The Rural News

In today's National Rural News:   **  13 nutrition experts and social media influencers from around the world are meeting with red meat producers from Monday, with fears there's not enough focus on iron-rich foods - especially for women, ** South Australia approves the state's  first  virtual fencing company, ** Police say pregnant ewes are the latest hot target for farm thieves. 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.

Why would someone steal sheep from a farm?  Sadly, sheep theft on the rise - and they're stolen in bigger numbers in the one offence - which means police believe many thieves have a detailed knowledge of the industry - and have access to the trucks and equipment to make whole flocks disappear. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with Victoria Police Inspector Paul Hargreaves, who's talking on the subject this weekend at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News:   ** New Zealand cops its first H-5 bird flu case. with a mystery WA case classified positive as a "precaution",  ** Calls for more cash to fix, strengthen and build crumbling country bridges, ** Plans to help rural and remote mechanics with issues such as EVs by using smartglasses, 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.

Do you have an old, weak or damaged bridge that's causing transport headaches?  What happens in a bushfire - when increasingly heavy fire trucks can't cross it anymore?   Rural Councils Victoria wants serious cash splashed on country bridges. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with deputy chair Kate Makin, who's also the Mayor of Corangamite - a south-west Victorian shire that has some seriously damaging rainfall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News:   ** Relief in Queensland as a sick migratory bird found at Noosa tests negative to bird flu.  ** CropLife fears Australia will scare off chemical companies, under proposed cost-recovery changes to the pesticides and animal medicines agency. ** Sellers of fertilizer cope with enormous losses, as cheap urea floods in. 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.

Are we scaring off ag chemical and animal medicine compnaies?  Unlike many OECD countries, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is not funded from general tax revenue - and has to come up with its own cost-recovery from industry. They've come up with a proposal - with submissions due in September - but CropLife Australia CEO Matthew Cossey says it'll cause chemical companies to take their new products to bigger nations first - potentially leaving smaller markets like Australia years behind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News:   ** $1.5 Billion is handed to investors and irrigators after water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin.  ** Farmers and truckies say Australian agricultural exports are at risk from the poor state of Victorian country roads. ** Urea for fertilizer could soon be made from old tyres - with plans to start processing in Queensland from 2029. 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 foundation is aiming to help prevent families from leaving rural and remote areas - for the sake of their kids' education. The Spirit of the Bush foundation will look at educating parents about boarding schools in the 21st century, as well as their options. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with founder Amanda Ferrari about how unlocking the secrets of great boarding schools can help country communities survive and thrive.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News:   ** National aspirations for a Victorian program to fix crumbling rural roads that aren't repaired in a timely manner.  ** Insurers are urging the federal government to reform vehicle repair laws so independent mechanics in regional areas can properly access genuine parts. ** The foreign buyout of Tasmania's largest farm has sparked backlash from agricultural leaders and the Federal Opposition.  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.

