can see the technology management and operations of harvesting and packing of Chinese man-go industry
The Organizing Committee is attracting the worlds leading mango scientists across a number of disciplines and researchers and students from all mango growing nations The Committee recognizes the high cost of travel to China and is endeavouring to minimise the costs for delegates
The symposium website httpwwwmango2017comcn includes information on registration and abstract submission scientific program ven-ue keynote speaker details sponsorship and exhibitors opportunities
We look forward to meeting you in Baise in July 2017
16
16