NEWSLETTER - Australian Fodder Industry Association

From Charlie Williams Jenharwill Baling
Elmore Vic.
I would like to thank all who participated in
the tours and conference in Darwin. The
positive feedback has been very good, and it
has greatly strengthened AFIA’s standing as
a “truly Australian” organization. I am sure
many of you will venture back in the near
future. Thanks to Anne and Colin for their
organization and planning, and to all who
had enough faith to have a go.
Dan Halloran, of Northern Ag had a very
positive input, and I am sure he will be justly
pleased with the result. The many sponsors
who participated can surely see the benefit
from being part of the organization, and I
thank them and encourage them to continue
to support us.
The top end tours were a fabulous success,
with many looking forward to perhaps the
same again next year. It was great to see so
many couples enjoying the mix of
agriculture, tourism and networking, and a
great pleasure to be with such a happy group.
I thank the territory Government (DPIFM)
for their financial support, but cannot help
but think of the missed opportunity by the
The following provides a snap shot of recent
activities of the AFIA.
Chemical residues in hay
AFIA and export members have been busy
addressing the new laws regarding residues
on imported feeds into Japan. Maximum
residue limits (MRLs) now are in place for
imported feeds including hay and all growers
of export hay and straw need to be mindful
of the sensitivities the Japanese have to
certain chemicals.
Due to the differences of MRLs between
Chairman’s Notes
minister to
mix with the
very best of
Australia’s
fodder
producers
and
exporters,
with regard
to promoting
agriculture in
the territory.
AFIA Activities
Once again the season is on the brink, with
most areas desperate for rain. I can only
hope that by the time you read this the
heavens have opened a little, and we can
once again scrape through.
The great success of the conference must not
blind us to the tasks in hand, as it is our
obligation, and indeed vital to our industry
that we focus on our major priorities, that is
transport, levy and IPP. We will be diligent
in our efforts to sign off on these projects as
soon as possible.
I wish the new committee all the best and
thank you all for your support.
Australia and Japan, it has been identified
that desiccants present a risk of breeching
Japanese limits. Export hay crops should not
be sprayed with these chemicals late in the
season.
Due to an environmental problem with
vegetable production in Japan, export hay
and straw growers need to be aware of limits
placed on the use of clopyralid used in
Lontrel, Growers are advised to contact their
export hay processor for further details of
limits placed on all chemical treatments.
AFIA Newsletter September 2