National Rural News

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Opposition questions benefits of buying Cubbie water Photo

The Federal Opposition's water spokesman has raised doubts about the benefits of the government buying Cubbie Station's water entitlements, despite floods filling the property's dams.

Weilmoringle stocks up as flood front approaches Photo

Weilmoringle in north west NSW is gearing up to be flooded within the next fortnight.

Moves towards formation of new national grains body

A model for a new new national grain lobby groups is in the final stages of development.

Ombudsman hits the road to check farm pay rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman will be checking a thousand horticultural properties across Australia to make sure workers are being paid enough.

Tasmania promotes last local frozen vegie producer

A $500,000 branding campaign has been launched today to help secure the future of Australia's frozen vegetable industry.

WA Opposition bid to stop GM canola fails

An eleventh-hour-attempt to ban genetically modified crops in Western Australia has been blocked in State Parliament.

Another Senate hearing on BSE

A Senate inquiry into the Government's BSE beef policy has delayed the release of its final report and will hold another hearing into the matter.

Viterra buys US pasta company

One of Australia's largest grain companies, Viterra, will pay about US$240 million for one of America's largest pasta producers.

Irrigation area considers generating power for its own pumps

Murrumbidgee Irrigation hopes to tackle rising energy costs by investigating electricity generation.

Banana underpants have appeal of their own

An Australian clothing manufacturer has launched the world's first banana fibre underpants.

Grazier claims aid too slow for isolated Queensland flood areas

Criticism is growing over the Queensland Government's response to flood victims in remote areas.

Indian company boosts Illawarra coal production

Gujarat NRE Coking Coal Limited will invest $500 million into its coal operations in the Illawarra.

Gold mine to expand under deal with China

Citigold, one of Australia's largest gold exploration companies, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese company, Henan Jinqu.

Call for more field research into northern food bowl

A natural resource management group in Queensland's Gulf says basic changes must be made so northern Australia can be developed into the food bowl of the country.

Moth infests lucerne crop

An outbreak of an invasive moth in Central West NSW is being described as the worst in more than 20 years.

Clay adds to grain productivity

More and more western Victorian croppers are increasing sandy soil productivity through the practice of clay delving.

Cowra club's future looks all black

A rugby club in Central West NSW has launched a recruitment drive in rural parts of New Zealand in a bid to secure more players.