The Latest Breaking News from ABC Rural

Glasshouse expansion for protected cropping across the Goulburn Valley gets government tick

A new six-hectare glasshouse in Victoria's Goulburn Valley will produce 4,000 tonnes of tomatoes every year, creating 60 new jobs for the site in the process.

ABC News · Jul 26, 2022

Maryborough sugar mill's $100-million resurrection as bio-energy hub

When the sugar factory at Maryborough closed two years ago it was the end of 126 years of crushing. Now, a new deal could see it brought back to life as a bio-energy hub.

ABC News · Jul 25, 2022

Can protected cropping save Australia's salad and fruit bowls from harsh weather?

When lettuce prices jumped to $10 off the back of extreme weather in NSW and Queensland it sent a shockwave through the nation, but some farmers in the flood zone were left relatively unscathed – because they grow under cover.

ABC News · Jul 18, 2022

Frost-fighting choppers used for the first time on Hughenden grape farm

It is not uncommon to see helicopters mustering cattle in north-west Queensland, but now they are being used to prevent frost damage.

ABC News · Jul 15, 2022

Simplot and Tasmanian spud farmers in standoff over rising prices

Farmers have rejected a second price offer made by food manufacturer Simplot for their potato crop this season, saying the extra money put forward is not enough to cover the cost of growing their crops.

ABC News · Jul 14, 2022

Crossbred ewe named Mary had five little lambs in north-east Victoria and four survived

Last year, Karen Ritchens' crossbred Poll Dorset and Merino ewe Mary had a little lamb. This year, in what has been described as a "one-in-a-million" occurrence, Mary gave birth to five offspring.

ABC News · Jul 14, 2022

Macadamia farmer David Flinter harvests 10 tonnes of nuts by hand on his Manning Valley farm

David Flinter runs his commercial organic farm unlike other traditional growers, hand-picking hundreds of thousands of nuts grown on his property every year.

ABC News · Jul 13, 2022

Northern Territory's banana freckle outbreak grows, affecting 17 properties

The fungal disease, which growers say represents a major threat to Australia's $500m banana industry, has now been found at 16 Top End properties plus a government research facility.

ABC News · Jul 13, 2022

Hope Hendra virus antibody therapy will stop deadly disease developing in two humans exposed to infected horse

Two people who have been in close contact with a horse that was infected with Hendra virus in Mackay, North Queensland, will receive an antibody therapy on "compassionate" grounds, aimed at preventing them from developing the deadly disease.

ABC News · Jul 11, 2022

Beekeepers back to making honey following ban, new varroa mite sites emerge

After enduring a ban of nearly three weeks due to the varroa mite outbreak, NSW apiarists outside of emergency zones can resume making honey.

ABC News · Jul 11, 2022