The Rural News

National Rural News Tuesday June 23 In today's National Rural News: Investigations into the spread of H5N1 bird flu, China's import quota filled, fertiliser supply docks in Brisbane -- 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.

Australian beef bound for China will now incur a 55 percent tariff, after an import quota was filled. Some cargo already in transit before the limit was reached will now be subject to the duty. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Global Agritrends Meat and Livestock Analyst Simon Quilty about what adjustments the sector has made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 22 In today's National Rural News: Deadly strain of bird flu detected in wild birds, US-Iran peace talks stall, farmers reiterate their opposition to water buybacks on the Murray Darling Basin -- 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.

Farmers say the money being used for the federal government's water buybacks on the Murray Darling Basin could be better spent The National Farmers Federation is reiterating its opposition to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, after the federal government announced it had secured 430 million dollars worth of water. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with Water Committee Chairman Malcolm Holm about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Fertiliser relief in sight as the U.S and Iran sign peace deal, farmer confidence hits record low, QLD beef producers under scrutiny -- 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.

Farmer confidence has plummeted to its lowest recorded level in 20 years. Research from Rabobank shows 58% of Australian farmers had a negative outlook for the next 12 months. Soaring input costs are being put to blame as a result of the Middle East conflict, with the recent peace deal showing small signs of relief. Rural Editor Emily Minney spokes with Rabobank's Country Banking Executive Marcel van Doremaele about the trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Calls for an extension to the fuel excise, more funding to address Lumpy Skin Disease, what does the future of the agriculture sector look like? -- 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.

Farmers are raising concerns about the federal government's decision to move to full cost recovery on agricultural exports. Since 2023, Labor has had support measures in place to bridge the gap between what farmers pay and what regulation costs. But from next July, farmers will begin paying more, as part of a phased roll out. The National Farmers Federation warns businesses could re-consider its export participation, and young workers could be deterred from the sector. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Mike Guerin about the industry's concerns. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 16 In today's National Rural News: Strait of Hormuz to formally reopen on Friday, sugar mills expected to come back online next week, a parasite spreading through Texas - 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.

Experts say Australia's cattle industry is not at risk, as a parasite spreads through the United States. A dozen cases of New World Screwworm have been detected in cattle in Texas. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Global Agritrends Meat and Livestock Analyst Simon Quilty, to get a better understanding of the situation and how it could influence Australia's cattle industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 15 In today's National Rural News: Peace deal reached in Middle East conflict, export fees on the rise, nitrogen fertiliser prices soften- 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 popular brand of Australian apples has hit Chinese supermarket shelves. Soluna Apples, known as Bravo Apples in Australia, are being sold in premium grocers on China's mainland. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with WA Farm Direct General Manager Elliot Jones about the milestone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday June 11 In today's National Rural News: Beef exports to China slow, port security fees nearly triple, cherry growers celebrated after strong season - 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.

Farmer confidence is on the rise, after a late autumn break helped boost soil moisture levels ahead of a predicted El Nino. The latest Bendigo Bank Commodities Insights has also production costs continue to bite. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Senior Manager of Industry Insights Eliza Redfern to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday June 10 In today's National Rural News: Global beef supply to tighten, additional fertiliser and diesel bound for Australia, a looming pollination crisis - 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.

Global beef production is tipped to fall more than 2% this year, but experts say that's good news for the Australian industry. A new report from Rabobank shows Australia's beef sector is expected to continue its strong production and export levels as the U.S, China and Brazil all brace for a dip in production. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Rabobank's Angus Gidley-Baird about what it means for Australia's beef industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 9 In today's National Rural News: New resource to help suppliers navigate relationships with retailers, new research to safeguard fertiliser supply long term, potential new way to manage feral pests - 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.

