Today on the Country Hour: Queensland feeder cattle in hot demand from NSW; history made with the first cattle train to depart Quilpie for Oakey meat works in 23 years; Rocky Point sugar mill fire frustrates growers dogged by an already delayed crush; winners and losers from first years of free trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea; KAP angry a Parliamentary committee does not support a 'rural development bank'; survey finds an increasing number of farmers believe climate change is a reality- up from 10% to 60%; Townsville correctional centre growing bush tucker.

Today on the Country Hour, the Coalition has been forced to compromise on the backpacker -the Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison says the Government will now support a 15 per cent rate and will not need the support of Labor to get legislation passed in the senate- the farm lobby is far from impressed with the LNP's handling of the debate. Australia's faces a shortage of hardwood as the 2024 deadline to exit the state held forest estate nearer. Queen Elizabeth has recognised a University of the Sunshine Coast project that's helping Papua New Guinea's forestry industry become more sustainable. The Tiger prawn season is over and we are assured there will by Xmas prawns and fruit, vegetables and nuts with particular health-giving benefits will be the focus of a $10 million research project at the University of Queensland.

Today on the Country Hour: the backpacker tax remains in limbo and farmers are furious as politicians fail to reach agreement on the tax rate. The National Farmers' Federation has a new president- Fiona Simson a farmer and grazier from NSW. The Supreme Court in Brisbane has dismissed an attempt by conservationists to derail the controversial Adani mine project in central Queensland. In an effort to address the current shearer shortage in Queensland - contractors are working together to put full teams in sheds to ensure the shearing is done before the wet season.

Today on the Country Hour: Doing business in China: Market access issues continue to plague Australian farmers looking to unlock new export opportunities in China, potentially worth millions of dollars. Almost 12 months on from the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) coming into force, producers are frustrated that many non-tariff barriers still block exports to the Asian powerhouse. We head to Shanghai, with Craig Zonca to explore the markets that supply the top supermarkets, talk with consumers and find out what it's like doing business in China. Also today scallop fishery under threat, Hughenden abattoir wins Chinese support and 'Backpacker' tax debate heats up in Parliament.

Today on the Country Hour: Is it D-Day for the backpacker tax, legislation is before the Senate; a state Parliamentary inquiry hears of coal miners concerns about the re-emergence of black lung disease; Canegrowers refuse to accept the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement is dead despite what president-elect Trump says and they say a tax on sugar will not overcome the obesity epidemic; Integrated Pest Management pioneer Danny Papacek honoured and more from the AgFutures conference looking at innovation and investment in agriculture.

Today on the Country Hour: four years ago today, the Murray-Darling Basin Plan was signed into law and today the Basin Authority released a revised plan that would take less water out of irrigated farming in northern New South Wales, and southern Queensland. The upshot is nobody is happy!! Virtual fences, robotics, DNA technology and climate modelling are just some to the technologies being showcased at the AgFutures conference in Brisbane

Today on the Country Hour, graziers in north Queensland are facing a battle with the Department of Defence over the possible compulsory acquisition of their land. Up to 23 prime grazing and other properties could be resumed to expand training areas to accommodate troops from Singapore. At this time of year Gold Coast cane farmers are meant to be wrapping up their harvest season, but this year, they've only just started and they are not happy. Indian mining and energy company Adani has announced plans to build the largest solar farm in the country. The proposal to construct a 200 mega-watt solar plant SW of Moranbah has won the support of environmental groups. Farming algae for anti-oxidants is one step closer to commercial reality in North Queensland. Aquaculture Company, M-D-B will be producing the food additive, Astasanthin at it's Ayr algae farm. Designer of the 2018 Commonwealth Games relay baron, Alex Wall says the 650 mmm tall baton is a simple elegant design made out of macadamia wood, reclaimed plastic and stainless steel - looks a bit like a big sewing needle- and flashes when it changes hands

Today on the Country Hour, the meatworkers union, the AMIEU calls for tougher regulation and licensing requirements of labour hire companies engaging 417 workers for the meat industry; scallop harvesting closure as stocks fall to a critical low; sugar marketing-more on the ongoing debate between Wilmar and QSL live on the Country Hour and canegrowers are smiling at the Mossman mill in the north as the 2016 cane crush winds down for another year.

Today on the Country Hour; Cargill and Branhaven are seeking to patent the bovine genome in Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia is appealing the decision which allows the companies to apply for the genome patent and Queensland Senator Barry O'Sullivan will next week move for a senate inquiry to consider this case, as part of a broader examination of whether government legislation is required to prevent the patenting of naturally occurring genes; expressions of interest open for a new round of funding for wild dog control- there is $5 million dollars on the table for more cluster fencing projects; with very high fire danger ratings and fires burning across the state, it's a reminder no matter how safe you think your local area is, you can never be too prepared. arcy Gallop has lived in the Cooktown region most of his life. He thought he was relatively safe yesterday when a fire broke out west of the township, on the other side of the Endeavour River. But that changed very quickly when the fire jumped the river and caused major damage to his property and livelihood.

Today on the Country Hour; Senators and Supermarkets go head to head over $ milk; craft beer sales prove a saviour for Graincorp; the best season in decades sees cattle in fabulous condition for one western Queensland grazier; freak storm takes a heavy toll on banana crops west of Innisfail; Indonesia sticks by requirement for breeder cattle; waygu breeders called on to use technology to improve cattle genetics; UQ scientist part of $500,000 research program to reduce fatalities in dairy cattle; Gulf farmers disappointed with water allocation in the Flinders catchment and cane toad sausages-Yum!