Family Farms Likely Exempt From Trust Tax

Family farms are likely to be exempt from a proposed 30% tax on discretionary trusts, with legislation expected to pass unchanged. Around 37,000 trusts are used by operators nationwide to manage long-term succession planning. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson caught up with National Farmers Federat…

National Rural News - Friday, November 11, 2026.

In today's National Rural News: discretionary trust tax likely to be slashed for farmers, ANZ to keep regional branches open, drones helping detect illegal fishing, plus the latest from the markets and more.  

Wool in demand for activewear

Wool is making a comeback as a fibre used in active-wear - and Chinese manufacturers are on the hunt for more. This - and other global trends - means it's a great time to be a wool producer.   Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Wool technical manager Matt Cox from Elders. 

National Rural News Thursday November 6

In today's National Rural News:   ** Plans to force UK backpackers to pay fees to work in Ausyralia for a second or third year - but this would be waived in the bush,  ** A Riverina business fined $18,000 over 'exit' signs that didn't have a running man symbol, ** and Rural Aid helps locals in d…

Murray River bridge to save time and money

A Victorian MP is hoping a business case can kickstart a project to get another truck-friendly crossing over the Murray River. This one would be south-east of Mildura - and avoid the regional city's CBD.   Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Mildura MLA Jade Benham - who says it would affec…

National Rural News Wednesday November 4

In today's National Rural News:   ** An investment bank grabs millions of shares in SPC, ** A new report outlines specific job shortages in the ush - including pilots, ag technicians and ag mechanics, ** and feral deer causing $91 million in car damage and lost land productivity,  Plus the late…

Selling online pays off for Brahman producers

Thousands of Aussie farmers were watching - when 4000 Brahman cattle were sold by Auctions Plus in what is understood to be Australia's largest online cattle auction. The mob reportedly sold for $1653 a head or 474c/kg liveweight. Similar steers - also from the Northern Territory - are currently s…

National Rural News Tuesday November 3

In today's National Rural News:   ** Good news on water allocations and some welcome rain means there's now a rush to get rice plants ready in the Riverina, ** Spectacular results from what's believed to be Australia's biggest online auction of cattle, ** and Queensland grain farmers hoping thei…

How to get country kids into medical degrees

Country students become country doctors - or at least that's the theory. Eliza O'Sullivan has worked with a friend to create the charity  RuralRounds.org.au - which helps secondary students in the bush turn their seemingly-impossible medical dreams into reality. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson sp…

National Rural News Monday November 2

In today's National Rural News:   **  Pauline Hanson says she won't go head-to-head with Nationals leader Matt Canavan who is seeking a lower house seat via the Rockhampton based seat of Capricornia, ** Grain farmers want a fair balance between human health and killing weevils when it comes to ph…