If your road isnt being repaired in a timely manner - or at all - you're not alone. Three-quarters of Victorian road repairs aren't meeting their repair targets  The Victorian Farmers Federation has launched a campaign that may soon go nationwide - and Rural Reporter TOBY GOUGH spoke to ptesident Ryan Milgate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Health department ban generates harvest uncertainty, lamb prices continue to soar, researchers find breakthrough alternative to fertiliser, and more.   Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers have mapped out a hidden network of ancient soil fungi to help future-proof Australian agriculture.  The new national database allows scientists to apply nutrient-rich fungi directly to seeds based on local climate types, meaning crops can grow faster and more consistently.  Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw spoke with one of the map's lead curators at Western Sydney University, Doctor Adam Frew, about the program.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Telstra outages continue, southern fishing ban lifted, and an alarming cattle medication shortage.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australia is lifting fishing restrictions in some areas, as the King George whiting recovers after a clearing of the region's devastating algal bloom. A temporary recreational fishing ban on the popular fish has been lifted in some areas, with most of the spawning finished for the winter. Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw spoke with SARDI Executive Director Professor Mike Steer about the dissipating algae bloom. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An alternative to increasingly expensive fertiliser is emerging for farmers in a colourful crop which can add nitrogen to the soil. Sunn hemp is a legume that can be used a cover crop to improve soil health. Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw spoke with Queensland's Department of Primary Industry Principle Scientist Paul Grundy about the benefits and drawbacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Assurances for free-range producers during the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, an emerging alternative for fertilizer, and an optimistic agriculture outlook for the second half of the yearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early prototypes have been developed for a sensor system to analyse sheep body volume, liveweight, and fleece weight. 20 producers are helping to create the design of the system to reflect real world farming conditions. Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw spoke with CSIRO Principal Research Scientist Doctor Sabrina Greenwood about how it'll allow farmers to better monitoring their sheep:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia quickly approaching a higher tariff on some meat exports, a new way to weigh sheep, and the Great Barrier Reef avoids a classification of in danger.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The highly contagious bird flu confirmed in NSW, an Australian dairy company has been fined, expanding the wool industry -- plus the latest from the markets and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangladesh could provide Australia's natural fibres producers with a new trade opportunity.  The matter has been discussed at the recent Australian Natural Fibres Seminar, which has been held in collaboration with the cotton and wool industry for the first time.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Cotton Shippers Association Chief Executive Jules Willis about the opportunitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CSIRO has developed a new genetic tool that can work out the most resilient Merinos in your flock.  Scientists have used vaccines to determine how likely individuals are to survive under stress. Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Senior Scientist Amy Bell about about the new tool. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday July 3   In today's National Rural News:  ** The value of Australian horticulture has reached a record annual high  ** A new tool  to work out Merinos resilience  ** ABARES annual farm survey gets going   -- 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.

National Rural News Thursday July 2. In today's National Rural News: Dairy farmers in Gippsland have been left in the cold, a proposal to creat regional 'meda-councils" support for country-of-orgin pork labelling - 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 say the farm chemical regulator should not be allowed to present its latest performance report as a recovery from lagging approval rates.  The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority says nearly 81 percent of applications were finalised within the legislated time frames in the past quarter.  Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke  with CropLife Australia Director Justin Crosby about the challenges which still need to be addressed See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday July 1 In today's National Rural News: Fifth case of H5N1 bird flu confirmed, new financial year changes on farm, growth of the local olive oil 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.

Olive growers say it's an exciting time for the industry, as consumer demand grows.  Australia produces about half of the extra virgin olive oil it consumes, with the rest being imported from Mediterranean countries.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Olive Association Chief Executive Michael Southan about the future of the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 30 In today's National Rural News: National milk pool increases, farmers on alert for bird flu outbreak, NSW water bills on the rise again -- 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 South Wales Farmers and Irrigators are staring down the barrel of more water bill hikes.  The state's Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has approved water price increases of nearly 50 percent over the next four years.  Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw caught up with Shadow Water Minister and Nationals M-P Steph Cooke about what it means for farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 29 In today's National Rural News: Dairy farmers again call for price transparency ahead of new season, rural vets to play a crucial role in bird flu management, Aus Post boss to face senate grilling -- 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.

As Australia rushes to manage any potential outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza, rural vets are calling for more investment to protect biosecurity. Two vets were the first discover the first of the bird infected with bird flu on a Western Australian beach. Advocates say there's far too many veterinary vacancies, despite the crucial role they play in protecting Australia's future. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with the President of the Australian Veterinary Association Dr Diana BarkerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts say this week's dip in wool prices isn't cause for concern.  The Eastern Market Indicator ended the week 46 cents lower than the week prior, after months of strong performances.  Supply concerns are pushing the market up, as fashion and textiles industries and consumers turn their attention back to natural fibres.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Wool Exchange Senior Market Analyst Lionel Plunkett about the drop in prices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: WA Poultry farmers prepare for the worst, RSPCA lays animal cruelty charges, what's behind a dip in wool prices -- 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.

