Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Australian dried fruit is cheaper than major international competitors 

Fears in rural Australia over the future of the backpacker visa

Huge hailstorm damages crops, shops and more at Casterton 

Danyel Cucinotta is running for president of the VFF. 

Brett Hosking wants to be President of the VFF

A chat about war and wheat with author Dennis Voznesenski 

War and Wheat navigating markets during global conflict with Dennis Voznesenski 

Farmland values are on the rise across Australia 

We go to the alt proteins conference in Melbourne

Rent prices will double at the fresh fruit and vegetable markets at Epping over ten years 

The head of Titan Machinery talks about the farm equipment business and his entry into the Australian market

China safeguard hit on Australian beef attracting twelve per cent duties on future Aussie exports

Frosts continue to hit Victorian grain crops

We talk milk price, cost of production and the price on a supermarket shelf

Supermarkets cut the price of milk for shoppers and farmers aren't happy 

The definition of Angus beef is set to change

A world tour of events and policies that are changing food markets at a local and international level

Nationals leader David Littleproud won't listen to Guardian columnist Gabrielle Chan 

Super food company to form between SPC, Original Juice Co and Nature One Dairy

Victoria's agriculture Minister talks drought support and fruit fly funding

Why the Victorian Farmers Federation has taken aim at the National Farmers Federation and what it means for farmer representation. 

The VFF explains why it wants out of the NFF

Why the the Victorian Farmers Federation wants to blow up the structure of farm advocacy in Australia 

Farm lobby fight as the Victorian Farmers Federation resigns from the National Farmers Federation

Are farm leaders in Australia forging the right path in how they are dealing with government 

A major decision gives farmers the option of killing dogs or dingoes that attack their stock 

Live from Women in Agriculture forum in Albury.

The consumer watchdog is taking major supermarkets to court 

Light lamb prices tumble in Victoria 

An island without a factory, breathalysing cattle and the a cemetery gets it's first burial in 56 years 

Which Henty song is better, the old one or a heavy metal version 

What is life like on a live export boat with livestock handler Alex Snape 

Alex Snape's life on live export boats 

Major port operators have given their ideas on how to increase exports to south east Asia

A community group fighting against two major transmission projects in regional Victoria has had their appeal squashed this morning by the Supreme Court.

Bird flu restrictions ease and farms begin to restock

Australia's peak farm lobby has called on its members to avoid discussion of an ABC Landline program that investigated the link between the herbicide paraquat, and Parkinson's disease.

Listen to a live broadcast from the National Farmer Rally in Canberra, where farmers from across the country have gathered to protest over political decisions they say have left them feeling like they are under siege. 

Crops are dying in dry areas of Victoria 

Crops are failing in Victoria due to lack of rain and warm temperatures 

Agriculture Minister Ros Spence finally visits the dry south-west

Broadcasting live from the South Gippsland Dairy and Farming Expo 

We crunch the numbers on food inflation pre covid until mid this year 

Wild weather and storms lash Victoria and Aaron Thomas keeps losing power

Heavy winds stops fishing, taking the wool off sheep without shearing and another mine coming to regional Victoria

100 days of the bird flu outbreak in Victoria 

A major buyer of Australian produce has increased its profits

Hail hits Victorian crops

The Oil for Food scandal nearly 20 years on 

A new legal guide for farmers navigating the planning system has been released 

VFF President Emma Germano tells the Country Hour her organisation has paid lobby group Australian Dairy Farmers $750,000

Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey joins the program

Varroa mite has been found in Victoria on a farm at Nangiloc 

Pollination season, the China barley market, putting mushrooms in the  sun and a book on the modern merino 

Saputo angers dairy farmers with milk price comments

Proposed planning changes in the Mitchell Shire on the outskirts of Melbourne has farmers worried 

Victorian Agriculture Minister Ros Spence speaks to the Country Hour 

Simon Quilty answers your questions on meat and livestock prices 

We take you inside a lab doing bird flu research during an outbreak and we also go to Sheepvention

Climate drivers, Ukraine grain, driverless tractors and a road trip in a 1950's Chamberlain

Accusations about residues in Australian beef, an MoU for renewable food and the new Agriculture Minister

The Victorian Country Hour broadcasts live from the Australian Grains Industry Conference in Melbourne.

Indigenous communities waiting for Murray-Darling water, Asic takes action against a wheat trader and a scary boat ride for need for feed 

A new Australian Agriculture Minister as Julie Collins is appointed to the role 

A major ruling on glyphosate is watched closely by the farming community

Woolworths accused of spying, calls for the Agriculture Minister to hit the road and a survey on wil dogs 

Vicgrid says it will improve consultation with communities on renewable energy

Bob Vale wants to sell his water to the government

Victoria's parliamentary secretary for agriculture, Michaela Settle is a guest on the Country Hour

The Victorian Country Hour broadcasts live from the Australian Sheep and Wool Show at Bendigo

Calls for register of backyard chickens, Murray Watt talks agriculture and a falling wool price

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Wheat prices are on the slide, Colin Bettles speaks from hospital and is Australia doing enough on bird flu? 

