The Rural News

National Rural News Friday March 20 In today's National Rural News: fuel supply taskforce welcomed, cyclone hits far north Queensland, a concert for fire affected farmers -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The main body representing farmers is welcoming a new Fuel Supply Taskforce. Wholesalers have been restricting diesel supply into the regions, blaming the conflict in the Middle East. The government says the taskforce will make sure fuel is able to get to where it's needed. National Rural News Canberra Correspondent Nelson Scott spoke with N-F-F President Hamish McIntyre. 

Researchers have identified two locations as the most likely entry points for lumpy skin disease virus into Australia. Rural Reporter Brady Evans caught up with Professor Ricardo Magalhaes from the University of Queensland's School of Veterinary Science to go through the details.

In today's National Rural News: National Cabinet fuel meeting, cyclone update, where lumpy skin is most likely to hit in Australia -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

In today's National Rural News: New Shadow Ag Minister outlines priorities, EU trade deal edges closer to ratification, a major funding boost for the cotton industry -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast 

The new Shadow Agriculture Minister says the issue of food and fibre security will be his primary focus. New Nationals leader Matt Canavan has unveiled his revised Shadow Ministry after replacing David Littleproud.  Long time Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester has been elevated to the Ag portfolio.  He spoke with Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick to outline his priorities in the role. 

In today's National Rural News: Could the war in Iran push up food prices?, new shadow agriculture minister unveiled, the livestock export industry's emissions calculated -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

A new study has examined the carbon footprint of the country's livestock export industry.  The assessment tracked the emissions of cattle and sheep from pre-export quarantine yards through to their destination.  Integrity Ag's Doctor Stephen Wiedmann spoke with Rural Editor Emily Minney about the findings. 

In today's National Rural News: More fuel released in a bid to address shortages, Middle East conflict pushes up urea prices and concern about a new wheat deal between Indonesia and the United States -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Indonesia and the United States have inked a new trade deal for wheat.  Under the agreement, Indonesia will take up to two million tonnes of American wheat.  Australia typically ships four to five million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Grain Producers Australia's Andrew Weidemann about local growers concerns. 

National Rural News Friday March 13 In today's National Rural News: Federal government to lower fuel standards to address shortage concerns, flooding crisis in Qld and NT continue to unfold, the educational and financial gap between country and metropolitan students -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Education experts are raising the alarm on an education and financial divide between country and metropolitan students.  Rising living costs, relocation expenses and mandatory unpaid work placements are placing greater burden on rural students.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Country Education Foundation Chief Executive Wendy Mason about what needs to be done to bridge the gap.

National Rural News Thursday March 12 In today's National Rural News: How the Middle East Conflict is disrupting trade, Victorian Farmers Federation search for a new leader, why beef exports to China are on the rise -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Experts believe Australian beef producers could fill a Chinese import quota by the middle of the year.  More than 27 thousand tonnes were shipped to China, which has set an import quota of just 205 thousand tonnes of Australian beef, before a tariff is applied.  16 thousand tonnes were sent in January.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Meat and Livestock Australia's Andrew Cox about the figures. 

National Rural News Wednesday March 11 In today's National Rural News: Nationals leadership shakeup, reducing reliance on fertiliser, feedlot research and adoption program funding boost -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Farmers are being encouraged to lessen their reliance on fertiliser, as the conflict in the Middle East squeezes supply.  Soils for Life is holding a field day in Gippsland Victoria, showcasing a property which has reduced its fertiliser reliance by 90 percent.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Eli Court about the importance of the showcase.

National Rural News Tuesday March 10 In today's National Rural News: Fuel supply concerns heighten as Middle East conflict continues, the sugar industry's calls to help shore up fuel supply, dairy commodity prices rise -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Dairy commodity prices have rallied this quarter, with many dairy farmers more confident for the near future.  A report from Rabobank says the prices have shown signs of recovery but it also warns the trend may be offset by global tensions.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Senior Dairy Analyst Michael Harvey about the report.

National Rural News Monday March 9 In today's National Rural News: How the Middle East conflict is affecting farmers, key supply route cut off again, Victorian farmers 'gutted' by new amendment -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Victorian dairy farmers are continuing to push back against state government plans to merge commodity focused food safety bodies.  The state government is establishing a broad, independent regulator called Safe Food Victoria, which will also oversee dairy products.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to United Dairy Farmers of Victoria Acting President Ian Morris about the dairy industry's concerns.

National Rural News Friday March 6 In today's National Rural News: US politicians call for higher tariffs on Aussie lamb, Middle East conflict rages on, dairy farmers concerns about regulator proposal  -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Victorian dairy farmers are continuing to push back against state government plans to merge commodity focused food safety bodies.  The state government is establishing a broad, independent regulator called Safe Food Victoria, which will also oversee dairy products.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to United Dairy Farmers of Victoria Acting President Ian Morris about the dairy industry's concerns.

National Rural News Thursday March 5 In today's National Rural News: Trade disruptions in the Middle East, how China's looming beef tariffs is influencing exports, rainfall delays almond harvest -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Australian beef exports to China have surged, as an annual quota looms.  China has set an import quota for Australian produce at just 205 thousand tonnes for the year before a 55 percent tariff is applied.  About 21 percent of that figure has been filled in the first two months of the year.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Rabobank's Angus-Gidley Baird about how the quota has affected trade so far this year. 

National Rural News Wednesday March 4  In today's National Rural News: Freight in the firing line of Middle East conflict, Agriculture target reached four years early, will plant based products be forced to dump the word 'milk' from their branding?  -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The conflict in the Middle East is already having a direct effect on the freight and shipping industries.  Emergency conflict and wartime surcharges have already been applied, with some companies charging between two and four thousand dollars in extra fees.  The Strait of Hormuz has been closed. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Freight and Trade Alliance General Manager Tom Jensen about the situation.

National Rural News Tuesday March 3 In today's National Rural News: Government monitoring Middle East conflict, new tool to help the wine industry, a strong year for the horticulture sector -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast.

The dairy industry has released its new plan to improve profitability, innovation and sustainability within the sector, by the end of the decade.  The strategy has been drafted after an 18 month consultation process, aiming to develop a profitable and sustainable industry.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Dairy Australia Chairman Paul Roderick about the plan.

National Rural News Monday March 2 In today's National Rural News: Record rainfall over Outback Australia, tensions heighten in the Middle East, illegal fishermen spark biosecurity concerns -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The latest Agricultural snapshot shows the sector is well placed to handle trade, climate and productivity challenges.  ABARES figures show the industry has grown 45 percent over the past 20 years.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Executive Director Jared Greenville says about the figures.

In today's National Rural News: Drought stricken farmers prepare for rain, concerns over trainee doctor proposal, what is Australia's risk of Lumpy Skin Disease? -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Doctors warn a plan to make training in the bush a mandatory part of study, could do more harm than good. The Rural Doctors Association warns forcing trainee General Practitioners to take up a position outside of the major cities could push them out of the practice all together.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Peta Rutherford about the association's concerns.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast 

National Rural News Thursday February 26 In today's National Rural News: Australia to push for a wide ranging exemption from US tariffs, exports reach a new benchmark, shippers call for competition reform  -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Growers are considering rolling out drones which look like birds to protect their orchards.  The Canadian-made drones are designed to look like falcons, and mimic the birds behaviour, to scare off other birds.  As drought conditions persist in Victoria, birds have turned their attention to horticultural crops like apples and pears.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Fruit Growers Victoria Grower Services Manager Michael Crisera about a potential rollout

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  

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.

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. 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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. 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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. 

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.