Sat, Feb 10, 2007
This is a story of how treated effluent has come to prove a lifesaver for local farmers. Initial scepticism and even outright rejection has changed to almost universal acceptance of this second-hand water. This brave experiment by the Coffs Harbour Council is an example for local authorities all over Australia.
Sat, Feb 17, 2007
The Prime Minister's $10.5 billion water plan may have focused attention on the poor state of the Murray-Darling system but previously untroubled waterways are also suffering. The Hunter is one such river, where added competition from the expanding coal mining industry is causing alarm. Wine producers, horse breeders and dairy farmers all fear a major new mine proposal in the Upper Hunter could seriously threaten their long-term viability.
Sat, Mar 10, 2007
The muntrie berry is one of Australia�s oldest bush-foods and until now has had a fairly low profile. However, this unique native food has captured the imagination of a small number of bush-food aficionados in Australia's south. These growers are pinning their hopes on muntries' different flavour, versatility and health benefits, to make it a popular, mainstream food.
Sat, Mar 17, 2007
A year ago, the communities of far north Queensland were batoning down for cyclone Larry. The severe winds and rain wiped out much of the banana industry tore through sugar cane crops and left many other primary producers facing big losses. Today, we go back to some of the properties we visited in the days after the disaster, to see how people are recovering one year on from cyclone Larry.
Sat, Mar 31, 2007
As the drought continues, lobby groups, farmers and politicians are all putting forward their solutions to the big dry. There have been proposals from building dams, turning rivers around and capturing water from the tropics to name just a few. The Australian Water Association has released a book, which busts the myths and explains the ideas in the water debate. Sally Sara discusses these issues with the Association's Chief Executive and Author of Water in Australia, Chris Davis.
Sat, Apr 7, 2007
It has been a rocky year so far for many in the cattle industry. High grain prices, a tight cattle market and the strong Aussie dollar have added to the challenges of those trying to push their way through the drought. Now a US trade deal could cost Australian producers up to one third of their market share in Korea. Sally Sara discusses the issues facing the Australian cattle industry with David Inall, chief executive of the Cattle Council of Australia.
Sat, Apr 14, 2007
It is supposed to be a way to lock in a price and a buyer. But signing a contract has locked a group of irrigators in southern New South Wales into a tight situation. They now face losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars if they are unable to deliver the corn they promised. Water cuts have left the irrigators high and dry and their customers increasingly impatient.
Thu, Apr 26, 2007
As the Murray-Darling Basin dries up, irrigators are contemplating a season without water. The Prime Minister is warning water for irrigators may be cut off by July if there is no significant rain. Amongst those at biggest risk are citrus growers. Their trees need water all year round and the next few months will be crucial as they pick navel oranges for the domestic and export market.
Sat, May 5, 2007
Four years ago the Queensland country town of Warwick hosted the first ever Polocrosse World Cup. The event was a huge success, and since then the Australian-invented horse sport has boomed both here and overseas. Last week the world's best polocrosse players and horses fought for the coveted trophy, with the Australians showing yet again they are the best in the world.
Sat, May 19, 2007
Over the past decade the numbers of people who can shear sheep has declined while the average age of shearers is now almost fifty. TAFE schools around the country have been running shearer training courses to redress the balance and put shearing back on the vocational map. Reporter Jason Om takes us to a south Australian school which has turned out scores of qualified shearers.
Sat, May 26, 2007
It began as a strange twist of nature. A winegrower in South Australia noticed some of his red cabernet grapes had turned white. The discovery attracted the attention of scientists from the CSIRO. But, now the rare grapes from Langhorne Creek are also making a big impression in the wine industry. The unique product has captured a market of its own.
Mon, Jul 9, 2007
Japan's insatiable appetite for seafood and bluefin tuna in particular is coming at a cost to Australia. It's estimated that illegal fishing by the Japanese fleet has cost an incredible $10 billion just in bluefin stocks alone. Australian authorities are calling it a virtual act of piracy and the local industry is up in arms.
Sat, Jun 16, 2007
Wool continues to make a strong recovery and as the industry prepares to celebrate the 200 year anniversary of its first export, demand for Australian merino is on the upswing. At the recent Sydney fashion week, wool and wool blends were a big talking point and with international demand growing so too are prices for Australian producers.
Sat, Jun 30, 2007
Growing calls for stricter animal welfare laws presents a difficult challenge for Australia's livestock producers. While many Australian farmers argue they have the highest standards of welfare in the world, animal rights groups say that is still not enough. In fact, during a recent visit to Australia, America's most famous animal rights lawyer called for an ending of the legal exemptions against cruelty that are presently provided to most of Australia's intensive livestock industries.
Sat, Jul 7, 2007
Australia's only wild pheasant hunt takes place on King Island. Hunters rate it the world's best, but this year fewer hunters came and they found fewer birds to shoot. Now the island's Game Bird Association and the wildlife authorities that manage the hunt are at loggerheads about what to do next.
