The Rural News

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.

Australia's wool production is expected to hit levels not seen in more than a century. The latest estimate from the Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee suggests 251.5 million kilograms of wool will be produced this financial year, down 10.2% year-on-year. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Committee Chairman Stephen Hill about the latest forecast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday August 26 In today's National Rural News: 12 million dollars in bird flu preparedness funding announced, freight industry reacts to federal government's new national strategy, bolstering Queensland's biosecurity-- 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 Freight Industry is welcoming the federal government's updated National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy. Since the strategy was first implemented in 2019, the sector has faced a range of challenges, including the pandemic, delays and route damage due to weather, and global tensions hampering trade. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Freight Trade Alliance General Manger of Operations Tom Jensen about strengthening the supply chainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday August 25 In today's National Rural News: Major dairy company moves to sell its consumer brands, questions over PFAS contamination in regional NSW, bolstering the supply chain with new National Freight Strategy-- 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 shipment of bricks is being blamed for the spread of Red Imported Fire Ants into Central Queensland. Nests have been detected at five mine sites in Bowen's Basin. It comes six weeks after a fire ant nest was uncovered at a mine site in Broadmeadow - the region's first detection. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with The Invasive Species Council's Reece Pianta, who warns further spread is likely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Australian beef, lamb and mutton production soars to record highs in the last financial year, the Prime Minister announces a new algae testing facility in Adelaide, a feral pig poison gains traction in the domestic sector -- 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 poisonous paste originally used for feral pig control is gaining traction in the domestic sector. Hoggone contains a unique form of sodium nitrite, which kills a pig quickly by draining oxygen from the brain. Scientists say a refined version of the product is showing promising trends in euthenasing swine in the event of a possible disease outbreak. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with the National Feral Pig Action Plan's Management Coordinator Dr Heather Channon about how it can help farmers protect their stock. 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: Red meat production suffers fall in the last quarter, experts call for more dwellings in the regions to combat nationwide housing shortfalls, Far North Queensland cotton growers welcome bumper crop -- 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.

Cotton growers in Far North Queensland are experiencing a bumper crop. Yields in the region are usually four bales per hectare, but growers say this year's crop is closer to seven bales per hectare. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray about the crop. 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 Wednesday August 20 In today's National Rural News: 189,000 jobs supported by the red meat processing sector, algal bloom financial relief expanded, varroa mite detected in Gippsland -- 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 has found the red meat processing sector is a significant employer in Australia. The Australian Meat Processor Corporation research shows more than 189 thousand jobs across 300 communities are supported by the sector. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Markets and Insights Manager Seamus Hoban about the researchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday August 19 In today's National Rural News: Milk production levels falter, grape exporter fines more than a million dollars, cane burning returns to central Queensland -- 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 abundance of standover from last year's cane crop in North Queensland is leading to a rise in pre-harvest burn offs. The practice was largely phased out in the region when new harvester technology was developed in the 1990s. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with Mackay Canegrowers Chairman Joseph Borg about the events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: tragedy on a regional highway, animal activist group loses court battle, the date industry experiencing a rise in demand -- 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.

There are hopes a shift in consumer trends could help date growers become more established in Australia's agriculture sector. The Australian Date Growers Association says producers are experiencing a surge in demand. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Produce distribution company Freshmax's Mike Tyler. 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 August 15 In today's National Rural News: Growers unsure what potato crop virus means for the industry, renewed call for water infrastructure projects in Victoria, Flanno for a Farmer day returns for another year -- 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 fundraising campaign asking Australians to don a flannelette shirt is up and running for another year. Today marks Flanno for a Farmer -- with charity Farm Angels aiming to raise money and awareness for the mental, emotional and financial burdens of our primary producers. Rural Reporter Alexander Nimmo spoke with Chief Executive Jason Law about the initiative. If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday August 14 In today's National Rural News: Government opens consultation on national food security strategy, potato crop virus detected in Australia for the first time, graziers warned to vaccinate cattle against disease -- 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.

Northern Queensland Graziers are being urged to vaccinate cattle against a disease rarely seen the region. Blackleg is a fatal disease caused by bacterial spores in the soil, and often affects younger cows. A farmer in Torrens Creek lost almost 40 head of cattle to the disease. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to AgForce Queensland Cattle Board President Lloyd Hicks about the illnessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday August 13 In today's National Rural News: Promising outlook for beef producers, questions raised about the federal government's agriculture roundtable, Australia encouraged to become a regional leader in food security -- 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 latest market insights suggest a range of commodities had a positive outlook last month. Research from Bendigo Bank shows widespread rain has marked a turning point for winter cropping, and demand for Australian beef remains at record highs. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Agribusiness Senior Manager of Industry Affairs Neil Burgess about the latest outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday August 12 In today's National Rural News: New agriculture training program rolls out in Papa New Guinea with support of Australia, why lamb prices are elevated, crop and cotton growers better managing weeds -- 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 national agricultural training program is being rolled out in Papua new Guinea with the assistance of the Australian government. It's hoped the program developed by Charles Sturt University will present a new trade opportunity. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with C-S-U's Dr Wendy De Luca to unpack the programSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Calls for a rate cut, concerns over kangaroo poisonings, bird flu funding -- 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.

Farmers from across the country have attended the 20-25 Future Ag Expo in Melbourne, ticking off another year of expanding their skills in the industry's latest tech. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with the events Commercial Director Mike Nissan, about the event. 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 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.