The Rural News

National Rural News Wednesday June 18 In today's National Rural News: Lower council rates for Bendigo farmers, sheep and wool industries call for clarity on transition package, how technology is being used to improve flooding information and response -- 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.

Farmers in Bendigo will soon be paying cheaper council rates. City of Greater Bendigo councillors have voted in favour of a 10% decrease in the rate paid by farmers. It means landholders in the region will pay just 65% of the general rate in a bid to mitigate some pressures from the Emergency Services Levy Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Mayor Angela Metcalf about the decisionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 17 In today's National Rural News: Bird flu outbreak in Victoria ends, NSW government defends rollout of flooding financial relief, fears water buy backs are hampering dairy production -- 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.

Farmers warn milk production could drop by up to 15 percent in some regions, if water buybacks on the murray Darling Basin continue. A report from Dairy Australia warns the buyback scheme would strip dairy farms of vital water supplies if it is not immediately halted. Producers say the report is the evidence backing up their concerns when the scheme was first announced. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with the New South Wales Farmers Association Dairy Committee Chairman Malcolm Holm about the report and what it means for the sectorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 16 In today's National Rural News: Biosecurity boost for NSW, streamline process for fodder permits in Victoria, elevated berry prices a result of weather extremes -- 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 Queensland State Government has launched a parliamentary committee to examine the future of bio-fuels. The Inquiry will look at ways to unlock new investments and identify regulatory barriers. It will also investigate the role the sugar industry will play. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Canegrowers Australia Chief Executive Dan Galligan about the probe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday June 13 In today's National Rural News: Caravan manufacturer facing legal action, concerns about the level of recovery funding on the NSW Mid North Coast, biosecurity risks of agisting cattle -- 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.

Farmers are being reminded to have a biosecurity plan in place if they're considering agisitng cattle. Disease, pests and parasites can be introduced to the herd when they're parked or agisted. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Agriculture Victoria spokesman Richard Smith about the ways to protect stockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday June 12 In today's National Rural News: Dry conditions grips Tasmanian farms, EU trade deal inching closer, a dip in farmer confidence in NSW-- 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.

Farmers in parts of Tasmania are experiencing the driest conditions in 120 years. The North-West has seen the driest summer to autumn period on record. But some producers are feeling better equipped to handle it than last year. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with TasFarmers Drought Resilience Coordinator Sophie Folder about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday June 11 In today's National Rural News: Northern Territory cattle producers dealt a blow in their quest for compensation, new mobile coverage service for rural Australia, South Australian abattoir to close its doors -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telstra is launching the first direct to satellite text messaging service, to benefit farmers and rural Australians not covered by land-based networks. The service is limited to Samsung Galaxy S25 handset devices -- but an expansion is on the way Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Telstra Technology Engagement Executive Channa Seneviratne about the service. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 10 In today's National Rural News: Victorian farmers finally see rain, Industry raising the alarm about US beef potentially being allowed back on supermarket shelves, formal talks for free-trade with with European Union re-start -- 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.

Lobby groups are urging the federal government not to loosen any biosecurity measures in a bid to secure an exemption from US tariffs. American beef hasn't entered Australia since 2003 because of concerns about mad cow disease. The Federal Government believes it may be able to resume imports without compromising biosecurity. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke about the concernsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday June 6 In today's National Rural News: Agricultural production value to dip, could American beef return to Australian supermarket shelves, 1500 hay bales donated to South Australian farmers -- 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 value of Australia's agricultural production is set to fall by nearly 3% to $90 billion. But the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences is still tipping the next financial year to be the third largest on record. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with ABARES Executive Director Jared Greenville about the forecastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday June 5 In today's National Rural News: Victorian drought response taskforce prepares to meet, gauging demand for fodder, dairy farmers raising the alarm on farmgate prices -- 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.

