The Rural News

National Rural News Tuesday December 2 In today's National Rural News: ADPF to remain a member of Dairy Australia, sheep sector making sustainability gains but struggling with the workforce, cherry harvest delayed -- 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 shows the sheep sector is making gains in sustainability. According the Sheep Sustainability Framework's annual report, the industry is seeing reduced emissions, increased volumes of non-mulesed wool, and better pain management. But Sheep Producers Australia says there are issues which need to be addressed urgently. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Bonnie Skinner about the success and challenges the sector is experiencing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday December 1 In today's National Rural News: Confidence in cattle producers ability to meet new trade requirements, asbestos found in renewable energy infrastructure, varroa mite pressures continues -- 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.

There are fresh calls for financial relief for New South Wales beekeepers struggling with varroa mite. The New South Wales Apiarists Association is calling for subsidies to help cover the rising costs of treating their hives and the increased labour it requires. It also warns wild honey bee populations are also falling, increasing demand for pollination services. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Executive Councillor Sam Lockwood, who warns pollinators are on the brink of collapse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday November 28 In today's National Rural News: Probe into Chinese beef imports extended, calls for changes to drought definitions, farmers concerns on environmental reforms -- 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 they have been left bitterly disappointed by the federal government's environmental reforms. Labor has struck a deal with the Greens to get the laws through the senate. The National Farmers Federation says landholders need urgent clarity on the changes. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Natural Resource Management Policy Manager Warwick Ragg about the concernsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday November 27 In today's National Rural News: Citrus producers raising the alarm, insights into what farmers are using RIC loans for, new deal between Australian and New Zealand farm chemical regulators -- 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 shows a leading rural charity delivered almost 10 thousand hay bales, 170 water tanks and nearly 12 million litres of household water in the last financial year. Rural Aid's Impact Report shows registrations of farming families doubled compared to the year prior. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive John Warlters about the vital work they do. Donations can be made at: Buyabale.ruralaid.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Farmers take up fight against gas project, should pain-free mulesing be mandated nationwide, crops damaged by hail -- 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.

Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday November 24 In today's National Rural News: Pork industry joins call for changes to country of origin labelling, Industry representatives appointed to National Food Council, regional property prices accelerate -- 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 Pork Industry is calling for an overhaul of country of origin labels, with producers concerned consumers aren't fully aware of the produce they're buying. Nearly 70 percent of ham and bacon on supermarket shelves is made from imported pork products. Australian Pork is launching a new campaign, saying the green triangle and gold kangaroo isn't always indicative of Australian-made produce. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Margo Andrae about the renewed campaign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday November 21 In today's National Rural News: EU free trade talks resume, dairy farmers anger over American dairy, big four bank launches new rural banking service -- 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.

One of the big four banks is launching a new pilot program to improve access to services in rural areas. From next year, Westpac will run a mobile banking service to provide face to face and private sessions from bankers making fortnightly visits to the regions. It has also extended its moratorium on regional branch closures until the next decade. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Regional General Manager for Westpac Agribusiness Peta Ward about the program, and how benefit those in the bush.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday November 20 In today's National Rural News: NSW farmers call on energy minister to visit, rice crop shrinks, industry pushback against container deposit schemes including wine bottles-- 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 wine industry is raising concerns about additional administrative and financial costs of expanding a key recycling scheme. Various Container Deposit Schemes across the country will soon accept wine bottles. But the sector warns it just creates more regulatory burden for an already struggling industry. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Grape and Wine Chief Executive Lee McLean about the concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: the latest commodity outlook, drought-hit farmers still struggling despite wet start to November, authorities on alert for bird flu -- 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.

Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday November 18 In today's National Rural News: Methane reducing seaweed, a promising year for cattle producers, farmers continue to slam rural speed limits plan-- 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.

An eight-million dollar grant program has supported industry to scale up production of the methane-inhibiting seaweed, Asparagopsis. Seaweed Farming program activities are expected to generate increasing economic returns over the next 30 years. Rural Reporter Brady Evans spoke with Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistant Secretary, George Day about how the money has been used and how it sets us up for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Australian beef industry rejoicing after US tariff decision, surprising polling about renewable energy, added funding to combat feral pigs-- 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.

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.

National Rural News Friday November 14 In today's National Rural News: Insecticide use on some fresh berries banned, backlash against push to lower rural speed limits, US tariffs influence on the dairy export market-- 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 national farm chemical regulator has suspended the use of a pesticide on some fresh berries, amid concerns about a rise in consumption. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has banned the use of dimethoate, on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. It was sparked by concerns a sharp increase in berry consumption could lead to the safeguard buffer being breached. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with A-P-V-M-A Chief Executive Scott Hanson about the decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday November 13 In today's National Rural News: Rural roads falling into disrepair, fertiliser prices expected to ease, apple harvest down in NSW tourist town -- 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.

