Latest News
Hay Grains changes hands - Paul and Jenny Fellows pass the baton to ‘popcornologists’ Ian and James Kondarovskis
Hay Grains storage facility in east Hay has changed hands, after JEK Rural Investments purchased the depot.
Deniliquin-based Paul and Jenny Fellows have owned the business for the past seven years and say they have enjoyed their time as part of the business community.
“Jenny and I have enjoyed our time with Hay Grains and the relationships we’ve made and loyalty we have seen from customers,” Paul Fellows told The Riverine Grazier.
AFF scholarship awarded, as new grower rep joins the Hay Gin team - “It’s good to be back”
Australian Food & Fibre’s tertiary scholarship has awarded, as new grower rep joins the Hay Gin team.
“It’s good to be back,” agronomist Heidi Stephens said.
Hunting’s exclusion from ‘best practice’ pig control puts brakes on programs
The top-down approach to NSW feral pig management needs to be reversed if there is to be any hope of real progress in managing NSW worst agricultural pest, according to the Australian Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA).
Read the results on the 2024 Great Australian Pig Hunt survey.
No action on allegations Aboriginal sites were destroyed
Investigations into allegations of the removal of Aboriginal scarred trees on Gundaline Station have ended.
Compliance officer Wendy Illingworth has confirmed investigations into management outfit Customised Farm Management and timber cutter Michael Strange have concluded.
“An investigation was commenced in September 2024 and is now concluded.”
FIRB approval given for prized land deal
AFA’s $780 million deal to Agriculture and Natural Solutions Acquisition Corporation has received FIRB approval.
The sale consists of three major freehold title land aggregations within the Deniliquin, Hay and Coonamble districts including Boonoke, Burrabogie, Wanganella and Wingadee stations.
Largest wool classing cohort in NSW graduates at Hay.
“Everyone passed with high distinction and I am very proud of their achievements.”
Wool handling champion Kayla Garner praised the largest wool classing cohort, who recently graduated with high distinctions at Hay TAFE.
Murrumbidgee Council says no action on alleged Gundaline fuel spill
Murrumbidgee Council has released a report following investigations into an alleged fuel spill at Gundaline Station, east of Hay.
Historic moment for three generations of Kitcho caretakers
A historic moment at Alma’s selection day: (from left) classer Andrew Rutherford joined three generations of the McKeon family - Bob McKeon, son Mark McKeon, and grandsons Jack and Patrick Ward. Image: supplied.
Ginning ends - Successful season for AFF gin
The 2024 ginning season came to an end last week at the Australian Food and Fibre (AFF) gin south of Hay.
The ginning season ran for five months and processed 45,000 round modules into 199,000 finished bales, making 2024 one of the Hay gin’s biggest runs.
$15,550 paid for Woodpark Poll ram
Woodpark Poll Merinos enjoyed a full clearance at their annual ram sale on September 23.
The top price of $15,550 for Woodpark Poll 23-404, was paid by Grassy Creek Merinos, Reids Flat.
All 150 rams on offer sold to an average of $3,110.
2024 Spring Ram Sale Results
Wrap up of the 2024 Ram sales at Boonoke, Wanganella and Avenel.
Read more here.
Yarto tops annual Hay spring sheep sale
Hay's annual spring sheep sale saw Yarto again reached top prices for their Merinos.
Read the full sale results here.
Successful ram sales at Caroonboon and East Loddon
Ram sales in the Hay region are in full swing. At Caroonboon the top priced ram reached $5,500 and East Loddon achieved almost a full clearance, with 113 head sold.
AFA offloads iconic Riverina properties in $780 million sale to Agriculture & Natural Solutions Acquisition Corporation
A US-listed company led by Bert Glover will take ownership of AFA's Iconic property portfolio, if the $780m deal is given the green light by the Australian government’s Foreign Investment Review Board.
The acquisition includes Merino sheep stations Boonoke and Wanganella, Burrabogie, Kolora, Wahwoon and Mulberrygong properties and the Baratta, Peppinella, Warriston and Zara properties.
Cotton growers call for Gundaline Station’s myBMP accreditation to be stripped
Allegations of wrongdoings continue to plague Gundaline Station, an irrigation farm covering more than 14,000 hectares east of Hay.
At the recent national Cotton Conference held on the Gold Coast in early August, rumours circulated of a group of disgruntled fellow growers, unhappy with Gundaline’s continuing myBMP certification.
myBMP (Best Management Practice) is Cotton Australia’s national accreditation system, aimed at ensuring that Australian cotton is produced according to best practice.
Local Poll Merino sale moves annual auction closer to home
Hay Poll Merino sheep stud Woodpark Poll Merinos will hold its annual ram sale at Conargo Sportsground on September 23 this year, edging closer to its home base after almost two decades at the Jerilderie Racecourse.
The stud places about 600 rams a year with flocks from Longreach, Wilcannia and Mossgiel, through to local producers, and across southern New South Wales and Victoria.
The Woodpark Poll auction offers 150 rams a year with grade ram selections on-property at “Eurolie” Hay October, securing most rams for clients.
Big first year at Caroonboon Merinos for Meddings duo
It is hard to believe that the upcoming Caroonboon Merino Sale will mark our one year anniversary at Caroonboon,” said Caroonboon Merinos’ Georgie Meddings.
She and husband Derrym (pictured above) have enjoyed the first year.
“We are very glad that we made the move and are enjoy being able to live, work and contribute to this very special place."
Kismet Stud boasts high lambing percentages
The 41st Kismet Stud Annual Spring ram sale is on Wednesday October 2 at 1pm with inspection from 11am.
The sale will be on-property at Kismet, 5159 Riverina Highway, Howlong. This year 120 White Suffolks, 80 Southdown/ White Suffolk cross and 20 Poll Dorsets will be offered.
“We performance test through Stockscan and the figures will be available on the day or can be found on our website (www.kismetstud.com.au/ramsale),” Kismet’s Graham Wilson said.
Consistent breeding the key to Alma Stud’s success
For over 60 years Alma Merinos has adhered to a consistent breeding philosophy, producing Merinos perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of the Hay Plains.
The result is a large-framed Merino with rapid growth rates and a reliable, medium-micron fleece, well suited to varying climatic conditions.
“Over the last six decades, we’ve carefully developed our genetic lines to produce animals that can thrive throughout their lives on the Hay Plains,” Stud owner Graham Morphett explained.
Goolgowi chook farm goes off-grid in Australian first
Australia’s largest off-grid poultry farm has commenced operations near Goolgowi.
Operated by Agright, a commercial poultry grower in Australia and New Zealand, the 40 shed operation ‘Meriki’ claims to be saving more than 1690 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
"Sustainability is at the forefront of our business model,” Agright owner Daniel Bryant said.