The Rural News

National Rural News Tuesday July 15 In today's National Rural News: Report into grape and wine sector handed down, renewed call for action on the major supermarkets, slow rebuild in flood ravaged outback Queensland -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wine and grape sector is welcoming the findings of a review into its commercial and market practices. The probe has been looking at the relationship between growers, winemakers and retailers. It's found there are significant power imbalances in the supply chain and is recommending a mandatory purchasing code of conduct. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Grape and Wine Chief Executive Lee McLean about the findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday July 14 In today's National Rural News: Farmers question decisions allowing Lactalis and Fonterra merger, staff shortages in the meat processing sector, South Australian communities cut off by floodwaters -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dairy farmers are raising concerns about plans to merge operations at two major dairy companies. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has approved French company Lactalis' bid to accquire Fonterra's consumer, dairy ingredients and food service businesses. Both companies purchase and process raw milk from dairy farmers in Victoria and Tasmania. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Dairy Farmers President Ben Bennett, who says he's 'perplexed' by the decisionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday July 11 In today's National Rural News: Lactalis and Fonterra given the go ahead to merge operations, Bega to close its peanut processing plants, tracking on-farm fatalities and deaths in real time -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telstra mobile towers across the nation are being upgraded or replaced to better accommodate the 5G network. The series of upgrades and new construction projects will be rolled out over the next 12 months. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Telstra Regional General Manager for Northern New South Wales Michael Marom about the work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday July 10 In today's National Rural News: Beef exports smash records...again, concerns about new accreditation for EU trade, fears truck wash closure leaves Victoria wide open to biosecurity threats -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cattle producers are being reminded from next year, there is an additional step to be accredited for trade in the European Union market. From January 1st, producers will need to prove the geo-location of their cattle through their entire lifespan to meet the EU's Deforestation Regulation. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Meat Industry Council Chief Executive Tim Ryan about a slow take up in geo-location tracking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday July 9 In today's National Rural News: Government continues to push for US tariff carve out, vegetable growers to discuss the issues plaguing the horticulture sector, broadacre productivity weakens -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report shows productivity on broadacre farms has slowed in the past year. The latest productivity estimates from the Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences suggest the drop is due to hot and dry conditions affecting cropping regions in Western Australia. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with ABARES Executive Director Jared Greenville about the figuresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday July 8 In today's National Rural News: Cautious optimism in the agriculture sector, new report suggests US tariffs will have a mixed affect on the economy, back pay win for regional SA supermarket workers -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New South Wales state government will extend income and other support payments for commercial prawn fishers affected by White Spot. White Spot is an infection affecting crustaceans. The disease doesn't pose a risk to food safety or human health so it is safe for human consumption. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with the state's Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty about the fundingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday July 7 In today's National Rural News: Multi-million dollar drought relief package for Victorian farmers, Flooded NSW farmers get 'category d' funding, South Australian dairy company relocating -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian farmers struggling with drought are being given access to a further 75 million dollars in financial relief. The money will be targeted in the southwest, with nearly 36 million dollars to fund local government rebates. A range of other measures, like food and grocery support and mental health initiatives are also being included. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking about the packageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday July 4 In today's National Rural News: Scientists develop virtual model of flood prone NSW river catchment, another fire ant nest detected on the NSW Mid North Coast, modern technology used to identify pests and pathogens on coffee berry crops -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research is aiming to use modern technology to save coffee crops from insects and pathogens. The global coffee industry suffered a loss of more than one billion dollars in 2023 as a result of the coffee berry borer. Researchers at Edith Cowan University has used image processing software captured by drones to identify the insect. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Project lead Dr David Cook about how it benefits the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday July 3 In today's National Rural News: Flood affected NSW farmers call for an increase in funding, new research sows fire ants forage even in winter, charity hosts community barbeque for flood ravaged Outback Queensland -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frustration is growing, as dairy framers on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast call for increased flood recovery funding. For the past month producers have been calling for Category D funding, which would increase current grants from 25 to 75 thousand dollars. The state government has put in a request to the commonwealth for the funding to be made accessible. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with New South Wales Farmers Association Dairy Committee Chairman Mal Holm about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday July 2 In today's National Rural News: Prime Minister flags new meeting date for meeting with US President, NSW Dairy farmers frustrations grow as wait for funding continues, a dip in avocado production -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A deer control group in Victoria is urging the state government to classify deer as a feral pest. Dry conditions as the state battles drought is forcing the animals closer to farmland for food. And the Victorian Deer Control Community Network is urging for the animal to be reclassified. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Executive Officer Peter Jacobs about the calls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday July 1 In today's National Rural News: Trade high on the agenda as Foreign Minister heads to the United States, Cattle industry dumps net-zero by 2030 ambitions, fodder prices expected to remain high for months to come -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cattle industry has dumped its plans to reach net-zero emissions by the end of the decade. The target was adopted in 2019..but the Red Meat Advisory Group Council says it is not feasible. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Independent Chairman John McKillop about why the target was walked back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 30 In today's National Rural News: Three year investigation uncovers labour law breaches, farmers pushback against proposed changes to superannuation taxes, eID take up six months on from mandatory roll out -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheep producers are impressed with the take up of electronic identification tags for sheep and goats -- six months on from a mandatory roll out. Farmers say the tags have been a great benefit to their business and operations. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Sheep Producers Australia Chief Executive Bonnie Skinner about the roll out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday June 27 In today's National Rural News: Working from home a major drawcard for regional living, NHVR report warns of increased levels of fatigue in truck drivers, egg producers hit back at caged poultry disease claims -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report shows work from home is becoming a major drawcard for people considering a tree change. A survey by the Regional Australia Institute shows two in five city dwellers are considering a move to the regions and half say they'd continue their current job in a remote or hybrid capacity. