Click on the “Read More” at the end of each Hot Topic for further information:
GROSS MARGIN ANALYSIS
Allow me to bore you for a minute, for some of you maybe what I have to say might just turn on a light, for others I don’t want you to think I am trying to tell you how to suck eggs. In the current farming & economic environment Gross Margin analysis is a very important tool to determining the level of farm profitability.
Many of our farming clients cringe when I start talking about financial ratios, in particular enterprise Gross Margins, the common response is ‘we farm what we know we can farm and hope the season is a good one”.
So what is a ‘Gross Margin? What does it tell us and why should we compile a Gross Margin of all our enterprises? Like many, you might then ask “how do I calculate an enterprises Gross Margin?”
A Gross Margin is simply the difference between the Gross income earned by an enterprise and the direct costs (or cost of inputs) required for production. It is an important tool for you to know how to compile and understand the resulting values. I will explain the reason shortly. (Read More)
DROUGHT DECLARATIONS MOVE INTO INTENSIVE FARMING REGIONS
The State Government has added 15 new local government areas to this list of drought declared regions, bringing the total declared area to 79 percent of the State. (Read More)
INCOME SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO HELP FARMERS IN TOUGH TIMES
THE Federal Government has introduced legislation relating to the Farm Household Allowance, with bipartisan support for the measure. An interim Allowance is currently available and the Bill will allow for a permanent measure to give farming families access to income support measures available to all other Australians in hardship. (Read More)
WATER ACT REVIEW
THE QLD State Government is reviewing the Water Act 2000 and has begun the process of consulting with industry groups. It will further the process of review through the water consultative group, which involves, QFF, AgForce, SunWater, SEQWater and others. (Read More)
NDRRA ACTIVATIONS
NDRRA relief measures have been activated for communities within Central and Western Queensland affected by flooding and rainfall. Commencing on 18 February 2014, a monsoon trough impacted Central Queensland. A second monsoon trough impacted Western Queensland over the following week. (Read More)
COTTON AUSTRALIA REDUCES VOLUNTARY LEVY, THANKS LEVY PAYERS
THE Board of Cotton Australia has decided to reduce the voluntary levy by 25 percent for this season, from $2 per bale to $1.50 per bale (plus GST), in recognition of the organisation’s sound financial position. The reduction has been enabled by recent larger crop sizes and sound financial management – but could be further reduced if more growers participated. (Read More)
DROUGHT DECLARATIONS VITAL FOR QLD DAIRY
THE State Government’s decision to add 15 new Shires to the list of drought declared regions of Queensland will bring a large part of the State’s dairy industry into officially declared regions, according to the State’s lobby group for the industry, the Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation. The State Government has brought 15 new Shires to the list of official drought declared regions, bringing the dairying regions of the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay Burnett, Darling Downs and some parts of Central Queensland into official declarations. QDO President Brian Tessmann thanked the work of the Minister for Agriculture, John McVeigh, and his Department on making the declarations happen. (Read More)
FACTSHEET ON OH&S REQUIREMENTS
WORKPLACE Health and Safety Queensland has created a fact sheet addressing some of the common misunderstanding that rural employers have when it comes to occupational health and safety obligations. it addresses issues such as contracted employees, superannuation, and overseas workers. For more information visit workcoverqld.com.au/agriculture.
SEQ NRM PLAN REVIEW
The SEQ Natural Resource Management Plan is a community plan for the future of the region’s natural assets. Natural assets like beaches, Moreton Bay, farmland, waterways, bushland and mountain ranges provide the clean air, water and soil that power the economy and the amenity for good health and wellbeing. The Plan helps look after these assets. The Plan is currently being updated to consider activities that will ensure the natural assets continue to provide these services. To find out more and to have input into the plan, click here.
Ph Levels and their effect on pollination of crops:
When last did you check the pH of your block?
Following a recent visit to the Gympie region, it was apparent that the pollination of a number of crops in the region was inconsistent and on carrying out further investigation and speaking to a local Gympie bee keeper – Len Weller, a possible reason for the poor pollination is starting to emerge and the reason, given by Len is in the pH of the soil in blocks. (Read More)
How do I calculate a fair leasing rate for Agricultural Land?
Leasing (other than Agistment) of privately owned land in Australia is quite a common practise. Particularly for new start young farmers wanting to accumulate capital and experience to purchase and manage their own farming business. Leasing agreements in Australia have in the past historically been pretty informal arrangements between the landholder (lessor) and the person wanting to lease the farm (lessee). (Read More)