The Rural News

If a dog can be man's best friend - what about an AI 'Farm Assistant' ? The Artificial Intelligence is being trialed on 20 farms - and organisers say at least half have given their AI names - sometimes after their favourite working dog Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Regen Farmers Mutual co-operative co-director Andrew Ward - who says it's an expression of how lonely life can be on the farm - and how trusted 'Farm Assistant' can become. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Climate scientists believe the current 'super El Nino' could be a fizzer oin the southern states, ** 51 PALM workers get a total refund of $160,000 after being supplied with dodgy accommodation, ** and calls to help a sick bird in Central Victoria - result in the discovery of 15 carcases - now being tested for bird flu. 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 drone that emits noises is proving to be a unique way to keep H5 bird flu away from farms - and save crops. The Ag raptor was on show at the Henty Machinery Field Days - and features a way of making noises on a frequency that attracts the interest of birds of prey - therefore scaring off unwanted wild birds such as cockatoos. But that's far from the only thing it can do. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Ag Falcon UAV founder Luke Weekley, who developed the system with Swinburne University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** The Victorian Farmers Federation introduces a cheap deal for members under 35 to help the future of agricultural advocacy, ** A call for incentives to help landowners retain or revegetate riverbanks which would help avoid downstream silt issues, ** and cattle judging time at the Melbourne Royal Show - with Simmentals the breed to beat. 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.

One woman's enthusiasm for farming - and her work creating a ag careers campaign for young people - has earned her a Queensland NextGen leaders award at the Australian Agricultural Awards. They're a joint project between ACM and the National Farmers Federation - with the national ceremony coming up on November 19 in Canberra. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Grace Griffiths in Goondiwindi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Yogurt giant Chobani to take on Bega in the flavoured milk market, ** China is turning from an importer of table grapes - to an exporter, ** and the first nationally-accredited tertiary course gets going into farming medicinal cannabis. 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: ** Donald Trump considers a freeze on US diesel exports - causing chills for Aussie truckies, ** A warning about Pathenium weed for vehicles and machinery passing from Queensland into NSW, ** and a first-time trainer wins big at the yard dog trials in Henty - saying he wouldn't sell his dog, even for $100,000. 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 Albanese Government has introduced a complex new policy for working holiday-makers that will see curbs on visas for people in their second or third year in Australia. Rural Reporter Sophie Clarke spoke with Westerway Raspberry Farm owner Richard Clark, who believes it won't help Aussie agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A changing reality in the Alps, could see water supply across Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia dwindle. 29% of Murray-Darling Basin inflows come from the Alps - but Save Our Winters scientist Ruby Olsson says that number is reducing as the climate changes. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with her to find out more:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: skilled overseas workers to be made a priority, water concerns for Murray-Darling communities, and economic challenges no match for Henty Field Day anttendees, plus the latest from the markets and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Britain grapples with a fear of foreigners, Aussie shearers looking for work during our Winter - the off-season - are being barred from entering the UK to service their own wool industry. It's stops shearers from making a year-round wage - and its causing shearers to drop out of the industry when there's already a global shortage. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Shearing Contractors Association of Australia Secretary Jason Letchford, who says it also affects New Zealanders and South Africans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Paid up members of groups such as the Victorian Farmers Federation are getting access to a faster visa system - after talks between the National Farmers Federation and Home Affairs, ** Locust eggs have been found hatching in Victorian's northern Mallee, ** and questions over what's happened to a promised $10 billion diesel stockpile for agriculture, 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.

That fire weather Queensland and northern NSW have been experiencing is well on its way south. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Victorian CFA climate and fire risk expert Alen Slijepcevic who says the East Gippsland Shire will be the first in the state to enter the Fire Danger Period on October 5 - despite being declared after Christmas in a normal year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** The South Australian Government is helping to pay for a deer control control program in Victoria - where the declared 'game' animals are rampant, ** Farmers in the Yass Valley say they've written 400 letters to an investor in a local windfarm - with no response, ** and a drone that makes raptor bird noises to scare cockies is drawing crowds at the Henty Machinery Field Days, 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.

Unbelievably about one in six Australians believes foxes are a native animal. About one in five also believe cane toads are indigenous to Australia. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Rob Brewster from the Invasive Species Council who also has concerns about the perception of feral cats and deer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** An auto-spray device that allows users to not make contact with chemicals has won the Henty Machine of the Year, ** Police seeking information after the disappearance of 212 cattle at Wilcannia, ** and the bushfire season gets off to a nasty start in drought-affected southern Queensland, 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.

