Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
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Should crop sequences in Western Australia include more lupins?
No full textReducing greenhouse gas emissions is an increasing priority for Australian grain producers. Could substituting lupins for canola, as a rotational break crop, enable farmers to reduce their emissions by less use of nitrogenous fertilisers?
Aim
This study aims to identify if replacing canola with lupins in rotations at a range of locations in Western Australia’s grainbelt is environmentally and economically attractive.
Methods.
Bio-economic simulation modelling is used to examine the gross margins and emissions associated with replacement of canola by lupins at 14 locations in the grainbelt of Western Australia in variousland use sequences.
Key results
Replacing canola with lupins unambiguously leads to reduced emissions in crop sequences at all locations considered. However, the higher gross margins from canola production cause lupins to only be a preferred break crop option at 4 of the 14 locations. Even with various plausible incentives to favour lupins, they remain economically unattractive at most locations other than those where lupins are well adapted to the environment.
Conclusions
Lupins’ current lack of commercial attractiveness for farmers limits its role in emissions reduction in the region’s farming systems.
Implications
The profitability of lupins needs to increase if lupins are to be widely readopted. This requires developing higher yielding lupin varieties, grain quality improvements, and policy changes to reward lower emission cereals. However, this study shows these changes, apart from yield improvement, are unlikely in the short term. At locations with suitable soils alternative pulse crops may offer higher gross margins whilst delivering emission reduction
Heavy steers and heifers run at low stocking rates enhance drought resilience in a pastoral region of Australia
No full textCONTEXT The semi-arid mulga lands of the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia experience frequent droughts. Maintaining a profitable animal grazing enterprise whilst preserving rangeland condition requires selecting an appropriate stocking rate and herd structure. OBJECTIVE We construct and apply bioeconomic models of beef enterprises for the semi-arid Southern Rangelands of Western Australia, to assess the profitability and relative riskiness of three different livestock production systems and three different stocking rates when exposed to different frequencies of drought. METHODS We construct bio-economic models of herd structures that separately focus on producing either: (i) 200 kg heifers and 210 kg steers (ii) live export of 340 kg heifers and 380 kg steers, or (iii) 500 kg heifers and 560 kg steers for local slaughter. The models are applied to assess the financial and production resilience of each herd structure for three different stocking rates, given the incidence of drought and various price scenarios. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Comparing the three herd structures, option (iii) produces more kilograms of beef at an equivalent grazing pressure and recovers fastest from drought. Considering cattle prices over the 7-year period ending in 2021, live export and slaughter production systems generate comparable financial returns to graziers\u27 actual reported results. Under two different scenarios of future prices, option (iii) provides the most profitable outcome. Applying a stocking rate that is 66% of a recommended stocking rate allows use of residual rangeland feed (known as ‘haystack’) during drought, generates greater profit, and produces a more stable herd size and income. Not matching the haystack with the longest modelled drought reduces the grazier\u27s average annual profit by $172,000. The optimum herd structure identified in this study targets the production of 500 kg heifers and 560 kgs steers for local slaughter, and relies on a conservative stocking rate that leaves enough haystack to increase resilience if ever consecutive droughts occur. SIGNIFICANCE In the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia, there are financial and environmental merits in a herd structure that produces heavy steers and heifers for local slaughter yet is underpinned by conservative stocking rates
Characterisation of common hypothetical surface peptides between protozoan parasites (Perkinsus olseni) originating from different geographical locations
No full textPerkinsus olseni and P. marinus are classified as notifiable pathogens by the World Organisation for Animal Health and are known to cause perkinsosis in a variety of molluscs globally. Mass mortalities due to these parasites in farms and in the wild have been a recurrent issue. Diagnosis for these protozoans is currently done using Ray’s fluid thioglycollate medium method followed by optical microscopy or molecular assays. Both require a high level of skill and are time-consuming. An immunoassay method would make the diagnosis of perkinsosis quicker and cheaper. The present study used mass spectrometry-based proteomics to investigate common hypothetical surface peptides between different geographical isolates of P. olseni, which could be used to develop immunoassays in the future. Two peptides were identified: POLS_08089, which is a 42.7 kDa peptide corresponding to the 60S ribosomal subunit protein L4; and POLS_15916, which is a conserved hypothetical protein of 55.6 kDa. The identification of peptides may allow the development of immunoassays through a more targeted approach