Researchers are trying to decipher a "hidden language" in fox urine to better control the pests. There are an estimated 1.7 million foxes in Australia, responsible for the deaths of millions of livestock and native animals. A joint venture between Charles Sturt University and the New South Wales Environmental Trust is hoping to use the animals urine to make management more effective. Rural Reporter Chris McCarthy caught up with research lead Doctor Anke Frank about the study. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Red meat exports to the Middle East have begun to rebound, as tensions in the region continue. Shipments have nearly doubled since the Iran conflict broke out three months ago, but still remain almost half the volumes from this time last year. Experts say a lack of demand from tourists in the region is largely responsible, not just the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Elders analyst Richard Koch about the trendsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday June 5 In today's National Rural News: Beef exporters are on the verge of losing access to the Chinese markets, the hail risk to winter crops, the risk of new U-S tariffs - 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.

National Rural News Thursday June 4 In today's National Rural News: Farmers react to wage increase, cotton prices reach two year high, SA and Victoria leading the way in cattle producer confidence - 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.

Wine industry representatives are calling for the federal government to halt tax changes announced the budget. Taylors Wines is threatening to take its operations overseas, arguing a minimum 30% tax on discretionary trusts and capital gains will hamper their ability to be competitive. While the nation's largest retail liquor network Endeavour Group has announced it will step away from producing wine and sell key vineyards and a bottling facility. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Australian Grape and Wine Chief Executive Lee McLean about the struggles within the sectorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday June 3 In today's National Rural News: Trade tensions, looming tariffs and seasonal conditions weigh heavily on the cattle sector, drone designed to look like a falcon now being trailled in Queensland, demand for CCTV on South Australian farms soars - 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.

Looming tariffs, trade shifts and seasonal conditions are adding uncertainty to the beef sector. ANZ's Winter Commodity reports shows increased culling driven by poor seasonal conditions has led to a significant drop in cow prices in March and April -- But export demand continued to prop up the sector. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to ANZ Agribusiness Executive Director Michael Whitehead about the findingsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 2 In today's National Rural News: Farmers react to opening milk prices, ag production value to fall, wool market reaches five year high - 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.

Some farmers say they are disappointed by opening milk prices, but industry leaders say processors are struggling too. Prices and supply agreements for the new milk season have been finalised, with prices ranging from between 8 to 10 dollars per kilogram of milk solids. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Dairy Farmers President Ben Bennett about how the prices reflect the challenges the entire sector is facing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 1 In today's National Rural News: Deadline day for dairy processors and their new milk supply agreements, final decision on paraquat use weeks away, support for rural families travelling for their child's specialist treatment - 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 data rural families who need to travel for their child's specialist healthcare are unaware of the support available to them. Research conducted by Ronald McDonald House warns a majority of rural based families would face financial strain if they needed to travel to receive specialist care. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Barbara Ryan about the support on offerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday May 29 In today's National Rural News: Winter crops gets off to an early start, olive growers raise concerns over water policy, another strong year for goatmeat production and exports - 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 is being urged to re-think it's water management policies. The Olive Oil industry is raising concerns about it's future, after Cobram Estate blasted water management, taxes and the cost of fuel and fertiliser as it shifts investment to the United States. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Australian Olive Association Chief Executive Michael Southan about how producers on the ground are feeling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday May 28 In today's National Rural News: Experts believe Australian farmers can adapt to increasing volatility in the ag sector, dairy farmers wait for opening milk prices, a disability advocate's journey through regional 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.

A new report has found market volatility is becoming the new normal in the agriculture sector. But experts believe Australian farmers are well placed to adapt. ANZ Food for Thought Report warns geopolitical tensions, energy shocks and extreme weather are becoming more frequent and interconnected. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Agribusiness expert Michael Whitehead about the report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday May 27 In today's National Rural News: Data shows freight operators are absorbing soaring diesel costs, wheat plantings to plummet, farmers urged to source winter feed early - 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.

