Australian Farmers has been a wonderful vessel to share farmers’ stories since 2016. But after a decade, it’s time to turn a new leaf.

We still have the same purpose – sharing stories from paddock to plate. But, we’ll be doing it under the National Agriculture Day and National Farmers’ Federation banners instead.

We’re so grateful for your support of Australian Farmers, and we hope you’ll keep sharing your enthusiasm for Aussie ag in the future.

National Agriculture Day

National Ag Day is already a huge celebration, but we want to expand our horizons even more.

We’ve got big dreams for National Agriculture Day.

Although National Ag Day culminates in a special day in November (this year it’s Friday, November 21), we’re now going to tell its stories all year round.

Our monthly newsletter will now fall under the National Ag Day umbrella.

We want everyone who eats, drinks, and wears Australian produce to celebrate its amazing journey all the time.

National Farmers’ Federation

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is the peak national body representing farmers, and was the birthplace of Australian Farmers.

The NFF’s social media accounts will now be the go-to place to keep up with life on the land.

Check out NFF’s Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thank you

Thank you for your support of Australian Farmers over the last decade.

Every story click, conversation, comment, share, and email has meant so much.

So, it’s just as well this isn’t goodbye – it’s see you soon on a different channel!

The post Change has sprung at Australian Farmers appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

Public phones provide a crucial connection to the outside world.

Two small towns in New South Wales and Queensland are now waiting for a call – to see if their public phones will become a nationally-recognised icon.

Doomadgee dial

More than 1000 kilometres from the nearest major city, Doomadgee is about as remote as it gets.

The Far North Queensland town is very fond of their public phone on Goodeedawa Road.

Over the past year, the phone box has facilitated around 1400 calls – roughly one for every person in town.

The phone box isn’t just well-loved, it’s well made too.

It’s been built to withstand the extremes of the wet and dry seasons, when the internal phone booth temperature can swelter near 60°C.

Narooma in natural disaster

The coastal New South Wales town of Narooma was battered by the brutal bushfires of 2020.

The public phone on the Princess Highway became a makeshift community hub, as power and mobile signal dropped in and out.

Over a two-month period, nearly 1000 outgoing calls were made from the phone box.

Locals queued for long periods, desperate to share with their loved ones they were safe.

Historian Dr Naomi Parry Duncan was on the South Coast when the bushfires hit.

“There was no mobile coverage, or power, or internet, or ways to get cash or coins,” Dr Duncan said.

“When we heard Telstra had made the payphones free, people queued for hours to contact the outside world.”

Dr Duncan is now writing the heritage listing submissions for consideration by the National Trust of Australia.

“Telstra public phones remain a critical means of connection across the country.”

“Even in the age of the smartphone, the iconic silhouette stands as a beacon of connection – often for those most in need,” Dr Duncan said.

Story search

Telstra is encouraging Aussies to give them a buzz and share their phone box stories.

You can call 1800 007 403, dial #STORY from any Telstra public phone, or visit here.

The post Life line for life on the land appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

A relatively new plant to Australia called Carinata is changing the biofuels industry, and trials are happening now west of the Great Dividing Range.  

Cotton growers have been giving it a go as a rotation crop.

The results are pretty golden so far.

Carinata oil, when refined, is considered a ‘drop-in’ replacement for existing fossil fuels: the biofuel can be used without updating or retrofitting current machines, and blends with existing fossil fuels.

Biofuels: replacement fossil fuels, usually bioethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels, made out of sustainable biogenic resources. Everything from wood offcuts, to agricultural by-products, used cooking oil or beef tallow and even algae can be turned into biofuels.

Queensland Government’s definition of Biofuels

Cream of the Crop

Carinata looks similar to canola; bright yellow flowers on towering green stems.  

It’s grown in winter and suits drier soil types. 

It boasts lower water needs than Canola, due to a longer rootstock.  

The crop is being pitched as an emerging option for broadacre farmers over winter.  

Having a ‘cover crop’ is being adopted by many growers looking to reduce topsoil losses, in between their traditional cropping seasons.  

The oil from the Brassica family plant is classed as non-food: unlike Canola, it can’t be consumed by humans.  

Harvest and crushing

Currently, once matured and harvested, Carinata is shipped to Europe for processing. There are no operational processing facilities in Australia yet.

The grain is processed into two products: biofuel, and high protein plant feed for stock. 

Biofuel use has already been written into EU’s aviation fuel regulations, and Asia has indicated it will follow.

In Australia, Qantas has committed to using 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in its overall fuel mix by 2030.  

Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Produced from sustainable feedstocks and is very similar in its chemistry to traditional fossil jet fuel. 

BP’s definition of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The aviation industry has shown serious interest in Carinata-derived biofuel.  

Plant Power

The plant’s pre-commercial trials in Australia are being overseen by Nufarm.

Rachel Palumbo is Nufarm’s Global General Manager for seeds, and is hopeful Australia could become a world-leader.

“Australia has the land, resources, and expertise to lead in renewable fuels, sustainable agriculture, and homegrown manufacturing,” she said.  

“In South America, farmers already produce low-carbon fuel at scale. With the right support Australian growers can do the same. 

Growers benefit from having a profitable break crop that improves soil health

Government support needed

Earlier this year, the Australian Government announced it would invest $250 million into low-carbon liquid fuels. 

“This funding will drive innovation and open new opportunities for farmers to supply feedstocks like Carinata,” Ms Palumbo said.  

The Queensland Government has also shown interest in the blooming industry, recently commissioning Deloitte to review global SAF markets.

The 2024 report found: 

“Australia’s SAF industry is still in its infancy and this is unlikely to change on the scale needed to support decarbonisation without government intervention and a proactive industry.” 

