A new advisory group that will guide Queensland’s agricultural workforce development aims to identify and address barriers to, and seek opportunities for, the successful attraction and retention of skilled workers in the agri-sector. read more... about Specialist group to boost Agri-skills in Queensland

The Work-related injuries and fatalities on Australian farms report released by Safe Work Australia has found one in six workers killed in Australia were working on a farm. The report monitored statistics over an eight year period until 30 June 2011. read more... about Farm safety report

Citrus Australia is hosting a forum on 12 March 2013 which will cover a range for topics from industry best practice, maximising investments and industry trends. read more... about Citrus Australia Variety Day event, 12 March 2013

The Outlook 2013 conference will be held in Canberra on 5–6 March and the theme of ‘future food, future farming’ reflects a growing global conversation on food security and the interconnected nature of world trade. Key sessions will also focus on farm performance, regional development, emerging markets and carbon farming, alongside forums dedicated to each of Australia’s key commodity sectors. read more... about Premier agricultural event draws Australian, international experts

Employers in the beef industry are invited to a free presentation with speakers from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, and WorkCover Queensland who will present information on preventing workplace injuries and improving injury management outcomes. read more... about Event: Improving health, safety and injury management outcomes for the beef industry

First Start and Sustainability Loans worth up to $650 000 are available to applicants in agriculture who want to enter primary production or become a partner in an existing family operation, or primary producers wanting to improve their productivity and sustainability. read more... about QLD Gov statement: Interest rate cuts help primary producers

The Queensland Government has pledged to provide $5 million fund to support the cattle industry during disease outbreaks to help producers caught up with Bovine Johne’s disease or other disease outbreaks the beef industry may experience in the future. read more... about QLD Gov media statement: New fund to support cattle industry in disease fight

Recent analysis released by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety shows 54 percent of deaths involving ATV’s happen on farms and statistics show for every ATV death there is around 40 admissions to hospitals. read more... about New Information Reveals 54% ATV Deaths on Farms, OHS News

Queensland is notorious for its beautiful, hot weather and with this summer already off to a sizzling start, employers and workers should take extra care to be sun smart. In 2011-12, 69 claims for heat stress were registered, and so far this financial year, WorkCover has received 16 - there are steps people can follow to prevent sun related illnesses. read more... about Working outdoors this summer