ABC News

One of Australia’s largest dried fruit companies is expanding its apricot production to meet increasing demand from consumers. Key points:Angas Park is redeveloping 40 hectares of apricot orchard in the RiverlandThe company is planting new varieties that have a higher yieldThere has been a decline in apricot plantings in recent decadesAngas Park Co, owned by Sunbeam, is redeveloping its apricot…

The RSPCA is ramping up calls to ban calf roping events at all rodeos across Australia after a new study confirming high levels of fear and distress in the animals.   Key points:Calf roping or rope-and-tie is an event at rodeos in which a rider on horseback lassoes a calf and ties its legs togetherIt is seen…

Regional newspapers in South Australia and Queensland are changing hands after Australian Community Media sold 14 titles to Star News Group. Key points:ACM has sold 14 of its regional newspapers to Star News GroupStar News Group says it may hire more journalists and increase cover pricesACM says it will now focus on its “core titles”The sale…

Regional newspapers in South Australia and Queensland are changing hands after Australian Community Media sold 14 titles to Star News Group. Key points:ACM has sold 14 of its regional newspapers to Star News GroupStar News Group says it may hire more journalists and increase cover pricesACM says it will now focus on its “core titles”The sale…

A key terminal station proposed to connect two large power transmission lines in Central Victoria could be relocated after the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) received “significant” feedback against the planned site.Key points:The WRL transmission project would transport renewable energy from Bulgana, north of Ararat, to MelbourneVNI West powerlines are proposed in order to connect the Snowy Hydro…

Salt production in Tasmania was halved when La Niña first hit, forcing two farmers to quickly double production space because it was taking longer to dry out their product.Key points:La Niña slowed salt production in TasmaniaWet conditions stalled the evaporation processSalt production works best in a droughtLa Niña dampened the vital evaporation process for Tasman Sea Salt, run by…

Australian wool has dropped to its lowest price in more than a decade on the world market, leaving producers nervous about this year’s clip.  Key points:The EMI dropped 32 cents to A$12.24 a kilo for woolIn US dollar terms this is the lowest in 12 yearsChina’s harsh COVID lock down rules and soaring energy costs are behind…

A decision to grant a four-year prospecting licence to an energy company in outback Queensland has been condemned by environmentalists but applauded by the local mayor. Key points:The Queensland government this month granted an Authority to Prospect permit to Pure Energy in Queensland’s south-west cornerThe company needs more approvals before it can produce oil or gasA Lock…

The regional centre of Port Lincoln on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula has been left without a newsagency after the closure of its two newsagencies this year.   Key points:Port Lincoln Beers newsagency has closed after almost 120 years in businessThe closure leaves Port Lincoln, with a population of almost 15,000, without a newsagencyThe closest newsagency is now…

The popularity of air fryers could be contributing to China’s insatiable appetite for beef, an analyst says.Key points:Chinese demand for beef is pushing global exports to new highsMarket Insights manager Vereena Rooney says Chinese people have been expanding their cooking repertoires during lockdownsShe says air fryers have changed the way people cook at home in…