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with RAI Chief Executive Liz Ritchie who says it's a great opportunity for regional communitiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday June 26 In today's National Rural News: Concerns about mobile outage in Queensland's Western Downs, reactions to NSW and Queensland state budgets, could Shepparton be home to the next giant fruit landmark? -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Nationals are calling on the government to expand The Universal Service Obligation to ensure regional towns have reliable access to the mobile network. An outage in Queensland's Western Downs as Telstra rebuilds the main tower is expected to last until next week. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Nationals Leader David Littleproud, who says it's both a safety and economic concernSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday June 25 In today's National Rural News: 33 interested parties in the embattled Whyalla Steelworks, Victorian diary production drops, freight costs for fodder covered by charity -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New South Wales Nationals are lashing the state budget, saying it's leaving the regions behind. 140 million dollars has been earmarked for strengthening biosecurity as a pre-budget announcement. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with State Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders about what he would have liked to see in the budget. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 24 In today's National Rural News: Farmers lash claims of illegal land clearing, calls for better river management to improve oyster quality in NSW, South Australian landholders accessing drought support -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers are rubbishing claims from a leading conservation group saying thousands of hectares of native bushland have been illegally cleared to make way for farmland. The Australian Conservation Foundation used satellite images to compare 90 thousand hectares of native bushland, alleging the land has been cleared across 176 properties over a five year period. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke, who says the claims are baseless.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 23 In today's National Rural News: Beef producer confidence rises, West Australian hay donated to drought hit South Australian farmers, flooded NSW farmers rally for better recovery funding -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beef producers are confident their businesses are stable, amid shifting domestic and global conditions. The latest Beef Producers intentions survey shows sentiment has strengthened overall, but northern producers have recorded the highest confidence levels. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Meat and Livestock Australia Market Information Analyst Emily Tan about the survey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday June 20 In today's National Rural News: Shearers open to video surveillance, Invasive beetle deemed not technically feasible to eradicate, tractor sales dip to lowest level in 5 years -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shearers say they are in favour of video surveillance being used in sheds, if it's voluntary. The issue has been raised at the industry's annual conference after alleged shearer cruelty was identified in New Zealand earlier this year. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Shearing Contractors Association Chief Executive Jason Letchford, who says a mandate isn't feasible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday June 19 In today's National Rural News: Donated Hay being delivered to three drought affected South-West Victorian shires, live cattle exports reaching six year high, dairy farmers urged to 'shop around' processors -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drought hit South-West Victorian farmers are being offered a lifeline, as the struggle sourcing fodder worsens. Charity Need for Feed will deliver at least 30 trucks of hay to farmers in the worst affected shires of Moyne, Corangamite and Colac Otway. Volunteer drivers will collect the hay from as far north as Tamworth in New South Wales next month. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Need for Feed Chairman Graham Cockerell about the initiativeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday June 18 In today's National Rural News: Lower council rates for Bendigo farmers, sheep and wool industries call for clarity on transition package, how technology is being used to improve flooding information and response -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers in Bendigo will soon be paying cheaper council rates. City of Greater Bendigo councillors have voted in favour of a 10% decrease in the rate paid by farmers. It means landholders in the region will pay just 65% of the general rate in a bid to mitigate some pressures from the Emergency Services Levy Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Mayor Angela Metcalf about the decisionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 17 In today's National Rural News: Bird flu outbreak in Victoria ends, NSW government defends rollout of flooding financial relief, fears water buy backs are hampering dairy production -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers warn milk production could drop by up to 15 percent in some regions, if water buybacks on the murray Darling Basin continue. A report from Dairy Australia warns the buyback scheme would strip dairy farms of vital water supplies if it is not immediately halted. Producers say the report is the evidence backing up their concerns when the scheme was first announced. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with the New South Wales Farmers Association Dairy Committee Chairman Malcolm Holm about the report and what it means for the sectorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 16 In today's National Rural News: Biosecurity boost for NSW, streamline process for fodder permits in Victoria, elevated berry prices a result of weather extremes -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Queensland State Government has launched a parliamentary committee to examine the future of bio-fuels. The Inquiry will look at ways to unlock new investments and identify regulatory barriers. It will also investigate the role the sugar industry will play. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Canegrowers Australia Chief Executive Dan Galligan about the probe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday June 13 In today's National Rural News: Caravan manufacturer facing legal action, concerns about the level of recovery funding on the NSW Mid North Coast, biosecurity risks of agisting cattle -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers are being reminded to have a biosecurity plan in place if they're considering agisitng cattle. Disease, pests and parasites can be introduced to the herd when they're parked or agisted. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Agriculture Victoria spokesman Richard Smith about the ways to protect stockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday June 12 In today's National Rural News: Dry conditions grips Tasmanian farms, EU trade deal inching closer, a dip in farmer confidence in NSW-- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers in parts of Tasmania are experiencing the driest conditions in 120 years. The North-West has seen the driest summer to autumn period on record. But some producers are feeling better equipped to handle it than last year. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with TasFarmers Drought Resilience Coordinator Sophie Folder about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday June 11 In today's National Rural News: Northern Territory cattle producers dealt a blow in their quest for compensation, new mobile coverage service for rural Australia, South Australian abattoir to close its doors -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telstra is launching the first direct to satellite text messaging service, to benefit farmers and rural Australians not covered by land-based networks. The service is limited to Samsung Galaxy S25 handset devices -- but an expansion is on the way Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Telstra Technology Engagement Executive Channa Seneviratne about the service. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 10 In today's National Rural News: Victorian farmers finally see rain, Industry raising the alarm about US beef potentially being allowed back on supermarket shelves, formal talks for free-trade with with European Union re-start -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.