Reserve Bank replaces puppy love with harsh reality of a world heading into high interest rates over the next 2 years
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) gave borrowers a break from increased rates at the past two meetings this year, but forces of persistent inflation and high government debt have resulted in a 0.25% increase to take the base rate to 4.60%, at the September meeting today, the highest level in the past 15 years. […]
Livestock and food production renderers set their first sustainability agenda
The rendering and used cooking oil recycling sector has launched the first industry-wide ARA Sustainability Framework, establishing a common plan to measure and strengthen performance across some of the most significant environmental and commercial issues facing the industry. Developed by the Australian Renderers Association (ARA) with KPMG, the Sustainability Framework (the Framework) responds to a […]
The Nationals identify Visa slowdowns as putting regional job vacancies at risk of not being filled
Farmers and regional employers are warning they could be left without the workers they need for the peak summer harvest and tourism season unless the Federal Government urgently fixes delays in skilled worker and working holiday visa processing. According to Darren Chester of The Nationals. Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester has […]
Coalition calls on the Federal Labor government to stop selling productive farmland for foreign-backed carbon projects
The Coalition is calling on Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Foreign Investment Review Board to reject the proposed foreign-backed acquisition of Victoria’s iconic Cobungra Station, warning Labor has already shown it cannot be trusted to protect Australia’s productive agricultural land. The proposed sale of Cobungra Station to carbon investment manager Silva Capital remains subject to […]
AGCO snares net sales of US$2.61 billion for the second quarter of 2026
AGCO has managed solid second quarter net sales of US$2,609.7 million, representing a modest 1.0% decline when compared to the same time last year. But some analysts have pointed out the result is a more significant 3.7% decrease when excluding favourable currency translation benefits. This run-on affect is prevalent with many companies’ current financial performance […]
National database of mycorrhizal fungi reveals hidden biodiversity contained within our soils
Western Sydney University researchers have led the development of Australia’s first national database of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, mapping the hidden fungal networks beneath our feet that support plant health, soil processes and ecosystem resilience. The AusAMF database brings together data from mainland Australia and Tasmania, mapping the distribution and diversity of AM fungi – microscopic soil organisms […]
Bruce Billson appointed MTAA Executive Director
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) announced the appointment of the Hon Bruce Billson as its Executive Director, effective today. Bruce Billson brings to the role an exceptional combination of senior government experience, deep understanding of the automotive sector, and a proven track record of championing the interests of small and family businesses across […]
Queensland cane growers state clear expectations as STL takes over terminal operations
Queensland cane growers has outlined it expects Sugar Terminals Limited to put the interests of the sugar industry first as it formally takes over operation of the state’s bulk sugar terminals today, 1 July 2026. CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said growers had not forgotten the concerns raised when STL announced its decision to bring terminal […]
Queensland farmers welcome added protection of farms and water assets before development can occur
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) welcomes the Queensland Government’s reintroduced Regional Planning Interests (Condamine Alluvium) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 (the Bill), which has adopted the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee in full. QFF, Cotton Australia and Central Downs Irrigators Limited (CDIL) were involvement in the Parliamentary Committee process, and advocated strongly for the retention of […]
CQU climatologist alerts regional Queensland it is at biggest risk of severe El Niño drought conditions
Following the Bureau of Meteorology declaring an El Niño event for much of the continent, the fear is that Central Queensland could be one of the worst regions affected, according to CQUniversity Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography (Climatology) Professor Steve Turton. He is urging communities and industries not to be complacent as there is a […]