The Rural News

National Rural News Friday August 8 In today's National Rural News: Major Australian retailers vow not to sell U.S beef products when they arrives on our shores, recovery efforts continue after freak snow storm destroys regional orchard, a new funding boost for regional and rural aged care -- 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.

Growers in the New South Wales New England Region are calling for a natural disaster declaration after a freak snowstorm. More than 30 centimetres of snow fell over Arding's Greenhill Orchards - six hundred trees were damaged or lost when protective netting collapsed under the weight of five hundred tonnes of snow. The cost of repairs is already sitting at half a million dollars. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with owner Warren Yeomans about the scale of destruction. 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 Thursday August 7 In today's National Rural News: Federal M-Ps visit drought stricken Victorian dairy farmers, Nationals renew call for interest free loans for farmers, an investigation into sheep deaths being exported to Indonesia wraps up -- 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.

Federal M-P's have visited drought stricken Victoria to see first-hand how the devastation is affecting dairy production. Nationals Leader and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, Bridget McKenzie and local Liberal MP Dan Tehan visited the Camperdown region to listen to the concerns of producers. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Dairy Farmers President Ben Bennett says the visit sends an important messageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday August 6 In today's National Rural News: A win for micro-abattoirs in Victoria, Victoria's beef cattle herd declines, the latest wine consumption trends -- 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.

New market research shows wine consumption in Australia is at its lowest level since 1961. The first ever State of the Grapes report shows those who are drinking wine are increasingly turning to lighter varieties like pinot noir and tempranillo. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Wine Australia Market Development General Manager Paul Turale who says wine consumption in Australia is going through a period of transformation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday August 5 In today's National Rural News: New vaccine for Foot and Mouth Disease, Global demand for Australian dairy products grow, concerns over jobs slashed in 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 world-first m-R-N-A vaccine has been developed to protect cattle from foot and mouth disease. An outbreak on the disease would devastate cattle production and trade and wipe an estimated 80 billion dollars from the economy. Rural Reporter Katie Fuller spoke with Meat and Livestock Australia's animal wellbeing program manager Michael Lawrence about the research program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday August 4 In today's National Rural News: Australia granted lowest tariff rate by United States government, growing interest in Whyalla Steelworks, crop losses slightly decline -- 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 suggests the level of crop losses and waste across the horticulture varied significantly based on produce. Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences latest crop loss and waste report waste in 2023-24 has fallen by five percent on the previous reporting period, when production was hampered by heavy rainfall and flooding. Mango growers saw the highest levels of crop losses in 2023-24, while pineapples saw the lowest. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Executive Director Jared Greenville about the report's findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday August 1 In today's National Rural News: Federal Opposition loses it's bid for senate inquiry into US beef imports decision, quad bike deaths slightly decrease, drought in South Australia affecting food production -- 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 quad bike deaths while working on farms are beginning to decrease. Work related quad bike deaths peaked in 2016-17, and dropped slightly last year. Researchers from Ag Health Australia say safety standards rolled out in 2021 is the key factor behind the reduction. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Report Author Professor Tony Lower about the findings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday July 31 In today's National Rural News: Victorian government defends decision to allow energy companies to enter private farmland, wine exports to mainland China stabilise, new app launched for first response in rural emergencies -- 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.

Food inflation figures are beginning to ease year-on-year, but some key categories remain elevated. The figure is sitting at three percent for the June quarter, down point-2 of a percent on the previous reading. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Rabobank's Senior Food Retail Analyst Michael Harvey about the data.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday July 30 In today's National Rural News: Oyster growers welcoming toxic algal bloom support package, producers pushing back against proposed changes to genetic modification labelling, a new code of practice for the logging 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.

The peak body for organic producers is raising concerns about proposed changes to the definition of genetic modification. Food Standards for Australia and New Zealand is proposing food which has been 'gene edited' NOT be labelled as genetically modified. Australian Organic says the move would strip consumers of the right to know what they are buying, and could also pose a trade barrier. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Jackie Bryan about the concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday July 29 In today's National Rural News: Nationals demanding answers on US beef import decision, green paddocks in drought stricken regions 'deceptive', deals with meal kit companies more appealing for 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 Nationals are calling for a senate inquiry into the decision to allow US beef imports. The party is accusing the federal government of ignoring the advice of the Inspector-General of Biosecurity, which had recommended an independent panel to probe the decision. Last week, Labor lifted import restrictions on US beef after a years-long review. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Nationals Leader David Littleproud about what needs to happen nextSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday July 28 In today's National Rural News: EU and US strike a trade deal, industry pushback on easing import restrictions on US beef, South Australian premier to visit affected towns as toxic algal bloom 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.

