Horticulture and sugar hit give crop production a boost
The latest agricultural commodities and crop forecast shows the sector remains strong despite drier times ahead, with exports tipped to fall after record years.
agriculture
More varroa mite hive infestations found in NSW
New infestations of varroa mite in the Riverina and Sunraysia regions of NSW have prompted an emergency order barring beehive movements in the affected zones.
Off-the-scale marine heatwave forecast for south east
Another marine heatwave is about to hit the waters off south east Australia and there are some lessons about what might be in store from an earlier event.
Firing up Indigenous knowledge puts heat on land care
Farmers, fire practitioners and Indigenous leaders are tapping into 60,000 years of experience to improve land management practices around the country.
Rinehart backs plan for wealth to return to regions
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart says economic gains from regional communities should be returned to the area from which they were generated.
Aussie winemakers are hoping to raise a glass to China
Australian grape and wine producers are optimistic that hefty tariffs will be scrapped on wine exported to China, after imposts on barley were removed.
Barney over barley continues despite China tariffs axe
The trade minister is calling for all barley producers to have Chinese market access with the largest exporters remaining blocked despite tariff removal.
Funding fears risk taking heat out of fire ants fight
Government documents indicate a shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars in fire ant funding and could mean the super pest keeps spreading, critics say.
Aussie barley ready for China brewers with tariffs axed
Growers have welcomed the Chinese government's decision to lift tariffs on Australian barley imports, which were effectively shut out of the key export market.
‘We are the glue’: rural women’s network marks 30 years
Women are the glue that holds rural communities together, something the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network is celebrating in its 30th year.
Wine on the menu after China drops barley tariffs
The federal government hopes China will lift tariffs on Australian wine after China confirmed it will drop duties on barley.
Central Queensland through the eyes of a pioneering drover
Ever wondered what some of Central Queensland’s iconic stations and newly established towns were really like in the nineteenth century? The recently published, Capricorn drover, could give you an idea.
Minister pledges to take the sting out of fire ants
Out of the pan and into the fire ants, Queensland's agriculture minister is adamant a battle to contain the invasive pests is being won.
Australian cattle tested to prove no ‘disease risk’
Australia's chief vet has reassured Indonesian authorities that Australia remains free of the potentially deadly lumpy skin disease.
Tactical switch in battle to eradicate fire ant menace
A new "horseshoe" configuration will be deployed in the fight to contain and eradicate a destructive invasive insect species marching south.
Calls for border checkpoints in fight against fire ant
Farmers from northern NSW worried about fire ants want authorities to consider checkpoints on the Queensland border to halt the spread of the pest.
Fears Coles milk buyout could sour market for farmers
There are concerns that a Coles plan to buy two milk processing plants will give the supermarket giant greater power and bargaining influence on the market.
Workers left in lurch as labour hire firm loses licence
Fruit pickers and farm workers across two states will be found new jobs after a federal decision over what unions say amounts to modern slavery.
Infestation threat as fire ant nest found near border
The discovery of a new fire ant nest within kilometres of the NSW border has renewed calls for fast-tracked funding to eliminate the dangerous pest.
Soil ban in force to stop fire ant spread into NSW
Fire ant spread will be worse than rabbits, cane toads, foxes and feral cats combined, the Invasive Species Council says as biosecurity controls are triggered.
Caged eggs on menu as industry scrambles over phase-out
Agriculture ministers will meet in Perth, with the phase-out of caged eggs among topics to be discussed, amid warnings of more expensive eggs.
Peak agricultural chemical agency faces major shake-up
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has released a damning report into mismanagement at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
Farmers urged to always ‘stay on the safe side’ of life
Some 55 farm workers died on Australian farms last year, sparking a new campaign to encourage agricultural workers to 'stay on the safe side'.
Good outlook for farmers despite lower commodity prices
Trade conditions are expected to improve for Australian farmers, although dry weather could weigh on some producers, Rural Bank says.
Bushfire warning as El Nino threat looms large
El Nino conditions will likely make 2024 the world's hottest year on record, leaving Australia in a precarious position for bushfires.
Fire ants: the war Australia can’t afford to lose
Australia's red fire ant invasion is more than 20 years old but people are yet to grasp how everyday life will change if efforts to defeat the super-pest fail.
Hunt for cattle thieves as Angus cows and bulls stolen
Dozens of Angus cows and bulls have been stolen from a remote paddock in Queensland where police have described cattle theft as a "deplorable act".
Call for ‘no deforestation’ conditions on bank loans
To mark World Environment Day, Australian conservationists are calling for banks to stop funding the clearing of wildlife habitats by agriculture businesses.
Sweet deal for exporters, consumers as UK deal starts
The free-trade agreement between Australia and the UK has come into force, creating opportunities for exporters and making some British goods cheaper.
Growers nervous over drier conditions for winter crops
A report is predicting drier conditions will take a toll on this year's winter crop production, with grain growers nervous about the year ahead.
Dairy farmers happy to milk profits but hurdles remain
High farmgate prices are driving positivity in the dairy industry but not all farmers share the optimism.