The Rural News

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.

In today's National Rural News: Warnings over government's emissions reductions targets, funding to combat locust swarms, the best fresh fruit retailer named -- 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.

Lobby groups are welcoming the federal government's climate targets -- but warn it cannot be a one size fits all approach. The federal government aims reduce emissions by 62 to 70 per cent over the next decade. But the National Farmers Federation says while the targets are important, it cannot come at the cost of agriculture. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Interim Chief Executive Sue McCluskey about the N-F-F's response to the policy. 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 September 19 In today's National Rural News: The federal governments latest climate targets, Nationals push back on a plan to import bananas from the Philippines, Australian grain growers nervous after China's latest trade deal -- 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 producers are being reminded from January next year, they'll be required to provide their Property Identification Code to their broker From next year it'll be mandatory for growers to provide their PIC if they want their wool to be tested. The aim is to improve traceability efforts in the event of a biosecurity threat. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Wool Producers Australia General Manager Adam Dawes about the system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday September 18 In today's National Rural News: Horticulture industry faces a mass exodus of growers, could Australia soon import bananas from the Philippines?, the first mango tray of the season goes under the hammer-- 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 report warns two in five growers are considering leaving the horticulture industry. AUSVEG has found 62 percent of farmers feel they are financially worse off than 12 months ago. It's also found compliance costs across the horticulture sector exceeds 200 million dollars. Rural Editor Emily Minney discussed the report with AUSVEG spokeswoman Lucy Gregg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday September 17 In today's National Rural News: New climate change report warns food security at risk, lobby groups concerned about lagging assessment times by the farm chemicals regulator, mop top found in potatoes purchased in stores -- 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 released the National Climate Risk Assessment warning agriculture and irrigation will be among the sectors affected if rising temperatures aren't addressed. Reduced amounts of stock feed, increased biosecurity threats and fruit sunburn in the horticulture sector are among some of the key concerns in the ag sector. The Nationals Irrigators Council is also warning current water sharing frameworks may not be applicable in a changing climate. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Zara Lowein about the concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday September 16 In today's National Rural News: Small abattoirs welcome parliamentary inquiry into regional food production, tractor sales begin to increase, concerns methane emissions from groundwater not being monitored -- 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 launching a parliamentary committee to determine how to better support regional food production. The probe aims to identify ways to support small and medium businesses through better branding, labelling and certification. Submissions close on the 17th of October. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance Spokesman Glen Chapman about the inquiry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday September 15 In today's National Rural News: Dairy production tipped to fall this season, wool industries call for unity on sustainability, Australian canola fields visible from space -- 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 milk production is expected to fall again in the current season, by nearly two percent. The decline is being exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions and feed shortages. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Rabobank's Senior Dairy Analyst Michael Harvey about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday September 12 In today's National Rural News: Drought pressures could delay virtual fencing rollout, expert warnings about bird flu outbreak, a new trade agreement to benefit apple growers -- 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 Apple industry is broadening its export markets, after a new trade deal was signed with Canada. Fresh apples can now be shipped to the North American country without fumigation or cold treatment. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Fruit Growers Victoria services manager Michael Crisera about the new marketSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday September 11 In today's National Rural News: Drought Forum wraps up for another two years, new digital cotton tracing platform hopes to safeguard the industry, more than 2 dozen jobs slashed at Bulla Dairy Foods -- 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 digital platform is being developed to help cotton farmers better meet market demands. It's hoped the Australian Cotton Industry Data Platform can boost efficiency and strengthen traceability and transparency by improving communications and automating data. It's being developed by Cotton Research and Development Corporation. I spoke with Innovation General Manager Dr Mary Konnody about the technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday September 10 In today's National Rural News: Export values grow by $5 billion, fodder production workshops launched, technological innovation the focus of meat processing 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.

The value of Australian Agricultural Exports has surged $5 billion in the past financial year off the back of red meat exports reaching an all-time high. It's the second highest export year on record with agriculture now accounting for just over 15 percent of the nation's total exported goods. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Bendigo Bank Agribusiness Industry Affairs Senior Manager Neil Burgess about the data.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday September 9 In today's National Rural News: Trade restrictions imposed on Tasmanian potatoes, SA government launches advertising campaign to prop up seafood industry, fodder prices coming down from record highs -- 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.