Water buybacks begin again in the southern Murray-Darling 

Kangaroos plaguing livestock producers battling dry conditions in the south-west 

$7 million funding package to respond to the threat of H5 strain of avian influenza

All eyes on the weather forecast as farmers hold out for a decent rain

Lamb prices soar as supply tightens

Victorian irrigators say Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek is targeting them for water buybacks

A world first carbon tax on agriculture is planned in Denmark, how will it work? 

Unions call for a boycott of Saputo cheese, cold temperatures hit Victoria and the future for the plant protein industry

McDonalds restrictions, egg price rises and a cancelled royal poultry show, avian influenza  hits Victoria

As we pass the halfway point for 2024, Country Hour listeners say it's dry 

Live from the Pakenham saleyards, which opened 25 years ago and today will see their very last sale.

Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing speaks ahead of a virtual Minister's meeting this week 

Dairy Farmers Victoria says half a billion dollars will be ripped out of regional Victoria due to milk price cuts starting next week 

VFF says it will spend remaining funds from its Grains Group share portfolio, despite objections

An inquiry into pig welfare in Victoria hands down its findings 

Some CFA brigades say they won't fight fires on properties with renewables developments or high powered transmission lines  

One million birds have now been killed to control the spread of avian influenza in Victoria

Bird flu hits the duck industry and is now on seven Victorian farms 

Bird flu spreads to duck farm

Coles dumps award-winning Gippsland Jersey milk from dozens of stores in shock decision

Australia is experiencing its worst avian influenza outbreak ever

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Coles puts a limit on how many eggs you can buy due to bird flu

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

There are two million more Australians but with vegetable consumption falling we don't need to produce any more veggies for them 

A third Victorian farm has reported an outbreak of bird flu.

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rain, the role of the CWA, Saputo's milk price and a farmer is hacked on the Country Hour

The milk price is dropping as Fonterra announces a cut for its farmers in Australia

Japan joins the USA in suspending Australian poultry due to bird flu outbreaks 

The end of single desk export marketing for the rice industry

The farmer who has a bird flu outbreak on his farm speaks to the Country Hour

Authorities confirm bird flu on a second egg farm in Victoria 

Authorities have been working hard to control a bird flu outbreak at a Victorian farm 

Bird flu detected on a Victorian farm

The United Kingdom has banned live export for slaughter starting today 

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Nationals MP and Shadow Agriculture Minister, David Littleproud, responds to the government's budget and what it means for the future of farming.

Fonterra Australia is up for sale

Victorian government backflips on funding the National Centre for Farmer Health 

A funding cut for the National Centre for Farmer Health by the Victorian government 

The end date for live export of sheep from Australia has been set 

We seek the final verdict on if politicians should wear country hats to rural or farming events

Dry weather hits Victoria and farmers are responding in a wide variety of ways

Cuts to wild dog and deer control in the Victorian budget 

Budget announcements and wishlists, dog attacks and farmland values have tripled 

Should planning laws make it easier for farm tourism, farm shops and various agricultural practices 

Australian Dairy Farmers says the world price is higher than it was when dairy companies set their prices 12 months ago

Processors are warning dairy farmers of a milk price cut this season

Who are the biggest owners and investors in Australian farmland 

Despite pleas for help from a charity and Tasmanian farmers, a Victorian council has refused to use its port to supply drought relief to King Island

Kaleb Cooper from Clarkson's Farm talks about  life, getting into farming, his rap career (and sheep dis track) and the success of Clarkson's Farm which is back for season three this week. 

Farm manager at Diddly Squat Farms on the hit TV show Clarkson's Farm Kaleb Cooper talks about his life, farming philosophy and being a rural celebrity

Agriculture in southern Lebanon, Wool in Europe and the Tacoma sails home

ANZAC Day 2024 we talk the women's land army, making blankets for war and of course sowing in 2024

Farmers are getting out of sheep due to a Victorian government decision to protect dingoes or wild dogs on their land 

Sheep driving the Nullabor, lidar mapping of farms and a very expensive two week old calf

Australian Holistic Management Co-operative Field Days in Nagambie

Listening to the Country Hour and getting a job driving tractors, Archer tells us about a text to this show that changed his life

The Victorian Country Hour broadcasts live from the FutureAg expo in Melbourne, Day 2.

