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what happens next?Premium‘We’re exhausted’: Farmers seek answers on ag labour crisis

Farmers are seeking urgent action to fix crippling worker shortages in the agricultural sector, with industry heavyweights calling for an “emergency taskforce” to fast-track skilled immigration.

Shannon Verhagen

Vale John PremiumVale John: WA-based apple variety developer remembered

John Cripps — known as the father of the Pink Lady apple — died in WA this month, more than 30 years after his apple formula was released to the market.

Cally Dupe and Holly Hales

Nuffield Australia PremiumWA’s Nuffield Scholars prepare to travel the world

Ord farmer Fritz Bolten says this is the year he will sink his teeth into a global scholarship program after two years of pandemic-related challenges, including border closures and a bout of COVID-19.

Cally Dupe

Bargaining powerPremiumWebsite to help horticulturalists ‘strike fairer deal’

“Australian horticulture produces some of the finest produce in the world and it’s essential that our growers get a fair price in the marketplace.”

Shannon Verhagen

Lasting legacyCommentsPremiumWA stalwart behind Pink Lady apple dies

The legend behind one of Australia’s favourite brands has died in Western Australia aged 95.

Holly Hales

Autonomous Sprayer PremiumJohn Deere forms joint venture for autonomous sprayers

A joint venture between John Deere and California-based technology company, GUSS, is hoped to accelerate the development and distribution of semi-autonomous orchard and vineyard spraying technology. 

Staff Reporter

labour shortagePremiumUnpicked fruit costs Donnybrook grower $20-$30K per hectare

Hundreds of thousands of dollars of fruit is rotting on the floor of WA orchards as frustrated and overworked farmers continue to struggle with crippling labour shortages.

EXCLUSIVE Shannon Verhagen

controversial rulingControversial piece-rate rules in place for WA fruit pickers

A controversial amendment to the Horticulture Award has officially come into effect, with fruit and vegetable pickers on piece rates now owed 15 per cent above the hourly rate.

Shannon Verhagen

Cash splashPremiumCoalition pledges $6 million to support agricultural events

The Liberal National Coalition has promised Australia’s livestock, horticulture and agritech industries $6 million of Federal funding to support major agricultural events if re-elected on May 21.

Adam Poulsen

Water Rights Farmers urged to speak out on water rights

Frustrated farmers in the State’s South West food bowl region have been told to “make as much noise as they can” over fears their water rights will be ripped away from them.

EXCLUSIVE Shannon Verhagen

federal electionPremiumDavid Littleproud makes his first trip to WA in three years

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has made his first visit to WA in three years, announcing millions of dollars for horticulture and revegetation, and a $10m election pledge for farm safety.

Shannon Verhagen

federal electionNational Farmers Federation’s horticulture council wishlist

The lion’s share of the National Farmers Federation’s horticulture council’s five priorities are aimed at addressing the crippling labour shortages gripping the $62 billion industry.

Shannon Verhagen

‘We need answers’PremiumConcerns Ag Visa could be ‘dead in the water’

WAFarmers chief executive Trevor Whittington says the Ag Visa is “absolutely essential” to fill thousands of seasonal labour gaps in the horticulture and viticulture industries.

Shannon Verhagen

Water WarsPremiumWest Manjimup farmer wants clarity on SFIS water source

A West Manjimup farmer and chair of the Manjimup Water Security Group has commended Agriculture Minister MacTiernan for meeting with all parties involved in the divisive Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme.

Ben Loughran

Project terminated Myalup-Wellington project ‘dead in the water’

A $400 million project to boost irrigated agriculture in the salinity-strangled Collie, Harvey and Waroona farming districts is dead in the water after the State Government withdrew support for the plan.

Cally Dupe

invasive speciesInvasive mango pest detected in Top End

An industry-threatening pest known as the mango shoot looper has been detected for the first time in the Northern Territory.

Aaron Bunch

invasive speciesInvasive mango pest detected in Top End

An industry-threatening pest known as the mango shoot looper has been detected for the first time in the Northern Territory.

Aaron Bunch

Alarming detectionPremiumFirst WA blueberry rust detection sparks warning

The finding — confirmed after laboratory analysis — sparked an urgent warning for gardeners and horticulture growers across the State to check for signs on their own plants.

Shannon Verhagen

new appointmentMark Holland set to lead drought resilience in WA

“I’m looking forward to implementing new approaches to make a difference on the ground for farmers and their communities.”

Shannon Verhagen

END OF AN ERAPremiumBumbak & Sons hits market for first time in 67 years

Carnarvon’s most famous table grape plantation is for sale for the first time in 67 years, with Bumbak & Sons’ Terra and Sunsweet properties officially hitting the market this month.

Adam Poulsen

Nuffield Australia WA’s Nuffield Scholars prepare to travel the world

Ord farmer Fritz Bolten says this is the year he will sink his teeth into a global scholarship program after two years of pandemic-related challenges, including border closures and a bout of COVID-19.

Cally Dupe

farmer concernsPremiumFarmers rushing to build dams amid legislation change fears

Frustrated farmers in the State’s south are “going berserk,” forking out hundreds of thousands to fast-track dams over fears there will be changes to legislation which will remove their rights to build them.

EXCLUSIVE Shannon Verhagen

Drying Climate PremiumProjected Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme run-off drops

WA Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan has handed down the updated figures behind the contentious Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme after meeting stakeholders in Manjimup last month.

Ben Loughran

CEO Role PremiumOrd River District Cooperative on the hunt for a new boss

The chief executive of WA’s northernmost agricultural co-operative is moving south after nearly 15  years in the role, leaving big shoes to fill as farmers in the Ord embark on a new chapter growing cotton.

Cally Dupe