Australian stock handlers and veterinarians working on live export vessels say they are finding it almost impossible to secure basic health insurance coverage for their voyages, which is adding to the pressures of working in the COVID era. Source: Beef Central Ship stockies left uninsured as coverage dries up in COVID era
Tag: Coronavirus
Crew member on cattle export ship tests positive to coronavirus in Darwin
A 25-year-old man who arrived in Darwin on a livestock carrier from Indonesia is taken to hospital after returning a positive coronavirus test. Source: ABC Livestock Crew member on cattle export ship tests positive to coronavirus in Darwin
Kay’s Cuts: COVID-19 has had multiple impacts on US beef in 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered, at least for a while, where Americans spend their food dollars, but not how much they spend relative to their disposable personal income, columnist Steve Kay writes in his final monthly column for the uear Source: Beef Central Kay’s Cuts: COVID-19 has had multiple impacts on US beef in… Read more »
ALC, JBS Brooklyn still waiting for China access to re-commence
Australia is seeking the resumption of sheepmeat and beef exports from two Victorian abattoirs to China which earlier made self-imposed suspensions due to COVID sickness among staff, as trade tensions between the two countries continue. Source: Beef Central ALC, JBS Brooklyn still waiting for China access to re-commence
Lions test positive for COVID-19 in Spanish zoo after showing symptoms
The lions, named Zala, Nima and Run Run and Kiumbe, were infected in Barcelona Zoo. It’s the only known infection of large felines apart from an April outbreak in the Bronx Zoo, New York. Source: ABC Livestock Lions test positive for COVID-19 in Spanish zoo after showing symptoms
Can you really catch coronavirus from frozen food?
Beijing has linked several local COVID-19 infections to frozen food packaging, but the WHO says there’s no evidence of the virus spreading this way. How valid are China’s concerns, and what is the risk of “object-to-human” transmission? Source: ABC Livestock Can you really catch coronavirus from frozen food?
JBS bounces back after COVID with strong third quarter financials
Slaughter cattle supply out of Australia is not likely to recover significantly until at least 2022, investors were told during a JBS briefing following the tabling of the company’s third quarter financials earlier this week. Global beef processor JBS has bounced back from the impacts of COVID earlier in the year, reporting net revenues of… Read more »
Vet Ross Ainsworth spends six months on live export ships or in quarantine due to COVID rules
With 40 years’ experience in live cattle exports, this veterinarian came out of retirement to help fill a worker shortage on stock-laden boats — and has barely set foot on land since March. Source: ABC Livestock Vet Ross Ainsworth spends six months on live export ships or in quarantine due to COVID rules
Mixed lockdown messages create shear confusion for SA sheep industry
SA Police says shearing contractors can continue to work despite some of them being told by officers to stop on the first day of lockdown yesterday. Source: ABC Livestock Mixed lockdown messages create shear confusion for SA sheep industry
Positive half-year result for AA Co, despite COVID market impact
Despite considerable market impacts since the onset of COVID, the Australian Agricultural Co has lodged a strong operating profit of $23.5 million for the half-year ended September, up from $6.3 million for the same period last year. Even excluding the Jobkeeper stimulus payment AA Co qualified for, the half-year profit was still $16.8m. Source:… Read more »
Inside the hunt for 'Patient Zero': A year on, what do we know about how coronavirus started?
November likely marks 12 months of life with the pandemic but the most fundamental questions remain unanswered: Where did it come from? Who was its first victim?, writes Catherine Taylor. Source: ABC Livestock Inside the hunt for ‘Patient Zero’: A year on, what do we know about how coronavirus started?
