It seems that 2014 is flying by, I can’t believe it is already Easter!
Because of the Easter and ANZAC Day public Holidays there will be no Hay and Grain Report or AFIA member update next week.
HAY & GRAIN REPORT 10/04/2014
This weeks hay and grain report will be available on the website early next week. To view previous hay report please click here. Remember that you need to log in using your AFIA username and password. If you have forgotten you username please contact Caitlin caitlin@afia.org.au
TRANSPORT UPDATE
The NHVR has released its latest industry update which details the role of the NHVR beyond permits. To read this latest update visit the latest news section of the AFIA website. Click here to access.
APRIL NATIONAL FODDER AUDIT
The April National Fodder Audit is now open and we are seeking input from all hay and silage producers, contractors, traders and transporters.
If you can spare 5 minutes please complete the survey no later than Friday 2 May. Click here to complete the survey.
We look forward to comparing the findings of this survey to the January survey and sharing that with you in the Winter edition of Focus on Fodder.
AFIA LEADERSHIP AWARD – APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
AFIA is now seeking applications in the 2014 AFIA Leadership Award. If you are parents, friends, employers and know of any young people with an interest in the fodder industry then please encourage them to apply for this opportunity.
For more information visit the AFIA website or click here to download an application form.
AFIA SUBMISSION TO THE AGRICULTURAL COMPETITIVENESS ISSUES WHITE PAPER
Today AFIA made a submission to the Federal Governments Agricultural Competitiveness Issues White Paper on behalf of all AFIA members.
The submission called for better recognition of the fodder industry and asks for increased support in R, D & E to support growth in the fodder industry. The full submission is available on the AFIA website, please click here to download.
AFIA SUBMISSION TO THE VICTORIAN INQUIRY INTO EXPORT INDUSTRIES
Today AFIA made a submission on behalf of our Victorian members to the Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into the increasing exports of goods and services from regional Victoria.
The full submission is available on the AFIA website, please click here to review.
WANTED: PAST AFIA PHOTOS
We have been searching through the AFIA archives and have been unable to find many photos of AFIA members at conferences or events, pre 2001. For AFIA members who have been involved in the Association since that time and may still have some photos we would be really keen to get a copy of them, for a special event at this year’s National Fodder Conference.
Please email, scan or post your photos to Caitlin so that we can take a copy of them for future reference. All photos will be returned or referenced to the photographer if used by AFIA. Please give the AFIA Office a call if you would like to discuss this further.
SAFETY REMINDER – TRACTORS SHOULD BE FITTED WITH SEAT BELTS
One of the key objectives of AFIA’s 5 year strategic plan is to ensure the fodder industry is a safe industry to work in. Each year we promote National Hay Safe Day in October, however we encourage all members to think about safety as a priority in their businesses all year round. The message below comes from WHSQ and is a timely reminder for all members to undertake their safety checklist.
A recent fatality resulting from a tractor incident is a timely reminder about the fitting and wearing of seat belts on tractors.
The tractor had a ROPS but there appears to have been no seat belt.
The incident wasn’t a roll over but involved the operator being dislodged from the tractor when it backed into a large wash out.
The Safe Design and Operation of Tractors Code of Practice 2005 states:
A seat belt should be fitted to all seating positions on new tractors in accordance with AS 2664 – Earthmoving machinery – Seat belts and seat belt anchorages. Seat belts should comply with AS/NZS 2596 – Seat belt assemblies for motor vehicles or with SAE J 386.
Where the tractor is fitted with a seatbelt and a ROPS is present, it should be worn by the operator if the tractor is moving. This will provide additional protection in the event of a tractor rolling over by keeping the driver within the protective zone offered by the ROPS.
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/tractor-cop-2005.pdf
For more information please go to the WHSQ website: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
GWT ENDS NIR SERVICES
AFIA Bronze sponsors George Weston Technology are discontinuing their NIR services. Wet Chemistry services will continue as normal. For more information read the full media release under the latest news section of the AFIA website.
NATIONAL FODDER CONFERENCE KEY NOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED
This years National Fodder Conference theme is ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ so to get you thinking outside the square from the very start of the speaking program AFIA has invited former Vet and Ag Scientist, turned Futurist Paul Higgins of Emergent Futures as the key note speaker at this yea’rs conference.
Paul is an engaging and exciting presenter and we have no doubt he will set a high standard for the rest of the speaking program. Read more about Paul Higgins here and register for the National Fodder Conference today!
Register for the 2014 National Fodder Conference today!
THE AFIA OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS OVER EASTER
All AFIA members are advised that the AFIA office will be closed on the following days for Easter and ANZAC day;
- Friday 18 April
- Monday 21 April
- Friday 25 April
Business hours will be as normal all other days.
That’s it from AFIA this week. We wish all of our members a safe and happy Easter.
From the AFIA Team