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.

National Rural News Thursday December 18 In today's National Rural News: Farmers brace for gun reform in the wake of Bondi massacre, SA cattle farmers granted access to virtual fencing, calls to buy local this festive season  -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Farmers in Far Western New South Wales are continuing to push for improved weather coverage.  Producers in rural parts of the states north-west are relying on weather forecasts from Longreach or Dubbo, with many saying they're being left in the dark.  The Pastoralists Association of West Darling is raising questions about the 96 million dollar bill for the bureau of meteorology's website upgrade.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to President Sam Beven about the concerns.

National Rural News Wednesday December 17 In today's National Rural News: Transporters pushback against increase in road user charges, new drought fund met with mixed response, 1 million wool bales processed digitally  -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Transporters are pushing back against plans to significantly increase road user charges, saying a 6% increase is not sustainable.  The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association warns another increase will inevitably be passed on to consumers. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Executive Director Anthony Boyle about the situation.

National Rural News Tuesday December 16 In today's National Rural News: Port operators put on notice by the ACCC, gun reform back on the national agenda, new survey highlights cracks in the PALM scheme -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Exporters and importers are calling for urgent reform, after the consumer watchdog described the increased costs of loading and unloading ships as a 'market failure'. The consumer watchdog has been examining stevedoring profits which have jumped 130% over the past 5 years.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Freight and Trade Alliance General Manager Tom Jensen about the situation.

National Rural News Monday December 15 In today's National Rural News: Poultry industry a key economic driver, first of its kind leave policy to support on farm operations, supermarkets put on notice -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

An advisory firm based in regional locations and cities across the country is offering its workers "harvest leave."  Boyce is giving its employees a week of paid leave to undertake farm work anywhere in Australia.  The program is aimed at boosting its employees on farm experience.  Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick caught up with Principal Advisor Julie Schofield about the initiative.

In today's National Rural News: Abbattoir video dispute heads to the high court, increase in milk supply leading to a drop in prices, another state legislates virtual fencing -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

A softer global dairy market is expected to limit opportunities for Australian producers heading into the New Year.  An increase in milk supply has contributed to a sharp decline in commodity prices.  Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick caught up with Rabo Bank Research's Michael Harvey to unpack some of the factors leading to the supply boost. 

In today's National Rural News: Beef producers preparing for what's next, harvest more than half-way complete, virtual fencing given the green light in Victoria -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The Victorian government has given virtual fencing technology the green light.  It allows livestock farmers to manage their herd and flock without physical fencing.  It's hoped the tech will be rolled out on farms by February. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with United Dairy Farmers of Victoria President Bernie Free.  Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

National Rural News Wednesday December 10 In today's National Rural News: Prawn fishers raise the alarm, the cost of delivering domestic violence services in the regions, South Australian distillers turn their focus to aperitifs -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The seafood industry is raising the alarm on the federal government's draft guidelines for disease testing on some imports.  Under the proposal, imported containers of prawns won't be tested for diseases like white spot on arrival, but before it is shipped.  As it stands, test samples are taken from 100% of uncooked prawns containers which arrive in Australia.    Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Australian Prawn Farmers Association Chief Executive Kim Hooper about the situation.

National Rural News Tuesday December 9 In today's National Rural News: Wool growers urged to act now to maintain access to testing, Queensland farmers rally against gas projects, water safety reminders -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Wool growers are being warned their produce will be untestable from January, unless they comply with new property identification code rules.  From next year, wool will not be tested if growers haven't lodged their property identification code on their National Wool Declaration or with their broker.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Wool Producers Chief Executive Jo Hall, who says growers must take action by the end of the year.

National Rural News Monday December 8 In today's National Rural News: Confidence in the live export industry grows, Victorian farmers continue to block access to their land, food security council holds first meeting -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Analysis of a series of surveys over the span of six years has shown public confidence in the live export industry has grown. Data Science company Voconiq has carried out the research since 2019, and more than 80 percent of respondents in this year's survey agreed the industry plays an important economic role, up from 72 percent six years ago. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Voconiq Chief Executive Kieran Moffat about his findings.

National Rural News Friday December 5 In today's National Rural News: New framework to protect farmers near renewable energy projects, butter prices slump, WA's aquaculture industry 'blindsided' by fishing reforms -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Experts warn currant bush in North Queensland grazing areas is growing so fast, it's reducing pasture.  Some paddocks are losing up to 30 percent of pasture due to the shrub.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Department of Primary Industries Principal Extension Officer for grazing land management Bob Shepherd about how to manage it.

National Rural News Thursday December 4 In today's National Rural News: Beef industry 'performing at its best', manufacturers respond to right to repair reforms, citrus industry concerns about imports  -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

A new report forecasts Australia's beef production is set to reach new benchmarks in 2025.  3rd quarter data has been analysed by Rabobank, finding production rates are expected to reach 3 million metric tonnes this year.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Senior Animal Proteins Analyst Angus Gidley-Baird, who says the report shows the sector is performing at its best. 

