The Rural News

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 

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.

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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 

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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. 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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. 

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 

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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. 

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. 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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. 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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. 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

Confectionery manufacturers are beginning to explore new ways to produce chocolate, amid a turbulent period in the cocoa market.  Climate challenges have been disrupting supply, leading to spikes in cocoa prices.  Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with Rabobank's Paul Joules, who says manufacturers are looking at developing cocoa free chocolate.

National Rural News Monday January 19 In today's National Rural News: Concern over EU-Mercosur trade deal, who should probe the Victorian bushfires?, Victorian shearers scrambling to get their labour hire licenses  -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Victorian shearing contractors are rushing to ensure they aren't falling foul of the state's labour hire laws.  Many in the industry says they hadn't realised contractors were required to have a labour hire licence until the end of last year.  Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke to Shearing Contractor Association Chief Executive Jason Letchford about the situation. 

National Rural News Friday January 16 In today's National Rural News: Concern over the federal government's gun reforms, tens of thousands of livestock killed in bushfires, uptick in small tractor sales  -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Parts of the Murray Darling Basin have been listed as critically endangered.  The River Murray, the Coorong, Lake Alexandria and the Albert Wetland are among the areas covered.  The National Farmers Federation is questioning the need for the listing.  Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with the Water Committee Chairman Malcolm Holm about his concerns

In today's National Rural News: More support for farmers grappling with fires, collapsed agriculture business directors banned, work to diversify Australia's export markets -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast 

The federal government is building on its commitment to diversify Australia's export markets.  The 50 million dollar Trade Diversification Network brings together a range of primary industries and government. Australian Grape and Wine is one of the 40 industry bodies involved.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Lee McLean about how the program will bolster our exports. 

The dairy industry says any free trade agreement with the European Union needs to protect the local industry.  The Australian Dairy Industry Council warns a trade deal may result in overseas dairy products flooding the supermarket shelves at the expense of domestic produce.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chairman Ben Bennett about dairy farmers concerns.

National Rural News Wednesday January 14 In today's National Rural News: Premier heckled during a visit to bushfire ravaged Victoria, more rain on the way to sodden North-West Queensland, Chicken consumption on the rise -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

National Rural News Tuesday January 13 In today's National Rural News: Bushfire recovery in Victoria to take years, tens of thousands of livestock lost in Queensland floods, dairy industry concerns on EU trade -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The Victorian Farmers Federation says getting fodder into bushfire ravaged Victoria is the organisation's top priority.  Entire wineries and orchards burned to the ground, and thousands of livestock are believed to have been lost in the blazes.  The V-F-F says there are grave concerns for animal welfare and is making an urgent call for donations.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with President Brett Hosking about the situation. 

National Rural News Monday January 12 In today's National Rural News: Fires ravage Victoria, livestock washed away in floods in the north, billion dollar blow to the beef sector -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

New figures warn farm input costs are expected to rise higher than inflation in 2026.  The annual consumer price index currently sits at 3.8% but fertiliser costs are expected to rise 6%,  and fodder is up 15%. ABARES says farmers are also receiving more for their produce. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Acting Assistant Secretary Kurt Hockey on what the figures mean.

National Rural News Friday December 19 In today's National Rural News: Federal government to recover regulatory costs of exports, farmer confidence stable heading into the new year, hay contractors working around the clock -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The federal government is moving to recover the regulatory costs of agricultural exports.  The Cost Recovery Implementation program has been flagged in this week's Mid-Year Economic Financial Outlook.  The Australian Live Exporters Council is calling on the government to go back to the drawing board.  Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Chief Executive Mark Harvey Sutton about how it effects live exporters.