The Victorian Country Hour broadcasts live from the FutureAg expo in Melbourn

Outgoing Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci fronts the Supermarket Pricing Senate Inquiry 

Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing says she made no concessions to the Federal government in exchange for funding for Murray-Darling projects 

The Victorian Country Hour visits the 2024 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo

A farmer says he is experiencing multiple attacks on his sheep by Dingoes / Wild Dogs after a decision to protect the animals by the state government. 

Lactalis will close its Echuca factory this year as it chooses to focus on its Bendigo site 

A new record has been set for the highest yielding corn crop in Australia

Dr Craig emerson proposes a mandatory code of conduct for supermarkets 

Hear how American scientists identified bird flu in Texan dairy cows

Australian lab-grown meat-alternative producer receives approval to sell in Singapore 

NFF releases scathing report into the chicken meat industry and the treatment of growers by processors

Victoria's cropping zones receive a timely drenching 

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Some regional Victorian fire trucks are so old that they could qualify for special number plates

Avian influenza now being found in dairy herds in the United States

The Liberals will join the Nationals, Greens and Independents in calling for supermarket reform 

French fast fashion laws could help Australian wool producers 

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt joins you on the Country Hour

Contractors who worked on the 2022 floods say they haven't been paid by the Victorian Government 

Farmer Mark Wootton talks trying to make his farm carbon neutral and the challenges it presents all food producers. 

Carbon neutral farming pioneer Mark Wootton talks climate, agriculture and what made his farm fall out of carbon neutrality

Greens Senator Nick McKim says farmer testimony has driven his party to propose a bill that could break up the major supermarkets  

All eyes are turning to next season's milk price for dairy farmers around Australia 

Victorian Government ends dingo, wild dog control in the state's north-west, sparking outrage from farmers

Research shows carbon reduction and net zero considerations don't influence consumers' decisions on what food to buy

Senate Committee hears farmers are being pushed out of business in part due to price pressures from the big supermarkets

Senate inquiry into supermarket pricing hears tearful stories of farmers who say they are being ripped off by the big supermarkets

Video surveillance systems to become mandatory in abattoirs from 2026

AFL player Tom Hawkins on his farming backgroud, his current cattle property and pulling a calf on game day

Live from the Wimmera Machienry Field Days at Longerenong 

Live from a pub in Ensay for the mountain calf sales in the high country 

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Farmers across Victoria are missing out on disaster recovery assistance due to the ad hoc nature of the scheme

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

National Farmers Federation president David Johinke says they are still opposed to the planned biosecurity levy 

Fires continue to burn on a bad fire weather day across regional Victoria 

Concerns are raised in Victoria ahead of forecast bad fire weather tomorrow

Sheep, sheds, fences and farm land has been destroyed in the Beaufort fires

Fires burning in the Beaufort and Raglan area have wiped out homes, sheds, fences and killed livestock

Historical allegations that Elders staff forged live export cattle pedigrees have been aired in news service, Farm Online 

A new book is trying to continue the legacy of Australian agricultural giant

Nationals leader David Littleproud takes aim at the legacy of outgoing Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci 

Anger, frustration and plenty of debate at the Victorian Farmers Federation AGM 

Tributes to dairy farmer Bruce Manintveld who died bringing in his cows during storms at Mirboo North

Anthrax found on a second property in Victoria's Goulburn Valley

No power, no phone has farmers dumping milk in south Gippsland after Tuesday's storms

Hear from bushfire-affected farmers at Dadswells Bridge and Pomonal 

Cattle are dead and a mass vaccination effort is underway after an anthrax outbreak in the Goulburn Valley

A visiting expert challenges strongly held beliefs and some myths in Australian agriculture

A discussion on long term forecasts and if they help farmers make better decisions, earlier or if they have a negative impact on markets

Melbourne and Geelong are the best places to restart Australia's wool processing industry

A bid for the live export ship that returned to Australia fully loaded to set sail again has been rejected by the federal department

Is 2024 the year of the farmer protest? We talk Europe and what it could mean for Australia

Research is arguing snakes, like the widely-found brown snake, can be hugely beneficial to cropping operations and could be a friend to farmers by chomping through thousands of mice.

The amount of Australian wine being exported globally has declined in the past year, as people around the world drink less wine. 

Huge increases in insurance premiums are pushing farmers to consider running the gauntlet and leaving some of their machinery uninsured. 

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

A North East Victorian zucchini grower near Toolamba says supermarket price gouging is as bad as it's ever been.

Farmers have welcomed news the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will conduct an inquiry into Australia's supermarket sector, including the difference between farm gates prices and checkout prices. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces Treasurer Jim Chalmers will direct the ACCC 12-month inquiry into supermarkets and price-gouging.

Authorities are concerned after months of rain and farmers rushing to get hay mowed and baled that haystack fires could be on the rise in coming months.

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

More drama at the Victorian Farmers Federation with commodity presidents calling for the board to meet with members

Did the BOM's El Nino forecast tank livestock markets? 