Genomic population structure of great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) across the Indo-Pacific
No full textContext Currently, little information exists describing the population structure of great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) in Australian waters. Aims This study used single nucleotide polymorphisms to investigate fine-scale population structure in S. mokarran across the Indo-Pacific. Methods DNA was extracted from 235 individuals across six Australian locations and a Red Sea outgroup. Population parameters were calculated and visualised to test structuring across locations. Key results No fine-scale population structuring was observed for S. mokarran across the Indo-Pacific. However, population structuring occurred for all Australian locations when compared to the Red Sea outgroup. Conclusions Findings suggest a single stock is most likely for S. mokarran found in Australian waters. Results provide key information for understanding the broad range movements of S. mokarran and help to define the scale of management required to preserve genetic diversity in this species. The structuring between Australia and the Red Sea indicates limited gene flow and movement. Implications Results indicate that large-scale movements of S. mokarran could be occurring to facilitate genetic mixing. Future research focusing on individual tagging to corroborate movements would be highly beneficial to determine how far (and often) individuals are dispersing, and to note where cross-jurisdictional management, including from neighbouring regions in the Indo-West Pacific–Oceania region, are most critical
Circular Economy Thinking
No full textJoin us for an engaging session led by Huia Adkins, where we\u27ll explore the principles and practices of circular economy thinking. Huia will provide insights into the importance of shifting from a linear to a circular model of production and consumption, highlighting the benefits for businesses, society, and the environment
Bringing it all together - Turning the Dial Conference 2024
No full textJoin us for the final session of the day, where we\u27ll bring together industry experts for a dynamic panel discussion facilitated by MC Josh Byrne. Huia Adkins from GHD, Ebony Johnson from the National Retailers Association, and Nerida Kelton from the Australian Institute of Packaging will share their insights and perspectives on key themes discussed throughout the event.
During this interactive session, panelists will reflect on the day\u27s presentations and discussions, highlighting key takeaways, challenges, and opportunities for action. From sustainable packaging to circular economy thinking, attendees will gain valuable insights into how industry leaders are driving positive change within their respective sectors.
Speakers Huia Adkins, GHD, Sustainability Business Group Leader Nerida Kelton, AIP Bonnie Marshall, National Retail Association, Communications Manager, Policy team
Facilitator Josh Byrne, Josh Byrne & Associates, Directo
Food Waste 2030 Targets
No full textAustralia\u27s commitment to the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals commits us to reducing food loss and halving food waste by 2030. The 2017 National Food Waste Strategy takes this a step further, requiring a halving of all food loss and waste by 2030. With Australia wasting 7.6 million tonnes of food per year either target is a monumental task. This talk will outline the current activities of End Food Waste Australia and partners that are working towards achieving the ambitious goal, along with how we are tracking as a nation
Valorising WA Waste Streams
No full textJoin us for an enlightening session led by Janet Howieson from Curtin University, as we delve into the fascinating topic of valorising waste streams in Western Australia. Janet brings a wealth of expertise in sustainability and waste management, and she will share insights into new methods and frameworks being developed for SME’s to start addressing opportunities in reducing food waste. Discover how businesses can understand their waste streams, potentially capitalise on untapped opportunities, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you\u27re a seasoned industry professional or new to the concept of waste valorisation, this session promises to spark inspiration and ignite discussion on the potential of WA\u27s waste streams
Sheep and goat industry funding scheme annual report 2022/2023
No full textThe Sheep and Goat Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) has been operating since 2010 to address biosecurity threats relevant to the Western Australian (WA) sheep and goat industry. The Scheme was established by regulation under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable sheep and goat producers to identify pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and raise funds for activities to address these priorities.
There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Sheep and Goat IFS, there is a Cattle IFS and a Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner.
For the Sheep and Goat IFS, funds are raised through a producer contribution on each chargeable sale. A ‘chargeable sale’ is the sale of sheep and goats (live or carcasses) that are located on a property within the Scheme’s area of operation or moved from the property for the purpose of offering them for sale/slaughter. The industry’s pest and disease priorities are identified and funds are raised, through producer contributions, for activities to address these priorities
Mid West Development Commission
No full textMid West Development Commission boundaryhttps://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/gis_maps/1047/thumbnail.jp