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Rural Industries
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Shaping
the Future is the corporate newsletter
of RIRDC. It is distributed quarterly by direct mail to 3,500 researchers,
industry, government, farmers, libraries and consultants. Contributions
are welcome.
Phone 02 6272 4539, Fax
02 6272 5877, Email rirdc@rirdc.gov.au
Editor: Eva Hickman,
ph 02 6272 3186. Email: evah@rirdc.gov.au
Senator Troeth said the new Board would help ensure RIRDC continues to invest in R&D that will benefit Australia’s smaller rural industries as well as the wider rural sector.
Joining Chair Professor Elizabeth Woods, who was appointed in January 1998, are Professor Margaret Britz, Mr John Herbert, Ms Helen Cameron, Dr George Gardiner, Dr Paul Donaghue and Professor Rob Clark. Ms Virginia Greville remains the Government appointee.
"I’m confident the new Board has the right balance of expertise and experience to allow RIRDC to build on its past achievements and help promote what could prove to be some very significant rural industries for Australia over the coming years," Senator Troeth said.
She also thanked the retiring members of the previous Board for their contributions over the past three years.
"RIRDC’s reputation as a dynamic and effective research investor owes a lot to their dedication and enthusiasm," she said.
The board will have its first full meeting in Perth during September and also view some of RIRDC’s Western Australian based projects.
Member Profiles
Prof Elizabeth Woods, Chair
Appointed as chair in January 1998 for three years, Professor Woods is the foundation Suncorp Metway Professor in Agribusiness at the University of Queensland’s Gatton campus. She has a background in agricultural extension and research management in Queensland, specialising in field crops and horticulture. Professor Woods was formerly a member of the CSIRO Board and the Rural Adjustment Scheme Advisory Council and Director of the Rural Extension Centre.
Professor Margaret Britz
Professor Britz holds the Foundation Chair in Food Science at the University of Melbourne and is Head of the Department of Food Science and Agribusiness. In 1997-1998 Professor Britz was the Principal Adviser, Science and Engineering Policy with the Department of State Development in Victoria. She is also a board member of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Joined the Board in July 1993.
Ms Helen Cameron
Ms Cameron is a director of Amrad Corporation Limited (publicly listed pharmaceutical and R&D company) TDG Logistics, the Sydney Catchment Authority and of Foodbank NSW Ltd. She has many years experience with agribusiness companies particularly the Australian Food Industry in areas of processing and marketing. Other areas of expertise are ecology and genetics. Appointed 1999.
Professor Robert Clark
Dr Clark is Professor and Head of the School of Agricultural Science at the University of Tasmania and founding Director of the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research. He has extensive research experience and practical experience as owner of a diversified horticultural operation. Currently he sits on the Tasmanian Board of Agricultural Education and the Tasmanian Rural Industry Training Board and holds several other directorships with agricultural organisations. Appointed 1999.
Dr Paul Donaghue
Dr Donaghue is a former chief scientist with Orica (ICI Australia) now conducting his own consultancy focussing on the development and implementation of technology strategy. His career has been largely concerned with the management of technology based groups and with issues of technology development and exploitation. He is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. He is a past president and current executive member of the Australian Industrial Research Group. Appointed 1999.
Dr George Gardiner
Dr Gardiner is the Chairman of the Ord River District Co-operative in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, where he and wife Elaine run a banana and sugarcane farm, and maintains his own consultancy with extensive experience in ecology, horticulture, pastoralism and community development. He resides on several industry committees and boards including the Kimberley Development Commission (Deputy Chairman), Ord River Canegrowers Association (Executive Officer), AFFA Natural Resource Management Policy reference group and the National Irrigation Science and Technology Network. Appointed 1999.
Ms Virginia Greville
Ms Greville is the Government member on the board and is a Senior Executive in the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. She has extensive experience in government policies and programs. Appointed 1998.
Mr John Herbert
First appointed in 1993, Mr Herbert is Managing Director of The Goya Solution, a management consultancy specialising in assisting organisations to define and achieve their corporate goals. He has special expertise in international agribusiness and is currently Chair of the Queensland Horticulture Industry Development Council, a member of the Board of the CRC for Tropical Plant Pathology and is RIRDC’s representative on the CRC for Sustainable Rice Production.
