A cattle producer from the north west has been elected as the new chairman of Meat and Livestock Australia.
Rob Anderson, who farms at Mullaley south west of Gunnedah, replaces Don Heatley who has been at the helm of MLA for six years.
Mr Anderson has previously held positions with the Cattle Council of Australia, National Farmers' Federation and New South Wales Farmers' Association.
He says there are a lot of challenges ahead.
Twenty cattle producers in the north west are taking part in a pilot project to determine how prevalent buffalo fly is in the region.
A rise in the number of cases last summer has prompted the program, which is being run by the Livestock Health and Pest Authority.
It will examine whether the distribution of the pest is changing and if it is becoming more tolerant to the southern climate.
The senior district vet with the North West LHPA Shaun Slattery says it is now considered to be the third worst cattle disease in Australia.
The mining industry doesn't do much by half measure and that is certainly the case with its machinery.
The dump truck plays a big part in mine operation.
Mike Pritchard takes you on site at the Mt Arthur coal mine at Muswellbrook, where truck driver Glen Pennell explains the role of the giants of the pit.
* A workshop for beef producers is being held at Yarrowitch, November 24.
It'll focus on live assessment skills, managing bloat and grazing spring pastures.
Call Alistair Rayner at the Tamworth DPI for more information - 67 63 1266.
* A series of workshops on dung beetles, buffalo fly and pestivirus is being held by local Landcare groups.
The first is at Tenterfield, November the 28th.
They're also being held at Delungra, Dundee, Woolbrook.
Call your local Landcare office for more information.
* The DPI is holding two information days looking at the opportunities and challenges of a changing world.
The first is in Barraba on Wednesday, followed by Guyra on Thursday.
Call Jenny Croft at the DPI to book. 0429 446 417.
* The DPI is holding a workshop on managing land for carbon in Armidale, November 28th.
It'll provide an update on the new legislation and explain how and where to build carbon.
Only 15 places are available - call 66 722 770.