The Rural News

National Rural News Monday April 20 In today's National Rural News: Bega Cheese to pass surcharge on to farmers, calls to safeguard the local export industry, Geelong oil refinery expected to increase capacity in the coming weeks -- 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.

Exporters are calling for the federal government to introduce stronger measurers to protect the industry from global shocks. Red meat exports have been re-routed or turned around as a result of the Middle East Conflict, while some cargo has been forced to dock at just the nearest port. The Freight and Trade Alliance says while such disruptions were expected after war in Iran broke out, they are still costly. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Freight Policy and Operations General Manager Tom Jensen about the costs and how the industry can be safeguarded.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday April 15 In today's National Rural News: Cattle industry call for guaranteed fuel supplies, push for regional technology service to have its funding extended, tractor sales dip for another month -- 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 honey industry is raising the alarm after more treatment resistant Varroa mites were detected in New South Wales and Queensland. Genetic testing is underway, with fears the population is the result of a fresh incursion, not linked to the initial outbreak in 2022. Rural Reporter Chris McCarthy spoke with Australian Honey Bee Industry Council Chief Executive Danny Le Feuvre [Le Ferv] about the developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday April 14 In today's National Rural News: Shipping channel remains blocked in Middle East conflict, calls for local produce to be better utilised, a divided season for cotton picking -- 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.

As new data shows Generation X are now the top users of Buy Now Pay Later services, a farmer warns many could walk away from the sector if rising input costs aren't addressed. Northern Rivers Farmer Pat Bastow lost everything in the 2022 New South Wales floods, and now uses Buy Now Pay Later to cover hay for livestock, and now can't cut the paddocks due to soaring fuel costs. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Ms Bastow about what farmers are currently experiencing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday April 13 In today's National Rural News: Iran-US peace talks crumble, warnings about the flow on effects of the fuel crisis, egg farmers concerns over fast tracked changes to welfare standards -- 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.

Victoria's egg industry is asking for clarity on fast tracked changes to new poultry welfare standards. The changes will come into effect later this year and require all new chicken cages to be installed with nest areas, perches and a scratch area. It's part of broader reforms to ban conventional cages by 2036. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Victorian Egg farmer Brian Ahmed about the changes and what it means for the industrySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday April 10 In today's National Rural News: Fuel supplier's agree to underwrite costs, regional population hits 10 million, concerns about farm chemical regulator's performance-- 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 shows ten million people now live in Regional Australia. The figures from the Bureau of Statistics show the nation's regional and remote population has grown more than 6 percent so far this decade. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Regional Australia Institute Chief Executive Liz Ritchie about how the data tracks against R-A-I's quarterly surveys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday April 9 In today's National Rural News: Iran-US ceasefire 'fragile', milk suppliers anxiously wait for their payments, growers react to an avocado glut -- 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.

Growers are confident an oversupply of Avocados can be avoided in future seasons. There is an abundance of the fruit on supermarket shelves, after a strong hass season in Western Australia and a large Shephard Harvest in Queensland. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Avocados Australia Chief Executive John Tyas about what the strong harvest means for growers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday April 8 In today's National Rural News: Farmers welcome Indonesia's fertiliser lifeline, a dry autumn and winter forecast, a look into cattle judging at the Royal Easter Show -- 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 Sydney Royal Easter show is being celebrated, for its ability to encourage the next generation of farmers. New South Wales TAFE Certificate-three Agriculture student Emily Hungerford says competing at the Show has helped her fine tune her skills. National Rural News attended the event and the cattle judging competitions.. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Emily Hungerford about the competition, and how it helps her prepare for her future in ag.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday April 7 In today's National Rural News: Indonesia to help Australia secure fertiliser, farmers continue to raise the alarm on fuel supply, new loans on offer for drought stricken 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.

New loans are on offer for drought stricken farmers. The Regional Investment Corporation has launched its new Drought Hardship loan for farmers living under drought conditions for at least two years. The loan of up to 250 thousand dollars can only be used to cover operational costs like wages, carting water and purchasing fodder. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive John Howard about the new offer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday April 2 In today's National Rural News: Farmers want more action to help ag deal with fuel and fertiliser supply, Sydney Royal Easter Show opens its gates, and a new look leadership for the Victorian Farmers Federation -- 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 delayed a controversial decision to recoup export fees. Exporters had been facing a rise in regulatory costs from July, as Labor returns to a cost recovery mechanism. But those fees will now be introduced on the first of July, 2027. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Livestock Exporters Council Chief Executive Mark Harvey-Sutton to get his reaction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: examining the national supply chain, farmer confidence falling, calls for increased funding for rural maternity services in the upcoming budget -- 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.

Exporters are calling for federal government action on the rising fees and surcharges being placed on their cargo. Shipping lines have introduced 'war surcharges' of up to $5,000 on refrigerated containers, charges on fuel use at terminals, and fresh 'emergency' pricing. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Freight and Trade Alliance General Manager Tom Jensen about the rising fees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday March 31 In today's National Rural News: Fuel excise halved, sheep numbers to fall further, more people seeking a tree change -- 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.

Australians continue to migrate away from our capital cities. The latest Regional Movers Index shows capital to regional migration accounted for nearly 12% of all relocations between local government areas in the December quarter. Rural reporter Brady Evans discussed the latest report with Regional Australia Institute Chief Executive Liz Ritchie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: governments consider fuel relief measures, WA reels from Tropical Cyclone Narelle, good signs for the cattle 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.

Calls from the federal opposition to halve the fuel excise are being labelled "not enough" by regional transporters. Freight leaders warn a 50% cut for three months won't stop the wave of insolvencies threatening the industry. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with Loadshifts Freight General Manager Archie Johnson to get his take on the situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Exporters and producers demand "war-risk surcharge" relief, Queensland's biosecurity sinkhole, farmers unite to develop drought-resilient planting techniques -- 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.

