The Rural News

National Rural News Wednesday February 25 In today's National Rural News: Trade minister to meet with his EU counterpart, Victorian farmers prepare to block access to their farms, concerns around the health star rating label -- 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 Olive industry is concerned changes to health star ratings on all food packaging, could damage its reputation. The five star health rating labels on all Australian packaged food could become mandatory. But the Australian Olive Association says under the current model, processed oils like Canola and Sunflower could be rated higher than olive oil. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Michael Southan about the industry's concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmland sales have fallen to a record low in the past 12 months, but value has reached a new peak. Data from Ray White shows there just 5 408 transactions last year but farms are sitting at a national median price of around $10 000 per hectare. Experts say drought affected farmers are hesitant to put their farms on the market while producers experiencing better seasonal conditions are wanting to hold on to their operations. Rural Editor spoke with Elders General Manager of Farmland Agency and Agribusiness investment Mark Barber about the trends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday February 24 In today's National Rural News: Beef expected to retain exemption to Trump's fresh tariffs, farm sales slump in 2025, a push to rollout free wifi 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.

National Rural News Monday February 23 In today's National Rural News: Trump administration to increase tariffs on imports, Salmon farmers subject to stricter reporting rules, promising findings out of Macadamia farms -- 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 study has found there's been a major reduction in run off from Macadamia farms. Orchards using Integrated Orchard Management systems are recording a 95% drop in soil loss and 70% less fertiliser nutrient runoff. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to the Macadamia Society's Industry Development Manager Leoni Kojetin about the findings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday February 20 In today's National Rural News: Virtual fencing comes online in Victoria, coffee prices on the rise, call for grain donations -- 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 study warns climate change is driving-up the price of coffee, with higher temperatures putting pressure on production and reducing global supply. When temperatures reach 30-degrees, coffee plants experience heat stress which can reduce yields and affect bean quality. Rural Reporter Nelson Scott spoke to Climate Central's Doctor Kristina Dahl, about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday February 19 In today's National Rural News: Agriculture Minister sidesteps questions about rising fees for exporters, wool growers cautiously optimistic about the industry's future, new funding to future-proof 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.

There's a sense of cautious optimism in the wool industry after a strong start to the calendar year for the wool markets. Wool prices have surged 42% in the past 12 months and growers are hopeful the trend will continue, with tighter supply has pushing up prices, as national production levels fall. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Wool Producers Australia Chief Executive Jo Hall about the market trends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows more young Australians are willing to relocate to the regions. About 1 in 3 18-29 year olds say they'll consider a move due to cheaper living costs, more affordable housing and getting back to nature. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to the Regional Australia Institute's Amanda Barwick about the survey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday February 18 In today's National Rural News: Victorian farmers concerns about the Murray Darling Basin plan review, artificial intelligence in meat processing facilities, cotton picking begins -- 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.

Rural services giant Elders, the Australiasian Space Innovation Institute, Meat and Livestock Australia and Charles Sturt University have teamed up to launch new state of the art technology for farmers. The National Digital Twin for Australian Agriculture aims to be the first Artificial intelligence program providing a virtual copy of the nation's agricultural landscape. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australiasian Space Innovation Institute Founding Chief Executive Andy Koronis about the technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday February 17 In today's National Rural News: Australia and Europe inch closer to a free trade agreement, plea for volunteers is bushfire devastated communities in Victoria, case of varroa mite chemical resistance 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.

National Rural News Monday February 16 In today's National Rural News: A breakthrough in trade talks with the EU, Ways to plug a shortfall in truck drivers, more trainee doctors to work 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.

Industry representatives say urgent work needs to be done to safeguard the future of the trucking and transport industry. Data suggests there will be a shortfall of 78 thousand drivers by the end of the decade. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association with Executive Director Anthony Boyle about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday February 13 In today's National Rural News: A new look coalition after Sussan Ley was defeated in a leadership spill, trade minister remains determined to achieve a commercially viable trade deal with Europe, calls for laptops to be donated to students in the bush -- 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 charity is asking businesses to donate any spare computer desktops or laptops to regional and rural classrooms. 23 percent of students don't have access to a device but four in five Australians believe digital skills are essential to the workplace. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to WorkVentures Chief Executive Caroline McDaid, who says students in the bush are already at a disadvantage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extreme weather conditions and a strong Australian dollar have been the major factors influencing the agriculture sector to start the year. Bendigo Bank Agribusiness's latest commodity update shows it's been a mixed bag to start 2026. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Industry Insights Senior Manager Eliza Redfern to get the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday February 12 In today's National Rural News: Drought persists in Victoria, a strong season ahead for the almond industry, a fresh call for an overhaul 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.

National Rural News Wednesday February 11 In today's National Rural News: Concerns over new trade deal between Argentina and the US, dairy farmers ask the federal government to walk away from EU-FTA negotiations, rice and corn plantings plummet -- 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 Australian company has developed a new satellite device, to help monitor operations on farm. It's hoped Myriota's AssetHawk can be used to track transport, mining and resource operations as well as agricultural assets. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Ben Cade about how the device can be utilised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday February 10 In today's National Rural News: Farmers continue to urge for fair deal in EU trade negotiations, red meat exports off a strong start in 2026, calls for action on fabricated steel imports -- 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 downplaying concerns about a dwindling number of ships to transport our goods, saying Australia is still well placed to meet its requirements. There have been growing concerns about a shrinking fleet. But the Australian Livestock Exporters Council says the situation is being overstated. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Mark Harvey-Sutton to get more insight on the concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday February 9 In today's National Rural News: Trade agreement with EU expected in the coming weeks, new report raises the alarm about the PALM scheme, the Coalition reunites -- 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 new report is warning of major concerns around exploitation and a lack of basic human rights for workers on a key labour employment scheme. The Improving PALM report has made 10 recommendations to safeguard the program. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Report Lead Peter Mares about his findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday February 6 In today's National Rural News: Exporters facing growing costs, calls for Royal Commission into the Murray Darling Basin intensify, another cattle tick detection in 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.

