Country Today - May 22nd

Country Today - May 28th

Australia’s largest olive producer, Cobram estate is choosing to expand its olive production in California rather than here, in large part due to the Murray Darling Basin Plan. We’ll take a look at what’s happening in the cattle market with significant price rises after recent rain. Then we’ll head to Western Victoria where, again that autumn break has pastures looking the best they have in years. Also today a report from ANZ Agribusiness concludes that Geopolitics, energy shocks, and extreme weather are no longer isolated disruptions. And renewed calls for the completion of the Murray Basin Rail Project. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Country Today - May 27th

The End of Live Sheep Export: Canberra Killed It. The War in Iran Buried It. That is the analysis of Episode 3's Andrew Whitelaw. Campaspe and Gannawarra Shire mayors are calling for fairness in the Murray–Darling Basin Plan review, they say their irrigation communities have already made major water savings and shouldn’t face further disproportionate cuts. Cynthia Mahoney, she’s a coach specializing in leadership and positive psychology delivering practical workshops designed to help farm businesses and rural teams work smarter and stay resilient through tough seasons. The Australian lamb industry is well-positioned for strong exports and farmer profitability through the remainder of 2026. An ambitious land restoration program known as Landlife South West, plans to plant one million trees and protect and restore 400 hectares of land by 2040. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Country Today - May 26th

Quad bikes are now the leading cause of death and serious injury on farms. Today you’ll hear about how regulations are going to tighten and it will likely to compulsory roll bars, helmets, and only riders 16 years and above. It’s called the Green Sheep Project and it’s designed to help sheep producers understand how important data collection is becoming in the path to more sustainable farming. Calls for a carp herpes virus to be released in water storages in the Wimmera to trial of it could be a successful control method. Grass Fed cattle producers are being urged to take part in a survey looking at the Cattle Transaction Levy which has been at $5 a head for 20 years. A warning to farmers that livestock can suffer arsenic poisoning from eating or licking contaminated coals lift over after burns offs. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Country Today - May 25th

One of the most divisive issue in many rural communities at the moment is the roll out of renewable energy. It’s pitting farmers against power companies and also farmer against farmer. There is help at hand. The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, former National Farmers Federation CEO Tony Mahar. Farmers are deeply disappointed in the Labour Government’s budget decision to cut funding for Australia’s Regional Tech Hub. Dairy farmers are feeling more confident, with milk production also rising according to Dairy Australia's Analysis. The Young Farmers Advisory Council is seeking new members. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Country Today - May 22nd

Renewable energy versus the right to farm. That was the focus of an emotionally charged forum held in St Arnaud in Victoria’s Wimmera, Defending your right to Farm. It attracted Federal and State politicians including Nationals Leader Matt Canavan, federal shadow agricultural minister Darren Chester, Victorian Nationals leader Danny O’Brien. But the mood amongst farmers was emotional and defiant. You’ll hear from Nationals Leader Matt Canavan who wants to dump net zero emissions. And from two farmers vehemently opposed to renewables coming up. And the weekly wool report with Andrew Partridge.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.