The National Farmers Federation has ceased attempts to bring myriad agricultural bodies and lobbyists under the one banner in an effort to mount a cohesive approach to governments and the wider community.
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Fragile at best would have been any agreement, given the recent extraordinary attack on dairy farmer management practices by the leadership of the Victorian Farmers Federation’s (VFF) pastoral group.
In its sights was the practice of dairy farmers who market unwanted calves at about a week old.
However, the best comment was that those with big hats should butt out. As blood was about to spill on the ground, the governing arm of the VFF squashed the idea and promptly put the pastoralists to the sword.
Naturally, the VFF’s dairy arm, the United Dairyfarmers, hit back carefully and positively.
However, the best comment was that those with big hats should butt out.
As blood was about to spill on the ground, the governing arm of the VFF squashed the idea and promptly put the pastoralists to the sword.
This is not the first time the pastoral division leadership had earned scorn from the rural community.
Its stance on Johnnes disease – supporting eradication instead of management – sent many famers to the wall and caused untold anguish. So far, an apology has not been forthcoming.
My mate Des, the dairy farmer who never misses a target, said at least he had not commented on the vexed question of mulesing.
SUPPORT PORK
It would appear that it may well be time to put more pork on your fork.
There have been reports that sections of the pork industry are under pressure from supply exceeding processing capacity.
It seems crazy that one our most efficient primary industries had to suffer from what could be seen as a minor glitch.
Even the two-day break over Easter has been cited as a reason for lost processing capacity.
It will not be the answer, however the industry is sure to benefit from higher domestic consumption, with the cost of production now higher than returns.