Bushland clearing threatens species extinctions

 Recent photographic trapping in bushland on our farm at Grantville has demonstrated that native wildlife is threatened by vegetation clearing on land next to our farm, owned by concrete giant, Barro Group. Previous research showed the area is habitat for at least 17 species of mammals/marsupials as well as 140 bird species including powerful owls and wedge tailed eagles, platypus and blackfish live in the Bass River.Widespread destruction of vegetation, clearing the way for sand extraction is likely to annihalate many native species by ripping apart the wildlife corridor identified for protection in the Regional Sand Extraction Strategy Lang Lang to Grantville.

Among the animals shown in the latest research are: Koalas, Black Wallabies, Common Wombats ,Short-beaked Echidnas, Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Mountain Brushtail Possums.This research was undertaken by the Southern Brown Bandicoot Regional Recovery Group. Earlier work was carried out by consultants for the Regional Sand Extraction Strategy in the 1990's and by Friends of Bass Valley Bush Landcare Group in Baseline Studies of Bass River conducted for the Natural Heritage Trust. We have asked Bass Coast Shire why action has not been taken against Barro Group for clear breaches of its planning permit by the wholesale bulldozing of native vegetation right down to the Bass River.

free range farms forced to close in UK

 

Many of the UK’s free-range chicken farms are expected to be shut down at any time. Farms that had been allowing their egg-laying hens access to the outdoors will be forced to keep them locked in sheds because of the threat of avian influenza.

In the past, cases dropped in summer but infections continued this year , with 3.5 million birds culled . Hundreds of thousands of seabirds are also believed to have died from the disease.

Experts believe avian flu is now endemic in wild birds, creating a risk of infection all year round, and has a greater ability to persist in the environment.

Avian flu can be spread through infected body fluids and faeces, or via contaminated feed, bedding and water – and even vehicles, clothing and footwear. experts also point out that the movement of birds or eggs and other material between poultry farms as a source of infection. It is the close confinement of chickens that allows the disease to spread quickly so hens in Australia on genuine low-density free range farms are not likely to encounter problems. Intensive ‘free range’ farms maximising production to supply supermarkets are the problem.

Cost increases threaten egg farms in UK and Australia

 Many British farmers are losing money on every egg they produce. Losses increased in recent weeks following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some farmers are cutting production, rather than face the loss of their farms.

Feed cost increases are a major factor, adding 25p-30p per dozen on top of general increases.

Rising production costs are also impacting egg farms here in Australia, but, thankfully, not yet to the same extent as in the UK.

Government 'Time thieves' at it again

 

so-called Daylight saving (Eastern Summer Time)  started today. Hard to believe that anyone thinks it's a good idea. Time marches on at the same pace whatever governments decree! Politicians just like to delude themselves and bully all of us. They are a waste of space.

The concept of daylight saving has been controversial since its inception. Winston Churchill suggested that it enlarged "the opportunities for the pursuit of health and happiness among millions of people." Retailers, sports, and tourist businesses have historically favoured it while farmers and some religious groups have always opposed it.