The Latest Breaking News from ABC Rural

Benny Scott, 28, walks the globe to shine light on addiction, recovery and need for pet-friendly rehab

When Benny's family asked him to go to rehab couldn't imagine leaving his dog Frankie behind, so the two set off on the ultimate adventure in the name of addiction and recovery.

ABC News · Apr 7, 2022

Fruit and veg pickers' minimum wage arrives this month and then we'll see the true cost of food

From April 28, changes to the Horticulture Award mean that farm workers typically paid according to how much produce they pick or pack must be guaranteed a minimum hourly rate.

ABC News · Apr 7, 2022

They won their appeal for flood assistance, now these farmers vow to help other devastated producers

A passionate young farming couple who won their appeal to access flood assistance, are joining a national fight to change what they say is an outdated definition of what it means to be a primary producer in times of natural disaster

ABC News · Apr 6, 2022

Japanese encephalitis vaccine trial could stretch limited stock, reduce cost

Three people have died from the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus, but a new trial could cut vaccine costs and increase uptake in Australia.

ABC News · Mar 31, 2022

Floodwaters have receded in Gympie but emotions still run high for vets who lost practice

These Gympie vets never imagined their jobs would involve racing the river to evacuate their surgery, arriving at consults by boat, or the toll of trying to help so many injured animals and traumatised farmers.

ABC News · Mar 30, 2022

Wool producers reaping the benefits of a return to the workplace as suit sales boom

Wool producers Hannah and Jeremy Phillips say the price for their wool has doubled as workers across the world lay out for new attire for their return to the office.

ABC News · Mar 29, 2022

Furphy water cart collector Roger Frankenberg sells items for thousands

Roger Frankenberg has collected Furphy water carts and kept them on his farm north-west of Albury for decades. Now, the highly prized parts of Australia's history have a new home.

ABC News · Mar 28, 2022

Relocating flood-prone homes is hard, but could it be a better way to spend disaster relief funds?

As NSW and Queensland count the cost of another deadly flooding disaster, thousands of residents are facing an agonising decision — to rebuild or relocate? And many are wondering whether the billions spent on clean-up might be better off helping them move to safer ground.

ABC News · Mar 26, 2022

Regional distilleries build on 'ferociously local' consumers, but are battling against liquor excise

Even with Russian vodka off the shelves and a booming local industry, Australian spirits "cannot compete" on price as the liquor excise hits $25 a bottle, distillers say.

ABC News · Mar 23, 2022

Rural residents say $750m NBN boost 'not enough' to bridge digital divide in the bush

Outback communities are hailing a $750 million package to boost internet services in the bush. But the investment is no silver bullet after years of ongoing issues, residents say.

ABC News · Mar 23, 2022