Country Today Podcast

Today on the podcast

The latest dairy global outlook and again, the main area of growth is China, with other economies experiencing a stall in milk production

And African Swine Fever is edging its way closer and closer, continent by continent. It’s now spread to Indonesia and that’s way too close for Australia’s pig farmers.

Plus the latest National Rural News

Today on the podcast

It’s unprecedented … 29 of Australia’s leading former emergency services leaders calling out the Federal Government for lack of action on climate change. In a moment we’re joined by one of them, Victoria’s former Emergency Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley. But first let’s hear some of yesterday’s astonishing media conference. Here’s some of what  former NSW Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW and member of the Emergency Leaders of Climate Action Greg Mullins had to say

Also on the podcast, At yesterday's MINCO meeting on the Murray Darling Basin Plan, NSW and Victoria said the extra 450 gigalitres of water for the environment can't be sent downstream to SA without flooring farm land. To explain what it’s all about you’ll hear from CEO of the National Irrigators Council, Steve Whan.

Plus the latest National Rural News

Today on the podcast

NSW farmers say the mega fires aren’t just due to climate change. They’re also blaming high fuel loads and are calling for a meaningful conversation to avert more catastrophies.

You’ll also hear from Birchip farmer John Ferrier who’s racing against the mercury to get his wheat crop off before the heat weave puts paid to harvesting

And do animals have emotions? New Zealand has officially recognised all animals, even fish as being sentient.]

Plus the latest National Rural News

Today on the podcast

The National Irrigators Council writes to all basin ministers warning of the need to stand firm on the Murray Darling Basin Plan at tomorrow’s ministerial council meeting.

The mandatory code of conduct for the dairy industry has been given the tick of approval from dairy farmers.

And the story of Outback lamb, value adding to a family farm business.

Plus the latest National Rural News

Today on the podcast

Donald Trump is making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and he’s quietly treading into our turf, signing a free trade agreement with Australia’s largest beef export market, Japan.

Also today, putting sheep in tents to measure their methane emissions so we can breed more environmentally friendly sheep.

And the wool market makes a modest recovery this week.

Plus the latest National Rural News.

Today on the podcast

The National Farmers Federation has described the new drought working group as a huge step forward in drought policy. Minister for Drought David Littleproud yesterday won over the States for a new working group to try and integrate Commonwealth and State drought relief programs

Dairy Australia has released its latest Dairy Outlook with national milk production is set to fall between 3 and 5 per cent.

12 farmers in South Gippsland are contributing to a project about adapting to climate change.  Their case studies are being shared with other farmers via the 'Growing Southern Gippsland' project

Plus the latest National Rural News.

Today on the podcast

CEO of the Murray Darling Basin Authority Philip Glyde warning of dire straits for water quality in the basin, with the inevitably of blue green algal blooms and more tragic fish kills on the scale we saw 12 months ago.

Also, with Australia’s population expected to increase by 5 million in the next decade, we’ll be consuming most of our grain production rather than exporting it

And the latest farmer confidence survey:  the tale of two regions

Plus the latest National Rural News.

Today on the podcast

The Australian Fresh Produce Alliance is calling for changes to regulation of the water market. So who is in the Alliance and what do they want? You’ll hear from CEO of the Fresh Produce Alliance Michael Rogers.

Various sectors of the cattle industry met last Friday in ongoing discussions about the red meat memorandum of understanding review. You’ll hear from Chair of the Red Meat Advisory Council Don McKay who will also give his take on the new Federal mega-Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

Plus the latest National Rural News.

Today on the podcast

What a difference a few days make. On Wednesday I spoke to water minister David Littleproud about changes to water policy and rumours of disagreement within Nationals ranks. Within 48 hours, three Nationals have come out with a private bill proposing half the water held for the environment be given to drought stricken farmers. One of those, the man who claims to be the main architect of the proposal, Member for Murray Damian Drum coming up

And the weekly wool report,with the market still struggling to find stability.

Plus the latest National Rural News.

Today on the podcast

We’ll catch up on how the grain harvest is travelling in the Wimmera with interruptions with rain, wind and frost

Also a big boost to mental health services at the National Centre for Farmer Health partnering with LYSN

And Longernong Ag College has its information day with scholarships of $15 000 available to potential students

Plus the National Rural News.