ABC News

Natural disasters and trade bans are creating a perfect storm for Australian vegetable oil producers as prices skyrocket globally. Key points:Australian canola export prices have gone up by 72 per cent year on yearAustralia Oilseeds Federation chief executive Nick Goddard says he expects the prices to remain highFarmers are planting their winter crops, with canola seeds…

Mark Schneider has no plans to become the next Rupert Murdoch but he still has a lot to celebrate after his start-up newspaper celebrated one year in print.Key points:The Bridgetown Star is a small newspaper in WA’s South WestIt is celebrating its first year of print despite the pressures of the regional media industryThe editor says…

News that food manufacturer The Kraft Heinz Company has discontinued a popular condiment has sent ripples through regional Victoria’s cooking community.The food and beverage giant confirmed it had “deleted” Wild’s Ezy-Sauce from its range due to “operational issues”.And, while not everyone uses the pickling liquid or sauce enhancer, which is made from a variety of ingredients including…

The administrator of an outback South Australian council is planning to sue the local newspaper for defamation and has referred allegations it made to the corruption watchdog.Key points:The paper’s editor says she welcomes the investigation, but only found out about the action when the ABC calledThe administrator says he’s been accused of a “particularly serious offence”He…

Communities in remote south-west Queensland now have a better link to the rest of Australia, with the national broadcaster opening its first bureau in Charleville. Key points:The ABC has expanded coverage of regional and rural areas through 55 new rolesFunding for the positions came from deals with tech giants Facebook and GoogleCharleville in south-west Queensland is one…

A bounty of eggs and larvae from golden perch (callop) and silver perch species has been counted in the Murray River in South Australia’s Riverland, recording the highest numbers in almost a decade.Key points:Strong flows, high water levels lead to a strong breeding season for callop in SAFish numbers are at their highest since 2012Researchers want…

The RSPCA has renewed its call for calf roping to be banned. If you have been to a rodeo or watched the hit US TV series Yellowstone, you have probably seen it, but the RSPCA says the practice causes fear and pain and should not be seen as entertainment. Key points:RSPCA calls for calf roping to be banned nationallyQueensland endorses…

After a two-year wait farmers in the Queensland fruit bowl of Bundaberg have received a Christmas gift that will return their main water storage to full capacity.Key points:Work to return the dam to its full capacity begins in 2024 The dam wall was lowered by 5.8m last year due to structural concernsFarmers say it’s positive news but won’t…

The West Australian grain production industry is experiencing a once-in-a-generation harvest with many growers enjoying the trinity of good yields, quality and prices.Key points:WA is expecting a record harvest of 21 million tonnes of grain worth $8 billionSome growers are harvesting yields that equate to two seasons worth of grain in one yearPrices are strong…

It’s no secret that Australians appreciate a good avocado smash, but has the supply of the brunch staple finally outstripped demand? Key points:Avocado harvests expected to hit record 120,000 tonnesAvocado production has increased by 200 per cent over the last decadeAs avocado prices drop, farmers look for export oppurtunities Over the past 10 years, Australia’s demand for…