Grain Producers Australia has today announced the appointment of Kristy McSweeney to its Board. This appointment is part of an ongoing renewal process for Australia’s peak grains industry advocacy organisation that has recently appointed Northern Region Director and Moree grain grower Matthew Madden as Chair. Mr Madden said Ms McSweeney would be an asset to the Board as it embarks on a new era of representing grain growers across Australia in a time of changing agricultural

Australia’s heavy reliance on imported fertiliser is back in focus as suppliers move early to secure phosphate for next season. The Weekly Times reported that retailers are looking beyond traditional sources after China suspended phosphate exports, while growers remain exposed to high prices and global supply disruptions. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said this year had shown how quickly international events could

Countryman has highlighted growing concern across WA agriculture about changes to visa processing priorities as harvest and other peak seasonal work approaches. The article points to the grains sector’s heavy reliance on working holiday-makers, with growers warning that fewer available workers could add further pressure to farm businesses already dealing with high input costs and seasonal risk. Grain Producers Australia Chair Matthew Madden said many growers depend on working

Sheep Central has highlighted the growing risk of Australian plague locust activity across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria as spring approaches. The article outlines the potential for hatching from mid-September, the importance of early surveillance and reporting, and the need for coordinated monitoring across farming regions. Grain Producers Australia Chair Matthew Madden said the developing risk needed a coordinated response. “Locusts do not respect farm or st

Grain growers across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria are being urged to keep watch for Australian plague locusts as conditions point to an increased risk this spring. Grain Central reported on GPA's warning, with hatching expected to begin in parts of south-eastern Australia from mid-September and the potential for damaging numbers to coincide with critical stages of winter crop development. GPA Chair and New South Wales grain producer Matthew Madden said the de

With harvest less than a month away in parts of Queensland, concerns are growing that delays in processing working holiday visas could leave grain growers and contractors short of skilled workers. Farm Online reported on the industry's reliance on international workers to operate machinery and support harvest logistics, with some contracting businesses sourcing up to half their workforce from working holiday visa holders. Grain Producers Australia Chair and New South Wales gr

Attention is turning to how growers will manage the transition to new paraquat use conditions following the APVMA's final decision in June. The Weekly Times reported on the two-year period allowing existing stocks to be used under current labels, and the work now needed on withholding periods, extension and alternative chemistry before the new requirements fully take effect. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said GPA w

Victoria’s decision to delay new workplace exposure limits for phosphine has increased calls for a nationally consistent approach. Farm Online reported the proposed limit would fall from 0.3 parts per million to 0.05ppm, with Victoria now delaying implementation until December 2029 while further work is undertaken. Grain Producers Australia Chair Matthew Madden welcomed the decision and urged other jurisdictions to follow Victoria’s lead. “GPA is deeply committed to safe work

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

Grain Producers Australia is focused on strengthening collaboration across grain industry representation and delivering a united voice on the issues that matter to growers. Grain Central spoke with newly elected GPA Chair and Moree grower Matthew Madden about working more closely with GrainGrowers, GPA’s ongoing national advocacy and the organisation’s unique responsibilities in areas including biosecurity, chemical access and emergency response. “GPA wants what every grower

Australia’s crop protection toolkit is shrinking, with growers warning that restrictions and reviews are moving faster than replacement products are reaching the market. The Weekly Times reported 11 agricultural chemicals or chemical groups have been restricted, suspended, cancelled, phased out or placed under review in the past year, while only three new products are clearly in the approval pipeline. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson

Victoria’s move to delay tougher workplace exposure limits for phosphine until December 2029 has been welcomed by the grains industry. Grain Central reported the extension will provide more time to address concerns around monitoring capability, implementation and the potential impact of the proposed limits on grain storage, biosecurity and trade. Grain Producers Australia Chair and New South Wales grower Matthew Madden said the proposed change had caused significant concern g

Two new broad-spectrum knockdown herbicides could give Australian grain growers more options to manage weeds and herbicide resistance. The Weekly Times reported Bayer and Nufarm are progressing separate products through the regulatory pipeline, with both potentially available to growers by 2028 if approved. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said new chemistry was particularly important following changes to paraquat use

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

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