Fodder suppliers in Queensland have launched a new service, to properly gauge demand. Farmers in South Australia, Victoria and Southern New South Wales are running low on fodder stocks as they grapple with drought. Suppliers across Northern Australia are recording demand not seen since the Millennium drought. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with FeedCentral Managing Director Tim Ford about the new Hay Wanted Register See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday June 4 In today's National Rural News: Dairy farmers unhappy with opening farmgate milk prices, artificial intelligence being used to track feral pest across Northern Australia, graziers warn of decades long recovery after paddocks washed away in 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.

Researchers are using artificial intelligence to track the movements of up to 23 million feral pigs running rampant through Northern Australia The Reef and Rainforest Research Centre will use AI to analyse footage and determine what control measures are most appropriate based on the area and population. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with RRRF Managing Director Sheridan Morris about the technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 3 In today's National Rural News: Shift in approach to contagious crop virus, funding boost to rural support services, ways to prevent livestock theft -- 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.

Experts warn we may not know the true figure of rural crime -- especially the theft of livestock. Police are concerned about a spike in the number of stock thefts. Studies also show farmers aren't taking up modern technology to help prevent the theft of herds and flock because its too expensive. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with University of New England Criminology senior lecturer Kyle Mulrooney about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 2 In today's National Rural News: More financial relief on the way for drought stricken Victorian farmers, the definition of a primary producer in Queensland broadened, US tariffs on steel increasing -- 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.

Queensland farmers will be able to access greater financial relief in natural disasters. The State Government has expanded the definition of a primary producer to include income from agricultural support services such as harvesting and mustering. Canegrowers Australia was among the lobby groups pushing for the change. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Dan Galligan about the decisionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday May 30 In today's National Rural News: Merino sheep stolen from West Victorian property, New South Wales flood recovery continues, citrus growers gearing up for a bumper season -- 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.

Citrus growers are expecting a bumper 2025 season, after ideal weather conditions. Cold nights and clear days are helping lemons, oranges, mandarins and grapefruit colour up and mature. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Citrus Australia Chief Executive Nathan Hancock about the upcoming seasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday May 29 In today's National Rural News: Flooded farmers hopeful more financial relief is on the way, Dairy producers feeling the pinch after varying weather conditions, the most popular region for city dwellers to live -- 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 dairy industry is expecting a weak start to the season, as a result of varying weather conditions across producing regions. South Australia and Victoria are in the grips of a drought which is creeping into southern NSW, while northern NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory has experienced high rainfall and record flooding. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Dairy Australia Analysis and Insights Manager Eliza Redfern about the how weather has affected production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday May 28 In today's National Rural News: Assistance rolled out for flooded New South Wales communities, Victorian Premier to meet with farmers on the drought, new research into what's killing blueberry 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.

The Victorian Premier will meet with farmers today, to discuss appropriate and targetted drought responses. The Victorian Farmers Federation has developed the framework in conjunction with Agriculture Victoria, and it has been submitted to the state government. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with President Brett Hosking about the framework, and what he expects from his meeting with Premier Jacinta AllanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday May 27 In today's National Rural News: Cattle and Lamb slaughter rates rise, NSW flooding disaster recovery effort begins, new ADHD regulations to benefit regional patients -- 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 red meat sector has seen a rise in cattle and lamb slaughter volumes in the first quarter, as seasonal conditions bite. Cattle slaughter reached more than two million head, up 2% from the end of last year, while lamb slaughter is up 12% on the same time frame. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Meat and Livestock Australia senior market analyst Erin Lukey about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday May 26 In today's National Rural News: Floodwaters in NSW begin to recede, Oyster farms off the Yorke Peninsula still in limbo, farmer concerns about Victorian state budget -- 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.

