Farmer confidence hits record low

National Rural News Tuesday June 30

National Rural News Tuesday June 30 In today's National Rural News: National milk pool increases, farmers on alert for bird flu outbreak, NSW water bills on the rise again -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

New South Wales farmers and irrigators staring down the barrel of another round of water bill hikes

New South Wales Farmers and Irrigators are staring down the barrel of more water bill hikes.  The state's Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has approved water price increases of nearly 50 percent over the next four years.  Rural Reporter Jefferson Shaw caught up with Shadow Water Minister and Nationals M-P Steph Cooke about what it means for farmers. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

National Rural News Monday June 29

National Rural News Monday June 29 In today's National Rural News: Dairy farmers again call for price transparency ahead of new season, rural vets to play a crucial role in bird flu management, Aus Post boss to face senate grilling -- plus the latest from the markets and more.  Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Rural vets call for greater investment, to help carry out their crucial role managing H5N1 strain of bird flu

As Australia rushes to manage any potential outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza, rural vets are calling for more investment to protect biosecurity. Two vets were the first discover the first of the bird infected with bird flu on a Western Australian beach. Advocates say there's far too many veterinary vacancies, despite the crucial role they play in protecting Australia's future. Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with the President of the Australian Veterinary Association Dr Diana Barker See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

What is behind a drop in wool prices?

Experts say this week's dip in wool prices isn't cause for concern.  The Eastern Market Indicator ended the week 46 cents lower than the week prior, after months of strong performances.  Supply concerns are pushing the market up, as fashion and textiles industries and consumers turn their attention back to natural fibres.  Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australian Wool Exchange Senior Market Analyst Lionel Plunkett about the drop in prices.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.