The Rural News

Aussie dairy farmers are begging shoppers to double check their cheese - to see if its actually Aussie made. It comes as cheap American cheese floods the market - with "food miles" that in some cases, are a hundred times worse. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Colac farmer Mark Billing who is also the acting president of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria.

In today's National Rural News:   ** Locals scratching their heads - as dead animals in known bird flu areas are left to be eaten by other creatures, ** A Farmers Fiughtback fundraiser sells out as Pauline Hanson heads to a region affected by high voltage powerline plans, ** and accolades for a couple who started a foundation for regenerative agriculture - after the death of their son in a farm accident, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Dead and dying birds on the beach are becoming a daily reality for the people of Portland on Victoria's far south-west coast, as H5 bird flu takes its toll. But who picks up their birds, works out which ones will be tested, disposes of the rest -  and then counsels the distressed community?  Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Glenelg Mayor Karen Stephens, who says the rural shire council just don't have the budget or extra staff.

In today's National Rural News:   ** The Federal Government is releasing an extra $125 million for immediate  action against H5 bird flu, ** Our wealthiest agricultural land owners revealed, ** and global demand for dairy cattle could become a big earner for farmers - especially in the southern states, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Ever heard of a  Larch tree?  Most Aussies haven't - but the Siberian species of timber is flooding the Aussie market, despite several years of sanctions on Russia. A senate committee says we need tougher action on dodgy imports. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Richard Hyett from the Australian Forest Products Association - who's welcomed the report - 

In today's National Rural News:   ** Wool prices are up across the board, ** A senate committee wants more action on dodgy imports of Russian timber via third countries, ** and one in six crashes involving a kangaroo is resulting in a write-off, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Locusts numbers are on the rise - and departments in Victoria and New South Wales have both warned landholders to be on the lookout in the Wimmera-Mallee as well as northern and western New South Wales.  SA and southern Queensland are also at risk. Farmers have grave concerns that some of the most effective chemicals have either been deregistered - or are under review - and they want urgent action to clarify what to use. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Andrew Weidermann from Grain Producers Australia.

In today's National Rural News:   ** A warning about the risk of locust numbers this Spring - but there are questions about effective chemicals to control them, ** Queensland records its second H5 bird flu case - again on the Sunshine Coast, ** and hope that rice cakes can save dozens of jobs being let go at SunRice. Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Not only is Varroa Mite a huge problem for Aussie honey bees, it's evolving and becoming more resistant to current treatments. But New South Wales there is no practical or workable approved solution to deal with this new generation of destructive critters. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with NSW Shadow Agriculture Minister Brendan Moylan.

In today's National Rural News:   ** National red meat slaughter is at its highest since 1978 - with processors at capacity, **  A Rockhampton-region farmer offers a $25,000 reward for information leading to the return of Wagyu cross cattle, ** and The Federal Government  will permanently maintain its power to subsidise the purchase of imported fuel, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast  

Not many products can get around the country - or overseas - without being carried by truck at some stage. So road freight efficiency is a huge part of pushing up national productivity. The Australian Trucking Association says a $400 million Federal plan to boost truck productivity will deliver $4.4 billion in economic benefits every year - and they've cited the example of switching from conventional semis to fuel efficient  A-doubles.  Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke chair Mark Parry 

In today's National Rural News:   ** Shoppers getting cheaper milk at one of our biggest supermarket giants - but farmers say that doesn't reflect easier times for them, ** Calls for laws that will see windfarms and other renewable energy projects properly rehabilitated into useable farmland at the end of their lives, ** And a regional bobcat company now making big bucks on data centre development,  Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast  

Queensland's Critical Minerals Bill could be a litmus test for other states. The proposed bill sets out the terms for compulsory acquisition of private farmland by private mining companies.  The definition of 'critical minerals' is also unclear - with fears it could apply to things like natural gas. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with AgForce president Chris McCarthym who has some grave concerns.