‘No material business impact from COVID-19’: Elders announces $123m net profit
Australian agribusiness Elders has this morning announced a statutory profit after tax of $122.9 million and a fully franked final dividend of 13 cents per share in its full year results for the 12 months to September 2020. Source: Beef Central ‘No material business impact from COVID-19’: Elders announces 3m net profit
Dry-aging adds value for beef supply chain during tough COVID era + VIDEO
Dry-aging has played a key marketing role as a point of difference for a South Australian vertically integrated beef supply chain during the 2020 COVID era. Source: Beef Central Dry-aging adds value for beef supply chain during tough COVID era + VIDEO
Pandemic threatens Indo-Pacific food security
The COVID-19 pandemic is threatening to spark a regional food crisis, according to a new report released by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Source: Grain Central Pandemic threatens Indo-Pacific food security
Victoria removes workforce level restrictions on meat processors
Removal of workforce level restrictions on Victorian abattoirs and meat processors has been welcomed by the Australian Meat Industry Council. Source: Beef Central Victoria removes workforce level restrictions on meat processors
COVID-19 progress ends worker caps on Victorian meat processors
REMOVAL of workforce level restrictions on Victorian abattoirs and meat processors has been welcomed by the Australian Meat Industry Council. Source: Sheep Central COVID-19 progress ends worker caps on Victorian meat processors
Coronavirus lockdowns see Australians increase red meat purchases
Australia’s domestic beef industry sales increase by 30 per cent during COVID-19 lockdowns. Source: ABC Livestock Coronavirus lockdowns see Australians increase red meat purchases
CSIRO report finds billion dollar industries at risk from biosecurity threats
Australia needs a more innovative, coordinated and collaborative biosecurity system if it is to keep up with the threat from increasing and severe biosecurity events, like COVID-19, according to a new report released today by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO. Source: Beef Central CSIRO report finds billion dollar industries at risk from biosecurity threats
'The worst case scenario is a new pandemic': Denmark to cull 17 million mink over COVID-19 mutation fears
Denmark will get rid of its entire mink population over reports the animal had infected humans with a mutated strain of COVID-19. Source: ABC Livestock ‘The worst case scenario is a new pandemic’: Denmark to cull 17 million mink over COVID-19 mutation fears
AuctionsPlus sees big uptake in COVID-impacted 2020 bull-selling season
2020 and the COVID-19 event has seen very different circumstances at play, forcing studs to adapt to new rules and restrictions in order to have their on-property sales. This meant that online selling was adopted by many to combat restrictions, so that all buyers could have the opportunity to purchase regardless of their location. The… Read more »
MLA’s Annual General Meeting goes online
MLA members are being reminded to complete and submit their voting entitlement and proxy forms ahead of the industry service delivery company’s upcoming Annual General Meeting on 19 November. This year, the decision has been made to hold the AGM online, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions on gatherings and travel, as… Read more »
Ship outbreaks reinforce need for national approach to crew safety
The Western Australia Department of Health has re-located 25 crew members from the MV AL Messilah livestock carrier into quarantine isolation at Fremantle today, after yesterday returning positive tests to COVID-19. Source: Beef Central Ship outbreaks reinforce need for national approach to crew safety
NZ shearers and wool handlers jump into trans-Tasman bubble
SEVERAL sheep wool industry workers are among the New Zealanders who have used the new NZ-New South Wales trans-Tasman COVID-19 bubble to work in Australia’s eastern states. Source: Sheep Central NZ shearers and wool handlers jump into trans-Tasman bubble
Washouts and COVID-19 puts 'biggest horse show in the country' under threat
The Show Society and Toowoomba Council are in talks to save the major equestrian event. Source: ABC Livestock Washouts and COVID-19 puts ‘biggest horse show in the country’ under threat
International Beef Alliance challenges border testing for COVID
Seven major beef producing and exporting countries which met online this week for annual talks have expressed deep concern at the imposition of border testing for COVID-19 that is not based on international Codex standards. Source: Beef Central International Beef Alliance challenges border testing for COVID
COVID-19 put the brakes on China’s already stalling foreign investment
Disruptions to global economic activity that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively impacted foreign direct investment, including China’s investment abroad, a recent NAB report suggests. Source: Beef Central COVID-19 put the brakes on China’s already stalling foreign investment
CSIRO shows COVID can survive on surfaces longer than previously thought
