Grain Producers Australia is urging growers across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria to remain alert as the risk of locust plague activity increases heading into spring. Locust populations increased substantially across inland eastern Australia during autumn following heavy rainfall, good soil moisture and favourable breeding conditions. The Australian Plague Locust Commission has identified a moderate to high likelihood of a widespread infestation developing in s

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) is deeply concerned by the Federal Government’s confirmation that it is slowing the processing of working holiday visa applications. In the months leading up to harvest, GPA is alarmed by policy settings that undermine working holidaymakers as part of the seasonal workforce mix that risks undermining critical harvest capacity. As reported over the weekend, the Federal Government had paused applications for working holiday visas from 24 countr

Growers experiencing significant mouse pressure can now submit paddock-level evidence to have their agroecological zone’s (AEZ) mouse activity rating reviewed as part of the process that determines access to ZP50 mouse bait. The rapid in-paddock assessment pathway will ensure evolving mouse activity is found quickly and if moderate or above levels are confirmed, ZP50 use will be permitted under the emergency permit held by Grain Producers Australia. Development of this report

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) welcomes the Victorian Government decision today proposing a significant delay in workplace changes to phosphine fumigant use. WorkSafe Victoria announced today a proposal to delay the commencement of new Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for 15 airborne contaminants, including phosphine, until 1 December 2029. It is hoped that this is the first sensible announcement of many from state regulators who will be charged with enforcing new standard

Barry Large has stepped down as Chair of Grain Producers Australia after 16 years on the board. Countryman reflected on his contribution to the organisation, highlighting his role as a founding director, his leadership on national grain policy and biosecurity, and his work to establish an independent national voice for Australian grain producers. Reflecting on his time with the organisation, Barry said one achievement stood above the rest. "I was there at the very start, when

Falling global urea prices are exposing the unintended consequences of the Federal Government's fertiliser support package. Grain Central reported that while the scheme helped secure supply during a period of global uncertainty, independent suppliers are now carrying significant losses as prices retreat, prompting fresh questions about competition across Australia's fertiliser market. Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Mark Schilling said the impacts were bein

Grain Producers Australia has entered a new chapter with the election of Northern Region Director Matthew Madden as Chair and Southern Region Director Mark Schilling as Deputy Chair. The Land also recognised the contribution of outgoing Chair Barry Large and Independent Director Mitch Hooke, highlighting their combined decades of service and leadership within the organisation. Reflecting on the transition, incoming Chair Matthew Madden said the organisation would continue to

Proposed changes to phosphine fumigation rules were a key topic at this year's Australian Grain Industry Conference. Grain Central reported that Grain Producers Australia has joined Grain Trade Australia, GrainGrowers and other industry organisations in pushing for practical, evidence-based changes, warning the proposed requirements could significantly disrupt grain storage and export without improving worker safety. The article highlights the united industry approach to enga

Questions about future access to crop protection products have been raised following Syngenta's decision to withdraw from the Australian and New Zealand paraquat market. Farm Weekly explored the implications for growers, with Grain Producers Australia warning the decision highlights the challenges of maintaining investment and choice in Australia's relatively small agricultural chemical market. Grain Producers Australia Western Region Director Duncan Young said the announceme

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has elected Northern Region Director Matthew Madden as its new Chair following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting today. Mr Madden, a New South Wales grain producer from Moree who has served as GPA Deputy Chair since 2023, succeeds Barry Large, who steps down after five years as Chair and sixteen years of service on the GPA Board, including as one of the organisation’s founding directors. Southern Region Director Mark Schilling has bee

Syngenta's decision to withdraw from the Australian paraquat market has attracted international attention. The Times of India reported on the implications for Australian growers, highlighting concerns that while generic products remain available, the withdrawal raises broader questions about future product choice, investment and long-term access to essential crop protection tools. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said

Syngenta's decision to withdraw from the Australian paraquat market has raised fresh questions about long-term access to important crop protection products. ABC Rural reported that while generic products will remain available, Grain Producers Australia believes the company's departure creates uncertainty for growers and the implementation of the APVMA's new paraquat requirements. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said