Mr Peter Core
Mr Core has been the Managing Director of the Corporation since mid-1996. He has had an extensive career in Commonwealth Departments, primarily in Agricultural related fields. He holds a Bachelor of Rural Science and Master of Economics from the University of New England.
And although it is premature to talk about RIRDC’s decade of research, it is interesting to note the size and diversity of the research we support.
A quick look at the Annual Operational Plan for 1999/2000 (which is freely available from our Canberra office) shows 750 different projects being managed across the prospective new industries, emerging new industries, established industries and future agricultural systems program areas.
These projects, including 150 which are new this year, are worth nearly $25 million and conducted with more than 50 private and public research institutions.
This is all in the name of achieving a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector – which is the primary aim of all our research.
There is no doubt that we have the widest industry coverage of any R&D corporation with the new projects ranging from market strategies for buffalo meat to the use of active honeys against human infections and our Heywire rural youth forum.
As with all our research it will be widely available via our website (www.rirdc.gov.au) and through publications, field days, flyers and newsletters. To keep you right up-to-date with the corporation’s information, we are investigating a new electronic newsletter. More information is in this edition and I urge you to use the service if you have electronic mail access.
In the yearly research cycle, it is also time for researchers to apply for 2000/2001 funding through the preliminary research proposal (PRP) stage. For a copy of our prospectus please call the Canberra office on 02 6272 4819 or visit the website, which you can use to apply electronically.
Peter Core
Managing Director
Duncan’s walk was not in one of the hundreds of bluegum plantations which dot the Tasmanian country but in one of 26 infant truffieres - filled with hazel trees, hope and now, thanks to Pippa’s specially trained senses, anticipation.
Finding a handful of Australia’s first truffles sparked a frenzy among media, the culinary industry and the farmers who have joined Duncan and partner Peter Cooper’s Perigord Truffles in this new venture.
It also justified a major investment from RIRDC, which six years ago started funding a project to investigate the potential of truffle farming in Tasmania.
Along with Perigord, the project investigated the tree varieties, agronomy, cultivation and importantly for a product as French as berets and bastille, a market.
Currently the prospects look good, initially into Australian restaurants and then as exports to Europe.
Put simply, the truffle grows on the roots of the hazel trees (identified as the most successful) that have been innoculated to produce the fungi. The average time from planting to production is five years, but stage two of the Tasmanian research is looking to reduce that by using cloned plant material.
More information: David Evans, RIRDC Research Manager, (02) 4454 3039
Perigord Truffles (03) 6266
4213
In April this year RIRDC set out to help in the search with the release of The New Rural Industries – Financial Analysis, a follow-up to the very successful New Rural Industries Handbook.
Although not definitive, the report offers strong information to all new investors with the development of a generic financial model and analysis of eight individual industries - Cashews, Coffee, Geraldton Wax flower production, Lychee, Olive, Peppermint, Tea tree and Walnuts.
The New Rural Industries – Financial Analysis is the work of agricultural consultants Hassall and Associates and draws on a number of current investment methodologies. The result is a package of high-level performance indicators, which were used to develop a three-stage model (concept, feasibility and investment) which the most successful projects needed to pass before being implemented.
The first two stages look at whole industries in projected scenarios. The acid test comes at stage three, which involves inputs specific to the development of a project and can only be made by proponents before commercialisation.
As stage three is site specific, the report cannot draw conclusions about individual operations, but using general industry information (at 1 December 1998), it does deliver a series of projected results.
TO ORDER: The full report, available for $20, (call 02 6272 4819) fully explains the model and includes industry data and worksheets, taking each industry through a 20-year production cycle.
But a new report which puts the microscope over 19 of these industries, is expected to help smooth the development cycle.
Undertaken by economic consultants David McKinna et al Pty Ltd, the research draws together known background information and develops a SWOT analysis for all the industries from kangaroo to mutton birds and even flying foxes.
A more detailed analysis is then undertaken for ostrich, kangaroo and dairy goats to demonstrate the strategic principles for meat, hide, fibre, milk and by-products.
Combined, the information has allowed a critical factors checklist, which affect the performance of new animal enterprises, to be developed. The report concluded 12 of the industries had good to moderate potential to develop whilst seven had limited potential.
According to RIRDC program manager Peter McInnes the program of research to investigate the development and market potential of industries is essential for continued growth.