Victorian livestock transporters say they've coughed up 80 thousand dollars in the past four months, to repair trucks damaged by rural roads. The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association says potholes and lose surfaces across Victoria and the rest of the nation are proving costly and hampering business. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Executive Director Anthony Boyle about the state of rural roadsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday November 12 In today's National Rural News: Exporters facing a hike in regulatory costs, cattle and grain the best performing commodities last month, canola bound for China for the first time in five years. -- 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 live export industry has written to the federal agriculture minister, as exporters face an increase in oversight costs up to 60 percent. Exporters across all commodities are subject to a range of oversight fees and charges, collected by the Department of Agriculture. But the Australian Livestock Exporters Council says the Department hasn't put in place the appropriate measures to cover recent cost blow outs. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Chief Executive Mark Harvey Sutton about exporter's concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being raised about the Victorian State Government's investment in a potato manufacturing plant. $300 million will go towards the development of a processing plant in the state's west to supply fast food chains like KFC and Hungry Jacks with hot chips. The Victorian Farmers Federation is welcoming the move, but says the state government needs to look at its long term investment strategy. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with President Brett Hosking about farmers concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday November 11 In today's National Rural News: No mandate for methane-reducing feed additives, potato processing plant announced for Western Victoria, expansion of online resourced for disaster resilience -- 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 Monday November 10 In today's National Rural News: 2025 on track to be record year for red meat exports, above average rainfall for South-West Victoria, rural South Australia now serviced by heavy vehicle barge -- 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.

2025 is shaping up to be another record breaking year for red meat exports. Last month, Beef exports rose seven percent on the same time last year, with 139 thousand tonnes shipped. Goatmeat volumes have also reached the second largest month on record, while lamb exports have slipped. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Meat and Livestock Australia Global Market Analyst Tim Jackson about the October figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday November 7 In today's National Rural News: SA farmers offered financial assistance to tackle rising kangaroo numbers, wine industry feels well placed to meet changing consumer trends, concessions made in Labor's environment reforms -- 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 Wine Industry believe it is well placed to adapt to the challenges it is facing as a result of shifting consumer trends. Across the globe, fewer people are drinking wine, and those who are are turning to lighter alternatives. Lobby group Australian Grape and Wine says the industry is taking the steps necessary to cater to those trends. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up Chief Executive Lee McLean about what the industry is dealing with. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday November 6 In today's National Rural News: Elders and Delta Ag merger complete, fears NSW regional roads aren't fit for purpose, avocado industry eyes exports to China -- 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 warn roads in regional New South Wales are not up to scratch and are pushing back against proposed changes to speed limits nationally. The federal government is considering lowering speed limits to as low as 70 kilometres per hour to curb a rising road death toll. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with The New South Wales Farmers Association Business Economics and Trade Committee Chairman John Lowe about the state of the roads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday November 5 In today's National Rural News: Exporters and Importers facing higher fees, global beef trade expected to grow but remain volatile, the widening digital divide -- 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 shows the digital divide between the regions and cities is widening. The Australian Digital Inclusion Index measures how Australians access and use digital technologies. Infrastructure is being flagged as one of the major barriers to improving access. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke to RMIT University Spokesman Julian Thomas about the index and it's findings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday November 4 In today's National Rural News: Concerns about the immediate future of the supply chain, vegetable growers feeling the strain, new farmer wellbeing survey -- 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.

Farm leaders want a national program to monitor stocks of key agricultural inputs, including fuel. Australia has less than a month's worth of jet fuel, petrol and diesel in storage. Leaders are also calling for an early warning system to alert the nation to shortages before its too late. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with New South Wales Farmers Acting Chief Executive Mike Guerin about his concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Network blackspots affecting feral pest traps, free consultation on water management, the country's beef producers celebrated -- 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's cattle industry is being celebrated for its efforts to reduce emissions and become more sustainable. A Meat and Livestock Australia report shows the sector has reduced carbon emissions by 70 percent over the past two decades. Solid waste to landfill by the processing sector has fallen by the around the same amount. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Australian Beef Sustainability Framework Spokesman Patrick Hutchinson. Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday October 31 In today's National Rural News: Farmers anger over energy companies accessing private land, calls for increased milk prices, gene edited bananas becoming disease resistance -- 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 in Victoria are continuing to slam laws allowing energy companies access to private farmland to build renewable energy transmission lines. Section 93 notices have been issued to farmers in the path of the VNI West Transmission lines, permitting companies to enter land without consent. The Victorian Farmers Federation says the move disrespects farmers rights and businesses. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke to President Brett Hosking about the move. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday October 29 In today's National Rural News: Wool prices slip back to winter levels, dairy sector forecast years long recovery from the drought, federal government urged to support world first mRNA vaccine for livestock -- 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.

Wool prices are pulling back to winter levels, after an early spring rally. Earlier this month, the market snapped 11 consecutive weeks of price rises, the longest run since the 1980s. Wool Producers Australia says the eastern market indicator needs to sit at around 2000 cents per kilogram to retain growers. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Jo Hall about what's been happening in the market in recent weeksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.