Labour hire company owes workers and creditors $28 million, says all workers will receive money owed

Big rains hit Victoria again

Rain-interrupted grain harvest finally drawing to a close for some

Class action over glyphosate product Roundup nears its end, so what could it mean for the future of the important chemical? 

Major industrial dispute at the nation's key ports causing critical freight backlogs

Farmers talk about what the flooding is like at their farms

Flooding rains hit the state - hear from farmers battling the elements

2024 is looking promising for lamb producers, with supply and demand evening out - and stronger prices at the saleyards this week as a result.

More than 100 farmers in western Victoria have formed a group to campaign against a windfarm that's proposed for construction on, or adjacent to, their land. 

Victorian producers discuss how heavy rain across the state has been affecting their farms.

Discover the agricultural roots of New Year's resolutions.

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

The VFF has won a major court battle and will now push on with reform

Court rooms have made major decisions on the future of Victorian agriculture today 

Shadow Agriculture Minister Emma Kealy on the proposed animal welfare legislation

Animal welfare legislation is released for review in Victoria

Disaffected VFF members could find out on Wednesday whether they can proceed with a vote on kicking out president Emma Germano

Prediction that one third of farmland in Australia could be covered in wind and solar farms by 2050

Rain putting the brakes on grain harvest across the state

Opposition slams politicisation of Victorian public service, says it has hurt regional Victorians

Livestock markets jump up after widespread rain

Ag production tipped to fall $16 billion this financial year 

Federal Nationals call for ACCC inquiry into allegations of supermarket price gouging

Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing on Murray-Darling Basin policy 

So many stolen sheep that one Victorian farmer can't get insurance

Rain is falling around Victoria and some farmers are worried about flooding. 

Victorian Country hour broadcast's live from the Dairy Australia AGM

The Greens and the government agree to extend the Murray_Darling Basin Plan

Rain is falling halting grain harvest, filling dams and we have an in depth weather report

Broadcasting from goFarm's Sandmount Farms operation at Katunga.

Managing one billion dollars in agricultural assets, AAM's Garry Edwards talks markets and movements 

AAM's Garry Edwards is the managing director of a one billion dollar agriculture business and he has also signed up to be deputy chair of Cattle Australia. We talk about why he thinks Australian cattle are undervalued, land prices and why his business is investing in chicken.  

Pakenham saleyards to close in 2024

Concern over a mineral sands mine, EU approves glyphosate and the state of agriculture with Tony Maher

Victorian Country Hour broadcasts live from the 2023 Cattle Australia AGM

As the basin plan extension gets closer to entering parliament a new campaign has been launched in the Goulburn Valley

Only one farmer was consulted by the Victorian government on animal welfare legislation

A partnership between East Timor and Victorian agricultural scientists is helping to control an outbreak of African Swine Fever

Farmer Power has decided to disband and throw its support behind the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria

15 protesters who shut down an abattoir in Benalla in April have been charged

A pair of farmers are preparing their second shipment of wheat to Oman 

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt talks farm emissions for net zero and Australia's relationship with China

National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke takes your questions on the Country Hour

Need for Feed is on a big hay run to fire hit areas of New South Wales 

The US President wants to stop the decline of farmer numbers in America

Allan Fels is leasing an inquiry to assess if the cost of meat and vegetables is fair 

Water, water, water on the Country Hour as three key developments occur in the basin plan and we talk October rain

Farmers celebrate as trade negotiations with the European Union collapse

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Food processor SPC is asking community members in the Goulburn Valley to buy shares in the company

David Jochinke becomes President of the National Farmers Federation 

The Victorian Agriculture Minister doesn't want to get involved in the dairy strikes in her state

Farmers say no to deal with EU, China may take Australian wine and Saputo makes deal with tanker drivers

Dairy workers returned to work today but may strike again next week 

Abattoir profits increase as farm gate prices fall in the meat industry

Tens of thousands of litres of milk is being dumped in Victoria due to strike action

Pear trees being ripped out, apples barely increasing in price and calls for supermarket regulation for apple and pear growers

Dairy workers and tanker drivers are set to go on strike in Victoria this week 

The battle for control of the Victorian Farmers Federation has entered the court room

Victorian Roads Minister, Melissa Horne talks maintenance on the Country Hours

The Victorian government and a major dairy cooperative are investing in lab made or precision fermented milk 

Have you had the Q-Fever vaccine? 

Small meat producers in south east Australia say they are facing a crisis because they can't get their animals killed

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

The good, the bad and the ugly of rain

From fires to flood, heavy rain falls across Victoria 

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Pear farmers are facing continued low prices and rising costs with many exiting the industry 

The Dairy farmer committee of Victorian Farmers Federation have quit en mass to join a new lobby group 

Cattle prices continue to fall 

Broadcasting live from the 175th Royal Melbourne Show.

