Rural news and events from South Australia and the nation.

The Bureau of Meteorology defends its new $4 million website after a flood of complaints, pastoralists welcome the imminent launch of a ferry to transport livestock across flooded Cooper Creek, and the potato industry meets to discuss management of the potato mop top virus.

SA does itself proud at the National Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Jamestown, hundreds of trees removed or cut back in a bid to fight QLD fruit fly in the Riverland, and a mixed result for farmers as late rain arrives in patches across SA over the weekend.

Farmers call on ElectraNet to consider a different route for the Northern Transmission project, closures and reductions for both commercial and recreational fishing along parts of the SA coast, and the National Shearing and Woolhandling Championships kick off in Jamestown.

The Bureau of Meteorology's new website receives widespread criticism, the Murray Darling Association receives support from basin councils to implement a National Carp Control Plan, and marine researchers say seafood has been unfairly singled out as a major source of microplastics.

Farmers push the government to legislate a right-to repair framework for agricultural machinery, South Australian strawberries hitting the shelves as QLD's season winds up slightly early, and farmers looking to replenish supplies of hay and silage after years of scarce feed.

Storms finally bring heavy rain to many parts of SA but it's too late for some, farming groups concerned as Australia and the USA sign a critical minerals deal, and the incoming National Farmers Federation president outlines his priorities.

Rabobank forecasts a 6% increase in Australia's winter grain crop, Australian barley growers look to opportunities in emerging markets in Latin America, and rabbit numbers booming in parts of South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

South Australia's harvest officially kicks off with the first load of lentils delivered to Bunge this week, unresolved telco complaints rise significantly in the wake of the 3G shutdown, and the Federal Government backflips on planned changes to the PALM scheme.

The value and number of South Australian farms sold lifts across the first half of 2025, dairy and cattle farmers on the waitlist for when virtual fencing is allowed in SA, and both top-end premium and lower-end Australian labels feeling the pinch in a contracting Chinese market.

Farming groups welcome the government's changes to planned superannuation legislation, nominations open for the GPSA's 2025 edition of the Harvest 100, and a new 'world first' fully autonomous hydrogen tractor launches in Japan.

We broadcast live from the National Agritourism Forum in Hahndorf, the State & Federal Governments announce millions more in funding for algae bloom support and recovery, and hundreds of golfers converge for an outback golf tournament in SA to raise funds for the RFDS.

The grains sector looks at ways to reduce emissions from fuel use and fertilisers, Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago named the 2025 South Australian 'Legend of the Vine', and the LambEx 26 AMPC Carcase Showcase program opens for entries.

Shearer supply outstrips demand as work begins to increase into spring, farmers selling as many bales as possible in the hopes the wool price stays strong, and the CFS announces start dates for several of South Australia's fire ban districts.

The ACCC announces it won't oppose a merger between Elders and rival Delta Ag, Australian exports of beef to Canada climb by 76% this year, and an Aussie wine company shrinks its wine bottles to appeal to younger drinkers.

Biosecurity measures boosted to protect Kangaroo Island's bees from varroa, SA hosts its first ever motorbike crop trials tour, and a team of 62 heavy horses pulling an antique wagon sets a new world record.

The company behind Roundup says it's getting ready to launch a brand-new herbicide in Australia, Thomas Foods International plans to invest $22 million dollars to expand their Southern Cross Feedlot at Tintinara and farmers in the South East have raised concerns kangaroo populations are on the rise, and becoming more of a problem on properties

Trade restrictions lifted as South Australia declared free of tomato brown rugose fruit virus, fresh potato prices rise due to a shortage caused by drought across South Australia, and multiple fish deaths reported along the River Murray at Tailem Bend and Wellington.  

Freight fee increase put on hold for Kangaroo Island producers transporting livestock via ferry, drought and extreme weather leads to a temporary national shortage of fresh potatoes, and a significant increase in farmers seeking RIC loans, especially in SA and Victoria.

A Stansbury oyster grower marks 150 days since their business was shut down due to the algae bloom, wine, beer, cider & spirits included in an expanded Australia-Japan organics equivalence arrangement, and South Australia on track to be fruit-fly free by the end of the year, barring further detections.