In today's National Rural News:   ** Early Total Fire bans in the Northern Territory could be a sign of things to come in the southern states, ** A new reports shows the vast majority of productivity gains are happening in country Australia - with calls to start measuring national productivity by location, ** And positive news - at least for now - for Tasmanian potato farmers, as talks resume with the atate's largest processor - Simplot,  Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

A 500kW powerline over farmland in north west Victoria has become a political hot potato, ahead of the November 28 state election. Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce will visit proposed sites in the East Wimmera  next week as part of a Farmers Fightback event. Now the Liberal-National coalition has reinforced it's opposition to the VNI West line - which would run between windfarms in Ararat and Energy Connect in the Riverina. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with one of the local MPs - Mildura Nationals MLC, Jade Benham. 

In today's National Rural News:   ** The seasonal bushfire outlook has been released for the Summer ahead - with warnings for northern and SE NSW, SE Queensland. WA, SA, Victoria and most of the NT, ** A Federal push to ramp up Ausralia's home-grown bio-fuel industry - but canegrowers want it done now - not in 2029, ** And calls for better timber plantation planning - as theneed for new homes keeps growing,  Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Tasmania producers almost a third of Australia's total supply of potatoes - and Simplot is the state's biggest processor. But the  American food giant has reached a deadlock on contracts with TasFarmers - and is now reportedly approaching individual farmers with two-page imcomplete contracts, given them a week to sign .  Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with TasFarmers Chief Operating Officer Neil Grose, who says growers feel pressured.

In today's National Rural News:   ** Calls for New South Wales to follow Victoria - and review safe exposure levels of phosphine - before going ahead with new rules from December 1, ** A survey ahead of the annual National Bush Summit shows fewer regional people are feeling good about their quality of life, ** And McDonalds teams up with three major suppliers to give agriculture graduates an edge in their career,  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:   ** Woolworths is ditching the 'Farmers Own" milk brand - with some farmers saying it became a poorly marketed token gesture, ** Water availability jumps in northern and central Victoria, ** And Agquip expected to draw 50,000 people when it gets going in Gunnedah, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The Minns Government is the only state government - at this stage -  willing to sign  a new national gun buyback scheme. New South Wales Farmers says it unfairly targets primary producers who have to deal with large feral animals and injured stock.  They're also upset about compensation they say is one quarter to one-ninth of thge actual cost of thye firearm. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with President Rebecca Reardon, who believes farmers are being punished for the December 14 Bondi terror attack. 

McDonalds has revealed it spends more than $1 billion a year with Aussie farmers and supplies - with 90-per-cent of menu ingredients sourced locally. The potatoes used in hash browns and fries are by far the biggest item on the annual  shopping list.  Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Cameron Suckling who farms 'Innovator' spuds at sites in the Hepburn and Moorabool shires in Victoria's west. 

In today's National Rural News:   ** National parks staff find the first H5 bird flu case in Tasmania - in a brown skua in the state's north west, ** A Canadian agricultural investment giant reportedly eyes off our second biggest chicken meat company, ** And AgForce wants Queensland's Critical Mineral Bill urgently amended to protect farms from threats including compulsory acquisition, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

With more people working from home - and more farm monitoring equipment connected to the internet or mobile signals - you would think telecommunications were getting better in 2020s Australia. The Australian Telecommunications Ombudsman has just delivered a report saying many remote people feel like they're going backwards in this department. You can read the report - or make a complaint - but going to tio.com.au Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with ombudsman Cynthia Gerbert, who says should never give up on lodging a complaint in the bush.

In today's National Rural News:   ** A damning report about the state of telecommunications in the country - with some frustrated mobile customers dusting off their UHF radios, ** SunRice slashes job in Deniliquin and Leeton - with water buybacks blamed as the root cause, ** And a call to fund wild dog management - before cash runs out next month, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Governments around Australia have been told the prioritise their most endangered native birds - and put them forward for H5 bird flu vaccinations. They're yet to roll out for chickens - but NFF President and Queensland chicken meat producer Hamish McIntyre says if the situation gets that bad, there is a way of doing it. But he says if you work for a large chicken meat producer like Inghams - it would be up to them to help make it happen.

