The Rural News

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 Friday November 14 In today's National Rural News: Insecticide use on some fresh berries banned, backlash against push to lower rural speed limits, US tariffs influence on the dairy export 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.

The national farm chemical regulator has suspended the use of a pesticide on some fresh berries, amid concerns about a rise in consumption. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has banned the use of dimethoate, on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. It was sparked by concerns a sharp increase in berry consumption could lead to the safeguard buffer being breached. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with A-P-V-M-A Chief Executive Scott Hanson about the decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday November 13 In today's National Rural News: Rural roads falling into disrepair, fertiliser prices expected to ease, apple harvest down in NSW tourist town -- 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.

Victorian livestock transporters say they've coughed up 80 thousand dollars in the past four months, to repair trucks damaged by rural roads. The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association says potholes and lose surfaces across Victoria and the rest of the nation are proving costly and hampering business. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Executive Director Anthony Boyle about the state of rural roadsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday November 12 In today's National Rural News: Exporters facing a hike in regulatory costs, cattle and grain the best performing commodities last month, canola bound for China for the first time in five years. -- 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 live export industry has written to the federal agriculture minister, as exporters face an increase in oversight costs up to 60 percent. Exporters across all commodities are subject to a range of oversight fees and charges, collected by the Department of Agriculture. But the Australian Livestock Exporters Council says the Department hasn't put in place the appropriate measures to cover recent cost blow outs. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Chief Executive Mark Harvey Sutton about exporter's concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being raised about the Victorian State Government's investment in a potato manufacturing plant. $300 million will go towards the development of a processing plant in the state's west to supply fast food chains like KFC and Hungry Jacks with hot chips. The Victorian Farmers Federation is welcoming the move, but says the state government needs to look at its long term investment strategy. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with President Brett Hosking about farmers concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday November 11 In today's National Rural News: No mandate for methane-reducing feed additives, potato processing plant announced for Western Victoria, expansion of online resourced for disaster resilience -- 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 November 10 In today's National Rural News: 2025 on track to be record year for red meat exports, above average rainfall for South-West Victoria, rural South Australia now serviced by heavy vehicle barge -- 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.

2025 is shaping up to be another record breaking year for red meat exports. Last month, Beef exports rose seven percent on the same time last year, with 139 thousand tonnes shipped. Goatmeat volumes have also reached the second largest month on record, while lamb exports have slipped. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Meat and Livestock Australia Global Market Analyst Tim Jackson about the October figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday November 7 In today's National Rural News: SA farmers offered financial assistance to tackle rising kangaroo numbers, wine industry feels well placed to meet changing consumer trends, concessions made in Labor's environment reforms -- 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 believe it is well placed to adapt to the challenges it is facing as a result of shifting consumer trends. Across the globe, fewer people are drinking wine, and those who are are turning to lighter alternatives. Lobby group Australian Grape and Wine says the industry is taking the steps necessary to cater to those trends. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up Chief Executive Lee McLean about what the industry is dealing with. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday November 6 In today's National Rural News: Elders and Delta Ag merger complete, fears NSW regional roads aren't fit for purpose, avocado industry eyes exports to China -- 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 warn roads in regional New South Wales are not up to scratch and are pushing back against proposed changes to speed limits nationally. The federal government is considering lowering speed limits to as low as 70 kilometres per hour to curb a rising road death toll. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with The New South Wales Farmers Association Business Economics and Trade Committee Chairman John Lowe about the state of the roads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday November 5 In today's National Rural News: Exporters and Importers facing higher fees, global beef trade expected to grow but remain volatile, the widening digital divide -- 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 research shows the digital divide between the regions and cities is widening. The Australian Digital Inclusion Index measures how Australians access and use digital technologies. Infrastructure is being flagged as one of the major barriers to improving access. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke to RMIT University Spokesman Julian Thomas about the index and it's findings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday November 4 In today's National Rural News: Concerns about the immediate future of the supply chain, vegetable growers feeling the strain, new farmer wellbeing survey -- 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.

Farm leaders want a national program to monitor stocks of key agricultural inputs, including fuel. Australia has less than a month's worth of jet fuel, petrol and diesel in storage. Leaders are also calling for an early warning system to alert the nation to shortages before its too late. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with New South Wales Farmers Acting Chief Executive Mike Guerin about his concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Network blackspots affecting feral pest traps, free consultation on water management, the country's beef producers celebrated -- 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 cattle industry is being celebrated for its efforts to reduce emissions and become more sustainable. A Meat and Livestock Australia report shows the sector has reduced carbon emissions by 70 percent over the past two decades. Solid waste to landfill by the processing sector has fallen by the around the same amount. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Australian Beef Sustainability Framework Spokesman Patrick Hutchinson. 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 October 31 In today's National Rural News: Farmers anger over energy companies accessing private land, calls for increased milk prices, gene edited bananas becoming disease resistance -- 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 in Victoria are continuing to slam laws allowing energy companies access to private farmland to build renewable energy transmission lines. Section 93 notices have been issued to farmers in the path of the VNI West Transmission lines, permitting companies to enter land without consent. The Victorian Farmers Federation says the move disrespects farmers rights and businesses. Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke to President Brett Hosking about the move. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Wednesday October 29 In today's National Rural News: Wool prices slip back to winter levels, dairy sector forecast years long recovery from the drought, federal government urged to support world first mRNA vaccine for livestock -- 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.

