National Rural News

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Fears cattle could be harmed by contaminated flood water

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries says up to 5000 head of cattle could be affected after water, contaminated with heavy metals, overflowed from mines in the state's north-west.

MLA says it can't drop cattle transaction levy for flooded areas

Meat and Livestock Australia says it can't drop the $5 per animal transaction levy collected from cattle sales, for farmers in flood-ravaged areas of Queensland.

Meat industry upset at removal of attaches from US and Europe

The Federal Government has removed agricultural trade consultants from two of Australia's biggest trading partners, raising concerns in the meat industry.

Abattoir workers put off at King Island

JBS Swift, the world's largest meat processing company which operates Tasmania's King Island abattoir, says higher costs on the island have forced a review and closure of the business.

Apple growers want further assessment on Chinese imports

Apple growers are outraged about the proposal to import Chinese apples into Australia.

World water forum hears need for more water spending

More than 20,000 delegates attended the Fifth World Water Forum, which has just wrapped up in Istanbul, Turkey.

Autumn the time to work out whether mulesing alternatives are a success

A group researching alternative methods to mulesing sheep says autumn rain should reveal if their trials have been successful.

MLA accused of silence over Queensland floods

Meat and Livestock Australia has been accused remaining silent during the north-west Queensland floods and not helping affected producers.

Sugar vs trees case goes to court

A case between a North Queensland sugar mill and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council begins in the Planning and Environment Court in Brisbane today.

MLA defends health benefits of red meat

Australia's red meat marketing body has slammed a US study that says red meat is bad for you.

Mixed rain forecast for late autumn

There's good news in the latest rainfall outlook for north-eastern Australia.

Packer sells cattle empire

James Packer has sold his family's cattle empire.

Another delay spells more trouble for Oz Minerals

The future of financially stressed mining company Oz Minerals is in doubt, after the Foreign Investment Review extended the evaluation period by up to 90 days.

Aluminium industry wants to find new energy sources

Aluminium producers say their carbon emissions output will remain high until they can source different forms of energy.

Transport congestion may be deterring Asian flour buyers

There are reports that Asian flour mills are turning away from Australian wheat in favour of the US and Canada.

Loads of lupins surprise WA growers

Lupin growers in Western Australia have been surprised by some of the yields from last year's harvest.

Isolated parents demand choice in schooling

Parents of isolated children are calling for increased access to a Commonwealth school allowance scheme.

Parasites pondered at Port Macquarie

Thirty district veterinarians from the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities across NSW are meeting in Port Macquarie for their 91st annual conference.

New Broome live export yards almost ready to open

A new set of live export yards being built outside of Broome in far north Western Australia is almost near completion.

Killer wasp to keep flies under control

A wasp that can cut fly numbers by more than half has been developed for intensive livestock industries.

Australian organic growers welcome Obama garden

The United States President has thrown his support behind organic agriculture.