On the eve of harvest, crops in the Western District have soaked up the recent rainfall and while it hasn't quite reached the soil it certainly will turn the season around. Agronomist at Gorst Rural in Lake Bolac, Cam Conboy, says now farmers can hope for 15 - 20 per cent below an average yield.

The Victorian Farmers Federation is urging the Allan Labor Government to hold an in-person drought taskforce meeting as farmers head into harvest amid a drought that is far from over.

Poor mobile phone coverage continues to pose serious safety risks across regional Australia, particularly during harvest when communication is critical to keeping people and machinery safe. You'll hear from National Party MP David Littleproud .

Food inflation in Australia is well above the long term average, with eggs being the most volatile.

The weekly wool report, the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) closed the week at 1413c losing 14c.

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