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Farmanco Facts - November 2024

Farmanco consultants who’ve contributed to the November 2024 edition of Farmanco Facts are Mike Monaghan, David Cameron, and Holly Mackie.

 

Glenn Briggs of Aglytica and Justyna Balowska of Byfields Business Advisors have also contributed.

 

Contact your nearest Farmanco Consultant if you’re looking to engage a professional adviser for your business and your annual production data will be included in the annual benchmarking series.

 

Farmanco Facts can be subscribed to via our website store, by calling our Rivervale (WA) office (08) 9295 0940 or emailing subscribe@farmanco.com.au.

 

Asbestos Considerations for Farmers

Mike Monaghan (Farm Management Consultant)   

  • Asbestos can cause a number of deadly diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen) and asbestosis (stiffening of the lungs).

  • Asbestos can be found in many products in and around farm buildings constructed prior to 1990.

  • There are guidelines around the handling of asbestos.

  • Farmers who think they may have been exposed to asbestos should arrange periodic screenings to monitor their health and be aware of the warning signs.

  • As employers, farmers have responsibilities around asbestos under Occupational Health and Safety laws.

 

It is important that farmers understand and manage the risks and implications of potential exposure to asbestos around the farm, or anywhere.


 

 

Update on Managing Smut Diseases

David Cameron (Agronomist)

  • The main smut diseases are loose smut in barley and flag smut in wheat.

  • Late foliar fungicide sprays can lower smut infection in seed.

  • SDHI fungicide seed treatments are more effective than triazoles, but they need to be applied well.

  • There has been an improvement in the application methods of seed treatments.

  

Smut is a disease characterised by black/brown masses of spores that infect the seed or emerging seedlings. Loose smut in barley and flag smut in wheat are the most common of these diseases. Understanding if the disease is inside the seed (internal) or outside the seed (external) is useful for knowing if the disease is soil borne and can be spread by machinery.


 

 

Understanding On-Farm Accommodation & Tax Implications

Justyna Balowska (Byfields Business Advisers)

  • It’s essential to understand the tax implications of on-farm accommodation to maximise your benefits and stay compliant.

  • There are three independent tax acts that must be considered.

  • This article explains some example scenarios and the corresponding tax implications.

  • For tailored advice, consult your accountant

 

On-farm accommodation is a hot topic for many of our clients. Whether you’re housing workers, family members, looking to diversify your income through agritourism, or providing a benefit to secure a workforce, it’s important to understand the tax implications to maximise your benefits and stay compliant with tax laws.

 

 

The Buzz around Biologicals

Holly Mackie (Agronomist)

  • Be open to new biologicals coming onto the market but also understand that they may not benefit all farming systems.

  • Leading chemical companies are eager to bring new biologicals to the Australian market.


There are three main types of biologicals: biostimulants, biofertilisers and biocontrols. Although some commonly used inputs such as rhizobia inoculants, compost and manures can be considered biologicals, most biological products recently entering the market exist under the blanket label of snake oils.

 

 

CashPeek: Turning Dread into Anticipation

Glenn Briggs (Aglytica)

  • Managing finances is a critical aspect of running an agricultural business.  

  • CashPeek is easy to use farm budgeting software.

  • CashPeek is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for farmers of all skill levels to navigate.

  • Integration with XERO and MYOB Accounting software allows farmers to easily connect and gain a comprehensive view of their financial situation.


CashPeek is a low cost, yet powerful piece of software designed to make managing finances a breeze.

 

Farmanco Facts App for iOS devices (see below).



 

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