National Rural News Monday February 16

In today's National Rural News: A breakthrough in trade talks with the EU, Ways to plug a shortfall in truck drivers, more trainee doctors to work in the bush -- plus the latest from the markets and more. 

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Industry representatives say urgent work needs to be done to safeguard the future of the trucking and transport industry. 

Data suggests there will be a shortfall of 78 thousand drivers by the end of the decade. 

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association with Executive Director Anthony Boyle about the situation.

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National Rural News Friday February 13

In today's National Rural News: A new look coalition after Sussan Ley was defeated in a leadership spill, trade minister remains determined to achieve a commercially viable trade deal with Europe, calls for laptops to be donated to students in the bush  -- plus the latest from the markets and more. 

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A charity is asking businesses to donate any spare computer desktops or laptops to regional and rural classrooms. 

23 percent of students don't have access to a device but four in five Australians believe digital skills are essential to the workplace. 

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to WorkVentures Chief Executive Caroline McDaid, who says students in the bush are already at a disadvantage.

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Extreme weather conditions and a strong Australian dollar have been the major factors influencing the agriculture sector to start the year. 

Bendigo Bank Agribusiness's latest commodity update shows it's been a mixed bag to start 2026. 

Rural Editor Emily Minney caught up with Industry Insights Senior Manager Eliza Redfern to get the latest.

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National Rural News Thursday February 12

In today's National Rural News: Drought persists in Victoria, a strong season ahead for the almond industry, a fresh call for an overhaul of the wine industry -- plus the latest from the markets and more. 

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National Rural News Wednesday February 11

In today's National Rural News: Concerns over new trade deal between Argentina and the US, dairy farmers ask the federal government to walk away from EU-FTA negotiations, rice and corn plantings plummet -- plus the latest from the markets and more. 

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An Australian company has developed a new satellite device, to help monitor operations on farm. 

It's hoped Myriota's AssetHawk can be used to track transport, mining and resource operations as well as agricultural assets. 

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Ben Cade about how the device can be utilised.

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National Rural News Tuesday February 10

In today's National Rural News: Farmers continue to urge for fair deal in EU trade negotiations, red meat exports off a strong start in 2026, calls for action on fabricated steel imports -- plus the latest from the markets and more. 

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Exporters are downplaying concerns about a dwindling number of ships to transport our goods, saying Australia is still well placed to meet its requirements. 

There have been growing concerns about a shrinking fleet. 

But the Australian Livestock Exporters Council says the situation is being overstated. 

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Mark Harvey-Sutton to get more insight on the concerns.

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