by S Salvin. M Bourke and A Byrne (eds)
Information about 69 new plant crops, written by a team of experts. Examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for each industry. Contains information about: markets; varieties; production & handling; and prices & costs.

Searchable PDF format Includes Acrobat Reader software, and active financial model spreadsheets for several crops.

2004, Pub No CD04002

by Sonya Begg

This booklet describes possible techniques for production of edible snails, based on information from the International Snail Farming Institute and the International Conference of Snail Farmers in Italy. It includes an assessment alternative methods of mass production of edible snails – ‘pasture production’ or ‘free-range’. The booklet explains the fundamentals of the Italian method of ‘pasture production’. Such a system would be an alternative to the current labour intensive and time-consuming production systems.

14pgs

by R Ashby

The economies of scale of a viable business are often directly related to the return on capital achieved – with bigger businesses tending to achieve higher returns.  Nearly half of all farm business generate farm cash income of less than a living income. Many of these farm businesses would improve their financial situation by leasing land and investing some of the income into land improvements. This option is especially attractive when it allows for the land to be managed in a sustainable manner. This book aims to identify the circumstances under which leasing farm land represents a suitable form of business expansion, with both financial and environmental benefits.  It examines how leased land can be managed in a sustainable manner that is fair to both landowner and tenant. The report includes a case study illustrating these principles with practical, real-world examples.

104 pages

Reviews horse feeding in Australia and provides guidelines for horse owners of all breeds and uses. Provides an understanding of how a horse digests its food, its daily needs, and how to feed to maximise the performance and pleasure gained from horses.

242 pages

by H Cleugh

Trees and shrubs planted as windbreaks can boost crop and livestock production, and reduce soil erosion, as well as providing environmental and other benefits. The National Windbreaks Program, a five year project  involving scientists from State governments, universities and CSIRO, was the most comprehensive study of windbreaks so far undertaken anywhere in the world. Field research at sites across Australia’s grain and livestock growing belts provided large amounts of valuable data. In addition, a predictive capacity was developed to generalise and interpret the results from the field trials. This book was draws on the National Windbreaks Program findings and subsequent research to explain how windbreaks work, their effects on productivity; and how to design and maintain an effective windbreak system.

76 pages

By J Humphries et al

This publication, prepared by the Centre for International Economics (CIE) on behalf of RIRDC and WWF, discusses perverse agricultural subsidies and how they can be addressed.

Reforming agricultural subsidies means solving a political problem – there are powerful political forces that resist the required reform. This book highlights the environmental benefits from reform and attempts to draw out the coalition of interests between groups promoting economic

development and those dedicated to protecting the environment, to articulate a way to meaningful change.

80 pages

by P Kenyon et al.

Contains a report (volume 1) and manual (volume 2) designed to assist others to learn from the experiences of 14 Australian towns of populations less than 3,000. The manual provides information sheets, development tools and a wide range of resources to help rural communities develop strategies appropriate to their own situations.

2 Books

Edited by R. Stirzaker, R. Vertessy and A. Sarre

Dryland salinity presents a great challenge to Australian agriculture. This book draws on new and existing research to show how trees can be used successfully to combat salinity while also providing farmers with income. It gives an insight into catchment hydrology, how this might vary between catchments, and why it must be understood for successful salinity management. And it explains how to determine the best location, arrangement and management of trees for both watertable control and tree growth. Written by a team of hydrologists, plant physiologists and foresters, Trees, water and salt presents state-of-the-art scientific knowledge in a form that is useable by people on the ground.

168 pages

by C Pollitt, PhD

All people who have horses have heard of laminitis. It is the second biggest killer of horses after colic. When laminitis strikes, it can be heartbreaking for the horse and owner. Sometimes euthanasia is the only responsible option. This book includes the latest research on the management and prevention of this serious condition and has been compiled Dr Chris Pollit from the Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit.

99 pages

By F. Benecke

This publication represents a snapshot of the beekeeping industry at the beginning of the third millennium. It describes the physical and cultural environment in which beekeeping is undertaken and describes production methods commonly employed by beekeepers.

86 pages

By Lisa Robbins

Provides information to farm managers, advisers and catchment/landcare facilitators on how to gain both economic and environmental outcomes from riparian land.  The potential uses of riparian land are outlined, together with management principles and practices.  A summary of the research underpinning these principles and practices is provided to support on-farm decision-making with the best available information.  It mainly draws on information about southern Australia, but can be adapted for use more broadly.

44 pages

By D. Somerville

The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) was first formally identified in NSW in October 2002 and declared endemic in November 2002.It was identified in 1998 in Florida, USA and has been extensively studied by the American scientific community. This report presents information collected from the USA by an industry study group to help determine what course of action is required to manage the beetles within Australia and what areas of future research could be considered.

69 pages

by Genevieve Carruthers

This publication is Part One of a two part series dealing with environmental management systems in agriculture. It records interviews conducted with over 40 farmers and farm managers in Australia and New Zealand. Some have adopted a recognised EMS process using the specifications of the internationally recognised Standard for EMS, ISO 14001. Others used less formal approaches. Benefits and costs are diverse, as are motivations for adopting environmental management approaches. All those interviewed have made progress in addressing the environmental issues they face in managing their farms.

255 pages

These are the new champions of the bush: 30 outstanding Australians who, through their industry business enterprises, vision and perseverence, are making a significant contribution to rural and regional Australia. They have been selected by their peers for their success, support and contribution to their industries. this book details their trials, tribulations, motivations and successes. Each is an outstanding example of bush spirit.

220 pages