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

Australian cricketing great Brad Hogg will be at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days this week, taking Grain Producers Australia’s (GPA) Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative to growers across the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Mr Hogg, the initiative’s National Ambassador, will be joined on 26 August by GPA Western Region Director and WA grain producer Barry Large, catching up with growers, families and others from across the supply chain and encouraging people to check in with

This National Biosecurity Week, Grain Producers Australia (GPA) is reminding Australians that protecting the nation’s $26 billion grains industry starts with simple decisions, including staying out of picturesque canola crops flowering across the country. National Biosecurity Week, held from 24 to 30 August, highlights the role everyone plays in preventing, preparing for and responding to biosecurity threats. GPA Chair and Moree grain producer Matthew Madden said biosecurity

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

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

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

Farm Online has reported growing concern that slower processing of working holiday visas could disrupt the upcoming grain harvest, with contractors warning backpackers can account for up to half of their seasonal workforce. Skilled overseas workers are particularly important for operating modern harvest machinery, with delays potentially leaving workers unable to arrive when crops are ready. Grain Producers Australia Chair Matthew Madden said the changes presented a real risk

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