The Rural News

National Rural News Tuesday October 28 In today's National Rural News: Drought pressures persist in Southern NSW, worms being used to fight invasive beetle which could threaten the horticulture sector, probe launched into regional airfares -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found managed grazing practices on farm can help boost soil carbon levels. The study from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development analysed the the long term trends of soil carbon across a range of grazing systems. It found paddocks which were rested for around two months had significantly higher levels than those with continuous grazing. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Pastures Research Leader Dr Warwick Badgery about the research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday October 27 In today's National Rural News: Fears deadly strain of bird flu is inching closer to Australia, a boom in pear exports, weather hampers strawberry supplies -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new export marketing strategy for Australian pears is being hailed a success. Hort Innovation has partnered with distributors in New Zealand and Canada to boost shipments of the fruit. Total export volumes increased by 80%, to more than 60 000 cases shipped. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Hort Innovation Spokeswoman Lynda Pallone about the campaignSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday October 24 In today's National Rural News: Dairy input costs ease slightly but remain elevated, livestock market becomes more volatile, concerns about a proposal to reduce rural speed limits -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report has found the livestock markets has grown increasingly volatile in recent years. Rabobank says the scale and frequency of swings in sheep and cattle prices has intensified in the past decade. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Senior Analyst Angus Gidley Baird about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday October 23 In today's National Rural News: New data on live sheep exports as ban looms, renewed calls for free meat safety inspector tafe courses, changes to biosecurity funding in NSW -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

African nations are stepping in to plug the gap in the live sheep market. Live sheep exports from Somalia have grown to $979 million in value last year. A ban on the live trade by sea will come into effect in Australia in May 2028. Exporters say there is growing uncertainty for sheep producers, with no shipments being sent this financial year. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Livestock Exporters Council Chief Executive Mark Harvey-Sutton about the situationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday October 22 In today's National Rural News: 30 hours a week guarantee on the PALM scheme walked back, renewed calls for drought support in Southern NSW, embattled regional airline finds a buyer -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government has walked back plans forcing employers to offer some workers a guaranteed 30 hours of work on farms. The requirement of 30 hours of work a week for PALM workers was due to be rolled out in April. But the federal government will now require an average of 30 hours over four weeks. The National Farmers Federation is welcoming the changes. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Workplace Relations General Manager Michael Pyres about the shift.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday October 21 In today's National Rural News: Fresh reminders to be on alert for bird flu, bumper winter grain harvest forecast, are fodder prices about to drop? -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is tipped to harvest a larger winter grain crop this year, according to new analysis. Rabobank forecasts the total volume to reach more than 62 million tonnes, up 6.4% on the year prior. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Head of RaboResearch Stefan Vogel about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday October 20 In today's National Rural News: Suppliers urged to have their say on their relationship with supermarkets, SA producers urge the state government to get the ball rolling on virtual fencing, the NFF welcomes a new president -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australian Producers are urging the new environment minister to make virtual fencing among her top priorities. Lucy Hood has taken over the portfolio from Susan Close, who has retired from politics. The livestock industry has been waiting for regulation since February. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Livestock SA Chairwoman Gillian Fennell about the issueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday October 17 In today's National Rural News: Farmers concern over conservationist's push for environmental sustainability practices for food security strategy, NSW farmers push back against proposed transmission lines through their properties, grape producers second best season on record -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures suggest Australian table grape producers have achieved their second best season on record. 230 thousand metric tonnes were produced last year -- a 20 percent increase on the year prior. Domestic consumption and export demand for Australian table grapes have both grown over the past year. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Rabobank Analyst Pia Piggot about the figuresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday October 16 In today's National Rural News: SA Government calls for apology from state opposition, grain growers facing difficult decisions on crops, a new way to prepare farmers for climate change -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new virtual reality platform has been launched to help farmers better prepare for adverse weather events. The 'Your Season, Your Success' immersive platform has been developed by Start Beyond. It allows producers to virtually run trial and error on various climate strategies before implementing them on farm. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Start Beyond Chief Executive and Co-founder Angus Stevens about the technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday October 15 In today's National Rural News: Federal Opposition welcomes backdown on super tax, 16 million dollars in funding for SA aquaculture businesses, raising awareness about the barriers to rural education -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advocates are raising awareness about the barriers facing children trying to access education in rural Australia. The Isolated Children's Parents Association is launching Rural and Remote Education Day. They're asking everyone to wear red in support of the campaign. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with I-C-P-A President Louise Martin about the importance of the campaignSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday October 14 In today's National Rural News: Farmland values plateau in 2025, government backs down on contentious changes to super, banana industry continues to pushback against imports from the Philippines -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures show farmland values across the nation have continued to plateau in the first half of the year. According to the latest report from Bendigo Bank Agribusiness, the median price of farmland fell to $9 885 a hectare. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with Senior Agricultural Analyst Sean Hickey about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday October 13 In today's National Rural News: Farmer concerns over agribusiness merger, extra biosecurity measures to protect bees in SA, more Australian blueberries bound for Vietnam -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Producers believe the merger of two major agribusiness could lead to less competition. Elders' $475 million takeover of Delta Agribusiness has been given the go-ahead by the ACCC. