Business Commons^™

Generating More Profit From Your Farm Business, Tamara Stretch

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This report outlines the main drivers of profit – price, production, costs and management. Knowing a farm’s profit drivers assists managers to analyse the risk and resilience of their business and to make more informed expenditure decisions. With significant volatility in both prices and production, farm managers need to have strategies that smooth price volatility and allow adjustments to costs of production.

When analysing business profitability it is important to look beyond gross margins and capture all cost items particularly large fixed costs like finance and machinery allowance costs. By critically examining the full cost structure of their business managers …

Western Australian Agriculture And Food Trade Mission To The Middle East 14 January - 3 February 2006 : Report And Follow-Up Activities, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

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The Middle east has been and continues to be a major destination for Western Australian live sheep, live cattle, meat, wheat, horticultural products and services. Middle Eastern companies are key investors in Western Australian industries particularly in livestock farming, trade and logistics.

Avondale Discovery Farm - Review Of Operations, Rba Consulting

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In early 2005 the consultant team were contracted to review the current status, purpose and objectives of the Avondale Discovery Farm. Employing its expertise in tourism business assessment and heritage and conservation planning, the study team specifically evaluated these visitor based operations in the context of how the Avondale Discovery Farm meets the objectives and resources of its owner manager - the Western Australian Department of Agriculture (the Department).

Edge Employment Solutions : Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia : Job Audit Report, 2006, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia, Edge Employment Solutions, Matthew Eaton, Ian Hughes, Barabara Magnowski

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The Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) have been working in collaboration with EDGE Employment Solutions to identify the work opportunities that lie within the Department for people with disabilities. Based on the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1987 (EEOA), the DAFWA have set a target of increasing their rate of employment of individuals with disabilities to constitute 4% of their entire workforce. Currently, persons' with a mild to moderate disability form 1.7% of the Public Sector.

The role of EDGE Employment Solutions pertaining to this project was to develop a matrix that would include the key roles within …

Reconstruction Services For Iraq, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

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As Iraq enters a new phase in its history, Australia is poised to play a leading role in the reconstruction of Iraq's agricultural sector. Initially, food security will be the main priority with later phases of the development process concentrating on harnessing agriculture as an engine for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Western Australia has a long tradition of supplying countries of the Middle East with high quality foodstuffs and in implementing agricultural development projects. The Middle East is one of Western Australia's key trading partners, consuming an annual food production valued in excess of $1 billion. In recent times, …

Extension Made Easier : A Workshop Presenting Two Planning Frameworks For Better Extension Outcomes, Colin Holt, Jenny Crisp

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No abstract provided.

Department Of Agriculture Submission To The State Sustainability Strategy, Anne Bennett, Ross George

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The following report was written in response to the Focus on the Future, a consultation paper for the State Sustainability Strategy for Western Australia.

The report discusses:

• recommendations for the Sustainability Policy Unit to consider when developing the State Sustainability Strategy.

• defining sustainability and the implications for agriculture;

• opportunities for moving towards a sustainable industry;

• trends and challenges faced by agriculture; and

• some case studies of how the agricultural sector is currently developing and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.

Midland Saleyard : Review Of Saleyard Options, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

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The need to close Midland Saleyard is a result of endorsement by Cabinet of proposals by the Midland Redevelopment Authority (MRA). The Midland Saleyard is a significant impediment to the MR.A achieving a "high revenue scenario" return on the development of the site. The MRA would like to have the saleyard closed within about two years.

Against this background, the Meat Industry Authority (MIA) prepared a report on the relocation of Midland and recommended Muchea as its preferred location for replacement saleyard capacity. Under MIA's scenario, it would own and operate the new saleyard.

As part of the public consultation …

An Analysis Of Productivity Growth In Western Australian Agriculture, Nazrul Islam

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The objective of this paper is to analyse productivity growth of Western Australian broadacre agriculture. For the period 1977/78 to 1997/98, the growth of aggregated outputs, inputs and the total factor productivity (TFP), of broadacre agriculture in WA is estimated by applying a non-parametric approach. The productivity performance of WA agriculture is compared with that of other Australian states. An attempt is made to identify the factors, which may explain productivity growth in WA agriculture. TFP growth in WA agriculture is estimated to be 4.2 percent p.a.. Compared to other Australian states, only South Australian agriculture has experienced a higher …

Agstats Northern Agricultural Region, Jill Wilson Dr

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This document has been commissioned by the Sustainable Rural Development Program, Northern Agricultural Region as a service to support effective decision making in this region.

AGSTATS are a product of the AGPLAN project. Each AGSTAT is a summary sheet for local government areas or regions. Each AGSTAT features:

• Extensive use of graphs and tables for quick and easy communication of information.
• A brief commentary on features and trends.
• The Gross Value of Agricultural Production (GVAP), total area of production and number of farms for the area in comparison with the total region.
• The proportion ofGVAP by commodity.
• Trends in total …

Agwest Trade & Development Agtrade Database, Besko Trhulj, Rachel Hills

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No abstract provided.

