Country Today - June 29th

Country Today - July 9th

In what is claimed to be the largest ever sheep conference in the world. Lambex in Adelaide this week. And half the delegates are sheep, lamb and wool producers. It’s all about challenging mindsets and looking to the future of these industries that are currently enjoying the good times. Today increasing merino breeding profits by attention to data details with Mumblebone stud sixth generation owner/manager Chad Taylor. Also sheep and beef entering an unprecedented golden era with all major exporters going through herd and flock rebuilds to expect record prices to continue to tumble. We’ll head to China to hear about the revolution in wool processing with robotics and AI. And a prominent woolgrower who wants Cricket Australia to choose home grown and produced wool garments for its players. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Country Today - July 8th

A new take on crop insurance. An Australian seed wholesaler is offering a payout to grain growers using their cereal and canola seed if they don’t get enough rain during crop establishment.  Victoria currently has approximately 30 major data centre projects in the pipeline across the development, construction, and commissioning phases. Driven by the need for abundant land and power, massive investments are planned for regional hubs. So what can we expect with this digital infrastructure boom? It’s been a tough year for rice growers with high water prices, low allocations and market deregulation. Nominations for the 2026 Landcare Awards closing at the end of July. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Country Today - July 7th

Coming up an update on how agricultural commodities are faring with Rabobank’s latest commodity outlook. Sheep farmers could soon be able to estimate their flock’s liveweight and fleece weight using a 3D sensor system being developed by the CSIRO.     The latest seasonal climate outlook is for a drier and warmer spring.   The Victorian Government has merged the various food authorities to create Safe Food Victoria.  We talk to the inaugural Chief Executive Officer Michael Gooey.   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Country Today - July 6th

New federal environment laws are confusing to navigate, and will make it harder for farmers to manage their own land.   The Murray Darling Basin Authority has dumped 14 environment projects. So where will the extra 355 gls come from?   Water traders beware: market manipulation and insider trading in Murray-Darling Basin water markets is now illegal with potential fines in the millioins of dollars. Except of course for Governments ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh   While there's talk of a super Ël Nino, Gippsland dairy farmer Stuart Griffin says it's been a great season so far.     It's now less than five months until the Victorian State Election and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says regional Victoria holds the key to the state’s future prosperity.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Country Today - July 3rd

There have been some pretty impressive rainfall recordings in the past few days. Most cropping zones had 10 to 25 mills and some double that. You’ll hear from farmers in the Wimmera and the Victorian/NSW border, which has also had great rain. You might have noticed the price of urea has fallen after the first shipment under the Federal Government’s policy to underwrite the inflated cost due to the war with Iran. The problem is it only applies to three big importers. Other fertilizer companies are taking big hits. A new resilience test for merino sheep is using hereditary markers to help producers identify which animals are better able to cope with stressors in their environment And not a great start to the new wool selling season with the market fell 39 cents to close the week at 1904 cents a kg.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.