The Rural News

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.

The wine industry says its 'bitterly disappointed' there were no changes to funding in the federal budget. In its pre-budget submission, Australian Grape and Wine called for almost 140 million dollars over three years, to address oversupply, rebuild demand and support growers and winemakers. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Chief Executive Lee McLean about what he feels the budget lacked.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday May 13 In today's National Rural News: Farmers react to the federal budget, why beef exports to China are slowing, NSW farmer confidence plummets -- 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 exports in April have eased from March levels, but remain above 2025 figures. More than 140 thousand tonnes were shipped last month. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Global AgriTrends Analyst Simon Quilty about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disability support providers want to see action in tonight's budget to attract Allied Health workers to regional areas. Changes to the NDIS last year halved the travel allowance for providers who travel to rural towns to treat patients. Rural reporter Chris McCarthy spoke with Family Services Australia Chief Executive David Gunter about his experiences in WA, and what's the sector needs to improve experiences for rural patients.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday May 12 In today's National Rural News: Hopes rural NSW community can find closure after triple murder in January, health provider concerns ahead of the budget, tech giant invests in emerging 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.

In today's National Rural News: One Nation secures victory in Farrer, productivity concerns around renewables transition, mice plague sweeps across Western 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.

Tough conditions are expected to continue for Dairy Farmers over the the next year amid rising costs and stagnating industry support. Rabobank has released it's annual Dairy outlook, and says producers will have limited margin for error in the season ahead. The looming possibility of El Nino weather conditions by the end of winter could add to struggles for the industry. Rural reporter Chris McCarthy spoke with Rabobank senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey about his forecast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian Egg producers have warned they will defy the state's new poultry welfare standard, requiring conventional hen cages to be phased out. Farmers who installed conventional cages prior to 2012 must remove them by 2032, with all cages to be banned by 2036. The Victorian Farmers Federation warns the changes will force many out of the industry. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Egg Group President Brian Ahmed about the concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Australian exporters could be refunded millions of dollars from the United States failed tariff regime, Egg producers backlash to new cage rules, farmers welcome fuel security 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.

National Rural News Thursday May 7 In today's National Rural News: Government's bid to increase fuel and fertiliser supply, the benefits of our export industry, camera trial begins in Victorian wool shed -- 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 use of cameras in shearing sheds are being trialled in Victoria over the next 18 months. New Zealand based Zentera Wool Company will launch the pilot program here, after a successful year long trial in New Zealand. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Global Supply Manager Matt Hand about the trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday May 6 In today's National Rural News: Rural outrage over Vodafone ad, Conflict in Middle East enters 'new phase', changes to heavy vehicle mass limits -- 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 telco has been found to be in breach of advertising standards, over a campaign featuring an American comedian. The Vodafone advertisement showed comedian Ali Wong standing in the outback next to an Emu, claiming 'nothings out here' and promised coverage in areas where '98.5% of people really live'. The ad sparked outrage among rural communities and Ad Standards Australia says it was dismissive of genuine concerns around mobile coverage Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Executive Director Greg Wallace about the finding. Image sourced from VodafoneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday May 5 In today's National Rural News: Animal welfare activists and abattoir face high court hearing, warnings of further fertiliser supply constraints, will farmers turn their attention to pulse crops? -- 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.

Agronomists say there is an increasing interest in planting pulse crops, as fertiliser costs soar. Nitrogen fertiliser has been in short supply as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, with prices doubling since the conflict began in March. But crops like lentils, legumes, chickpeas, faba beans and lupins create their own nitrogen. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Nutrien Ag solutions' Greg Twomey, to discuss how more farmers are turning their attention to pulses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Territory cattle producers are welcoming a funding boost to address biosecurity concerns. The territory government is forming a dedicated livestock squad to help protect it's 1.7 million-strong herd from the biosecurity risks associated with cattle duffing. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Northern Territory Cattleman's Association Chief Executive Romy Carey about what it means for the sector. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday May 4 In today's National Rural News: Funding boost for Northern Territory biosecurity, Australia joins efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz, new resource for to manage energy transition, 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 1 In today's National Rural News: Fuel supply clouds feral pest management, uptick in locust activity in South Australia, agtech company Halter signs new deal to improve virtual fencing collars -- 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.