Agricultural Information Delivery To Western Australian Farmers By The Private Sector, Ag Knowledge

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This study of agricultural information providers operating in Western Australia presents detailed strategic information about this commercial collective to assist the Executive of Agriculture Western Australia (AgWest) to measure the Agency's current position as an information source and make timely decisions that will capitalise on the linkages and forge more sustainable working relationships with the front line information deliverers.

Annual Report 97/98- Western Australia. Dept. Of Agriculture: New Industries Program Creating Growth Paths For Innovation, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

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No abstract provided.

Agriculture And The Western Australian Economy : Value Added Contribution Of Agricultural Commodities, Nazrul Islam

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No abstract provided.

Agriculture And The Western Australian Economy: An Input-Output Analysis - Vol 2, Nazrul Islam, Peter Johnson

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Appendix A The 111-Sector Table

Table Al. The WA 111-sector 1-0 Table: 1992/93 51

Appendix B Direct Allocation Coefficients

Table Bl. The WA 111-sector 1-0 Coefficients Table: 1992/93

Appendix C Industry Multipliers

Cl. Output multipliers

C2. Income Multipliers

C3. Employment Multipliers

Table Cl. WA Multipliers

Appendix D Comparison of Multipliers

Table Dl. Output Multipliers for WA

Table D2. Income Multipliers for WA

Table D3. Employment Multipliers for WA

Table D4. Output Multipliers for Australia

Table D5. Income Multipliers for Australia

Table D6. Employment Multipliers for Australia

Table D7. Percentage Differences in Output Multipliers between WA and Australia

Table D8. Percentage …

Agriculture And The Western Australian Economy : An Input-Output Analysis, Nazrul Islam, Peter Johnson

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In October 1996 the Office of Policy and Planning in Agriculture Western Australia undertook a collaborative research project on ‘Agriculture in the Western Australian Economy’ with the Economic Research Centre (ERC), University of Western Australia. One of the main objectives of the project was to ensure that the new input-output (I-O) table for Western Australia being produced by the ERC, would incorporate agricultural industries in a manner that corresponded to the different industry programs of Agriculture Western Australia. The resulting 111-sector WA table is based on the national I-O table for 1992-93 and is presented in Volume 2 of the …

Bridgetown-Greenbushes And Boyup Brook Rural Survey- Results And Conclusions, Ben Rose

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This survey was funded by Agriculture Western Australia Farm Forestry Development Project and Department of CALM. It was initiated by the Bridgetown Land Conservation District Committee and was supported by the Shire of Bridgetown and Bunnings Treefarms. The aim was to identify farmers' individual and community issues and concerns The report was to be presented to the community and agencies with the intention of stimulating on-going action to address the issues

Hanging On Or Handing Over : Proceedings Of A Succession Planning Seminar Held ... 28 July, 1994 At The Dalwallinu Recreation Centre ... 29 July 1994 At The Moora Recreation Centre., Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

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The two inevitables of life are death and taxes and never has there been a more direct application to these inevitables than the old Russian proverb-

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail."

In 1980 in the Shires of the West Midlands and Northern Wheatbelt there were 1,102 farm enterprises. By 1993, there were 853 farm enterprises - a decline of 23 % and one of the major factors causing this decline is the lack of effective estate planning. It confirms that a significant proportion of farm businesses do not have the resources to fund the retirement …

Management And Distribution Of Information (Madi) Discussion Paper, A Kubicki, Chris Denby

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The Department of Agriculture's mission is "To maintain and improve the productivity, profitability and market competitiveness of the rural sector of Western Australia, consistent with conservation of the State's natural resources". To achieve that, the DAWA conducts extensive research, extension, and regulatory programs, and reviews ways it might provide information more effectively and efficiently to its clients, including consultants and farmers

Developments in the computing, communication, and education industries are providing opportunities such as video text, free text retrieval, image and document management systems, electronic help lines. bulletin boards, and networks. The situation is continuing to develop rapidly and the …

Handing Over The Family Farm : Proceedings Of A Succession Planning Seminar Wednesday 2 March 1994 Dymesbury Lodge, King River., Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia, Adrian Ross

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Succession planning for farm businesses is becoming of increasing interest and importance. The increased pressure from competitive world markets and more marginal fanning profits is necessitating better planning for many farm families who wish to provide a sustainable family farming unit. Today's seminar has been arranged to inform farmers of the related issues and importance of careful estate planning. As The Department of Agriculture does not have specialised resources in the relevant areas, it is imperative that experienced individuals from the private sector are utilised to provide this information. These proceedings have been written by such individuals and are intended …

A Proposed Communication Strategy For The Decade Of Landcare: A Report By The Working Group For The Communication Strategy Fir The Decade Of Landcare, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia, Working Group For The Communication Strategy For The Decade Of Landcare (W.A.), Soil And Land Conservation Council (W.A.)