Dr McInnes said over the past 10 years RIRDC had undertaken a series of projects to understand and promote the development of these new industries.
"This report draws together a large amount of information and then considers the potential for domestic and export markets for each of the 19 industries," Dr McInnes said.
"For an industry like emu which has undertaken a stage of rapid growth it is important to identify constraints and then introduce research strategies to overcome them.
"Smaller industries like camel and buffalo, which have the potential to grow solidly in the next 10 years have other factors, both positive and negative, which are being identified and developed along with the industry.
"The information, including a list of 12 critical success factors which are common to all emerging industries, will be used to assist future R&D and general industry strategies."
Report author David McKinna says the critical factors and success strategies identified in the report, demonstrate that the behavior of new enterprises follow a very predictable pattern.
"Unfortunately, despite the highly predictable nature of these issues and problems, the same mistakes are repeated over and over," Dr McKinna said.
"The information in this report gives some indication of the challenges to new enterprises and the processes which should be undertaken to achieve a viable industry."
Marketing of New Animal Products, is available for $15.
More information:
David McKinna, David McKinna
et al Pty Ltd, (03) 9696 1966
A new chain of venison production from Hunter Valley paddocks to local restaurants and dinner plates is the brainchild of farmer and vigneron Daryl Heslop.
The idea is to introduce a new generation of palates to the taste of venison and the dozens of different cuisine styles for which it is suited.
The venison is taken from Mr Heslop’s property near Cessnock to Woy Woy for processing and then to select butchers and restaurants in Newcastle and the Hunter region.
"This project links the farmer with the processor, butcher and then chef in a win-win situation for us all," Mr Heslop said. "It is on a small scale to develop the supply links and help promote the meat to a broad range of people who may never have eaten it or tried it once or twice."
It has included developing recipes for venison products, like honey soy sausages, and using venison in cooking schools.
A special transporter was developed and built, and Mr Heslop has personally visited chefs and butchers to introduce them to venison.
The project has a second purpose. RIRDC is supporting Mr Heslop and will use the information to produce a domestic marketing plan that can be used in other small scale operations.
"We have had a few hiccups with the program, but that is always expected, and overcoming them and detailing what we have done should help other small producers improve their operations," Mr Heslop said.
"There is potential in domestic markets for good quality venison and these linkages between producer and the end user will help promote that."
More information:
Daryl Heslop (02) 4998
1576
But as a new industry in Australia, the generations
of "research" are being fast-tracked with new information just released
identifying baselines in areas like:
· Phenotypic and genetic parameters for production traits in Australian alpacas
· Blood minerals, trace elements and vitamin levels of alpacas
· Internal parasites and their control
The research was carried out on five alpaca
farms across Southern Australia over a period of four years using both
Huacaya and Suri breeds.
It looked mainly at three components:
1. Alpaca characteristics: The collection of pedigree, reproductive, production and fleece characteristics of Alpacas on the properties. Fleece characters measured included fleece weights, fibre diameter, yield, strength, medulation and fleece colour, all of which contribute to fleece value.
2. Frequent blood sampling: Frequent blood sampling of animals for trace element assays to establish benchmark ranges for healthy animals in southern Australia. In addition different dose rates of vitamin D were administered to sheep and alpacas grazing the same pasture to compare blood constituents.
3. Internal parasites:The incidence and control of internal parasites in Alpacas.
The researchers found that to become competitive as fibre producing livestock, the alpacas needed improvement in average production levels of greasy and clean fleece weight, and fibre diameter.
This was possible as there was ample genetic variation and scope for genetic improvement in fibre production and quality among Australian alpacas.
Feeding regimes could also be changed, research finding that to optimize fibre growth feed availability should exceed 0.5 t DM/ha and should not exceed 1.2 to 1.6 t DM/ha.
More information:
Warwick Hack, PISA, (08)
8303 7718
Launching RIRDC’s major new publication, Feeding Horses in Australia – A Guide for Horse Owners and Managers, Darren said years of work with champion trainers had taught him plenty about horse well-being but he still had much to learn about feeding and nutrition.
"Although scientific information has always been available, this book explains the science in a way that makes it accessible to all members of the horse industry," he said.
"Correct feeding is vitally important to get the most out of your horse whether you are a thoroughbred trainer or a part-time hacker.
