Country Today - May 18th

Country Today - July 10th

Country Today has been at LambEx in Adelaide. Young farmer, Katherine Bain, went back to the family farm and one of the first things she did was buy the neighbouring property. We'll will discuss if sheep producers will be tempted back to merinos to profit from two income streams now that wool prices are back on the rise. Also today, updates on the cropping season following substantial rain and more on its way. In the Riverina, the wet winter is seeing outbreaks of plant diseases such as blackleg in canola. Then we’ll head to the Wimmera where Farmers have received upwards of 250 millimeters year to date with waterlogged paddocks setting back crops. The weekly wool report and the EMI rose this week to close at 1909 cents kg. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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.