Researchers at CSIRO have found that the COVID virus can survive for up to 28 days on common surfaces including stainless steel, banknotes and glass – up to ten days longer than the common influenza virus on some surfaces. Source: Beef Central CSIRO shows COVID can survive on surfaces longer than previously thought
Central Victorian health authority rolls out saliva COVID-19 testing
Workers at Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm in Lockwood will start having saliva tests for COVID-19 from next week as health authorities attempt to quash the virus from regional Victoria. Source: ABC Livestock Central Victorian health authority rolls out saliva COVID-19 testing
Home cooking sees egg sales continue to surge during pandemic, surprising farmers
As the pandemic began egg producers were concerned about restaurant closures, but instead they saw people buying up big for cooking at home. Source: ABC Livestock Home cooking sees egg sales continue to surge during pandemic, surprising farmers
China’s stance on COVID testing providing big disincentive for exporters
China’s increasingly onerous testing of imported chilled and frozen food products for COVID is providing a big disincentive for red meat exporters in Australia and elsewhere, a webinar audience was told this week. Source: Beef Central China’s stance on COVID testing providing big disincentive for exporters
Victorian meat workers to undergo COVID-19 surveillance testing
A QUARTER of workers in Victoria’s larger meat processors will have to be tested for COVID-19 every week, in an initiative announced by the State Government today. Source: Sheep Central Victorian meat workers to undergo COVID-19 surveillance testing
VIC meat processor restrictions eased, but full capacity needed
COMPETITION for livestock, especially lambs and sheep, is expected to increase at eastern state saleyards with the easing of workforce capacity restrictions on Victorian red meat processors. Victorian Premier Daniel… Source: Sheep Central VIC meat processor restrictions eased, but full capacity needed
Restrictions eased for VIC meat processors
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday announced an easing of the 67pc peak workforce limit on red meat processing businesses to 90pc in regional areas and to 80pc in metropolitan Melbourne from today. Source: Beef Central Restrictions eased for VIC meat processors
Easing of meat processing restrictions in Victoria just in time to meet Christmas demands, says industry
Meatworks in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria will be able to increase workforce numbers under the next step of the state’s roadmap to recovery. Source: ABC Livestock Easing of meat processing restrictions in Victoria just in time to meet Christmas demands, says industry
No confirmation yet on easing for VIC meat processing restrictions
VICTORIAN Premier Daniel Andrews today said he couldn’t confirm any announcements on the easing of COVID-19 workforce restrictions on meat processors this Sunday. Source: Beef Central No confirmation yet on easing for VIC meat processing restrictions
Ag worker code opens up southern borders
A new agricultural worker code that comes into effect tomorrow will provide a single permit system for the movement of agricultural workers, contractors and farmers crossing the NSW, Victorian and SA borders. Source: Grain Central Ag worker code opens up southern borders
VIC Premier can’t confirm easing of meat processor restrictions
VICTORIAN Premier Daniel today said he couldn’t confirm any announcements would be made this Sunday on the easing of COVID-19 workforce restrictions on meat processors. Source: Sheep Central VIC Premier can’t confirm easing of meat processor restrictions
Farmers say regional Victoria can’t wait for metro Melbourne
VICTORIAN farmers have called for the State Government to empower the regions in the state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing an Agriculture Workers’ Code and easing meat processor workforce restrictions. Source: Sheep Central Farmers say regional Victoria can’t wait for metro Melbourne
Research supports theory that foodstuffs and packaging may harbour COVID virus
Recent research conducted jointly by universities in Singapore and Ireland has supported the view that packaged chilled and frozen foodstuffs may potentially contribute to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Source: Beef Central Research supports theory that foodstuffs and packaging may harbour COVID virus
High-end restaurant suppliers, some flying ducks to SA, yearn for the Melbourne of old
Producers of boutique products are finding ways to stay afloat, but the impact of the Melbourne shutdown is rippling well beyond the city’s limits. Source: ABC Livestock High-end restaurant suppliers, some flying ducks to SA, yearn for the Melbourne of old
Processors looking on, as COVID restrictions ease in regional VIC
Victoria’s regional meat processors are no closer to knowing if or when workforce restrictions will be further eased, as the state government yesterday announced that regional Victoria will move to step three of its coronavirus reopening plan from midnight tonight. Source: Beef Central Processors looking on, as COVID restrictions ease in regional VIC
Cattle price forecast revised down in ABARES Sept quarter outlook