Rare Upton tractors on display at Henty and switching from varroa mite eradication to pest management.

A major decision is made to abandon attempts to eradicate the destructive bee pest varroa mite and move to managing the invasive mite

The search for a suckling pig abattoir, the floor price of sheep and medicinal gum trees 

No one in Victoria will kill suckling pig and chef's in Melbourne have say they have to take it off the menu

A parliamentary inquiry into the October 2022 floods tours regional Victoria and farmers talk about their experiences

Broadcasting live from the Irrigation Farmer's Network trial site in Kerang. 

A Victorian flower farmer is the national winner of the 2023 Rural Women's Award

China is once again Australia's biggest agricultural export market but if it sneezes will Australian ag catch a cold

It's not a drug but its production is regulation like one, the hemp industry in Victoria is being examined

Organic producers in Victoria have been hit by a last minute decision by major abattoir to stop killing their animals

Farmers are struggling to sell light sheep, agents say they aren't seeing it and who is making the money? 

Australian Dairy Farmers call on the ACCC to block a deal where Coles will buy dairy factories

The Victorian Farmers Federation rejects a second call for a spill of it's leadership

More lumpy skin concerns for Australian exports to Indonesia and a class action against Roundup in court

Bees on the move, beef and lamb prices remain flat and a lifetime in scallops

The buffer zone that allows wild dogs to be controlled on public land could be srapped in October 

Varroa mite changes for Victorian bee keepers

Meet Ali the wheelchair bound working dog who is back working sheep near Mansfield 

Outbreak of varroa mite found south of Balranald near the Victorian border

Varroa mite at the border, Victorian Water Minister speaks and Ausnet apology to farmers 

Is lamb getting cheaper at the supermarket? 

Sheep are being shot in the paddock as the bottom falls out of the market 

Latest update and news from the almond and bee industry

The spread between Australian and New Zealand milk prices are at 10 year highs

Sheep prices so low that some lambs are being killed at the saleyards

Urea shortage, dairy price slide and Argentina beef ban on today's Country Hour

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Farmers drive tractors through Melbourne's CBD to protest planned power lines 

Replanting wine grapes, Graincorp on China barley and Victorians win big at Mt Isa rodeo

The Country Hour gets an answer on a mystery abandoned harvester on the roadside

Does agriculture have and image problem at the high school level

A US farming group starts petition calling for restrictions on Australian lamb imports into America

Barley prices lift as China drops tariffs but wine growers continue to wait for a China change

Warwick Long and Angus Verley live from Sheepvention 2023 in Hamilton

Lamb skins are so worthless that farmers are being charged by abattoirs to send them to landfill

Australia's largest fertiliser manufacturer, Incitec Pivot could be sold to an Indonesian company, Pupak Kaltim 

Loch Garry rebuilt nine months after floods burst the levee in October 2022

Grain prices fall dramatically, big dollars for powerline court cases and Joel Fitzgibbon joins the show

A lumpy skin detection in Australian cattle that are overseas has led to a temporary halt to the market for four facilities.

Warwick Long and Angus Verley live at the Victorian State Merino Field Days in Marnoo

David Williams from Kidder Williams on the outlook for agricultural investment and farm prices 

'My farm will be illegal in ten years, don't let it happen to you,' warns egg farmer

Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek says the Murray-Darling Basin can not be delivered on time.

Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney has addressed the gathering and responded to questions from VFF members Former UDV president Bill Pyle says it's important for farming commodities to have a united voice, it comes as UDV councillors from form a new lobby group VFF President Emma Germano says members have a fear of change and denies the dispute is about power or money

Hobby farmer interest adds to demand for shedding sheep

Russia launches strikes against Ukrainian grain ports, so what does that mean for markets, and for global food security? 

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

UDV president Mark Billing announces plans for a new dairy lobby group, separate to the VFF

Agriculture Victoria searches for answers over sudden deaths of at least 10 horses 

Damning review of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority 

ABC Victorian Country Hour broadcasts live from Hamilton at an event to discuss moving to sheep breeds which shed wool

Memories of last year's flooding fresh as Murray River at Barham reaches moderate flood level 

VFF accuses AMEO of misleading landowners over its right to access their land

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Tanya Plibersek writes to the Murray Darling Basin Authority asking it to report on the likelihood of the Basin Plan's mid-2024 water recovery deadlines being met

Transmission Company Victoria defends VNI West against widespread opposition

Global inflationary pressure smashes wool markets

New milk season starts tomorrow, processors continue to jostle for supply

St Arnaud farmer says AEMO is behaving like it's the 'wild west' over VNI West

Broadcasting from the Grains Innovation Park in Horsham 

Fair Work Ombudsman alleges underpayment of workers by Werribee South vegetable grower 

Cultured meat could be coming to Australian supermarket shelves, so would you eat it? 

