Opinion

OPINIONWA Premier needs to move now

As the needle started to rise on the community panic meter when COVID-19 hit, there was a calming voice from the Australian agriculture sector.

Mia Davies

OPINIONWA farmers need a champion in our great State

Agriculture has been underpinning the economic position of this State, and along with our mining sector has saved the WA economy from disastrous collapse.

Steve Thomas

OPINIONPoint-scoring helps no one

In a period of heightened global uncertainty, the last thing WA agriculture needs is another Akubra-wearing, faux-Barnaby Joyce, writes Alannah MacTiernan.

Alannah MacTiernan

OPINIONNegative portrayal of WA farmers damages honest folk

It’s very disappointing to see Shadow Minister Steve Thomas doing agriculture such a disservice by portraying farmers in last week’s Countryman, writes Joanne Fowler.

Joanne Fowler

opinion
opinion
Wander out yonder
opinion
Fruit picking job will earn you more than just money

There’s lots to like about leaving the city to work in the bush

Jenna ClarkeAssistant Editor

OPINIONTime to heed advice

As the CBH board undertakes a governance review a female director has some sage advice for colleagues, writes Cally Dupe.

Cally DupeCountryman Editor

OPINIONDon’t let WA’s sheep industry disappear

We have had two decisions linked to live exports, starting when the Federal Court determined Joe Ludwig had broken the law when he banned the live cattle trade to Indonesia in 2011.

Trevor Whittington

consumerprotectionFake tractor sites sow financial woe

Everyone loves a bargain, but don’t be fooled by deals on new tractors that look too good to be true.

Lanie Chopping

OPINIONWin war but don’t lose peace

One of the great failures of World War I was the handling of the subsequent peace by the Western allies after their comprehensive victory over the German-led central powers.

Trevor Whittington

So long, farewellGreat memories made of moments like these

Zach Relph reflects upon his nearly two-year stint at Countryman.

Zach Relph

OPINIONLow turnout is telling in CBH stoush

An unenthusiastic voter turnout of 1511 in the latest CBH poll shows growers are either disengaged with their co-operative or simply have no time or interest in boardroom politics, writes Cally Dupe.

Cally DupeCountryman Editor

OPINIONOPINION: Five universities is too many

Back in 1936 when the University of Western Australia established the faculty of agriculture, there was only one university and about 25,000 farm businesses across the State.

Trevor Whittington

DATA SHAREWhy share data? A ‘grumpy farmer’ gives perspective

The dust may have settled since CBH updated our crop estimate survey to include details on individual paddocks rather than just by each property.

Dylan Hirsch

Good jobBe proud of live export trade’s continuous improvement

Recently, a colleague said to me, “I don’t feel like I can tell people what I do, but I love it and I know I make a difference to animal welfare”.

Holly Ludeman

OPINIONComment: Annual Woolorama defines Wagin

The Wagin community knew they had to work together to start an event which would change with the times and stay relevant to different demographics, writes Peter Rundle.

Peter Rundle

OpinionOpinion: State Liberals must fight for the bush

With 12 months remaining before the next election, the Liberals now have a lame duck, Jim Chown, holding the key shadow portfolio of agriculture and regional development, writes the WAFarmers boss.

Trevor Whittington

OPINIONOpinion: Farmers keep Tweeting to defend agriculture

Wheatbelt farmer Bryn Davies — a friend of the Countryman — is among farmers using the platform to ensure other WA livestock producers and grain growers are having a laugh.

Zach Relph

Education appreciationParents gave the gift of learning

It took me a long time to realise how much my parents really scarified by sending me to boarding school, 3500km away.

Cally DupeCountryman Editor

CommentFarmers’ resilience shines throughout 2019

Last year highlighted the WA agricultural sector’s grit and determination, writes Countryman reporter Zach Relph.

Zach Relph

CommentComment: Hot air does little to ease drought

Rather than continue the political squabble, could politicians please unite and work together with pastoralists to bolster long-term drought resilience? Writes Zach Relph.

Zach Relph

OpinionOpinion: Top prices for Christmas ham

Prices for Australian pigs have already increased from an average of $2.5/kg 12 months ago to be nudging $4/kg more recently, writes Australian Pork Limited boss Margo Andrae.

Margo Andrae