Farming in Tasmania is changing fast - with poppies and winegrapes now dominating the landscape. That's something we didn't see a generation ago. A new centre is being built just outside Launceston, that'll test new potential varieties and crops - including medicinal herbs in demand in China. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Mike Rose, the director of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** A record number of exhibitors for this week's Henty Machienry Field Days, ** Farmers fear loss of power and water if a massive Anthropic data centre goes ahead in regional Queensland, ** and a Tasmanian ewe gives birth to quintuplets, 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.

In today's National Rural News: ** Truckies struggling to break even say they're parking their vehicles until diesel drops below $2/litre, ** Fertilizer costs likely to remain high into 2027, ** and calls to count the koalas on your property this Sunday, 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.

Various farm groups have welcomed the prioritization of skilled agriculture, forestry and fishing staff who're applying for working holiday-maker visas. But there's still a huge problem. Australia is heaidng into peak season for many commodities - and vias that used to be processed in 24-hours are now taking months Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with National Farmers Federation President Hamish McIntyre, who wants it fixed.. within the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** One of the world's biigest AI companies has applied to set up a data centre on the site of a feedlot near Dalby, ** Almost 10,000 endangered native birds nominated for h5 bird flu vaccines, ** and Merv Hughes go in to bat for Aussie avocadoes, 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.

Who'd believe that an animal that turned feral could be re-domesticated - and then become a successful breed in its own right..? The Rangeland goat is one of the most resilient animals in arid Australia - and its helped to make our nation the world's biggest exporter of goat meat. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with Dr Tom Granleese who says there's room for an even bigger export market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No longer with frost leave Aussie wheat crops - and their farmers - 'fried'. The CSIRO has developed a new variety - Hurdle - which not only has high yields, but can also be used for ha. It comes as properties in WA's southern and eastern Wheatbelt are increasingly exposed to frost. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with team leader Greg Rebetzki. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Changing diets - linked to weight loss injectibles such as Ozempic - are affecting the shape of the Aussie dairy industry, ** Supermarkets tell shoppers to support egg farmers - as free range chooks are confined to sheds, ** and a chicken meat-giant keeps on growing - with cash-strapped households opting for the cheaper meat, 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.

Semen from record-breaking Aussie bull 'Wyatt' is now up for grabs - at about $300 a dose. The Angus sold for $420,000 near Bathurst - and is now now taking life easy at Camperdown in Victoria's Western District. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with Fletch Kelly from ABS Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** A new survey shows cattle producers are hanging onto their livestock, ** Leaders and in the rendering supply chain meet - as bio-fuel takes off, ** and a citrus fruit banned from entering Australia from Vietnam, 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 Women's Day is a not a mere date on the calendar. It's a chance for country women to connect - and blokes are invited too. Byaduk founder Jackie Elliott has been honoured for her work taking it across Australia - and as Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson found out, thr 50th event of its kind takes place next month back where it all started in the shadow of the Grampians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** A pothole on a crumbling country highway claims the life of a Ballarat man, ** Varroa mite found near Cairns - the northern-most find in Autralia so far, ** and there's money to be made in hazelnuts - but you need years of planning, 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.

Four major reports are all due out within the next few months - which could collectively decide the future of jobs, farming and rural communities in the future. Farrer One Nation MP David Farley says now is the time to act. He's taking a 'productive water initiative' to Canberra on Tuesday - which could see Commonwealth water unlocked for agriculture in parts of the Murray-Darling basin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** A Queensland man walks free and must pay just over $4000 after a major animal welfare case which saw 21 horses put down, ** Plans for a Victorian Central North Renewable Energy Zone have been ditched - but there are questions about another in the Wimmera, ** and irrigators say they can't advocate to politicians or make meaningful crop decisions with old, delayed or extrapolated ABS data, 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.

Kimberley cattle farmer Allison Dakin has been named the WA Women in Agriculture Winner at the very first state Australian Agricultural Awards event in Perth. She's helped to build KAPCO into an enterprise that's changing lives, changing diets - and providing meaningful employment for locals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Tourism, accomodation ans farming groups join forces - to call for working holidaymakers to be allowed in before the season's over, ** Fines for a landholder who left fox bait out illegally - leading to the death of a neighbour's dog, ** and the NSW Agriculture Minister checks out a virtual fencing trial. 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 dairy farmer Narelle Zanker is the 2026 Rural Woman of the Year. Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke to her - fresh from the win in Canberra - where she was a little shocked at the news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Mango producers under pressure this season, ** Migrants make up 46 per cent of population growth in country Australia, ** and tractor and other machinery sales down - as high diesel prices bite. 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.

