Drier July helps lift Bunnings sales as DIY rules
Retail-focused group Wesfarmers, which owns some of Australia's best-known brands, including Bunnings Warehouse, says households are still under pressure.
agriculture
Canada hits back at US as tariff feud explodes
After days of intense negotiations, the US and Canada have failed to reach a trade deal, worsening an already delicate relationship between the two nations.
Family offers big reward to help lasso cattle rustlers
A cattle farming couple are making a call-out for information after the theft of more than 140 prized stock from their rural property.
Vets turn away injured wildlife amid bird flu fears
Vets are refusing to treat birds and other wildlife as H5 bird flu fears - and cases - climb across the nation.
Progress and poor marks: Reef earns a mixed report card
Efforts to cut pollution in waterways feeding Australia's Great Barrier Reef are making progress but still falling short of targets.
Ekka celebrates milestone year with $300m revamp reveal
A major agricultural show will celebrate its 150th year, buzzing with news of an upgrade of almost $300 million to be completed ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
Native birdlife on the frontline as flu rapidly spreads
Another state has recorded its first native bird case of H5 bird flu, and surveillance in the affected region remains ongoing as the national tally rises.
Perfect mix: stage set for ‘maximum’ bird flu damage
The concentration of a bird flu outbreak near the mouth of the Murray River is creating a perfect storm for the spread of the deadly virus, experts have warned.
Holy guacamole: Aussie avos set to smash supply records
The Australian avocado supply is forecast to smash records after a dip, in a-peeling news for lovers of the Sunday brunch staple.
Tiny ancient fungi could slash Aussie fertiliser bill
A team of scientists has built Australia's first highly detailed database of fungi, which has the potential to help boost food crops and slash fertiliser costs.
Precautions urged as sixth bird flu case confirmed
Australia's sixth bird flu case has been confirmed as the nation's top veterinarian issued advice to keep free-range hens housed, where practical.
Firing up carbon credits through cultural burning
Cape York Indigenous native title holders have inked an Australian first carbon credits profit sharing deal with a farmer over a massive cattle station.
Australian green hydrogen project gets the green light
A renewable hydrogen plant proposed for the NSW Hunter Valley will go ahead after a multimillion-dollar boost.
Reports for sick birds surge but no new cases detected
No more cases of a deadly bird flu strain have been detected with tests continuing as sick or dead seabirds are discovered on beaches.
Fears for poultry as second bird flu case sparks action
The poultry industry and authorities are preparing for the possible spread of a deadly avian flu strain and the impact it could have on egg and chicken prices.
Uncertainty for wildlife as killer bird flu detected
Australian wildlife is facing a new and uncertain chapter after a dangerous strain of bird flu was confirmed on the mainland.
Bird flu outbreak could leave industry devastated
A deadly strain of bird flu has been detected in Australia for the first time, putting the poultry industry on high alert for a potential outbreak.
The farmer wants a wife, the farm gets an entrepreneur
City-raised spouses can breathe new life into farm businesses, with agritourism credited with keeping young people in the regions and building the workforce.
Diesel boost on the water for bottlenecked regions
The federal government has secured additional diesel to help ease Queensland's regional supply bottlenecks.
Global capital eyes $50b water market, raising stakes
International investors are wading into Australia's water market, and while scarcity ensures decent returns, droughts could leave some producers high and dry.
Beef lovers steer it home for billionaire-backed firm
Australian Agriculture Co has delivered its highest annual operating profit after strong consumer demand for Aussie beef pushed up prices, despite flood losses.
The 50-year fight to recognise rural mums’ unpaid work
Outback women are expected to supervise their children's education for years without getting paid, as a five-decade fight for recognition continues.
Global glut hits grain handler as farmers hold back
A leading Australian agribusiness has made a relatively small net profit in the first-half of its financial year, down 92 per cent from a year ago.
‘Trying times’: farmers stare down trifecta of troubles
Farmers are being forced to adapt and innovate as drought conditions intensify and global shocks push up costs and risk vital fertiliser supplies.
Grain belt hit by worst mouse plague in years
Mouse numbers have exploded to plague proportions across a state's grain belt, with thousands per hectare threatening crops and straining bait supply
Search to shore up fuel security strikes ‘liquid gold’
A renewable diesel project has been unveiled as a state government shores up fuel security after butting heads with the commonwealth over a proposed oil field.
Green advocates urge reset on food security goals
Australia's future food security priorities need to be redefined when a third of the country is going hungry, a conservation group says.
‘They’re everywhere’: fresh rural mouse plague warning
Farmers are being overrun by mice in some rural areas, with scientists warning the rodents could cause havoc for the agricultural sector.
Fuel crunch looms but the show must go on
Shortages and logistical woes haven't fazed passionate agriculturalists as Australia's biggest farm show reports not a single exhibitor has pulled out.
Fuel, fertiliser shortages could deliver barren harvest
After a record-breaking year, agricultural businesses may need to change their approach to succeed amid worldwide supply issues.
Australia to have another ‘crack’ at Indian trade deal
Australia will go back to the drawing board with India on expanding its trade agreement, after finalising a free trade deal with the European Union.