Farmers warn the soaring cost of international shipping will soon hit the checkout. Some shipping lines are hiking fuel fees by more than 70% in a single week, due to the conflict in the Middle East. Industry leaders claim "end-of-voyage" declarations are leaving perishable goods stranded and at risk of a 100% loss. The Freight and Trade Alliance is urging the Prime Minister to provide a temporary relief scheme to absorb the costs before they trigger another wave of inflation for Australian consumers. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with the FTA's Freight General Manager Tom Jensen about his concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Industries and producers brace for EU rebranding challenge, Victorian winegrowers demand halt to planned hazard reduction burns, Cyclone Narelle threatens WA banana growers -- 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.

Australian wine and cheese makers are facing a major rebranding challenge following the finalisation of the new trade deal with the European Union. Local producers will soon have to strip iconic names like Prosecco and Romano from their packaging to satisfy European geographic protections. While industry groups have raised concerns, analysts say it's an opportunity for Australia to create its own unique global identities. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with legal expert Professor William Van Caenegem about what producers can do moving forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Farmers express disappointment over EU trade deal, more bushfire support rolled out for Victorian farmers, the largest ever fine under Queensland's Biosecurity Act handed down -- 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.

Australian producers are raising concerns about the new free trade deal with the European Union. The agreement has been almost 10-years in the making, and will contribute about $10 billion a year to our economy. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with National Farmers Federation President Hamish McIntyre about his concerns. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Australia and Europe ratify a trade deal, transport companies protected from rising fuel costs, national cotton yield expected 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.

A New South Wales town in the midst of the Murray-Darling Basin catchment area is pleading for action to solve its water quality issues. Nationals Leader Matt Canavan and Shadow Water Minister Michael McCormack have attended a roundtable meeting in Narrandera. Rural Reporter Brady Evans spoke with state member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke to discuss the problems the town is facing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: fears of fuel theft, ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle moves west across the Top End, farmers facing a "rabbit explosion" -- 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 Invasive Species Council warns we're facing a rabbit explosion. Rural reporter Brady Evans spoke with Council Chief Executive Jack Gough to discuss the situation and how best to tackle rising rabbit populations:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday March 20 In today's National Rural News: fuel supply taskforce welcomed, cyclone hits far north Queensland, a concert for fire affected 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.

The main body representing farmers is welcoming a new Fuel Supply Taskforce. Wholesalers have been restricting diesel supply into the regions, blaming the conflict in the Middle East. The government says the taskforce will make sure fuel is able to get to where it's needed. National Rural News Canberra Correspondent Nelson Scott spoke with N-F-F President Hamish McIntyre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers have identified two locations as the most likely entry points for lumpy skin disease virus into Australia. Rural Reporter Brady Evans caught up with Professor Ricardo Magalhaes from the University of Queensland's School of Veterinary Science to go through the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: National Cabinet fuel meeting, cyclone update, where lumpy skin is most likely to hit in Australia -- 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: New Shadow Ag Minister outlines priorities, EU trade deal edges closer to ratification, a major funding boost for the cotton industry -- 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 new Shadow Agriculture Minister says the issue of food and fibre security will be his primary focus. New Nationals leader Matt Canavan has unveiled his revised Shadow Ministry after replacing David Littleproud. Long time Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester has been elevated to the Ag portfolio. He spoke with Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick to outline his priorities in the role. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Could the war in Iran push up food prices?, new shadow agriculture minister unveiled, the livestock export industry's emissions calculated -- 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 study has examined the carbon footprint of the country's livestock export industry. The assessment tracked the emissions of cattle and sheep from pre-export quarantine yards through to their destination. Integrity Ag's Doctor Stephen Wiedmann spoke with Rural Editor Emily Minney about the findings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: More fuel released in a bid to address shortages, Middle East conflict pushes up urea prices and concern about a new wheat deal between Indonesia and the United States -- 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.

Indonesia and the United States have inked a new trade deal for wheat. Under the agreement, Indonesia will take up to two million tonnes of American wheat. Australia typically ships four to five million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Grain Producers Australia's Andrew Weidemann about local growers concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday March 13 In today's National Rural News: Federal government to lower fuel standards to address shortage concerns, flooding crisis in Qld and NT continue to unfold, the educational and financial gap between country and metropolitan students -- 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.

Education experts are raising the alarm on an education and financial divide between country and metropolitan students. Rising living costs, relocation expenses and mandatory unpaid work placements are placing greater burden on rural students. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Country Education Foundation Chief Executive Wendy Mason about what needs to be done to bridge the gap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday March 12 In today's National Rural News: How the Middle East Conflict is disrupting trade, Victorian Farmers Federation search for a new leader, why beef exports to China are on the rise -- 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 Australian beef producers could fill a Chinese import quota by the middle of the year. More than 27 thousand tonnes were shipped to China, which has set an import quota of just 205 thousand tonnes of Australian beef, before a tariff is applied. 16 thousand tonnes were sent in January. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Meat and Livestock Australia's Andrew Cox about the figures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday March 11 In today's National Rural News: Nationals leadership shakeup, reducing reliance on fertiliser, feedlot research and adoption program funding boost -- 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 encouraged to lessen their reliance on fertiliser, as the conflict in the Middle East squeezes supply. Soils for Life is holding a field day in Gippsland Victoria, showcasing a property which has reduced its fertiliser reliance by 90 percent. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Eli Court about the importance of the showcase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday March 10 In today's National Rural News: Fuel supply concerns heighten as Middle East conflict continues, the sugar industry's calls to help shore up fuel supply, dairy commodity prices rise -- 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.