Published since 1986
OCTOBER, 2020
Southdowns shine PAGE 3
Broadacre crop seeding boost
www.farmernews.com.au
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Upper Murray fencing project
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HAPPY HENS CASSIE and Ryan Sutcliffe of The Happy Hens Eggs at Jindera, couldn’t be happier with their choice of life on the land. More than comfortable around the hens, three year old daughter Elly is affectionately referred to as the CEO of the enterprise. Turn to page 26 for the story. PHOTO: Willson Mack
Industry looks for solutions to looming labour shortages By EMMA OLIVER FRUIT Growers Victoria, along with the Cobram and District Fruitgrowers Association (CDFGA), have welcomed news that the Victorian Government has approved the Commonwealth’s Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific
Labour Scheme, giving growers and local employers another option to combat looming labour shortages in picking and harvesting brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Mel Floyd, business development officer at Fruit Growers Victoria, confirmed agricultural industry bodies in
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conjunction with local, state and federal governments, are putting in a massive amount of work in the build-up to the season with numerous options being weighed up to address the issue with stakeholders from across the board - from citrus through to livestock - all being consulted.
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The announcement of Business Adaptation Grants - helping workplaces meet health and safety requirements and adapt to distancing changes imposed by the pandemic - has also been met with approval, as growers negotiate new rules and regulations regarding their
seasonal workforce. “It definitely represents a challenge,” said Ms Floyd. “It’s paramount that we keep our workers safe, as the industry certainly doesn’t want to see any outbreaks on farms, and the resulting implications.” ■ Continued page 2
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