Wool prices are pulling back to winter levels, after an early spring rally. Earlier this month, the market snapped 11 consecutive weeks of price rises, the longest run since the 1980s. Wool Producers Australia says the eastern market indicator needs to sit at around 2000 cents per kilogram to retain growers. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Jo Hall about what's been happening in the market in recent weeksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday October 28 In today's National Rural News: Drought pressures persist in Southern NSW, worms being used to fight invasive beetle which could threaten the horticulture sector, probe launched into regional airfares -- 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 research has found managed grazing practices on farm can help boost soil carbon levels. The study from the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development analysed the the long term trends of soil carbon across a range of grazing systems. It found paddocks which were rested for around two months had significantly higher levels than those with continuous grazing. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Pastures Research Leader Dr Warwick Badgery about the research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday October 27 In today's National Rural News: Fears deadly strain of bird flu is inching closer to Australia, a boom in pear exports, weather hampers strawberry supplies -- 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 export marketing strategy for Australian pears is being hailed a success. Hort Innovation has partnered with distributors in New Zealand and Canada to boost shipments of the fruit. Total export volumes increased by 80%, to more than 60 000 cases shipped. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Hort Innovation Spokeswoman Lynda Pallone about the campaignSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday October 24 In today's National Rural News: Dairy input costs ease slightly but remain elevated, livestock market becomes more volatile, concerns about a proposal to reduce rural speed 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 new report has found the livestock markets has grown increasingly volatile in recent years. Rabobank says the scale and frequency of swings in sheep and cattle prices has intensified in the past decade. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Senior Analyst Angus Gidley Baird about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday October 23 In today's National Rural News: New data on live sheep exports as ban looms, renewed calls for free meat safety inspector tafe courses, changes to biosecurity funding 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.

African nations are stepping in to plug the gap in the live sheep market. Live sheep exports from Somalia have grown to $979 million in value last year. A ban on the live trade by sea will come into effect in Australia in May 2028. Exporters say there is growing uncertainty for sheep producers, with no shipments being sent this financial year. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Livestock Exporters Council Chief Executive Mark Harvey-Sutton about the situationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday October 22 In today's National Rural News: 30 hours a week guarantee on the PALM scheme walked back, renewed calls for drought support in Southern NSW, embattled regional airline finds a buyer -- 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 federal government has walked back plans forcing employers to offer some workers a guaranteed 30 hours of work on farms. The requirement of 30 hours of work a week for PALM workers was due to be rolled out in April. But the federal government will now require an average of 30 hours over four weeks. The National Farmers Federation is welcoming the changes. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Workplace Relations General Manager Michael Pyres about the shift.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday October 21 In today's National Rural News: Fresh reminders to be on alert for bird flu, bumper winter grain harvest forecast, are fodder prices about to drop? -- 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 is tipped to harvest a larger winter grain crop this year, according to new analysis. Rabobank forecasts the total volume to reach more than 62 million tonnes, up 6.4% on the year prior. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Head of RaboResearch Stefan Vogel about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday October 20 In today's National Rural News: Suppliers urged to have their say on their relationship with supermarkets, SA producers urge the state government to get the ball rolling on virtual fencing, the NFF welcomes a new president -- 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 Producers are urging the new environment minister to make virtual fencing among her top priorities. Lucy Hood has taken over the portfolio from Susan Close, who has retired from politics. The livestock industry has been waiting for regulation since February. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Livestock SA Chairwoman Gillian Fennell about the issueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Friday October 17 In today's National Rural News: Farmers concern over conservationist's push for environmental sustainability practices for food security strategy, NSW farmers push back against proposed transmission lines through their properties, grape producers second best season on record -- 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 figures suggest Australian table grape producers have achieved their second best season on record. 230 thousand metric tonnes were produced last year -- a 20 percent increase on the year prior. Domestic consumption and export demand for Australian table grapes have both grown over the past year. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Rabobank Analyst Pia Piggot about the figuresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday October 16 In today's National Rural News: SA Government calls for apology from state opposition, grain growers facing difficult decisions on crops, a new way to prepare farmers for climate change -- 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 virtual reality platform has been launched to help farmers better prepare for adverse weather events. The 'Your Season, Your Success' immersive platform has been developed by Start Beyond. It allows producers to virtually run trial and error on various climate strategies before implementing them on farm. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Start Beyond Chief Executive and Co-founder Angus Stevens about the technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday October 15 In today's National Rural News: Federal Opposition welcomes backdown on super tax, 16 million dollars in funding for SA aquaculture businesses, raising awareness about the barriers to rural education -- 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.

Advocates are raising awareness about the barriers facing children trying to access education in rural Australia. The Isolated Children's Parents Association is launching Rural and Remote Education Day. They're asking everyone to wear red in support of the campaign. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with I-C-P-A President Louise Martin about the importance of the campaignSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday October 14 In today's National Rural News: Farmland values plateau in 2025, government backs down on contentious changes to super, banana industry continues to pushback against imports from the Philippines -- 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 figures show farmland values across the nation have continued to plateau in the first half of the year. According to the latest report from Bendigo Bank Agribusiness, the median price of farmland fell to $9 885 a hectare. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with Senior Agricultural Analyst Sean Hickey about the figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday October 13 In today's National Rural News: Farmer concerns over agribusiness merger, extra biosecurity measures to protect bees in SA, more Australian blueberries bound for Vietnam -- 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.

Producers believe the merger of two major agribusiness could lead to less competition. Elders' $475 million takeover of Delta Agribusiness has been given the go-ahead by the ACCC. Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with New South Wales Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon about her concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Agribusiness takeover approved, dairy farm profitability falls, supporting young station workers -- 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.