South Australian Farmers are on alert, amid reports of locust activity. The insects have been sighted in parts of the Riverland, the southern and upper Mallee and upper Eyre Peninsula following a migration event from northern areas. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to South Australian Plague Locust Commissioner Micahel McManus about why it's not yet being considered an outbreak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday April 30 In today's National Rural News: Farmer's priorities for the upcoming federal budget, latest VicGrid visits fail to assess land, promising signs cattle could be transported long distances by rail -- 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 alliance of regional banks are calling for more action to protect face to face services in the bush. The Regional Banking Investment Alliance warns a moratorium on bank closures until 2027 only covers the big four banks, and doesn't do enough to ensure customers have access to banking services. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Queensland Country Bank Chief Executive Aaron Newman about the concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday April 29 In today's National Rural News: Dairy farmers renew calls for fairer milk pricing, shearers react to forecast dip in wool production, cotton crop to be 1 million bales fewer tan last 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.

The grain industry is pushing for tax breaks to allow farmers to stock up on on-farm fuel supply. Growers warn they have been left exposed by fuel shortages amid the critical seeding and harvest windows. Grain Producers Australia wants to introduce incentives similar to those already in place for grain and fodder storage Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with spokesman Andrew Weidemann about the calls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday April 28 In today's National Rural News: Grapevine virus detected in Australia for the first time, shorn wool and wool clip to fall further, organic industry welcomes moves to introduce regulation -- 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 grapevine virus has been detected in Australia for the first time -- but industry experts say it's too soon to tell what sort of affect it will have on our local production. Grapevine Berry Inner Necrosis Virus, also known as GIN-V, has been detected in table grapes in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. The disease has the potential to spread to wine grapes, rootstocks and dried fruit varieties, and can cause restricted growth, delayed budburst, changing leaf colours or patterns and reduce grape quality. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Table Grape Association Chief Executive Jeff Scott about the situation, and what the industry's next steps are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday April 27 In today's National Rural News: Freight industry lays out its plan to boost productivity, Beijing grants additional beef export licenses, Southern NSW cotton harvest shrinks -- 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.

Analysts believe there could be changes to China's beef import quota, as Beijing grants additional export licenses to Australian producers. Dozens of licenses have been amended to allow for chilled meat exports rather than just frozen, and 8 new licences have been approved. Earlier this year, China announced it would only allow 205 000 tonnes of Australian beef to enter the market before a 55% tariff was applied. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Global Agritrends Analyst Simon Quilty about the decision and what it could mean for producers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A seven million dollar program will be rolled out in New South Wales, in an effort to eradicate a parasite affecting cattle. The New South Wales government will deliver the first Cattle Tick Eradication Action Plan by the end of September. The parasite has become endemic to a large part of Queensland, causing concern for Northern New South Wales producers. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with New South Wales Farmers Association spokesman and cattle producer Tony Hegarty about the move.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Another processor lifts support milk payments, fertiliser prices approach two decade high, time running out for Basin communities to have their say -- 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 April 23 In today's National Rural News: Some suppliers to an Indonesian dairy company still waiting on March payments, additional fuel supplies bound for Australia, the video-game hoping to get the next generation into ag -- 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 hoped a video-game simulating life on a cattle station, could encourage the next generation to take up a career in agriculture. Developed by Northern Territory based Nathan Groves and Chas 'CJ' Cole, the game Pasture allows players to act as ringers on cattle stations. Rural Reporter Brady Evans caught up with Nathan Groves about the development and its inspiration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday April 22 In today's National Rural News: Fears of prolonged fertiliser supply constraints, croppers turning their sights to livestock, rural vets plea for help -- 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.

Analysts are warning current supply and cost pressures around fertiliser will likely continue long after the conflict in the Middle East. A significant amount of fertiliser used in Australia is sourced from the Middle East and is imported through the Strait of Hormuz. Rural Reporter Brady Evans spoke with Rabobank Research Analyst Paul Joules about the forecast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian farmers have developed a new plan to see their farmland better protected from various developments. The Victorian Farmers Federation warns an equivalent of 650 MCG's of farmland are being lost each year to housing development, energy and mining projects and 'urban sprawl'. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with President Brett Hosking about the plan and its importance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Dairy farmers highlight chance for meaningful change in the sector, Victorian farmers launch plan to protect land from development, export ship leaves 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.

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.