The wine sector is asking for almost 140 million dollars in support ahead of the federal budget. In its pre-budget submission, Australian Grape and Wine has outlined the need for a structured, three year plan to address oversupply, rebuild demand and support growers and winemakers. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Chief Executive Lee McLean about what help is needed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday February 5 In today's National Rural News: Beef producer confidence on the rise, More drought relief for South Australian farmers, more growers looking for netting to shade 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.

New data shows the majority of cattle producers feel confident about the year ahead. The latest Beef Producers Intentions survey from Meat and Livestock Australia shows confidence is sitting at its highest level in more than two years. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Market Information Manager Stephen Bignell about the trend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday February 4 In today's National Rural News: US cattle herd dips, summer temperature records broken in heatwave, rural boarders return to school-- 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.

Parents of boarding students are being told to take a few simple steps to make the back to school transition easier for their children. Children across the country are unpacking their bags and setting into boarding life as the new school year begins. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke to Richard Stokes from the Australian Boarding Schools Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Will the coalition reunite?, calls for better recognition of agricultural field days, new labelling code for plant-based protein products -- 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.

Industry groups are calling for greater recognition of the importance of field days to the agriculture sector. The Association of Agricultural Field Days says the events play a vital role in the sectors productivity, sustainability and competitiveness. Data from the association shows the events generate about two-billion-dollars in trade annually. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick caught up with Chairman Bruce Wright to discuss his calls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Hopes for a free trade agreement with the EU, the growing cost of Victoria's bushfires, fears of locust storms in Queensland -- plus the latest from the markets and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitical tensions remain the top risk to agriculture in 2026, according to a new report. Rabobank's Agribusiness Outlook says the sector is well positioned to navigate such challenges. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with RaboResearch General Manager Stefan Vogel about the situation: Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday January 30 In today's National Rural News: Bushfire risk in Victoria continues, EU and India ink trade deal, strong start to the calendar year for the wool market -- 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 predicting a shift in cattle breeding tendencies ahead of a herd rebuild. Dairy-cross cattle are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with a third of cattle processed now coming from the dairy market. Changes at the saleyards in the coming months are paving the way for the same kind of crossbreeding here. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Global AgriTrends Market Analyst Simon Quilty about the trend and what it means for our livestock and dairy industries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday January 29 In today's National Rural News: Dairy farmers move the herd out of the path of bushfires in Victoria, wine exports continue to plummet, a record grain harvest for 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.

Wine exports have plummeted in 2025, as global consumer trends shift. The volume of wine shipped overseas fell six percent last year, as fewer people drink wine. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Wine Australia Market Insights Manager Peter Bailey about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday January 28 In today's National Rural News: record temperatures in Victoria put pressure on firefighters, aerial shooting of feral pigs in flooded parts of queensland begins, hay delivered to drought stricken WA 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.

Stock losses are mounting as flood waters in Queensland's North-West recede. An estimated 100 thousand head of livestock have died in the flooding event -- with that figure expected to rise. Many farmers in the region had just gotten back on their feet after the 2019 floods. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with AgForce Queensland President Shane McCarthy to get the latest on the situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday January 27 In today's National Rural News: Heatwave reaches Victoria, calls for a royal commission into the Murray Darling Basin plan, Purple tomatoes to hit shelves by the end of the 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.

Genetically modified tomatoes are making their way to Australian shelves after being given the tick of approval from the food safety regulator. Victorian based All Aussie Farmers have been working with American researchers to develop the antioxidant rich tomato, genetically modified with snapdragon DNA. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Managing Director Travis Murphy about the purple tomato.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday January 23 In today's National Rural News: Devastation from Victorian bushfires laid bare, China warns against steel tariffs, lot fed cattle given more access to shade -- 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 January 22 In today's National Rural News:Coalition splits for the second time in eight months, Queensland's largest dairy factory to close, Australian olive oil bridging supply gaps -- 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.

38 thousand head of livestock have perished in Victoria's devastating bushfires and there are fears that number will only climb. Farmers are beginning to return to their properties after the blazes ripped through an area five times the size of Singapore. Producers are also grappling with crop losses and entire vineyards and orchards burned to the ground Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking about the extent of the damage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Olive Oil producers are helping bridge the gap in supply due to drought in Europe. Heatwaves and drought across key producing regions like Italy, Greece and Spain has hampered supply and led to an increase in prices. But ANZ Agribusiness says it has presented the local industry with an interesting opportunity. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Executive Director Michael Whitehead to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday January 21 In today's National Rural News: Victoria defends CFA funding, concerns about a livestock vet worker shortage, Aussies still seeking a tree change -- 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 Australian grain growers are passing chemical compliance checks with flying colours. The National Residue Survey has found grain growers are complying with chemical use at a rate of 99.6% percent. The survey plays a critical role in maintaining market access. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Grain Producers Australia's Andrew Weidemann about the result.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday January 20 In today's National Rural News: Questions over CFA funding, farmers urgent call for climate action, manufacturers look to produce chocolate without cocoa -- 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.