As the recovery effort begins after the New South Wales Mid-North Coast's recent flooding disaster, the dairy industry warns shortages are likely. Livestock were washed away as the Manning River rose to record levels, while farmers on the Belmore River describe the conditions as diabolical. Producers in the region have still been struggling to recover from Ex-Cyclone Alfred in March. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with EastAusmilk Chief Executive Eric Danzi about how the region is faring after the latest disasterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industry groups are backing calls for a freight subsidy for drought stricken farmers transporting fodder to southern regions. Demand for hay from Northern Australia is on the rise, with concerns parts of South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales in drought. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to the Australian Fodder Industry Association's Vanessa Curtis about the trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday May 23 In today's National Rural News: Emergency personnel are on the ground to assist in searches for people trapped in New South Wales floodwaters, producers are selling their livestock in record numbers as dams run dry, Central West ag-tech firm develops new treatment to boost soil health -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drought in South Australia and Victoria is stretching into Southern New South Wales. Dams in the Riverina are dry, and livestock producers are selling their herd and flock to save money. The New South Wales Farmers Association is calling for a range of support services from the state government. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke about the situation with President Xavier Martin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday May 22 In today's National Rural News: Farmers grapple with growing drought and flooding crisis in NSW, Former PM weighs in on Coalition split, promising figures in goat meat production -- plus the latest from the market and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday May 21 In today's National Rural News: Coalition in crisis, telco accused of overstating its reach, a dip in tractor sales -- 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.

New data has revealed Australian tractor dealerships are struggling to attract new buyers. Fewer than 800 tractors were sold across the nation over April, down 13 per cent compared to 2024. Australian Tractor and Machinery Association executive director Gary Northover spoke to Rural Reporter Toby Gough about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday May 20 In today's National Rural News: Furious farmers take to the streets of Melbourne, pushing back against new tax, E-U trade negotiations back on the table, the wine industry's plea for help-- 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 Victorian state government has announced nearly 16 million dollars in additional drought relief. The package is an extension of a 13 and a half million dollar funding announced in September last year. The Victorian Farmers Federation is welcoming any financial relief, it says the package could have gone further. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with V-F-F President Brett Hosking to speak more about the funding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday May 19 In today's National Rural News: Victorian farmers anger after new emergency services levy passes state parliament, the costly price tag of fixing fencing on outback Queensland farms, new center to help tackle 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.

Farmers are voicing their anger and disappointment over the Victorian state government's Emergency Services Levy. There has been widespread opposition to the introduction of the tax, which replaces the Fire Services levy and comes into effect on the first of July. Farmers have been granted a reduction in the rate but the Victorian Farmers Federation says it'll still see a massive increase to farmers costs. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with V-F-F President Brett Hosking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday May 16 In today's National Rural News: Farmers anger after controversial new levy passes Victorian state parliament, calls for flood devastated town to be moved to higher ground, the Coalition's next steps after election defeat -- 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 South Wales upper house inquiry is holding a hearing in Dubbo, to determine how the rollout of renewable energy is affecting farmers. Landholders have been raising concerns about the state government's Central West Renewable Energy Zone in Wellington. They say there is a lack of consultation and engagement between developers and locals. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Committee Chairman and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Mark Banasiak before the hearing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday May 15 In today's National Rural News: The role US tariffs are playing on our export markets, Morocco's agriculture ministry's comments on sheep trade ban, Bega defends decision to close Strathmerton site -- 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.

One of Australia's newest live sheep export market is raising questions about the looming ban on the trade. A trade agreement was put in place earlier this year to send our sheep to Morocco, until the ban comes into effect in 2028. Morocco's Agriculture spokesman says it is not normal to restrict import and export movements. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Livestock Exporters Council Deputy Chief Executive Simon Kompo-Harms about the comments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday May 14 In today's National Rural News: Australia hopeful trade deal between the US and China will pave the way for our own agreement, apple trees lopped before harvest, growers concerns over Woolworth cost slash -- 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.

Farmers are renewing the call for greater transparency from the major supermarkets. Woolworths has announced its plans to slash the price of up to 400 of its products by 10 percent. But it hasn't specified what products are subject to the discounts -- and the National Farmers Federation warns farmers will likely foot the bill. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with the NFF's Horticulture Council Executive Director Richard Shannon about the concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday May 13 In today's National Rural News: David Littleproud survives Nationals leadership challenge, Red meat exports break new April record, a sheep producers struggle to get financial relief from the South Australian Government -- 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.