A new survey has highlighted urban Australia's poor connection with the country, with nearly one-third of urban Australians having never visited a working farm. The survey has illustrated the urgent need for farmers to reach out to city families through events such as Farm Day,

As part of Farm Day, city families are matched with farm families for a day of 'fun, friendship and understanding,' helping to connect city people with farmers. This year Farm Day will take place on 24 and 25 May and more farm are needed to participate to give city families an opportunity to learn how a modern farmer operates. Find out more...

Land Transport Standards open for public comment
The deadline for public comments on the draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for the Land Transport of Livestock (the Standards) is 27 May 2008.

Comments are being sought from anyone who may be affected by the Standards, as well as interested members of the public. In particular, Animal Health Australia want to know how well people believe the Standards specify requirements for protecting the welfare of livestock while being transported on land and how well the associated Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) demonstrates the need for the Standards and the costs and benefits.
Find out more about the public consultatin process...

Find out more about MLA's animal welfare program...

Insights into mixed farming in Australia
As part of the Grain & Graze Program, an inspiring booklet for mixed farmers, Insights into mixed farming in Australia, has been produced.  The booklet is a collection of stories about families, businesses and environments from farms across Australia. It outlines a wide range of approaches farmers have attempted to improve profitability in livestock and cropping while addressing sustainability issues.  Learn more…