Sat, Jul 14, 2007
Australia's first trials of genetically modified drought-resistant wheat are under way in north-west Victoria. If successful, the new varieties could deliver up to a 15 per cent increase in yield under drought conditions. Many argue this type of research is essential in helping Australia adapt its agricultural sector to increased climate vulnerability.
Sat, Aug 4, 2007
The fate of the Federal Government's audacious rescue plan for the Murray-Darling Basin is yet to be confirmed. Despite a change of leader, the Victorian Government appears to be standing firm in its opposition to the Commonwealth's $10 billion bid to take control of the parched basin. The Prime Minister late last month upped the ante by announcing he would use his constitutional powers to force Victoria into line. In South Australia, irrigators have generally welcomed the Prime Minster's move and are calling for an end to the political games.
Sat, Aug 11, 2007
Kalangadoo in South Australia is not the name you would usually associate with caviar. However a family sheep property in the region has been turned over to trout and more particularly to the eggs the fish produce. Wholesaling at around $120 a kilogram, the trout caviar is less expensive than its international cousin but it's still not a bad little earner.
Sat, Aug 18, 2007
In the near future, farmers could be major players in the global energy market. With dwindling oil supplies and international campaigns to cut carbon emissions, the bio-fuel industry is growing. But this new industry is not without controversy with some analysts questioning whether it makes economic and environmental sense to convert food crops, into fuel.
Sat, Aug 25, 2007
They destroy crops, devastate livestock, damage fences, pollute the environment and carry disease, and there are 24 million of them in Australia. In some areas, the feral pig is the number one pest threat to farmers. One of those regions is far north Queensland, where there has been an explosion in pig numbers. The pests are wiping out sugar cane and banana crops, and even encroaching upon urban areas.
Sat, Sep 8, 2007
Conscientious consumers, ethical eaters, credence or virtue purchasers, call them what you will but there's no denying they're an increasingly important group of Australians influencing what we eat, how it's produced and delivered to market. Ethical eating is a trend that's even more advanced in some of the nation's key export markets.
Sat, Sep 22, 2007
Making a living as a commercial fisherman in Australia appears to be getting tougher by the day. They not only have to cope with rising fuel costs and a tide of imports but there is also a growing number of environmental restrictions. Mark Willacy reports on how fishermen in far north Queensland fear their industry is in danger of going under.
Sat, Sep 29, 2007
Despite early winter rains, drought appears to have regained its grip. Crops and horticulture have failed or verge on failing and livestock markets are flooded with forced sales. In response to the mounting crisis, the Federal Government last week massively bolstered its drought aid measures. Tim Lee examines how farmers are preparing for another long dry.
Sat, Oct 13, 2007
With a Federal election looming, one important point of difference between the Howard Government and the Labor states is over genetically modified crops. The Federal Government wants the states to lift their GM moratoriums. A recent survey suggests that although GM technology is becoming more widely accepted, the farming community remains divided.
Sat, Oct 20, 2007
Treated effluent has become a life saver for farmers in the Coffs Harbour region. Initial scepticism and rejection has changed to almost universal acceptance of this second-hand water. The brave experiment by the Coffs Harbour council is an example for local authorities all over Australia.
Sat, Nov 3, 2007
No matter what the outcome of the upcoming federal election, the next Government will have to make some critical decisions about the future direction of Australian agriculture. Landline speaks to two men who want to take on the key role as Minister for Agriculture in the next parliamentary term, the Nationals' incumbent Peter McGauran and Labor Senator Kerry O'Brien.
Sat, Nov 10, 2007
One of the factors affecting world grain prices is a massive jump in demand for corn-based ethanol in the United States. This boom reflects generous US government subsidies and the fact that the corn lobby has political muscle Australian farmers could only dream of. Washington correspondent Mark Simkin reports on how an obsession with corn-based ethanol is having global consequences.
Sat, Nov 17, 2007
It sounds like a nightmare; a mighty river suddenly turns toxic killing hundreds of thousands of fish. That's exactly what happened on the Tweed River 20 years ago and at the time many were pointing the finger at the sugar cane industry. Faced with the prospect of losing his property, one cane farmer decided to help scientists find the real reason for this strange phenomenon. And the consequences for him, and indeed the local cane industry, have been remarkable.
Sat, Nov 24, 2007
According to its critics it's dangerous, indiscriminate and inhumane. But its supporters argue it's the most effective weapon to keep wild dogs under control. The poison 1080 is making news again this weekend, after authorities announced dramatic restrictions in 1080 aerial baiting. And woolgrowers in the northern New South Wales tablelands are furious.
Sat, Dec 1, 2007
There are some aspects of modern life that country people miss out on because they don't live in a big city. Access to art is one. One country town though, has decided its residents don't have to miss out, its public art program is now so well known tourists are starting to pop in for a look.
Sat, Dec 8, 2007
The decade long drought that still grips many parts of the country has had many unforeseen consequences. For one city-based company, Drizabone, whose name goes hand in hand with the bush, no rain has meant no raincoats, and as a result the company has laid-off half of its production staff. And some fear that the famous maker of rustic country working clothes may have to abandon Australia all together.