In today's National Rural News:   ** The Victorian Government says it'll vaccinate an estimated 5000 wild Little Penguins against H5 bird flu, ** The drough in the USA worsens with the country's largest lake at its lowest ever level, ** And Australia's Best Young Dairy Judge credits good mentors for her win. Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The WA Government is the latest to come up with a map of  H5 bird flu cases - both positive and negative. For a while now, Deakin University has been working with Wildlife Health Australia, Birdlife Australia and the AWI (Alfred Wegener Institute) on a global map which shows the spread of the virus over the last 20-years. You can check out the map at https://hpairisk.deakin.edu.au/ Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Deakin Post-Doctoral Research Fellow  Sara Ryding.  

In today's National Rural News:   ** Australia will  follow the lead of New Zealand - to protect endangered native species with vaccines against the H5 bird flu.  ** Australia's top young cattle judge says being based in Tasmania is a massive advantage, ** And the Opposition slams the Federal Government's lack of action and investment - as the US Government pours half a billion dollars into a small NSW town where it wants to mine Scandium, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast  

There are a plethora of single men across country Australia who just want somebody to love. ABS data shows the problem's especially dire in regional WA, where there are 124 men for every 100 women. In country SA the ratio is a little less uneven at 117-men. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with 54-year-old Appin bachelor ROGER BREWER  - who got on a train from the Mallee and walked the streets of Melbourne with a sign reading: 'Farmer Wants a Wife. I'm sick of the dating apps and fake profiles' 

In today's National Rural News:   ** The national H-5 Bird flu tally reaches 200  - with the Melbourne Royal Show meeting to consider cancelling its bird exhibits, six weeks ahead of time - following cancellations at the Adelaide show, ** Satellite data appears to be the new evidence you need to get a bank loan for your farm, ** And the truck industry is spruiking at careers expos - as one in four drivers nears retirement, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

In the last six years, the Regional Tech Hub - run by the National Farmers Federation - has helped hundreds of thousands of country Australians with phone and internet problems. More than 327,000 visited the website - and 80,000 got one-on-one support from a calltaker based in regional Australia  Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with NFF CEO Michael Guerin, who says they had to wrap up the service after Federal funding stopped in June 30 - but they're still hopeful someone will be able to help them.   

In today's National Rural News:   ** The national H-5 Bird flu tally reaches  155 - with all 32 new cases in South Australia, ** Federal funding released  for some of country Australia's most deadly black spots, ** And a Walgett farmer is desperate to meet the NSW Environment Minister - after five-years of confusion over land clearing, Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast  

Regional Australia has no shortage of ambitious projects, but there are fears infrastructure is planned, without considering the accommodation to back it up. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Extended Stay Australasia Managing Director Damian Gallace. He says you're more likely to get happy workers - who might even stay on and add to the community - if you have a safe and comfortable places to stay.

In today's National Rural News:   ** The national H-5 Bird flu tally reaches  123 - wth 16 confirmations in Victoria ** Farmers fined $800 for blocking high voltage transmission line workers say they won't pay, ** And massive upgrades ahead for the showgrounds in Brisbane. Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Pesticide exposure has been linked to an up to 70-per-cent higher risk of developing a degenerative disease known as A.L.S. With farm chemical exposure almost a daily face of life for many producers, it might raise a few alarm bells. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Dr Ian Musgrave from the Faculty of Medicine at Adelaide University, who stresses that its a link - and not the cause. We asked : What is A.L.S.? 

In today's National Rural News:   ** New analysis shows pesticide exposure is linked to an up to 70-per-cent greatyer risk of developing a rare degenerative illness, ** A Merino farmer sends a bill for almost $40,000 to the Victorian Government, as wild dogs ravage his Mallee property, ** And a chance for rural and regional Queenslanders to take their issues straight to the Premier in person. Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The Islamic economy is growing - and won't stop soon - with a growing middle class in south east Asia that is keen to try imported food and fibre. Salaam is Australia's biggest Islamic asset manager and superannuation fund - and together with DinarStandard has come up with a comprehensive report outlining endless opportunities for halal meat, grain and legumes - as well as Australian wool and cotton. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Salaam's Mas Harris. 

