Business Commons^™

Farm Debt In The Wheatbelt : 1984 Survey Results, R S. Kingwell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In recent years many farms in Western Australia's wheat-growing areas have experienced adverse seasons. For example, the 1983-84 season was characterised by a late start, dry spring and wet harvest which resulted in many farms suffering a combination of low yields and the downgrading or dockage of their grain.

Poor seasons and poor profitability prospects for wheat-growing caused some concern about farm indebtedness in these areas.

In late 1983, a Parlimentary select committee was appointed to inquire into rural hardship. The State Minister for Agriculture also announced that the Department of Agriculture would conduct a farm survey to determine the …

Finance For Farmers, P P. Eckersley

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Financing has always been an important part of farming. With more and more sources of farm finance, it has become more complicated.

This article outlines present sources of farm finance and suggests how a proposal for a loan should be presented.

Economics Of Vine Growing, K R. Rutter

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Heavy demands are made on capital and labour recources throughout the five year dvelopment phase of a vineyard.

Labour and capital requirements vary considerably, but the following gives a look at one example of the costs involved.

Last Resort Loans For Farmers, J Ripley

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Several sources of finance are available to help fsrmers survive through a crisis.

One source of last resort is Rural Adjustment Authority.

The Rural Reconstruction Scheme, J Ripley

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In 1971 the Commonwealth Government passed the "State Grants (Rural Reconstruction) Act" to provide $100m to assist rural industry to adjust itself to the severe downturn in income. The money was to be divided amongst the States to enable State Governments to make loans to farmers and pastoralists.

In Western Australia the Government passed the "Rural Reconstruction Scheme Act, 1971", to implement the Scheme.

Thinking Of Pigs To Raise Your Income?, P Mcnamara

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

WHEAT quotas and low wool prices have caused many farmers to look to pigs to consume homegrown grain and to lift their incomes. However, with sow numbers at a record level, is it possible for a wheatbelt farmer to raise pigs profitably?

Because of his access to cheap grain, the wheatbelt farmer may be able to make a good profit on each pig sold. This could make pigmeat production a useful sideline on the farm, providing the farmer produces only lean pigs. There is no market for overfat pigs.

This article gives some hints on production of pigs on cereal …

West Midlands Development : Sources Of Credit For Farmers, J T. Stoate

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

RAPIDLY increasing costs associated with land development and farm improvement have placed heavy financial burdens on farmers.

At the very least such burdens must often slow the rate of development, increase family hardship and lower farm profitability.

Many farmers however, are unaware of the sources of loan money which could help them overcome their problems.

This article outlines some of the credit sources available.