The Frontier Impact Group project would be capable of producing 26 million litres of renewable diesel per year.

Lab-grown meat could hit the shelves by March next year

Cultured meat could be coming to Australian supermarket shelves, so would you eat it? 

It's a year on from the first varroa mite detection in Australia 

It's a year on from the first varroa mite detection in Australia 

Glyphosate pricing almost back to pre-COVID levels after soaring during the pandemic

Glyphosate pricing almost back to pre-COVID levels after soaring during the pandemic

A group of Victorian farmers are pushing to dismiss the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) board, over frustrations about declining membership and financial losses.

Victorian Country Hour broadcast live from a wool shed in Kanya, near St Arnaud

A group of Victorian farmers is pushing to dismiss the Victorian Farmers Federation board over frustrations about declining membership and financial losses.

Victorian Country Hour broadcast live from a wool shed in Kanya, near St Arnaud

Broadcasting from the BestWool/BestLamb Conference in Bendigo

Broadcasting from the BestWool/BestLamb Conference in Bendigo

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Farmer says flood recovery roadworks will actually make the next flooding event worse at his place

Farmer says flood recovery roadworks will actually make the next flooding event worse at his place

Farmers converge on Canberra to call for Senate inquiry into transmission infrastructure

Farmers converge on Canberra to call for Senate inquiry into transmission infrastructure

Beef price slide hurts dairy farmers

Beef price slide hurts dairy farmers

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Champion shearer Scotland-bound for Golden Shears

Champion shearer Scotland-bound for Golden Shears

More rain around the state, record falls in some areas

More rain around the state, record falls in some areas

Farmers welcome soaking rains across large parts of the state

Farmers welcome soaking rains across large parts of the state

Farm groups say reform to the labour hire industry would force employers to pay inexperienced workers the same rate as long-term employees

Farm groups say reform to the labour hire industry would force employers to pay inexperienced workers the same rate as long-term employees

Farmers bemoan lack of spare parts

Farmers bemoan lack of spare parts

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Researchers discover garlic variety that can inhibit coronavirus and the flu 

An Australian variety of garlic could reduce coronavirus and flu-related infections, according to new medical research. 

An Australian variety of garlic could reduce coronavirus and flu-related infections, according to new medical research. 

Researchers discover garlic variety that can inhibit coronavirus and the flu 

Dairy farmers receive payout from Fonterra over 2016 clawback

Dairy farmers receive payout from Fonterra over 2016 clawback

Outrage after major change to VNI West route comes after feedback period closes

Outrage after major change to VNI West route comes after feedback period closes

Meat industry slams inquiry into pig welfare

Meat industry slams inquiry into pig welfare

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

The secret life of varroa mite may hold the key to its destruction and savings the bees

The secret life of varroa mite may hold the key to its destruction and savings the bees

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

State Government fends off criticism over what the budget means for regional Victorians

Showing cattle is an age old tradition of country shows, now some school kids are taking on the challenge and learning about farming along the way 

Showing cattle is an age old tradition of country shows, now some school kids are taking on the challenge and learning about farming along the way 

State Government fends off criticism over what the budget means for regional Victorians

Death knell for native timber industry 

Death knell for native timber industry 

Milk processors warn factories may have to close

Milk processors warn factories may have to close

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Bulla announces opening price of $8.80 - $9.60 per kilogram of milk solids

Bulla announces opening price of $8.80 - $9.60 per kilogram of milk solids

Livestock focus in new emissions reduction target

Livestock focus in new emissions reduction target

National Irrigators' Council fears more water buybacks to come

National Irrigators' Council fears more water buybacks to come

Elders posts big drop in half-year profit, still makes almost $83 million before tax and interest

Rural service provider Elders Limited revealed a 46 per cent drop in half year profit, compared to the same time last year

Elders posts big drop in half-year profit, still makes almost $83 million before tax and interest

Rural service provider Elders Limited revealed a 46 per cent drop in half year profit, compared to the same time last year

Coalition would scrap new biosecurity levy if returned to power

Coalition would scrap new biosecurity levy if returned to power

VFF Grains Group seeks legal advice on whether it can block the liquidation of its share portfolio

VFF Grains Group seeks legal advice on whether it can block the liquidation of its share portfolio

Farmers to pay new levy to help fund extra biosecurity measures to keep out pests and diseases

Farmers to pay new levy to help fund extra biosecurity measures to keep out pests and diseases

Farmers again rally against big rises in local government rates bills

Farmers again rally against big rises in local government rates bills

Rabobank tipping a 10 per cent reduction in the milk price as opening price deadline looms

Rabobank tipping a 10 per cent reduction in the milk price as opening price deadline looms

It's been a month since Nikki Davey was crowned the 2023 rural woman of the year in Victoria and it's been a roller coaster ride for the young farmer.

