Improved seasonal conditions throughout much of Australia during 2009-10 are expected to help producers rebuild cattle numbers to expand future beef production, according to a new report released by ABARE today.

The report, Australian beef: Financial performance of beef cattle producing farms, 2007-08 to 2009-10, was released today by ABARE’s Deputy Executive Director Paul Morris.

One of the consequences of herd rebuilding in 2009-10 is reduced sales of beef cattle. As a result, farm cash incomes are expected to fall by 18 per cent to $66,000 per farm in northern Australia, and almost 50 per cent to $31,700 per farm in southern Australia.

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Friday afternoon happy hour is spreading this weekend here at Cattle Country! If you subscribe to Cattle Country Magazine today, tomorrow or Sunday (29-31 May) we will add an extra edition to your subscription – that means you will get 5 editions for the price of 4 (you will save $8.95).

Click on the “SUBSCRIPTION” tab above to order yours.

Applications have opened for the 2010 TQA Australia Global Insights Award. Now in its second year, the Award provides a travel grant of up to $10,000 to a primary producer who is committed to food safety, quality assurance and/or environmental assurance in their business and farming operations.

‘The grant provides an opportunity for exemplary farmers to travel overseas to meet other producers, customers and supply chain members. It is also a chance to explore new market opportunities,’ according to TQA Australia Managing Director Jane Lovell.

‘The Award is open to all Australian primary producers with a current certification to a third party audited food safety, quality assurance or environmental assurance scheme.’

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An ambitious student from the University of Adelaide Roseworthy Campus has his sights set on making a career in the Beef Industry.

Jake Phillips, 20, a 3rd Year Bachelor of Agriculture student has spent the past eight years working in the beef industry, since 2005 his own contracting business has specialized in show preparation and beef cattle husbandry. In recent years Jake’s business, JP Contracting, has helped his clients to considerable success in the show and sale ring.

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Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is seeking to appoint three independent Directors to the Board at this year’s Annual General Meeting, with applications now being accepted.

MLA Chairman Don Heatley said MLA’s skills-based board is seeking nominees from a range of areas of expertise, who will then be subject to a thorough selection process.

“The MLA Board is skills-based, with experience and industry knowledge in on and off-farm production, research and development and marketing.

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Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is holding a cutting edge industry Meat Profit Day for all southern red meat producers wanting to ‘profitably’ embrace change’. This major red meat industry event will hosted by the The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV).

Meat Profit Days are a combination of a field day, conference, trade show and expo.

The days are developed and organised by local producers - for producers, and are seen as important events for property owners and managers, when reviewing their business strategies.

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