Rural

Farmer Update to Bring Industry Insights to Glen Innes

Farmer Update to Bring Industry Insights to Glen Innes

Local farmers will have the opportunity to hear the latest industry updates at the upcoming Farmer Update, to be held at TAFE NSW Glen Innes on Wednesday, 27 August 2024, from 6pm to 9pm. The evening will feature presentations on a range of topics, including a Beef and Sheep Market Report from Meat & Livestock Australia, and an overview of new animal welfare management plan requirements from Integrity Systems. Rural Aid will also introduce Farm Army and educational programs aimed at supporting rural communities. A light supper will be provided on the night. Attendance is free, but organisers stress that…
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Strong Season Ahead for Local Producers

Strong Season Ahead for Local Producers

While drought conditions have worsened across parts of southern and western New South Wales, producers in the Northern Tablelands are continuing to benefit from strong seasonal conditions and a positive production outlook. The latest NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) report shows that while large areas of the state remain in, or have recently transitioned to, the 'Drought Affected' category, the Northern Tablelands has avoided these conditions, remaining firmly in the ‘Non-Drought’ category throughout July. Rainfall across the Northern Tablelands during July was well above average, which has helped establish winter crops and promote growth. This has…
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Breaking Records, Sheep & Lamb Market Report – 29.07.25

Breaking Records, Sheep & Lamb Market Report – 29.07.25

Yardings were down this week, with a total of 1,484 head offered. The sale featured a majority of well-finished lambs, alongside a mix of heavy and store mutton. The usual buying group was present, including JBS along with some strong re-stocker competition. It was an extremely strong sale overall, with heavy, well-covered XB lambs selling from $265 up to a record-breaking $410. Prepared by Daryl, Dawn, Brian Lewis and Roshien Mercer, these lambs estimated to weight 85+kg liveweight and were bought by Thomas Foods Tamworth. Well-finished, lightweight lambs ranged between $220–$260. Limited numbers of store XB lambs were yarded, making…
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History of the Glen Innes Ag Station (Part 1)

History of the Glen Innes Ag Station (Part 1)

The Glen Innes Experiment Farm was gazetted in 1901. In his 1901 report, the Chief Inspector of Agriculture emphasised the importance of establishing experimental farms stating "the sites were selected for the purpose of ascertaining (by experiment) the most suitable crops for the district, to collect facts for determination of best times to sow and plant, and various matters of that sort” The Farm set about primarily to study and improve the agricultural and pastoral issues of the New England Tablelands, and to conduct suitable research on such that was deemed too expensive for private landowners. The site was heavily…
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Sheep and Lamb Market Report 1 July 2025

Sheep and Lamb Market Report 1 July 2025

A total yarding of 1,654 lambs and sheep for this fortnightly sale. With a range of quality present through the yards, the market was down slightly from the all-time high we saw last fortnight. Although multiple re-stockers and the usual buying crew (with Fletcher International out), the job across the board was down by $15-$20 from the previous fortnight. The well covered, Heavy XB lambs were down slightly from the previous sale, but still ranging from $235-$330. Well covered but lighter weight lambs were still strong, ranging from $195-$240. Woolly, but well covered XB lambs were valued $165-$220. Good framed,…
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Wether Trial Still Delivering for Wool Producers

Wether Trial Still Delivering for Wool Producers

The Northern Tablelands Wether Trial has once again proven its value as a benchmarking tool for wool producers, with the 2022–2024 trial wrapped up and results now available. Held at the Glen Innes Agricultural Research and Advisory Station, the trial continues a tradition that began in 1979, evolving alongside the industry while staying grounded in its core purpose: to help producers evaluate and improve their merino flocks. Over three years, 24 teams of wethers were run as a single mob and assessed annually for wool and carcass value. The trial provides participants with side-by-side comparisons under uniform conditions, allowing them…
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Glen Innes Saleyards Sets Record as Strong Market Returns

Glen Innes Saleyards Sets Record as Strong Market Returns

Market Report – Tuesday 17 June 2025 It was a bumper day at the Glen Innes saleyards this fortnight, with a yarding of 3,222 head – well up on the previous sale and a clear sign that winter hasn’t cooled the market’s momentum. The standout story? A new all-time record price for the saleyards, with heavy, well-finished crossbred lambs selling for up to $360 per head. These top-quality lambs were in high demand from buyers and helped drive a sale that’s being remembered as one of the strongest in recent times. Lighter crossbred lambs also did well, ranging from $160…
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Your Lawn: A Secret Superhero

Your Lawn: A Secret Superhero

Did you know pastures and lawns are more than just green spaces or places for cows and sheep? They play an important role in the environment and our well-being – even in town areas! Pastures do wonders for soil health and water retention, preventing erosion and improving the quality of water that runs through our landscapes. But it’s not just rural paddocks where they have a positive impact – urban green spaces like parks and lawns also contribute to your well-being. Walking barefoot on grass is often referred to as “earthing”. Research shows that spending time in these green spaces…
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Glen Innes Sheep Saleyards Meet Modern Standards with eID Upgrade

Glen Innes Sheep Saleyards Meet Modern Standards with eID Upgrade

The Glen Innes sheep saleyards have been brought in line with the latest livestock traceability standards following the installation of electronic identification (eID) technology. The upgrade was made possible through a $193,101 grant secured from the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Under new legislative requirements, all sheep and goats must be electronically tagged before arriving at saleyards. Upon arrival, the eID tags are scanned and read, enabling full traceability of livestock from farm to processor. With the new equipment in place, the Glen Innes sheep saleyards now fully comply with these updated regulations. Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan welcomed…
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Local Cane Toad Sighting Reported

Local Cane Toad Sighting Reported

Glen Innes Severn Council has been alerted to a report of a cane toad (Rhinella marina) sighting within the local area. Authorities from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Northern Tablelands Local Land Services are collaborating with the individual who reported the sighting, as well as local businesses, to ensure biosecurity measures are in place to conduct inspections. Cane toads pose a significant threat to ecosystems and communities. They can spread by hiding in freight, green waste, and timber, potentially establishing new populations. Under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, they are classified as a declared pest, meaning sightings…
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