"The quality of the information is excellent, and by producing it in such a usable form I’m sure it will find a home in many stables and feed rooms around Australia."
Feeding Horses in Australia is the work of eminent veterinarian John Kohnke in collaboration with Dr Penny Trevor-Jones and Dr Frank Kelleher. It was commissioned by the Equine R&D Committee in response to pleas from the industry to provide independent feeding information.
The foreword has been written by stockhorse legend R.M. Williams who describes the book as the most complete he has seen on the subject.
"It is a positive guide to the feeding of Australian horses that will be consulted by all sections of the horse industry," Mr Williams says.
"The evidence and proven facts about feeding are the result of much work and dedicated research over many years, produced in a way that is easy to understand and implement."
Equine research manager Reuben Rose said the book covered all areas of horse management, agronomy, pastures and equine management, specifically for Australian conditions.
"It is a comprehensive and practical review targeted at owners and breeders of racing, equestrian and pleasure horses in an easy to read style.
"It has many features for use in all areas of horse husbandry including summary tables on minerals and vitamins, use of pasture as a base for diets and step-by-step guidelines to build the correct diet."
More information:
Reuben Rose (02) 9351 6935
TO ORDER: Phone (02) 6272 4819. Cost $30 + $8p$h.
Conservative estimates put tree numbers at 1.5 million by 2000 as producers attempt to cash in on the $111 million worth of olive products imported into Australia every year.
Little research has gone into the marketing of Australian grown olive products to match the surge in plantings, until now.
RIRDC and the Department of Primary Industries, Queensland, have just released The Olive Industry – A Marketing Study assessing the market potential for an Australian olive industry.
It follows a report published in 1998 called Potential for Establishing an Olive Industry in Australia which used qualitative analysis (focus groups, in-depth interviews and unstructured questionnaires) to gain a basic understanding of the main issues facing the industry.
This new report goes a step further using secondary data obtained from a review of literature and primary data collected using a survey of the eastern seaboard capitals. The field research was conducted in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
It looks at the main issues confronting the olive
industry including:
· to assess opportunities in some Asian markets;
· to forecast potential consumption and production of olive products;
· to quantify and qualify the domestic market for olive products;
· to develop a demographic profile of consumers of olive products.
Of concern was the fact world olive production,
and particularly olive oil production, has for the first time exceeded
world demand. If world demand does not increase and produciton continues
to rise, supply of olive products is likely to exceed demand in the future.
The good news is an expected increase in Asian markets and opportunities for domestic production to take the place of imports.
Other key findings for the Australian market are:
· However, when olive oil production and consumption are segregated into virgin and pure olive oils, the results change substantially. Australian producers would need to supply 11 to 20.5 per cent of the pure oil market and 36 to 74 per cent of the virgin olive market to dispose of potential production.
· For table olives the situation is similar: local producers might need to secure between 34 and 51 per cent of the expected market of 10,200 tonnes.
TO ORDER: The Olive Industry – A
Marketing Study is available for $15 +$6
p&h. Phone (02) 6272 4819.
More information:
Edith Gomez (07) 4688 1467
But the problem can be controlled and RIRDC has just released a comprehensive video as an information tool for producers to reduce the incidence.
Egg Shell Quality Problems: Causes and Solutions complements the 44-page booklet of the same name released by RIRDC last year. Both utilise the research of Juliet Roberts and Melissa Ball, from the University of New England.
Egg Industry research manager Irene Gorman said the video was produced following strong inquiry from industry for the booklet.
"The video is a valuable diagnostic and management tool that assists egg producers to overcome this common problem," Dr Gorman said.
"It will become an outstanding educational tool for industry, gathering in 16 minutes information from years of research and delivering answers to questions producers will have on their own properties.
"It is one of the ways we are extending information from the Egg Program directly to producers, and also industry professionals like veterinarians."
More information:
Irene Gorman, (02) 9570
9222
Mr Gleeson’s research aimed to identify factors affecting creativity in agricultural research and development.
An extensive literature search was used to describe the nature of creativity, the factors driving people to be creative and the general characteristics of environments conducive to creativity.
"Not surprisingly creativity is dramatically influenced by the motivational state of the creative person and by the people who act as gatekeepers for ideas in relation to particular domains or disciplines," Mr Gleeson says.
