National Rural News Thursday February 19

In today's National Rural News: Agriculture Minister sidesteps questions about rising fees for exporters, wool growers cautiously optimistic about the industry's future, new funding to future-proof the wine industry -- plus the latest from the markets and more.

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There's a sense of cautious optimism in the wool industry after a strong start to the calendar year for the wool markets.

Wool prices have surged 42% in the past 12 months and growers are hopeful the trend will continue, with tighter supply has pushing up prices, as national production levels fall.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Wool Producers Australia Chief Executive Jo Hall about the market trends.

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New data shows more young Australians are willing to relocate to the regions.

About 1 in 3 18-29 year olds say they'll consider a move due to cheaper living costs, more affordable housing and getting back to nature.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to the Regional Australia Institute's Amanda Barwick about the survey.

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National Rural News Wednesday February 18

In today's National Rural News: Victorian farmers concerns about the Murray Darling Basin plan review, artificial intelligence in meat processing facilities, cotton picking begins -- plus the latest from the markets and more.

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Rural services giant Elders, the Australiasian Space Innovation Institute, Meat and Livestock Australia and Charles Sturt University have teamed up to launch new state of the art technology for farmers.

The National Digital Twin for Australian Agriculture aims to be the first Artificial intelligence program providing a virtual copy of the nation's agricultural landscape.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Australiasian Space Innovation Institute Founding Chief Executive Andy Koronis about the technology.

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National Rural News Tuesday February 17

In today's National Rural News: Australia and Europe inch closer to a free trade agreement, plea for volunteers is bushfire devastated communities in Victoria, case of varroa mite chemical resistance detected -- plus the latest from the markets and more.

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National Rural News Monday February 16

In today's National Rural News: A breakthrough in trade talks with the EU, Ways to plug a shortfall in truck drivers, more trainee doctors to work in the bush -- plus the latest from the markets and more.

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Industry representatives say urgent work needs to be done to safeguard the future of the trucking and transport industry.

Data suggests there will be a shortfall of 78 thousand drivers by the end of the decade.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association with Executive Director Anthony Boyle about the situation.

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