The Rural News

Have you seen two 'kids' missing from a school on the Victorian-New South Wales border? 

The black and black-and-white baby goats are just 30cm high - and are an important part of how the school teaches students as young as Prep (Foundation) about agriculture.

Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Deputy Principal Marcus Rowland - who's hoping they can be found - or at least replaced.

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In today's National Rural News:  

** Anger over imported pig meat as a fast food giant reportedly displaces all of its Aussie pork,

** A major cargo shipping compnay in trouble for critical biosecurity non-compliance,

** and urea prices expected to stay stable - at least for now - as plans progress for Aussie production,

Plus the latest from the markets and more. 

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In 1985, ats least 30,000 farmers stormed Parliament House in Melbourne - the Victorian Farmers Federation believes they're ready to do it again.

Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with President Ryan Milgate, who says their priorities need to be taken very seriously ahead of the Movember 28 state election.

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In today's National Rural News:  

** Cotton farmers are remaining optimistic, despite forecasts pointing to a drier-than-usual season,

** The Melbourne Show wraps up with the CWA cafe selling a record 17 831 scones,

** and heartless thieves take two miniature kids from a goat enclosure at a primary school,

Plus the latest from the markets and more. 

Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More farmers are diversifying their businesses by offering city-dwellers a taste of country life through luxury farm stays.

Research suggests agritourism is on the rise, creating new opportunities for farmers to boost their bottom line.

Rural reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Ray White Group’s Vanessa Rader to find out what’s driving the trend.

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In today's National Rural News: cattle echibitors vying for a win, overcoming an AI blind spot limiting plant research, honeybees helping the medical industry, plus the latest from the markets and more. 

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If a dog can be man's best friend - what about an AI 'Farm Assistant' ? 

The Artificial Intelligence is being trialed on 20 farms - and organisers say at least half have given their AI names - sometimes after their favourite working dog 

Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Regen Farmers Mutual co-operative co-director Andrew Ward - who says it's an expression of how lonely life can be on the farm - and how trusted 'Farm Assistant' can become. 

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In today's National Rural News:  

** Climate scientists believe the current 'super El Nino' could be a fizzer oin the southern states,

** 51 PALM workers get a total refund of $160,000 after being supplied with dodgy accommodation,

** and calls to help a sick bird in Central Victoria - result in the discovery of 15 carcases - now being tested for bird flu.

Plus the latest from the markets and more. 

Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

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A drone that emits noises is proving to be a unique way to keep H5 bird flu away from farms - and save crops.

The Ag raptor was on show at the Henty Machinery Field Days - and features a way of making noises on a frequency that attracts the interest of birds of prey - therefore scaring off unwanted wild birds such as cockatoos.

But that's far from the only thing it can do.

Rural Reporter Gabrielle Hodson spoke with Ag Falcon UAV founder  Luke Weekley, who developed the system with Swinburne University.

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In today's National Rural News:  

** The Victorian Farmers Federation introduces a cheap deal for members under 35 to help the future of agricultural advocacy,

** A call for incentives to help landowners retain or revegetate  riverbanks which would help avoid downstream silt issues,

** and cattle judging time at the Melbourne Royal Show - with Simmentals the breed to beat.

Plus the latest from the markets and more. 

Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.