Constraining creativity
Focus group discussions across a range of agricultural
R&D situations provided a surprisingly consistent view that creativity
in agricultural R&D is being constrained by:
· Policies governing the funding and direction of agricultural R&D.
· Managerial and administrative procedures.
· Lack of communication, team building and training.
"The project identified five principles for
promoting creativity in agricultural R&D. They are simple principles,
given the complexity of the creative process and of the institutional cultures
within which agricultural R&D operates," Mr Gleeson said.
Goals:Creativity is fostered by setting creativity and productivity goals but not by prescribing R&D processes to attain them.
Bounded Freedom: Creativity is affected by the psychic balance experienced by the researcher or field participant between what she/he seeks to achieve and what the organisation or group desires her/him to achieve.
Recognition:Creativity is enhanced by reward and recognition, if it is experienced as an appreciative and/or informational event and not as a means to control or manipulate.
Social interation: Appropriate peer and social interaction is an essential prerequisite to creativity.
Leadership:The development and communication of insightful organisational visions and leadership help foster creativity.
More information:
Tony Gleeson (07) 3844
2370
Launched last month by former National Party leader Tim Fischer, Heywire is open to people aged 16 - 22, and asks them to contribute a three minute radio documentary about life in regional Australia.
"Heywire is a great opportunity for young people all over the country to have their say and tell the rest of Australia what life is like outside the major cities," Mr Fischer said.
"I urge all young people throughout regional Australia to participate in Heywire and contribute to this important gathering of thoughts and ideas,".
Winners will be chosen from 40 regional locations across the country. Each successful entry will be professionally produced by ABC Radio staff and given national airplay on ABC Local Radio and Triple J over Summer.
In addition, winners will travel to Canberra in February 2000 to attend the Heywire Forum at the Australian Institute of Sport. The aim of the forum is to enhance the capabilities of the participants in the areas of: goal setting, communication, leadership, teamwork skills and idea generation.
Application forms are available through ABC Local Radio stations, ABC Centres, Schools, TAFE colleges, Universities or via the website www.abc.net.au/heywire
Entries close on Friday 17 September 1999.
More information:
Justine McSweeney (02)
9626 1861
The report looks at the reasons why a large group of farmers do not share experts’ belief that they should participate in training about management and marketing. It provides a detailed analysis of the ways in which both male and female farmers learn, by looking at both informal learning, and education and training. The future learning preferences of farmers are also examined. The report concludes by recommending a number of strategies to enhance farmer learning about management and marketing.
1999, 217pp, colour, Pub
no. 99/74
$30 + $8 p&h PURCHASE
ONLINE
Jojoba oil has a wide range of applications, particularly with the cosmetics/personal care industry. This report provides information on the size and scope of the Australian jojoba market; indications of markets overseas, a directory of potential purchasers. It also assesses industry drivers (price, barriers, competitors) and recommends means to maximise market opportunities.
1999, 71 pp, Pub no 99/85
$10 + $6 p&h Purchase
on phone 02 6272 4819 or fax: 02 6272 5877 (must include credit card details)
The Australian Buffalo
Industry - Market Research and Feasibility Study
by J Robertson, I Flack & P Smetana
The Australian buffalo industry is concentrated in the Northern Territory with smaller herds existing in most states. This report examines the availability and development of markets for young buffalo meat and hides, price structures, the role of competitors and the ability of the industry to supply the required product in the processed form as required by the market. It also examines possible meat marketing systems, industry structures and a business plan.
1999, 155 pp, Pub no 99/71
$15 + $6 p&h Purchase
on phone 02 6272 4819 or fax: 02 6272 5877 (must include credit card details)
Development
of Speciality Sheep Milk Dairy Products
by R Bencini
Sheep milking in Australia was started in the 60s by farmers seeking to diversify from the traditional productions of wool and prime lambs. Since then, many enterprises in most states have initiated sheep milking ventures with mixed fortunes. This report identifies, through consultation with industry, issues crucial for the development of a sheep milking industry in Australia and reports on results obtained by the University of Western Australia investigating these issues. Includes Excel software.
1999, 73pp, Pub no 99/69
$15 + $6 p&h Purchase
on phone 02 6272 4819 or fax: 02 6272 5877 (must include credit card details)
View our full range of publications
available for online purchase.
Last updated: 26 August 1999
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