Perhaps it's time in Ausralia for a dedicated group or agency that can connect busy farmers with busy teachers - and create some great on-farm experiences for students. Nuffield Scholar Michelle Lyons has been hosting young people on her beef property near Charters Towers for decades - and her aim to study how it's already being done in other countries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Grain farmers desperate to get skilled overseas workers on farm - with harvest almost here, ** A new study into canola stubble fires finds a tiny boost in vegetation cover can make a massive difference to the spread, ** and the CWA rattles the gates at the New South Wales Parliament, calling for more health services in the bush. 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.

Charlotte Kelly has never lived on a farm, but her research into blotch disease in barley has scored the Queenslander the Paul Johnston Memorial Senior Science Award - as part of the Hermitage Schools Science Competition. The Year 12 student from Glasshouse Christian College looked at genetics and resistance - and now wants to pursue a career in the science of food production. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Australia could be up against stiff compteition from Brazil - for the US beef market, ** One Nation's Barnaby Joyce teasms up with New England farmers upset about 300km of planned high voltahe p[owerlines, ** and farmers angry over a 'dingo sub-species' classification for wild dogs in Victoria's Big Desert. 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 young boy's fear of storms has turned into a hobby, then a podcast - and now a vital service for rural people in Queensland's Somerset region. Meet Darcy Wilson - who's podcast 'Darcy's Daily Weather' has led him on some amazing adventures. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with the 9-year-old - and mum Samone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** No extra gloves or protective gear supplied to Victorian vets dealing with suspected h5 bird flu, ** A second fox is confirmed to have the virus - as well as a peregrine falcon, ** and attempts to sort out different fishing laws on border rivers between Queensland and New South Wales. 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.

How brazen is a thief - or more likely a gang - that makes off with 5500 sheep? The central Queensland crime is one of Australia's largest ever livestock thefts. The Dorpers vanished from a property on the Blackall-Isisford Rd sometime between February and May. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Elliot from the Rural and Stock Crime Squad, who says it'll hurt the whole community. ** If you have any information call Longreach police or make a report to Crimestoppers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Indigenous groupos team up - to call for a better Federal water deal for them - and for farmers , ** A serious fungal disease hits more Queensland banana farms, ** and the Melbourne Royal Show - which gets going on September 24 - does it's bit for farmer aid, 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.

Have you thought about returning to sheep - or expanding your existing flock? It might be a good time to start. The national flock is at its lowest level since records began in 1991 - while the price of woll and meat is booming. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with Bonnie Skinner from Sheep Producers Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Farmers and food manufacturers scrambling to get staff - with a visa 'go-slow' affecting ag workers from 24 countries, ** A survey on people's attitude to bushfires shows some disturbing results, ** and meet 'Footy's Favourite Farmer- - a dairy producer from Victoria's north east, 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.

Who would have thought a station hand job would lead to an exciting career overseas? Jack Webb was named the Livestock Exporter Young Achiever of the Year in 2025 - and nominations are now open for this year's version via the ALEC website. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with the 32-year-old, who says he loves working with Aussie cattle in Indonesia. ** Picture: AAM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** ABARES is predicting lower overall agricultural output this year, ** Authorities conduct a worker and safety compliance blitz in the the Riverina and Coffs Harbour areas, ** and new research shows circular mounds with plenty of vegetation are the best thing to protect stock from major floods, 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: ** The Federal Agriculture Minister in talks about trade with the USDA, ** South Australia looks at an experimental h5 bird flu vaccine for mammals, ** and quick on-farm genetic testing gets the thumbs up in Queensland, 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.

Poor roads and freight networks have topped the list of priorities in the latest 'State of State' report from the Victorian Farmers Federation. Taxes, levies, power transmission projects and renewable energy rounded out the top five concerns. Responses to a new question about mental health have also been a wake up call - ahead of the November 28 Victorian election. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with President Ryan Milgate, who says it shoudl be essential reading for any aspiring MP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aussie dairy farmers are begging shoppers to double check their cheese - to see if its actually Aussie made. It comes as cheap American cheese floods the market - with "food miles" that in some cases, are a hundred times worse. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Colac farmer Mark Billing who is also the acting president of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: ** Locals scratching their heads - as dead animals in known bird flu areas are left to be eaten by other creatures, ** A Farmers Fiughtback fundraiser sells out as Pauline Hanson heads to a region affected by high voltage powerline plans, ** and accolades for a couple who started a foundation for regenerative agriculture - after the death of their son in a farm accident, 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.

Dead and dying birds on the beach are becoming a daily reality for the people of Portland on Victoria's far south-west coast, as H5 bird flu takes its toll. But who picks up their birds, works out which ones will be tested, disposes of the rest - and then counsels the distressed community? Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Glenelg Mayor Karen Stephens, who says the rural shire council just don't have the budget or extra staff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.