National Rural News Thursday June 25 In today's National Rural News: deadly strain of bird flu detected in a second state, farmer concerns over interest in data centres, successful uptake of virtual fencing on QLD farm -- 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 farmers are calling for the agriculture sector to be protected, amid a data centre infrastructure boom.  There are currently 30 proposed projects, which require land, energy and water.  The Victorian Farmers Federation says the lessons from the state's renewable energy roll out need to be learned. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with President Ryan Milgate about farmers concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Wednesday June 24 In today's National Rural News: Chemical regulator makes it's decision about toxic herbicide use, Labor maintains it's prepared for an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu, Opposition demands answers on post office closures -- 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 will still be able to access a crucial herbicide, but Australia's farm chemicals regulator is imposing new limits. Paraquat has been banned in 67 countries and neurologists have previously raised concerns about links to Parkinsons Disease.  It's use here has been under review since 1997, and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authourity has now ruled it can be used safely, with significant restrictions.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with A-P-V-M-A  Chief Executive Scott Hansen about the changes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 23 In today's National Rural News: Investigations into the spread of H5N1 bird flu, China's import quota filled, fertiliser supply docks in Brisbane -- 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 beef bound for China will now incur a 55 percent tariff, after an import quota was filled.  Some cargo already in transit before the limit was reached will now be subject to the duty.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Global Agritrends Meat and Livestock Analyst Simon Quilty about what adjustments the sector has made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 22 In today's National Rural News: Deadly strain of bird flu detected in wild birds, US-Iran peace talks stall, farmers reiterate their opposition to water buybacks on the Murray Darling Basin  -- 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 say the money being used for the federal government's water buybacks on the Murray Darling Basin could be better spent The National Farmers Federation is reiterating its opposition to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, after the federal government announced it had secured 430 million dollars worth of water.  Rural Reporter Toby Gough spoke with Water Committee Chairman Malcolm Holm about the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Fertiliser relief in sight as the U.S and Iran sign peace deal, farmer confidence hits record low, QLD beef producers under scrutiny  -- 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.

Farmer confidence has plummeted to its lowest recorded level in 20 years.  Research from Rabobank shows 58% of Australian farmers had a negative outlook for the next 12 months.  Soaring input costs are being put to blame as a result of the Middle East conflict, with the recent peace deal showing small signs of relief.   Rural Editor Emily Minney spokes with Rabobank's Country Banking Executive Marcel van Doremaele about the trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's National Rural News: Calls for an extension to the fuel excise, more funding to address Lumpy Skin Disease, what does the future of the agriculture sector look like? -- 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 are raising concerns about the federal government's decision to move to full cost recovery on agricultural exports.  Since 2023, Labor has had support measures in place to bridge the gap between what farmers pay and what regulation costs.  But from next July, farmers will begin paying more, as part of a phased roll out.  The National Farmers Federation warns businesses could re-consider its export participation, and young workers could be deterred from the sector.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Mike Guerin about the industry's concerns.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Tuesday June 16 In today's National Rural News: Strait of Hormuz to formally reopen on Friday, sugar mills expected to come back online next week, a parasite spreading through Texas - 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.

Experts say Australia's cattle industry is not at risk, as a parasite spreads through the United States.  A dozen cases of New World Screwworm have been detected in cattle in Texas.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Global Agritrends Meat and Livestock Analyst Simon Quilty, to get a better understanding of the situation and how it could influence Australia's cattle industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 15 In today's National Rural News: Peace deal reached in Middle East conflict, export fees on the rise, nitrogen fertiliser prices soften- 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 popular brand of Australian apples has hit Chinese supermarket shelves.  Soluna Apples, known as Bravo Apples in Australia, are being sold in premium grocers on China's mainland.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with WA Farm Direct General Manager Elliot Jones about the milestone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday June 11 In today's National Rural News: Beef exports to China slow, port security fees nearly triple, cherry growers celebrated after strong season  - 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.

Farmer confidence is on the rise, after a late autumn break helped boost soil moisture levels ahead of a predicted El Nino.  The latest Bendigo Bank Commodities Insights has also production costs continue to bite. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Senior Manager of Industry Insights Eliza Redfern to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.