After forecasting a significant uplift in cattle prices three months ago ABARES has wound back its forecast, due largely to ongoing COVID-19 impacts on global demand. Source: Beef Central Cattle price forecast revised down in ABARES Sept quarter outlook
Crop sector leads ag’s drought recovery despite COVID-19: ABARES
Agriculture’s crop-led recovery from drought remains on track but falling prices and global economic uncertainty from COVID-19 are forecast to temper earnings, according to ABARES. Source: Grain Central Crop sector leads ag’s drought recovery despite COVID-19: ABARES
Debate in beef sector over JobKeeper's influence on meatworker job cuts
Claims that JobKeeper led to hundreds of a jobs cut at an abattoir in Queensland have been challenged by the labour hire company at the centre of the criticism. Source: ABC Livestock Debate in beef sector over JobKeeper’s influence on meatworker job cuts
Fewer COVID-19 cases bodes well for regional meat processors
VICTORIA’S regional meat processors could have their workforce restrictions eased as early as next week if the regional COVID-19 rolling case average remains below critical trigger levels. Source: Sheep Central Fewer COVID-19 cases bodes well for regional meat processors
Oil companies authorised to cooperate to secure fuel supplies during COVID-19
Oil refiners have been granted authorisation by the ACCC to continue cooperating on measures to improve the security of fuel supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: Grain Central Oil companies authorised to cooperate to secure fuel supplies during COVID-19
JobKeeper blamed as Australia's biggest meat processor axes 600 workers
Hundreds of jobs are set to go as JBS scales back operations at its Dinmore plant. Critics say JobKeeper has “tilted the playing field” and forced the company’s hand. Source: ABC Livestock JobKeeper blamed as Australia’s biggest meat processor axes 600 workers
Record bull sale despite COVID-19 restrictions
Renowned Santa Gertrudis stud Yulgilbar Station grosses $919,500 at its stud sale. Source: ABC Livestock Record bull sale despite COVID-19 restrictions
Lamb industry seeks clarity on meat processor roadmap
VICTORIA’S Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes has offered no insight into how the state’s red meat processors might progress to lower COVID-19 workforce restrictions as the spring lamb turn-off begins. Source: Sheep Central Lamb industry seeks clarity on meat processor roadmap
Nationals leader calls for roadmap to open up meat processing
VICTORIAN red meat processors in communities with no COVID-19 cases should not have their workforce levels restricted, according to Nationals leader Peter Walsh. Source: Sheep Central Nationals leader calls for roadmap to open up meat processing
Victorian red meat processor COVID-19 restrictions stay in force
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says the state’s red meat processors will stay under current COVID-19 workforce restrictions for “the foreseeable future”, despite conceding they are operating “probably at their lowest risk rating ever.” Source: Beef Central Victorian red meat processor COVID-19 restrictions stay in force
Victorian red meat processor COVID-19 restrictions stay in force
VICTORIAN Premier Daniel Andrews has said the state’s red meat processors will stay under current COVID-19 workforce restrictions for “the foreseeable future” despite conceding they are operating “probably at their lowest risk rating ever”. Source: Sheep Central Victorian red meat processor COVID-19 restrictions stay in force
Meat processors trial contact tracing device, claiming DHHS too slow to act
A south-west Victorian firm is trialling a wearable contact tracing device that they say could revolutionise the way abattoirs operate in the global pandemic. Source: ABC Livestock Meat processors trial contact tracing device, claiming DHHS too slow to act
The downs – and ups – of COVID-19 for red meat supply chains
In the six months since the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic there have been a range of impacts on red meat exports and supply chains – and not all negative, a webinar was told yesterday. Source: Beef Central The downs – and ups – of COVID-19 for red meat… Read more »
VIC processor Midfield employs Smart Badges to minimise COVID-19 risk
Victorian beef and sheepmeat processor Midfield is trialling a new contact tracing technology that could revolutionise the way abattoirs minimise their COVID-19 risk during the global pandemic. Source: Beef Central VIC processor Midfield employs Smart Badges to minimise COVID-19 risk
Growers call for easing of cross-border restrictions on ag workers
Growers have called on tomorrow’s national cabinet meeting to approve a National Agriculture Worker code to allow cross-border access for rural operators. Source: Grain Central Growers call for easing of cross-border restrictions on ag workers
The great divide: Are smaller meat processors being unfairly advantaged by JobKeeper?
Claims continue to fly around this week about distortions in livestock competition brought on by COVID JobKeeper subsidies. So which processors are currently benefiting from Jobkeeper wages support, and which are not? Source: Beef Central The great divide: Are smaller meat processors being unfairly advantaged by JobKeeper?