Farmers are urging the federal government to hold a fast and efficient consultation process on Right to Repair reforms. Labor is moving to expand the reforms to agricultural machinery, which would allow farmers to service and repair their own farm machinery, like tractors. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with National Farmers Federation President Hamish McIntyre about how it would benefit the ag sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday May 26 In today's National Rural News: Feedlot capacity and turnover reaches record levels, ACCC issues fines for alleged breaches to the dairy code of conduct, almond exports plummet - 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.

Cattle on feed and feeding capacity numbers has risen to record levels, according to the latest industry survey. The Australian Lot Feeders Association and Meat and Livestock Australia figures show numbers on feed this quarter hit a new record of 1.6 million. Feedlot capacity is above 1.7 million. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Meat and Livestock Australia Senior Market Information Analyst Emiliano Diaz about what the data means for the industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday May 25 In today's National Rural News: Goat transaction levy could rise, potential deal to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, Farmers band together to send grain to conflict zones - 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.

Goat producers are calling for changes to transaction levies, as the industry experiences rapid growth. The Goat Industry Council is reviewing the current levy, which is collected at a rate of 37.7 cents per head. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with President John Falkenhagen about the next steps in the consultation process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday May 22 In today's National Rural News: Beef production off the strongest start to the year on record, changes to Right to Repair laws for agricultural machinery, recent rainfall doesn't quell drought pressures - 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.

It's been a strong start to the year for beef production, according to the latest figures. ABS data shows more than 730 000 tonnes of beef were produced in the March quarter, with 2.3 million head of cattle slaughtered. Rural Reporter Chris McCarthy spoke with Meat and Livestock Australia Senior Market Information Manager Stephen Bignell about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday May 21 In today's National Rural News: Dairy farmer sentiment rises, calls for better education for irrigators, the nation's booming agritourism sector - 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.

Farmers are being urged to consider the benefits of Agritourism to help offset rising input costs. CSIRO data estimates demand for the sector to reach more than 18-billion dollars by the end of the decade. Rural Reporter Chris McCarthy spoke Giovanna Lever, Managing Director of Consultancy firm Sparrowly, about how producers can leverage the booming sector. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: More fertiliser on the way to help Australian farmers, regional television issues in the spotlight, celebrating the nation's bees - 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.

Apiarists are expecting their industry to continue to struggle for the next few years as they battle the destructive Varroa Mite. Bee keepers are encouraging Australians to buy local honey to support the industry this World Bee Day. Rural Reporter Chris McCarthy spoke with Parliament House Head Bee Keeper Cormac Farrell about the state of the industry and it's importance. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers battling mice plagues in W-A, South Australia, and Queensland now have a new tool in their arsenal to deal with the pest. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has approved Grand Producers Australia's emergency application for access to double-strength zinc phosphide mouse bait. Grain Producers Australia Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann spoke about what the new poison will mean for farmers dealing with the plagues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Farmers given access to double-strength poison to deal with mouse plagues, Federal Government knocks back flood relief package for North Queensland producers, live export appeal quashed - 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 wool industry says a slight decline in wool markets in the past fortnight is not cause for concern. The Eastern Market Indicator is sitting nearly 58% higher than this time last year off the back of a strong performance this calendar year. It's been driven by tightening supply and shifting demand for natural fibres instead of synthetics. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Wool Producers Australia Chief Executive Jo Hall about the dip in the wool price.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Wool industry hopeful of positive effects from the Middle-East conflict, forecasters warn of "super el Nino", tractor sales slump, the new resources for hobby farmers - 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.

National Rural News Friday May 15 In today's National Rural News: Beef industry closely monitoring Brazil's booming exports, more fertiliser on its way to Australian farms, building social resilience to drought-- 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.

Experts believe the beef industry will remain on strong footing for the rest of the year. A new report shows international demand continues to prop up the sector, with large volumes of beef being shipped to the United States and China. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Rabobank's Angus Gidley-Baird about the outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday May 14 In today's National Rural News: More fertiliser bound for Australia, reactions to the federal budget, fire ants on track to be eradicated -- 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.