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with New South Wales Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon about her concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Agribusiness takeover approved, dairy farm profitability falls, supporting young station workers -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new mentorship program is helping station workers cope with the challenges of life on remote properties. The Kelpie Concept connects workers across Australia with mentors who understand the pressures of long days and isolation. Many of those starting work on stations have just finished school, and for some it is the first time they are away from their families. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with Kelpie Concept founder Bebe Manns about the program. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian scientists have developed a word-first beetle lure for managing almond crops without pesticides. The new trap uses pheromones and yeast scents to attract the almond beetle, which causes millions in crop damage each year. Trials in the Sunraysia region show it can cut damage by around 60 per cent. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with Senior Research Scientist Dr Samantha Edlley about the development. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Tougher weed killer on the cards for farmers, a positive yield forecast for cotton growers, Aussie bananas get the spotlight-- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australian farmers are uniting to raise awareness around the importance of mental wellbeing in times of uncertainty. The Weather it Together campaign encourages farmers to focus on what they can control, stay connected, and ask for help when needed. Producers say while the rain has returned, the emotional toll of recent dry years will take longer to recover from. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with Weather it Together Founder Kate Gunn. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Regional authorities warn progress across key living areas is slowing, renewables put under the rural microscope, QLD's primary industries forecast record growth-- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Regional Australia Institute warns people outside of metropolitan areas are facing large gaps in liveability outcomes. It's urging national leaders and policymakers to commit to '40 for the regions,' with research showing 40 percent of city dwellers considering a move. Rural reporter Brady Evans spoke with RAI Chief Executive Liz Ritchie. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: producers boosted by UAE trade, transforming NT soil to yield crops, beekeepers to have their say -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trial is underway to improve soil health and boost crop resilience in the Northern Territory. Researchers are using a tool to incorporate organic matter into the subsoil, allowing it to slowly release. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with University of Queensland Associate Professor Yash Dang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: the effect of the US government shutdown on agriculture, national sheep flock declines, pulse prices fall -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shutdown of the U-S government could have a broader effect on the agriculture industry. The country's Department of Agriculture has suspended its suite of crop and livestock reports while the shutdown is in effect. These are used by many across the globe. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with Episode Three Analyst Andrew Whitelaw about the shut down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Fire warnings across Queensland, hike in water prices in New South Wales, concerns over a mango disease -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Fire warnings across Queensland, hike in water prices in New South Wales, concerns over a mango disease -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Producers praise Australia's organics trade deal with India, new government funding ensures more local clubs have access to AEDs, the future of regional road safety -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More community sport hubs will soon have access to life-saving defibrillators in NSW. The Minns Labor Government is injecting $500,000 into an AED grants and research program, including a new defibrillator mapping system. Nearly 200 clubs have already been accepted for grant funding - the majority, in regional areas. Rural Reporter, Toby Gough, spoke with the Heartbeat of Football Foundation's Director, Mark Falvo, about the move. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Wool market sees 'record-run' of price rises, Australia and India sign major organics agreement, a warning for interstate feral pig control -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government has struck a deal to allow Australian organic growers to send more produce to India. A Mutual Recognition Agreement has been signed by the Australian and Indian governments. This means the countries will now recognise each other's organics systems as 'equivalent' for several products. Rural Reporter, Dusty Fitzpatrick, spoke with Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins, about the move. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: New report into the country's chicken meat industry, potential changes to New South Wales water allocations, breeding plants to work better with robots -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Times when irrigators can take water from eleven inland rivers would be slashed under a New South Wales government plan. The proposal to rewrite Water Sharing Schemes follows a report which flagged poor ecological health in the Murray Darling Basin. Rural Reporter Katie Fuller spoke with river ecologist Professor Richard Kingsford about the proposal. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: supporting the regions through the renewable energy transition, horse stolen from a Dubbo property, fire ant review welcomed -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A report has found coordinated action is needed to support the nation's transition to renewable energy. The Regional Australia Institute is pushing for a national framework, to coordinate investment for local projects. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with Chief Executive Liz Ritchie about the report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: the potential cost of an invasive beetle outbreak, calls for more flexible kangaroo control measures, farmers warn about social media snaps in canola fields -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are raising concerns about the frequency of wind turbine failures in the country. More than a dozen turbines at a wind farm in the New South Wales central west have been shut down, after a blade snapped in a storm. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick with Monash University Professor Amin Heidarpour. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: The Senate Inquiry into South Australia's harmful algal bloom concludes in Canberra, a new treatment measure is on the horizon for PFAS-contaminated waters, farmers plea with the QLD Government to keep shooting permits -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new magnetic resin could soon be used to strip out dangerous PFAS chemicals in water ways. Queensland University scientists have developed the technology, which traps the substances in sewerage for safe treatment. Rural Reporter, Toby Gough, spoke with Project lead, Dr. Cheng Zhang, about the breakthrough. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: 'Rural Generalist' - formally recognised as a specialist medical field, warnings for potential parasitic worm activity in NSW, a honey bee genetic improvement program begins its first trials -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Rural Generalist' has been recognised as a specialist medical field within the country's healthcare system. RGs are General Practitioners with additional training in emergency medicine and other disciplines. The recognition follows six years of lobbying by the RACGP. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with the college's Vice President Doctor Ramya Ramen about the move: Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.