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A Better Future for Rural WA was a conference focusing on leadership and economic development in rural WA. The conference included

o Development of leaders in rural industries and communities.

o Building more vibrant rural communities through community and economic development initiatives.

o Generating innovative approaches to value adding and marketing our agricultural produce.

o Exploring how rural WA can further build on the economic strengths of agriculture

The conference was designed to help people deal with the issues facing rural communities by showcasing new and innovative projects and practices in rural development from within Australia and overseas and showing …

Farm Planning Workshop Manual, Brian Lloyd

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The Katanning District Office of the Department of Agriculture has been running Farm Planning Workshops since 1988. These group sessions evolved due to an ever-increasing demand for individual farm plans to be drawn up by departmental staff - a demand that eventually outstripped the ability of staff to supply the plans on a one-to-one basis.

This manual has been complied to supplement the workshop sessions. It comprises:

The Farm Planning Manual:

Notes written by various officers of the Department on factors to consider when drawing up a farm plan.

Reference Material:

Selected notes on various topics that have proven to …

North Mullewa Research Station "Daisy Downs" Field Day, Peter Nelson

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NMRS (165 ha) was leased from "Daisy Downs" (Manager Mr Ken Thompson) in 1985. NMRS was established in response to famer and local goverment demand for more research on the shallow, heavy soils in a low rainfall area. It is run along similar lines to the East Chapman Research Station (ECRS), with large rotation paddocks (42 ha) set up to study farming systems the remainder of the leased area being used for general experimental purposes.

Livestock Statistics Western Australia Prices Of Livestock Sold At Midland Auctions, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia, R. L. Taylor

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Livestock prices are shown as monthly weighted average prices calculated from saleyard auction prices, Prior to July 1989 Midland auctions were reported on by the Western Australian Department of Agriculture's Livestock Market Reporting Service, Since July 1989, prices are derived from a weekly summary of sales prepared under contract to the Department of Agriculture by Nicholls Independent Livestock Information Service ,

Livestock slaughterings and production are derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics Catalogue No. 1305.5.

Northern Agricultural Region, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

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Western Australia has about 10 per cent of Australia's farmers and accounts for 15 per cent of the nation's gross value of rural production. In 1987/8 8, the State's gross value of rural production exceeded $3 billion, 9 per cent of the State's GDP.

The agricultural sector is an important employer in Western Australia, directly employing nearly 5 0, 000 people, and more than 100,00 p e o p l e i n associated industries. Agriculture is a major contributor to W A' s export earnings, accounting for 30 per cent of the State's overseas earnings.

The Department of Agriculture's …

Australian Co-Operation With The National Agricultural Research Project Thailand Farming Systems Research - Future Directions, B J. Gorddard

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CONTENTS

Farming Systems Research - Future Directions - Introduction by Mr B. Gorddard

The CIMMYT Approach to Farming Systems Research Dr L. Harrington

The Relationship of FSR to Discipline and Component Technology Research: Dr D. Ivory

A Cropping Systems Technology Development Process: The Basis for Improving Links Between Research and Extension Through FSR. : Mr Iain A. Craig

Extension - Research : A Natural Linkage Mr B. Gorddard

Follow-up Discussion with FSRI: - Dr L. Harrington - Mr B. Gorddard - Dr D. Ivory

Australian Agriculture - A Broad Introduction, Peter Mckerrow

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Australia's rural sector confines to be a major economic force in country areas and to make an important contribution to the national economy.

The rural sector is dynamic in nature and its resilience will ensure it will continue to meet challenges and remain a viable and important sector.

Australian Co-Operation With The National Agricultural Research Project Thailand Computing Needs For The Thai Department Of Agriculture, Colin Edwards

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No abstract provided.

Communication Networks And The Adoption Of Three Farn Practices, P. W. Fry, F. K. Goss

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The report commences with a discussion of the diffusion and adoption model, and illustrates some of the research observations and practical outcomes that have emerged in recent years, An overview of social network research is presented as a means of understanding communication exchanges and providing data relevant to the diffusion debate. The communication and adoption studies are then reported in three separate sections in the order they were conducted. (A map of the location of the survey areas is shown in Figure I ) . The objectives, survey method, results and a summary are presented for each study.

A background …

Market Hours Survey : A Report For The Metropolitan Market Trust, Ian Longson, Mark Boyd, Ross Kingwell

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Questionnaires were sent to growers, buyers, transporters and market tenants. A low response rate from growers and buyers is interpreted as indicating the changes to market hours made by the Trust in winter 1983 were largely a non issue. Failure to respond can be interpreted as a positive reaction or ambivalence to the issue. Of those responding 89 per cent of growers and 55 per cent of buyers said the changes had no effect on their business. Transporters and market tenants were divided as to whether the changes had affected them and whether they were an improvement or not. On …