In today's National Rural News:   ** The national bird flu tally is now at 78 cases - with a stark warning from the NFF, ** Snap inspections conducted on NSW berry farms for signs of modern slavery, ** And a crackdown on fisheries - as a new state law threatens legal consequences for customers who buy illegally-sourced seafood. 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:   ** The average national price for diesel could jump to $2.45 by the end of the week, ** Bird flu gets into Australia's largest zoo (by area) - but operators say they've been prepared and will stay open, ** And Sheepvention crowns our top shearers and farm dogs. Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Farms and food processors across Australia are screaming out for people to help them with information technology. Sharon Starick is a farmer - and chair of the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations. She says that for every IT or computing graduate, there are six jobs in IT-related agriculture. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with her about a glut of job opportunities for skilled IT people in food and fibre. 

Many myths have been circulating online about H5 avian influenza. Wild seabirds with bird flu have  now been confirmed in every part of Australia except Tasmania, Canberra and the Northern Territory. Today's toll is more than double what it was a week ago. Long time chicken farmer - now poultry consultant - Jack Mills - from Go Ahead Solutions says the myths have to be busted - and doing nothing isn't an option.

In today's National Rural News:   ** A second suspected positive H5bird flu case is found in Victoria - again at Portland - while four sick crested terns on Kangaroo Island have been confirmed, ** Officers from the tax office, Border Force and Fair Work Ombudsman converge on a dozen farms in the Griffith area. ** And Queensland rolls out more bio-security officers in regional areas. Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

It's estimated there are anywhere between three- and 23-million feral pigs in Australia - with the worst problems in New South Wales, the far north of WA and in Queensland. Now a  General Bio-Security Directive have been slapped on the Walgett region - the first for pis in NSW - and it requires every landholder to actively take part in a mandatory eradication program. Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Invasive Species CEO Jack Gough - who wants to see somehting similar in Victoria.

In today's National Rural News:   ** H-5 Bird Flu is confirmed for the first time in Victoria - after a sick Greater Crested Tern was found in the far west of the state, ** Researchers find an Australian garlic cultivar that can kill influenza and COVID-19 in the lab,  ** And anger over a camp for high voltage transmission line workers in the central west of New South Wales. Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast  

Australian tomato growers are struggling against a global oversupply. It doesn't help that investigations have shown several processed tomato products appear to be openly lying about the country of origin on the packaging. Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with former tomato grower and New South Wales Farmers horticulture committee chair Chris Stillard. 

In today's National Rural News:   ** Growers plead with shoppers to buy passatta, paste and diced tomatoes from brands that are honest about country-of-origin laws, ** Parts of Queensland are officially drought-declared for the first time in two years, ** And a plea for protection laws to be lifted on feral deer. Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The Victorian Farmers Federation says Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan could have done a lot more for people in rural areas. The Bendigo East MLA has resigned from the state's top job - with a handful of hopefuls wanting to replace her before the state goes to the polls on November 28 Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with VFF President Ryan Milgate.

In today's National Rural News:   ** Plans for oil - and urea for fertilizer - to be made in the north west of WA.  ** Scientific tests show one in four processed tomato products don't match the country of origin on their label, ** And the VFF says former Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allan will leave a bitter legacy for rural Victorians. 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:   ** Aussie beef exempt from Trump's 12.5 per cent tariffs - but not lamb or goat meat,  ** Truckies want relief from the fuel excise - which is set to return in full from Monday August 3, ** And a new program to develop a biological conrol for rampant rabbits. Plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Rain or shine, rural Australians have always looked out for one another. But when it comes to issues we not be even able to verbalise, asking for help doesn't always come easy. Now farmers are telling their own stories in a series of videos you can watch at WeatherItTogether.org.au  Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with campaign co-ordinator Annabelle Ottens from Adelaide University.