Ag worker code urgently needed: NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers is calling for an urgent agreement by all Agriculture Ministers to ensure a national agricultural worker movement code can be endorsed by the National Cabinet on Friday. Source: Beef Central Ag worker code urgently needed: NSW Farmers
JBS Australia resumes lamb and beef processing at Brooklyn
MAJOR red meat processor JBS Australia has resumed lamb and beef processing at its Brooklyn plant after closing about two weeks ago due to COVID-19 infections among staff. Source: Sheep Central JBS Australia resumes lamb and beef processing at Brooklyn
'It was just getting too much': Meet the uni students working on outback cattle stations amid COVID-19
Queensland university students Axel Licari and Macey Holcombe are working on Viola Station, north of Julia Creek, with one studying remotely and the other simply taking a “break”. Source: ABC Livestock ‘It was just getting too much’: Meet the uni students working on outback cattle stations amid COVID-19
Colac lamb processor continues despite new COVID-19 case
COLAC sheep meat processor, the Australian Lamb Company, has dropped its afternoon shift, but maintained production after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Source: Sheep Central Colac lamb processor continues despite new COVID-19 case
Restrictions to ease on NSW-Vic, Vic-SA borders
The strict COVID-19 travel restrictions along the NSW-Victoria and Victoria-SA borders will be eased slightly in coming days, allowing freer movement over a wider area for farmers and agricultural service providers. Source: Beef Central Restrictions to ease on NSW-Vic, Vic-SA borders
Restrictions to ease on NSW-Vic, Vic-SA borders
The strict COVID-19 travel restrictions along the NSW-Victoria and Victoria-SA borders will be eased slightly in coming days, allowing freer movement over a wider area for farmers and agricultural service providers. Source: Grain Central Restrictions to ease on NSW-Vic, Vic-SA borders
Qld-NSW border opens to agricultural workers, NSW launches ‘help harvest’ website
An exemption allowing farmers and agribusiness workers to cross the Queensland-New South Wales border was confirmed on Saturday, which should end three weeks of disruption and uncertainty for agricultural enterprises and service providers with business operations in both states. Source: Beef Central Qld-NSW border opens to agricultural workers, NSW launches ‘help harvest’ website
Queensland eases border restrictions for ‘essential’ agriculture
The Queensland Government will open the way for farmers and rural service providers to more easily cross between Queensland and NSW, declaring agriculture an essential service under the COVID-19 border restrictions. Source: Grain Central Queensland eases border restrictions for ‘essential’ agriculture
‘Help Harvest NSW’ to help secure ag workers for bumper harvest
NSW has today launched a new one-stop resource which will help agriculture overcome a COVID-induced labour shortage and get unemployed Australians into critical work. Source: Grain Central ‘Help Harvest NSW’ to help secure ag workers for bumper harvest
Shearing contractors and growers warned on COVID-19 risks
COVID-19 transmission into and through Victoria’s meat processing sector was used to highlight virus risks to shearing and wool industry workers in a webinar yesterday. Source: Sheep Central Shearing contractors and growers warned on COVID-19 risks
Coronavirus disrupts Philippines trade rebuild, but positive signs remain
The Philippines, a once major market for Australian cattle where the two major importers operate closed-loop systems, appeared to be on track to re-emerge as a larger buyer at the start of this year. Then Covid happened. Source: Beef Central Coronavirus disrupts Philippines trade rebuild, but positive signs remain
‘One very stressed livestock owner’: Borders blocking producers from stock
Invisible lines on maps have become impenetrable barriers preventing producers with properties in different states from checking on the welfare of their livestock, as calls grow for common sense to prevail in regional areas. Source: Beef Central ‘One very stressed livestock owner’: Borders blocking producers from stock
'Thought she was joking': Farmers told to put sheep, hay on planes to 'avoid' border restrictions
Forget snakes on a plane, border residents have been told they should stash hay bales, sheep and beekeeping equipment on aircraft to overcome coronavirus restrictions. Source: ABC Livestock ‘Thought she was joking’: Farmers told to put sheep, hay on planes to ‘avoid’ border restrictions
'Suffer and die': Vet says pets in danger if cross-border clients denied entry
From Friday, South Australia will impose tighter travel restrictions on Victorians to reduce coronavirus risk. But for some in border towns, it will mean being cut off from essential services. Source: ABC Livestock ‘Suffer and die’: Vet says pets in danger if cross-border clients denied entry
COVID consumer changes drive dramatic 6.9pc sales growth for Coles