It's been a month since Nikki Davey was crowned the 2023 rural woman of the year in Victoria and it's been a roller coaster ride for the young farmer.

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

The Victorian Farmers Federation calls for the Victorian Government to step in and take over planning of the state's transmission network.

Federal government migration changes has raised hopes in the farming community to help with workforce shortages

Federal government migration changes has raised hopes in the farming community to help with workforce shortages

Professor Emeritus, Lindsay Falvey has a plan to revamp Agricultural Science degrees in Victoria

Professor Emeritus, Lindsay Falvey has a plan to revamp Agricultural Science degrees in Victoria

Live at the Victorian Vegetable Innovation Days at Catani

Live at the Victorian Vegetable Innovation Days at Catani

What do you think this years milk price will be? 

What do you think this years milk price will be? 

Sowing has kicked off across the state 

Sowing has kicked off across the state 

Inside a new, big money, high-tech farrowing shed at a Victorian piggery

Inside a new, big money, high-tech farrowing shed at a Victorian piggery

Country of Origin rubber bands being used in the flower industry

Country of Origin rubber bands being used in the flower industry

Victoria pauses major projects in the Murray-Darling

Victoria pauses major projects in the Murray-Darling

Law experts from Australian universities say Italy's claim to the name Prosecco is the dodgiest they've seen

Law experts from Australian universities say Italy's claim to the name Prosecco is the dodgiest they've seen

AEMO explains why it didn't turn up to a community meeting in St Arnaud 

AEMO explains why it didn't turn up to a community meeting in St Arnaud 

Agriculture as a share of emissions in Australia is set to grow according to ABARES

Agriculture as a share of emissions in Australia is set to grow according to ABARES

Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney talks about activists who broke into a pig abattoir 

Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney talks about activists who broke into a pig abattoir 

A report from energy experts suggests scrapping the WRL and VNI transmission projects

A report from energy experts suggests scrapping the WRL and VNI transmission projects

Barley and wine grape growers are watching the pausing of the WTO case against China closely. 

Barley and wine grape growers are watching the pausing of the WTO case against China closely. 

Wood chops, tractor pulls and sheepdog trials are evergreen attractions and they didn't let Rheola down this year. 

WTO barley case on pause as China reviews tariffs 

Wood chops, tractor pulls and sheepdog trials are evergreen attractions and they didn't let Rheola down this year. 

WTO barley case on pause as China reviews tariffs 

Rainfall, hop harvest, rice harvest and hay bale art

Rainfall, hop harvest, rice harvest and hay bale art

Foot and mouth disease is now endemic in Indonesia. 

Foot and mouth disease is now endemic in Indonesia. 

Grain growers are being forced to step back in time this season and burn their stubbles.

Grain growers are being forced to step back in time this season and burn their stubbles.

Victoria's rural woman of the year is Nikki Davey

Victoria's rural woman of the year is Nikki Davey

Supermarket Coles buys Saputo factories which were built to produce cheap milk 

Supermarket Coles buys Saputo factories which were built to produce cheap milk 

Questions have been raised over whether the Federal government's new environmental biodiversity program will be fit for purpose 

Questions have been raised over whether the Federal government's new environmental biodiversity program will be fit for purpose 

Mallee legend Squatter Coffey retires, but will still promote his local town of Beulah 

Mallee legend Squatter Coffey retires, but will still promote his local town of Beulah 

Industry and animal welfare specialists respond to footage of pigs in distress as they are being stunned with carbon dioxide gas

Industry and animal welfare specialists respond to footage of pigs in distress as they are being stunned with carbon dioxide gas

Apple crops in the Goulburn Valley have been destroyed by hail

Apple crops in the Goulburn Valley have been destroyed by hail

Goulburn Valley apple growers have been smashed by hail for the third time this season

Goulburn Valley apple growers have been smashed by hail for the third time this season

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Helen Sykes started life 89 years ago among the bush cattlemen in the Victorian High Country co-founding, with her father, a hereford stud when she was still a schoolgirl.

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Helen Sykes started life 89 years ago among the bush cattlemen in the Victorian High Country co-founding, with her father, a hereford stud when she was still a schoolgirl.

Australian Wool Innovation says good progress has been made in developing a new form of biological defleecing

Australian Wool Innovation says good progress has been made in developing a new form of biological defleecing

If you're a farmer, are you setting about earning carbon credits though the Federal Emissions Reduction Fund?

If you're a farmer, are you setting about earning carbon credits though the Federal Emissions Reduction Fund?

With power prices expected to spike by 30 per cent soon in Victoria, have you decided to get off the grid?

With power prices expected to spike by 30 per cent soon in Victoria, have you decided to get off the grid?