National Rural News Wednesday December 3 In today's National Rural News: Right to repair laws to be extended to farm machinery, agriculture production value to reach nearly $100 billion, BOM declares a late season La Nina -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The federal government has committed to extending Right to Repair laws to agricultural machinery.  The laws, which are currently in place for light vehicles, would mean farmers can either repair their own machinery like tractors, or use third party mechanics instead of sending it back to the manufacturer.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to National Farmers Federation President Hamish McIntyre about the reforms.

National Rural News Tuesday December 2 In today's National Rural News: ADPF to remain a member of Dairy Australia, sheep sector making sustainability gains but struggling with the workforce, cherry harvest delayed -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

A new report shows the sheep sector is making gains in sustainability.  According the Sheep Sustainability Framework's annual report, the industry is seeing reduced emissions, increased volumes of non-mulesed wool, and better pain management.  But Sheep Producers Australia says there are issues which need to be addressed urgently.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Bonnie Skinner about the success and challenges the sector is experiencing.

National Rural News Monday December 1 In today's National Rural News: Confidence in cattle producers ability to meet new trade requirements, asbestos found in renewable energy infrastructure, varroa mite pressures continues -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

There are fresh calls for financial relief for New South Wales beekeepers struggling with varroa mite.  The New South Wales Apiarists Association is calling for subsidies to help cover the rising costs of treating their hives and the increased labour it requires.  It also warns wild honey bee populations are also falling, increasing demand for pollination services.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Executive Councillor Sam Lockwood, who warns pollinators are on the brink of collapse.

National Rural News Friday November 28 In today's National Rural News: Probe into Chinese beef imports extended, calls for changes to drought definitions, farmers concerns on environmental reforms -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Farmers say they have been left bitterly disappointed by the federal government's environmental reforms.  Labor has struck a deal with the Greens to get the laws through the senate.  The National Farmers Federation says landholders need urgent clarity on the changes.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Natural Resource Management Policy Manager Warwick Ragg about the concerns

National Rural News Thursday November 27 In today's National Rural News: Citrus producers raising the alarm, insights into what farmers are using RIC loans for, new deal between Australian and New Zealand farm chemical regulators -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

A new report shows a leading rural charity delivered almost 10 thousand hay bales, 170 water tanks and nearly 12 million litres of household water in the last financial year.  Rural Aid's Impact Report shows registrations of farming families doubled compared to the year prior.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive John Warlters about the vital work they do. Donations can be made at: Buyabale.ruralaid.org.au

In today's National Rural News: Farmers take up fight against gas project, should pain-free mulesing be mandated nationwide, crops damaged by hail -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast 

Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

National Rural News Monday November 24 In today's National Rural News: Pork industry joins call for changes to country of origin labelling, Industry representatives appointed to National Food Council, regional property prices accelerate -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The Pork Industry is calling for an overhaul of country of origin labels, with producers concerned consumers aren't fully aware of the produce they're buying.  Nearly 70 percent of ham and bacon on supermarket shelves is made from imported pork products.  Australian Pork is launching a new campaign, saying the green triangle and gold kangaroo isn't always indicative of Australian-made produce. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Margo Andrae about the renewed campaign.

National Rural News Friday November 21 In today's National Rural News: EU free trade talks resume, dairy farmers anger over American dairy, big four bank launches new rural banking service -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

One of the big four banks is launching a new pilot program to improve access to services in rural areas.  From next year, Westpac will run a mobile banking service to provide face to face and private sessions from bankers making fortnightly visits to the regions.  It has also extended its moratorium on regional branch closures until the next decade.  Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Regional General Manager for Westpac Agribusiness Peta Ward about the program, and how benefit those in the bush.

National Rural News Thursday November 20 In today's National Rural News: NSW farmers call on energy minister to visit, rice crop shrinks, industry pushback against container deposit schemes including wine bottles-- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The wine industry is raising concerns about additional administrative and financial costs of expanding a key recycling scheme.  Various Container Deposit Schemes across the country will soon accept wine bottles.  But the sector warns it just creates more regulatory burden for an already struggling industry.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Grape and Wine Chief Executive Lee McLean about the concerns.

In today's National Rural News: the latest commodity outlook, drought-hit farmers still struggling despite wet start to November, authorities on alert for bird flu -- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

National Rural News Tuesday November 18 In today's National Rural News: Methane reducing seaweed, a promising year for cattle producers, farmers continue to slam rural speed limits plan-- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

An eight-million dollar grant program has supported industry to scale up production of the methane-inhibiting seaweed, Asparagopsis. Seaweed Farming program activities are expected to generate increasing economic returns over the next 30 years. Rural Reporter Brady Evans spoke with Fisheries and Aquaculture Assistant Secretary, George Day about how the money has been used and how it sets us up for the future.

In today's National Rural News: Australian beef industry rejoicing after US tariff decision, surprising polling about renewable energy, added funding to combat feral pigs-- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast]

National Rural News Friday November 14 In today's National Rural News: Insecticide use on some fresh berries banned, backlash against push to lower rural speed limits, US tariffs influence on the dairy export market-- plus the latest from the markets and more. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

The national farm chemical regulator has suspended the use of a pesticide on some fresh berries, amid concerns about a rise in consumption.  The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has banned the use of dimethoate, on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. It was sparked by concerns a sharp increase in berry consumption could lead to the safeguard buffer being breached. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with A-P-V-M-A Chief Executive Scott Hanson about the decision.