The startling COVID-driven change in consumer behaviour during the April-June quarter was the main factor in a dramatic increase in sales and profit for Coles last financial year, annual results announced yesterday revealed. Source: Beef Central COVID consumer changes drive dramatic 6.9pc sales growth for Coles
Call for national ag permit to ease cross-border constraints
GrainGrowers has called for a national code that will enable the safe movement of agricultural workers for the forthcoming harvest in an era of COVID-19 border restrictions. Source: Grain Central Call for national ag permit to ease cross-border constraints
Permits for farmers and ag workers outside NSW-Vic border zone
Farmers and critical agricultural workers who reside outside the Border Region Zone in Victoria will now have a new pathway to enter NSW and move outside the ‘border bubble’ for work. NSW Farmers has welcomed the news but added the system needs to be extended to Qld. Source: Beef Central Permits for farmers and… Read more »
Victorian agriculture workers can now cross into NSW without quarantining
Farmers, contractors and those employed in the agriculture sector can now cross from Victoria into New South Wales without quarantining in Sydney for two weeks. Source: ABC Livestock Victorian agriculture workers can now cross into NSW without quarantining
Call for permit system to ease border closure constraints
NSW Farmers is backing calls for an agriculture permit system to address disruptions to routine farm management activities due to COVID-19 border closures. Source: Beef Central Call for permit system to ease border closure constraints
Call for permit system to ease border closure constraints on agriculture
NSW Farmers is backing calls for an agriculture permit system to address disruptions to routine farm management activities due to COVID-19 border closures. Source: Grain Central Call for permit system to ease border closure constraints on agriculture
Border closures play havoc with ag consultancy businesses
Agricultural consultancies along the borders of Australia’s eastern states are among the many businesses and individuals grappling with the challenge of operating under the strictures of the latest border closures. Source: Grain Central Border closures play havoc with ag consultancy businesses
Melbourne wool auctions told to go ‘remote’ in COVID-19 lockdown
MELBOURNE’S wool auctions have been ordered out of the Brooklyn selling centre as part of Victoria’s Stage Four COVID-19 lockdown. Source: Sheep Central Melbourne wool auctions told to go ‘remote’ in COVID-19 lockdown
'Supply chains will be let down': Pressure ramps up to resolve cross-border issues
The Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud is urging states to resolve major issues for residents and workers in rural and regional communities caused by recent border closures. Source: ABC Livestock ‘Supply chains will be let down’: Pressure ramps up to resolve cross-border issues
COVID border crisis unfairly impacting farmers, says Sen McKenzie
State government border closures due to COVID were impacting livestock and other food production and needed to be addressed urgently, Nationals Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie said this afternoon. Source: Beef Central COVID border crisis unfairly impacting farmers, says Sen McKenzie
Meat union backs JBS on COVID Jobkeeper payment distortions
The Australian Meat Industry Employees’ Union has questioned the impact that JobKeeper is having within the meat processing industry, saying loopholes have created an uneven playing field when it comes to competition for livestock. Source: Beef Central Meat union backs JBS on COVID Jobkeeper payment distortions
Cute, fluffy and useful: How alpacas are helping researchers in the fight against COVID-19
In the race to find a vaccine against COVID-19, researchers have turned to an animal known for its spitting and surly attitude — the alpaca. Source: ABC Livestock Cute, fluffy and useful: How alpacas are helping researchers in the fight against COVID-19
JBS employees win COVID-19 payments as Brooklyn plant closes
MAJOR meat processor JBS Australia has announced its employees will be receive COVID-19 pandemic leave payments as it starts the process of closing its meat processing facility in Brooklyn, Victoria, for an indefinite period. Source: Sheep Central JBS employees win COVID-19 payments as Brooklyn plant closes
Harvesters hope to clear Queensland COVID hurdle
Contract harvesters in NSW and Victoria are hoping to gain exemptions from the Qld Government which will allow them to harvest crops in Qld in the face of new restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19. Source: Grain Central Harvesters hope to clear Queensland COVID hurdle
Pre-shift COVID-19 testing could maximise regional meat worker jobs
COULD regional Victorian meat processors that have avoided COVID-19 outbreaks this year be offered a different deal to the state-wide workforce cuts being applied over the next six weeks? Deakin University epidemiology chair Professor Catherine Bennett thinks so…. Source: Sheep Central Pre-shift COVID-19 testing could maximise regional meat worker jobs