The National Farmers Federation is asking for clarity on how beef imports from the United States will be properly managed. US beef products haven't been shipped to Australia since the early 2000s due to biosecurity concerns. But those restrictions are now being eased. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with N-F-F President David Jochinke about the decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The beef industry is at odds on easing restrictions on beef products imported from the United States. US beef hasn't been sold in Australia in more than two decades, due to concerns about disease and lacking traceability systems. The federal government has been carrying out a years-long review into the decision and will now ease those restrictions. Cattle Australia was initially confident proper biosecurity protections were in place but has been left with more questions after being briefed by the government. But the Australian Meat Industry Council says its concerns have been addressed. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with AMIC Chief Executive Tim Ryan about the decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday July 25 In today's National Rural News: Cattle industry changes it's tune on easing import restrictions on US beef, Convoy of hay on its way to South Australia from Western Australia, ways to improve productivity and profitability in horticulture -- 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 July 24 In today's National Rural News: Australia eases restrictions on US beef being sold in the domestic market, sheep producers concerns about expanded rollout of eID tags, drones used to treat mine site where fire ants were detected -- 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.

Sheep producers in New South Wales are raising concerns about the rollout of electronic identification tags on older sheep. As it stands, all sheep and goats across the nation born on or after January first this year need to be fitted with an eID tag. That will be expanded over the next two years -- but the industry warns that's just an added cost for stock headed for the abattoir. WoolProducers Australia says while there is wide ranging support for the rollout, there needs to be a common sense approach Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Jo Hall about the situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday July 23 In today's National Rural News: Why South Australia's algal bloom isn't being declared a natural disaster, raids carried out on South Australian Piggery, Farm Safety week kicks off -- 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 reminded to integrate safety initiatives into their everyday routine. National Farm Safety Week is in full swing and this year's theme is 'Second Chances - who knows how many you'll get?' Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Farm Safe Chairwoman Felicity Richards about the initiativeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday July 22 In today's National Rural News: Government stops short of declaring South Australia's toxic algal bloom a national disaster, concerns about farm chemicals regulator's performance, sugar growers hopeful of higher demand from 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.

The cropping industry is raising questions about the performance of the farm chemicals regulator. The latest quarterly report from the from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority that just under 55 percent of application assessments for new chemicals are being completed on time. Croplife warns it puts Australian producers at a disadvantage on a global stage. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Matthew Cossey about the concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday July 21 In today's National Rural News: Dairy farmers say a rise in value isn't making its way back to producers, South Australian government purchases a barge to cross flooded Cooper Creek, safeguarding the sugar 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.

The dairy industry warns the sector is still operating at a loss, despite an increase in Global Trade Value. Prices have risen 14 percent on last year at auction and Australia's main commodities - cheese and butter - both saw substantial increases. But advocates warn efforts by grocery chains to lower checkout prices for cost of living relief, is deepening the blow for farmers. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with Australian Dairy Farmers President Ben Bennett about the concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday July 18 In today's National Rural News: Locusts plague flooded Outback Queensland, Victorian farmers to push back against new land laws, a new herbicide for corn 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.

New data shows tractors and quad bikes account for almost half of all recorded deaths on Australian farms. Ag Health has made the findings through a newly established a new Farm Injury Dashboard, with just under three hundred deaths recorded over the past five years. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick Spoke with Ag Health's Farm Safety Research Manger Kerri-Lynn Peachey about how the Dashboard has been developed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Farmers in drought-stricken NSW plead for further government support, calls for farming vehicle registration reform in Tasmania and a welcome funding boost to Australia's red wine sector. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wine sector is welcoming a funding boost from the federal government. A further one-point-one million dollars will be poured into the government's Grape and Wine Sector Long Term Viability Support package. Rural Editor, Emily Minney, spoke with Wine Australia Chief Executive Martin Cole about the funding. 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: Further details about the live sheep export phase out, aquatic weed spreads further and improving the taste of olives. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers in the parts of Southern New South Wales are calling for drought relief. The region has seen little to no rainfall in recent months, as drought conditions in South Australia and Victoria creep north. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Local M-P Steph Cooke, about the dry conditions in her Cootamundra electorate. 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 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.