Wine sector facing the toughest commercial challenges in generations

National Rural News Friday July 10

In today's National Rural News: Health department ban generates harvest uncertainty, lamb prices continue to soar, researchers find breakthrough alternative to fertiliser, and more.   Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast [http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast]  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

A breakthrough alternative to standard fertilisers

Researchers have mapped out a hidden network of ancient soil fungi to help future-proof Australian agriculture.  The new national database allows scientists to apply nutrient-rich fungi directly to seeds based on local climate types, meaning crops can grow faster and more consistently.  Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw spoke with one of the map's lead curators at Western Sydney University, Doctor Adam Frew, about the program.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast [http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast]  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

National Rural News Thursday July 9

In today's National Rural News: Telstra outages continue, southern fishing ban lifted, and an alarming cattle medication shortage.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast [http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast]  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Fishers welcome lift of catching ban in SA

South Australia is lifting fishing restrictions in some areas, as the King George whiting recovers after a clearing of the region's devastating algal bloom. A temporary recreational fishing ban on the popular fish has been lifted in some areas, with most of the spawning finished for the winter. Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw spoke with SARDI Executive Director Professor Mike Steer about the dissipating algae bloom. Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast [http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast]    See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

An emerging alternative to the reliance on increasingly expensive fertilizer

An alternative to increasingly expensive fertiliser is emerging for farmers in a colourful crop which can add nitrogen to the soil. Sunn hemp is a legume that can be used a cover crop to improve soil health. Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw spoke with Queensland's Department of Primary Industry Principle Scientist Paul Grundy about the benefits and drawbacks. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.