The Rural News

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 

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 

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 

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   

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.

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 year

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:

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.

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. 

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 opportunity

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. 

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  

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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 Barker

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. 

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] 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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. 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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. 

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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 

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

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/RuralNewsPodcast

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.

National Rural News Wednesday June 10 In today's National Rural News: Global beef supply to tighten, additional fertiliser and diesel bound for Australia, a looming pollination crisis  - plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Global beef production is tipped to fall more than 2% this year, but experts say that's good news for the Australian industry.  A new report from Rabobank shows Australia's beef sector is expected to continue its strong production and export levels as the U.S, China and Brazil all brace for a dip in production.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Rabobank's Angus Gidley-Baird about what it means for Australia's beef industry.

National Rural News Tuesday June 9 In today's National Rural News: New resource to help suppliers navigate relationships with retailers, new research to safeguard fertiliser supply long term, potential new way to manage feral pests  - plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Researchers are trying to decipher a "hidden language" in fox urine to better control the pests. There are an estimated 1.7 million foxes in Australia, responsible for the deaths of millions of livestock and native animals. A joint venture between Charles Sturt University and the New South Wales Environmental Trust is hoping to use the animals urine to make management more effective. Rural Reporter Chris McCarthy caught up with research lead Doctor Anke Frank about the study. 

Red meat exports to the Middle East have begun to rebound, as tensions in the region continue.  Shipments have nearly doubled since the Iran conflict broke out three months ago, but still remain almost half the volumes from this time last year. Experts say a lack of demand from tourists in the region is largely responsible, not just the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Elders analyst Richard Koch about the trends

National Rural News Friday June 5 In today's National Rural News: Beef exporters are on the verge of losing access to the Chinese markets, the hail risk to winter crops, the risk of new U-S tariffs - plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

National Rural News Thursday June 4 In today's National Rural News: Farmers react to wage increase, cotton prices reach two year high, SA and Victoria leading the way in cattle producer confidence - plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Wine industry representatives are calling for the federal government to halt tax changes announced the budget.  Taylors Wines is threatening to take its operations overseas, arguing a minimum 30% tax on discretionary trusts and capital gains will hamper their ability to be competitive. While the nation's largest retail liquor network Endeavour Group has announced it will step away from producing wine and sell key vineyards and a bottling facility. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Australian Grape and Wine Chief Executive Lee McLean about the struggles within the sector

National Rural News Wednesday June 3 In today's National Rural News: Trade tensions, looming tariffs and seasonal conditions weigh heavily on the cattle sector, drone designed to look like a falcon now being trailled in Queensland, demand for CCTV on South Australian farms soars - plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Looming tariffs, trade shifts and seasonal conditions are adding uncertainty to the beef sector.  ANZ's Winter Commodity reports shows increased culling driven by poor seasonal conditions has led to a significant drop in cow prices in March and April --  But export demand continued to prop up the sector. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to ANZ Agribusiness Executive Director Michael Whitehead about the findings