May 2025
12536829-DL08-22
Rodeo legacy lives on
50 years of FarmFest
PAGE 8
PAGES 28-29
Buffel battle Incredulous and furious Queensland pastoralists have united to oppose a big push to list buffel as a weed. Beef producers covet the controversial yet critical grass as it provides fast-growing cattle fodder and can help reduce dust and soil erosion. Environmental and Indigenous groups, however, have long warned it exacerbates grass fires, reduces biodiversity and impacts Aboriginal cultural practices. AgForce Queensland Cattle president Lloyd Hick said classifying buffel as a weed would have “severe“ consequences for Queensland’s beef industry, including biological control research aimed at eradication. “This is a direct threat to one of the most critical pasture species in Australia,“ he said. COVERAGE PAGES 4-5
Winner off to Calgary
ROAM’s chief operating officer Matthew Callaghan. (Supplied)
A world first By Fiona Gowers In a world-first, Australian scientists have discovered specific fungi that help to significantly reduce methane emissions from livestock, offering a breakthrough solution for agriculture to cut emissions. The discovery provides livestock producers with a naturally-derived, scientifically-validated
feed additive that can be integrated into existing operations and supply chains to drive methane reduction at scale. Discovered by Loam Bio’s Dr Abed Chaudhury - with validation and research and development led by Matthew Callaghan - this breakthrough was enabled by Loam Bio’s extensive library of soil fungi. In Dr Chaudhury’s research across a wide
range of fungi, he found that a very small selection of naturally-occurring species in the US and Australia have both the genetic capability and expression required to significantly cut methane produced by livestock. “This is a true breakthrough and an exciting moment in microbiology to make such a profound discovery,” he said. COVERAGE PAGES 2-3
Matthew Pearce of GDL Emerald has been crowned the 2025 National Young Auctioneers’ champion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Mr Pearce’s slick marketing skills saw him sell the competition’s top-priced steer for $15.90/kg, which helped him to clinch victory on April 10. Overwhelmed as he received the trophy from the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA), Mr Pearce, 23, thanked his family, ALPA, sponsors, buyers, underbidders and GDL for their support. He will now represent Australia at the International Livestock Auctioneer Championships at the 2026 Calgary Stampede. STORY PAGE 6
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