Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Do Farmers Really Want To Eradicate Sheep Lice?, Chris Hawkins

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

With the termination of Western Australia's Sheep Lice Eradication Campaign in 1993 farmers' views about the eradication of sheep lice are of greater relevance now than in the past. Lice control now rests with individual farmers and continuing local lice cell groups .

A recent survey of producers in the Moora Shire provides some key insights into farmers' thoughts about sheep lice and their eradication.

Agriculture's Economic Performance, Ross Kingwell

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

Changes within and outside of agriculture have affected the nature and econoicperforrmance of the industry. Some clear trends have emerged and they are discussed here.

As Australian economy grows and increasingly diversifies, agriculture will become a less important sector.

However, as long as agriculture fulfils its economic role, it will support and promote economic development elsewhere in the country.

Changes In The Western Australian Dairy Farm Industry, Ross Kingwell, Graham Annan

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

Over the past decade, the number of dairy cows and the number of producers in the Western Australian dairy industry have steadily declined. The industry still relies heavily on market milk quotas for its profits, but recent export contracts have boosted profits from manufacturing milk production.

Market milk quotas remain unevenly distributed across the dairy regions and amongst quotaholders, although the regional distribution of quotas is changing.

How Efficient Are Seeding Operations : Kondinin Work Study, E J. Roberts, C. R. Lester, J. E. Young

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

The efficiency of machinery and labour during seeding operations was studied in 1977 by the Kondinin and Districts Farm Improvement Group and the Department of Agriculture. The aim was to find what influenced efficiency during cropping.

Time spent on activities during the working day was measured, and it was found that repairs, maintenance, meals and other incidental jobs considerably reduced the time spent driving the tractor.

Each farmer participating in the study was given the results of his own farm compared to the group, indicating tasks most needing improvement.

Native Plants : Water Savers In The Garden, K S. Cole

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

The climate of Western Australia may be one of the best in the world for people but it is a difficult one for many of our imported, and common garden plants. as a consequence, some 70 per cent of our summer water usage is for gardens and lawns.

This is not the sort of statistic that we should accept easily or happily.

There is a solution to this problem: a new approach to home gardening is required.

The new garden is based on W. A.'s own colourful native plants, which are adapted to mild winters, hot dey summers and poor …

The Economics Of Transition In Farming, G D. Oliver

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

UNSTABLE income is a constant farm hazard. In addition to uncertainties like over production, obsolescence, rising costs and changes in consumer tastes which menace manufacturing industries, the farmer also has to contend with yield fluctuations arising from climatic conditions over which he has no control.

Gnowangerup Plaque Recognises Value Of Light Land Research, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

The Gnowangerup Shire Council has paid a unique tribute to officers of the Department of Agriculture by erecting a plaque in recognition of the value of research leading to the development of light land in that district.

Using Cake Mixes, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

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

Manufacturers are continually striving to lighten the burden of home makers.

Recognising the importance of cooking in the housewife's scheme of things, flour manufacturers, in their effort to cut down on time spent on cake-baking, have evolved a variety of cake and pastry recipes ready mixed and packaged for sale to the public.

Christmas Gifts To Make, O. Evans Scott

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

MOST of us appreciate a small, thoughtful gift much more than a"bought in a hurry" gift.

Here are a few suggestions for simple gifts that can be made, giving pleasure to both the maker and the recipient.

They are also useful for stocking stalls for fetes.

The Linen Press : Up-Side-Down Cake : Bird-Pecked Fruit, H M. Gloster

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

A "LINEN PRESS" in the real sense of the word is an obsolete piece of household equipment now to be found only in museums.

It is a contrivance usually of oak and was used for pressing sheets, table napkins and other linen articles requiring flattening. It resembled the modern office press.