NEFF gears up for more on-ground activity

North East Farming Futures (NEFF) has recently received funding from Woolworths for a project “Farming on the edge – Reducing Risk and Maximising the Potential of low rainfall systems in the North East Agricultural area of WA”.  Other new projects are also in the pipeline including a “Women’s project”.  The Woolies project will kick off soon and will work with farmer groups in Yuna, Mullewa, Morawa and Perenjori – so think about what you want!   There is more information coming, but in the meantime, here is some information about events coming up.

Do you know someone who would like to receive e-news from NEFF?

This email is being sent to a list of people, mostly farmers, from the Chapman Valley, Mullewa, Morawa and Perenjori shires, plus a few other supporters.  If you know anyone else who would like to be on the list and keep up to date with NEFF’s activities, send contact details to Jill at jillwilson@bordernet.com.au 

Local ChemCert courses coming up

·      Risk Management in Pesticide Use (2 days for accreditation)- cost is $425

·      Spray Application in Grain Production (1 day for reaccreditation) - cost is $299

Both course are fully reimburseable through FarmReady Reimbursement Grants Programme to growers, family and managerial workers.  (You have up to $1500 FarmReady training allowance per year)

To enrol contact Pam Francis on 08 9956 2704 or Pam.Francis@centralwest.wa.edu.au

GERALDTON

February 3, 2010  Spray Application in Grain Production

February 4-5, 2010 Risk Management in Pesticide Use

March 29, 2010  Spray Application in Grain Production

March 30-31 Risk Management in Pesticide Use

PERENJORI

March 24, 2010  Spray Application in Grain Production

March 25-26, 2010 Risk Management in Pesticide Use

NB: There are also courses in Eneabba, Coorow, Mingenew, Wongan,  Dowerin and Northam, and other parts of the state coming up – see www.chemcertwa.com.au/course_dates.htm

NEFF is hosting grain market analyst Malcolm Bartholomaeus in Geraldton, Friday 26^th February

Partners in Grain is bringing Malcolm Bartholomaeus to WA in February and NEFF is privileged to be able to host him in Geraldton on Friday 26^th February.  Malcolm is a leading Australian grain and wool market analyst, broker, and commentator, who also farms near Clare in South Australia.    Malcolm specialises in analysing the market and developing marketing strategies.  He has taken particular interest in the strategies and grain selling tools now required in the newly deregulated wheat market.  He produces several industry newsletters (eg Callum Downs Commodity News).  NEFF is hosting him at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Gregory St, Geraldton, 11am – 2pm including a light lunch, on Fri 26^th Feb.  Malcolm will also be speaking in Perth, Eneabba and Miling.  For more information or to register for the Geraldton meeting, contact Emma on 08 9971 1471 or  admin@neffgroup.com.au $20, or FREE for NEFF members – you can become a member on the day!

Don’t miss Crop Updates – in Geraldton Friday 5^th March

Crop Updates, featuring various speakers, and hosted by the Dept of Agriculture and Food, is on again in Feb/March. Agribusiness Crop Updates will be in Perth 25-26 Feb, and there will be one on the morning of Fri 5^th March in Geraldton.  There will be others elsewhere including Buntine on 3^rd March & Mingenew on 4^th March.  More details will be posted later.

NORTH EAST FARMING FUTURES    P.O Box 151   Morawa WA 6623  Phone: 08 9971 1471   Fax: 08 9971 1284  www.neffgroup.com.au

CEO: Chris Wheatcroft  neff.ceo@bigpond.com 

0448  773  331                        

Admin & Marketing : Emma Hazleton  admin@neffgroup.com.au

Chair:  Andrew Thomas  (Mullewa)  boolara@bordernet.com.au  08 9961 5297  or  0427 615 297

Alternative contact: Dr Jill Wilson,  R&D    jillwilson@bordernet.com.au 08 9655 2323  or  0429 0871 72

If you don’t want to be on this distribution list just send an email to Jill headed:  “Please remove me from the NEFF list”