NEW MILK PROCESSING PLANT FOR PENOLA:  A new milk processing facility in Penola that will cost around $60 million dollars, has received a State Government grant to the tune of $2 million dollars, from the Regional Development Fund. The new facility, that will be based at the former Safries site and operated by Midfield Meat International, will produce a range of products including whole milk powder, skim milk powder and cream. Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said with growing demand from the Chinese market as well as other new and established markets, the region is set to become a key supplier globally. The project will mean 34 on-going full time jobs will be created, as well as a further 80 jobs during construction.

GOOD YEAR FORECAST AFTER AVERAGE RAINFALLS:  The region has received an average rainfall over the past month, boosting the confidence of farmers. This good news has come off the back of two of the driest seasons for the area on record. Agronomist Nathan Tink said things are looking promising for a good year, with the recent rainfall increasing germination and improving the vigour of crops. He added that the rapid growth of crops and pastures this season has been helped by not having many frosts or cold nights so far, which cools the soil temperature down and slows growth. Mr Tink said that now that seeding is finishing, we really need a big rainfall event, and then farmers will be really set up. He added that the lack of cold nights has also helped with lambing percentages. The Upper SE’s growing season rainfall runs from April until October and for more info on rainfall averages you can visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s website, www.bom.gov.au.