'Happy' the holstein calf's unique markings guarantee his role as a lawnmower for life

'Happy' the holstein calf's unique markings guarantee his role as a lawnmower for life

A dairy farm in West Gippsland has produced a calf with markings resembling a smiley face

A dairy farm in West Gippsland has produced a calf with markings resembling a smiley face

Australian dairy lovers have been warned that they soon could be paying more for their favourite cheese, yogurt, butter and cream. 

Australian dairy lovers have been warned that they soon could be paying more for their favourite cheese, yogurt, butter and cream. 

A new term has been introduced into financial circles and its got farmers worried - it's "unrealised gains".

A new term has been introduced into financial circles and its got farmers worried - it's "unrealised gains".

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Graincorp has but a bow on another massive grain harvest out of Victoria that set a number of new individual records.

Graincorp has but a bow on another massive grain harvest out of Victoria that set a number of new individual records.

The federal department of agriculture, fisheries and forestry has fallen hundreds of millions of dollars into the red.

The federal department of agriculture, fisheries and forestry has fallen hundreds of millions of dollars into the red.

Coming to you live from Ensay on day 2 of the High Country Mountain Calf Sales. 

Coming to you live from Ensay on day 2 of the High Country Mountain Calf Sales. 

Broadcasting live from the Mountain Calf Sale at Omeo

Broadcasting live from the Mountain Calf Sale at Omeo

Administrators for Scott's Refrigerated Logistics which entered voluntary administration last Monday have not been able to find a buyer for the business. 

Administrators for Scott's Refrigerated Logistics which entered voluntary administration last Monday have not been able to find a buyer for the business. 

The battle is heating up between VFF and Australian Dairy Farmers

The battle is heating up between VFF and Australian Dairy Farmers

Farmers worried about superannuation changes

Farmers worried about superannuation changes

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

The VFF is worried about a recent Victorian government gazette of power line infrastructure

The VFF is worried about a recent Victorian government gazette of power line infrastructure

Duck season gets the go ahead and water Ministers meet

Duck season gets the go ahead and water Ministers meet

The Victorian government will provide compensation to farmers who have large transmission lines built on their property. 

The Victorian government will provide compensation to farmers who have large transmission lines built on their property. 

Come for a drive in an EV ute but is it up to the rigours of farming

Come for a drive in an EV ute but is it up to the rigours of farming

Flowerdale fires burn through farmland

Flowerdale fires burn through farmland

V2 foods explains Wodonga closure and a case of BSE in Brazil

The wait for a call on the duck season and CSIRO changes it's plan for wine research

Farmers are shipping 35,000 tonnes of their own wheat to Oman 

Lino Saputo on Australian dairy, a major case of livestock theft and flooding on the Darling Anabranch

Robots are now picking strawberries and Varroa mite could have been in Australia for some time.

The bee pest varroa destructor mite could have been in Australia for up to a year before it was detected in New South Wales, Senate Estimates told.

The sheep flock has grown to nearly 80 million head and the MDBA's warning on the basin plan

Saputo results and milk price step ups 

There's calls in New South Wales for farmers to be allowed to fix unsealed roads

This Australia day has seen awards for outstanding environmental work and food production: Organics leader Dalene Wray, Landcarer Chris Brooke and the late Angus cattle stalwart Jim Wilson. 

A farmer at Mount Emu has shown one can never be too busy to have fun with a tractor, a mower and a drone.

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Broadcasting live from Benjeroop discussing 2022 floods

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Today's show was hosted by NSW Country Hour Presenter Michael Condon and broadcasted across NSW and VIC

No end in sight for frozen chip shortage

A NSW wind farm fire on a rural property has raised questions 

Sam Kekovich is back for another MLA summer lamb ad ... so what does the industry make of it?

The Country Hour broadcasts live from day three of the weaner cattle sales at Barnawartha.

Weaner cattle sales kick off in South West Victoria.

Farmers in central Victoria are cleaning up today after storms that decimated crops and damaged their houses.

We bring together a comparison of rainfall figures for 2022 from across Victoria.

Broadcasting live from the Dumbalk Country Campdraft 

Harvest drags on for grain growers across the state

Agriculture Victoria to fall under new Energy, Environment and Climate Action Department

Edward River falling at Moulamein, Murray River rising at Mildura

A locust plague is unlikely this summer despite reports of hatchings

Record prices but fewer farmers in the dairy industry

Farmers in regional areas have concerns over Bureau of Meteorology changes

Changes to Bureau of Meteorology crosses to radio programs are criticised by the National Farmers Federation

Big fine for labour hire operator, damage from floods continues to mount and farming Christmas trees

Rural news and events from Victoria and the nation

Home made helicopters, gliders, hot air balloons, what's the weirdest thing you've seen during harvest?