Fodder prices have begun to fall, after hitting record highs in winter. Pasture hay hit a peak of $700 a tonne in July but farmers are now paying between $440 - $530 a tonne. Despite easing prices, the industry warns supply pressures could remain heading into the warmer months. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Fodder Industry Association Executive Director Vanessa Curtis about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday September 8 In today's National Rural News: Farmers and industry convene for the National Drought Forum, concern U.S tariffs on Australian goods could rise, food security to focus of the NSW CWA branch -- 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.

Politicians, lobby groups and industry are coming together to discuss the drought hampering much of Southern Australia. The National Drought Forum gets underway in South Australia today. The National Farmers Federation will be joined by producers and government to discuss ways to better manage dry conditions. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with President David Jochinke about what he expects from the forum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday September 5 In today's National Rural News: Industry calls for standardised strategy for mulesed wool, avocado industry eyeing new export markets, a rough timeline for virtual fencing 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.

The Avocado industry is looking to broaden its export markets after years of oversupply. 150 thousand tonnes of avocados is forecast for the 2026 season, a similar level to what has been produced in recent years. China has been touted as the next major export market. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Avocados Australia Chief Executive John Tyas about the industry's next steps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday September 4 In today's National Rural News: New milk season starts with a dip in production, winter storms delay exports from WA, ACCC cracking down on cartel activity -- 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 milk production figures for the new milk season show a four percent decline on last year. 556 million litres of milk was produced across the country in July, the first month of the new milk season. Analysts say the production figures are being influenced by colder temperatures and drought pressures. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Dairy Australia Market Insights Manager Eliza Redfern about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday September 3 In today's National Rural News: APVMA considers new regulations for pesticide use on berry crops, SA Tomato grower's trade restrictions lifted after more than a year, the economic benefit of the wine industry -- 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 from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences forecasts the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors are tipped to reach a combined value of more than 100 billion dollars this financial year. The figures is being driven by elevated livestock production. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with ABARES Executive Director Jared Greenville about the figures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday September 2 In today's National Rural News: Four Aldi suppliers accused of price fixing, cattle production tipped to reach a new record, Australian apples hit U.S supermarket shelves for the first time -- 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 grown apples have entered the United States market for the first time. Soluna apples, known domestically as Bravo, will be shipped to China next year, but exporters have sent two containers to the U-S to trial demand there. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with WA Farm Direct Commercialisation Manager Sean Englebrecht about the efforts to expand export markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday September 1 In today's National Rural News: Regional Investment Corporation given a billion dollar boost, Rural Road Safety Month gets underway, New technology hoped to disrupt algal blooms -- 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.

Controversial legislation allowing energy companies access to prime agricultural land has passed Victorian Parliament. The legislation introduces new powers energy providers building transmission towers and other renewable energy projects to enter private land with support from police. Farmers are voicing their frustration and anger at the plan, which could see them fined up to 8000 dollars if they refuse officers access to their land. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking about the situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday August 29 In today's National Rural News: Potato mop-top detections in Tasmania grow, Industry concerns about a retailer's push to gain access to NLIS, government funding to bolster the sheep industry supply chain -- 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 South Australian government will continue to fund a series of workshops to support producers struggling through the drought. The Red Meat Challenges Program delivers targeted workshops and community events focusing on livestock management, recovery planning and resilience. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Livestock SA Chief Executive Travis Tobin about the scheme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday August 28 In today's National Rural News: New report warns services likely to be underfunded and understaffed in the regions, 43 million dollar investment in drought resilience in NSW, dairy land values reaching all-time highs -- 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 warns critical services like aged care and mental health support are harder to access in the regions. The Anglicare Australia report has found regional services are more likely to face underfunding, short-term contracts and staff shortages. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Executive Director Kasey Chambers about the findingsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday August 27 In today's National Rural News: Wool production forecast falls again, questions raised about pork industry's quality assurance scheme, calls for biosecurity reform -- 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.