Coronavirus concerns prompt interest in on-farm meat processing
A pork producer says interest in on-farm meat processing has increased since the coronavirus pandemic. Source: ABC Livestock Coronavirus concerns prompt interest in on-farm meat processing
COVID’s second wave is distorting domestic meat market in previously unseen ways
The second wave of COVID-related consumer demand being seen for red meat this week – most evident in Victoria and NSW, but gradually extending into other states – is pushing wholesale buying patterns in some unusual and even unique directions. Source: Beef Central COVID’s second wave is distorting domestic meat market in previously unseen… Read more »
High wheat production ensures Australia’s grain security in COVID era
As a new round of COVID-19 restrictions raises consumer concerns, Australians have been reassured there is no threat to food security with the nation producing far more wheat than domestic demand could consume. Source: Grain Central High wheat production ensures Australia’s grain security in COVID era
Recruitment: Ag appointments slow during early COVID stage, but now in recovery
While many agribusinesses held off making key staff appointments during the early stages of COVID-19 over the April-May period due to uncertainty, there is now renewed interest in moving forward, Agricultural Appointments’ Dr Ray Johnson suggests Source: Beef Central Recruitment: Ag appointments slow during early COVID stage, but now in recovery
Vic Govt clarifies COVID processing limitations
Small Victorian meat processors will be exempted from workforce cuts being enforced as part of Stage Four COVID-19 restrictions coming into force across the state after midnight Friday, as Premier Daniel Andrews provides further detail around tighter processor operating conditions across the state. Source: Beef Central Vic Govt clarifies COVID processing limitations
Small Victorian meat processors exempt from COVID-19 cuts
SMALL Victorian meat processors will be exempted from workforce cuts being enforced as part of Stage Four COVID-19 restrictions coming into force across the state after midnight Friday. Source: Sheep Central Small Victorian meat processors exempt from COVID-19 cuts
MLA assures domestic consumers on lockdown meat supplies
MEAT & Livestock Australia has assured consumers the Stage Four COVID-19 lockdown processor workforce reductions in Victoria are not anticipated to create domestic product shortages. Source: Sheep Central MLA assures domestic consumers on lockdown meat supplies
Victorian meat processor workforce COVID-19 cuts to vary
VICTORIAN Premier Daniel Andrews today indicated the State Government was working on tailoring its required workforce cuts to different meat processing sectors under new Stage Four COVID-19 restrictions. Source: Sheep Central Victorian meat processor workforce COVID-19 cuts to vary
Vic Premier proposes ‘tailored approach’ to COVID processor restrictions
VICTORIAN Premier Daniel Andrews today indicated the State Government was working on tailoring its required workforce cuts to different meat processing sectors under the state’s new Stage Four COVID-19 restrictions, which come into effect at midnight on Friday. Source: Beef Central Vic Premier proposes ‘tailored approach’ to COVID processor restrictions
Victorian abattoirs move to clarify new COVID-19 workforce rule
VICTORIAN meat processors were today reorganising to meet and clarify new Stage Four COVID-19 lockdown restrictions that will mean cuts to their workforces by a third of daily peak production capacity levels. Source: Sheep Central Victorian abattoirs move to clarify new COVID-19 workforce rule
What do Victoria’s new COVID regulations mean for meat processing?
VICTORIAN meat processors were today reorganising to meet and clarify new Stage Four COVID-19 lockdown restrictions that will mean cuts to their workforces by a third of daily peak production capacity levels. Source: Beef Central What do Victoria’s new COVID regulations mean for meat processing?
Abattoir worker restrictions unfair on regional Victorian businesses, operator says
A Warrnambool abattoir manager says his business’ success keeping COVID-19 out is proof that abattoirs can keep their workforces safe. Source: ABC Livestock Abattoir worker restrictions unfair on regional Victorian businesses, operator says
‘Essential’ farm machinery, ag production carry on under Victorian COVID lockdown
Agricultural food production and the farm machinery sector will continue to operate relatively normally under the strict, new COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Melbourne and regional Victoria this week. Source: Grain Central ‘Essential’ farm machinery, ag production carry on under Victorian COVID lockdown
Victorian meat processors to cut output under new COVID-19 rules
VICTORIAN meat processors will have to cut back production by a third and implement significant workplace safety measures after midnight Friday this week under new Stage Four COVID-19 restrictions announced today. Source: Sheep Central Victorian meat processors to cut output under new COVID-19 rules