Ms Palumbo also pointed to government-driven SAF mandates as a crucial step to fostering a local biofuels industry. 

“We need a clear policy framework so Australian-grown biofuels can support local industries, just as Australian-grown canola already does for European biofuels.” 

“This is a proven, sustainable, and scalable option for securing our fuel future while supporting growers and cutting emissions,” Ms Palumbo said.

The post Aussie crops: the future of fuel  appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

Launched in April 2025, “ReMade in Australia” is a new brand that identifies genuine products that use recycled content. 

The logos will make their way onto product packages, and shelves, later this year.  

To display the ReMade in Australia logo, products must have a minimum of 20% recycled content, half of which must be Australian made.  

By 2030, the products must use 100% Australian-made recycled content.

Logo undergoes recycling

The new logo will look familiar to astute shoppers; it closely mirrors the iconic green and gold “Made in Australia” logos.  

They were even designed by the same artist, Dr Kenneth Cato.

The “Made in Australia” campaign has been around since 1986, and is currently used by more than 4,500 businesses. 

It’s helped consumers support local products and has helped Aussie businesses compete against multi-national companies.  

It’s hoped the ReMade in Australia logo will do the same.  

The Australian Made team will add the ReMade logo to its portfolio.  

“Australian Made Campaign Limited is excited to be partnering with the Australian Government to add another brand to the iconic suite of Australian Made, Australian Grown brands,” Ben Lazzaro, CEO of Australian Made Campaign Limited and ReMade in Australia Limited said. 

“Sustainability is increasingly important to Australian consumers and the ReMade in Australia Brand will provide a trusted mark to identify products made with recycled materials, right here in Australia.” 

At the logo’s launch, the Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, said Aussie consumers have shown their support for a circular economy. 

The ReMade in Australia brand will provide a trusted mark.

“Australians want to buy Australian, and they want to buy recycled,” she said.  

“This brand will help people clearly identify and support local manufacturers who are using recycled materials.”  

For more information, check out the ReMade in Australia website here: https://www.remade.org.au/

The post Locally recycled products get green and gold treatment appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

Data* shows nearly a quarter (24%) of regions are classified as a “childcare desert”.

Kirsty Starling is a mother, nurse, sheep and beef farmer from Kingston, South Australia.

She’s part of a movement that’s been fighting for childcare for more than 40 years.

“We want access and we want choice for our children,” she said.

When my children were young, our local rural care service had a waitlist of over 35 families.

“Families in my local town have been fighting for child care for over 40 years. Intergenerational women have suffered and so have their families.”

Families have taken to social media to ask for an equal go for their kids.

Organisations like the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association, The Parenthood, GrainGrowers, the National Farmers’ Federation, and independent politicians, have all added their voices to the calls.

They’ve implored all sides of politics to commit to the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, ahead of the election.

The fund, recently announced by the Federal Government, will bankroll the creation of more than 160 new childcare centres in areas of most need.

GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said farming families’ futures depended on the Building Early Education Fund.

“This is about ensuring country kids get the same head start in life as city kids,” Ms Gawel said.

“We know that quality early learning is critical for cognitive development, social skills, and school readiness.

“We need our elected politicians and candidates to commit to these vital services.”

Kirsty Starling says the current childcare system is failing rural families.

Farming families need out of the box solutions to resolve this issue. There is no one size fits all.

“Isolated and station families need unique solutions. They cannot travel to centre based daycare because of the distances they will need to travel and their geographic location kept them more isolated.

“They need access to subsidies with in home care solutions. A postcode should not determine a child’s future and access to education, but often it does.

“Rural areas are begging to be heard. It’s time to listen.”

Further resources

More information here on the Access for Every Child Coalition. This alliance of 73 organisations is calling on governments to ensure every single child has access to early childhood education and care, no matter where they live. Read more: https://www.theparenthood.org.au/access_for_every_child

More information on the Building Early Education Fund here:  https://www.education.gov.au/about-department/resources/building-early-education-fund

*Childcare desert data: https://www.vu.edu.au/mitchell-institute/childcare-accessibility-australia

The NFF’s Early Childhood Education and Care policy: https://nff.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/NFF-ECEC-Policy-Statement-May-2024.pdf

The post Farming families leaving town over lack of childcare appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

But, that recipe for success might be hard to replicate in 2025.

External, global factors like trade, immigration, climate and natural disasters, all impact our export market.

We chew the fat on the 2024 records below.

Beef

Australia’s beef exports reached 1.34 million tonnes in 2024, 4% higher than the previous record set in 2014.

The strongest growth was seen in the United States where beef exports lifted a huge 60%.

The US cattle herd dropped to a 72-year low last year, due to record drought conditions.

Every US state except Alaska and Kentucky experienced drought in 2024.

The US enjoys the taste of Australian beef – US consumers show high interest in our product, and consider it to be versatile, nutritious, and high quality.

MLA estimates around 45% of Australian beef exported to the USA is eaten in places like restaurants, steakhouses and fine dining establishments.

And a lot of that beef is turned into mince, or ‘ground beef’, for hamburgers.

The United States was Australia’s largest customers for beef, lamb and goatmeat in 2024.

Sheepmeat

Australia’s sheepmeat exports rose 15% from 2023 to 2024.

In total, Australia shipped 614,396 tonnes of sheepmeat overseas.

This is the highest sheepmeat export figure from any single country on record.

China was the largest market for mutton in 2024, and the US was the largest market for lamb.

Chinese consumers use our lamb in stews, soups and hot pot dishes.

Eating mutton and lamb is more common in the country’s north, with consumption increasing in winter.

Aussie lamb is especially sought after in thinly shaved form, ready to be shared in a hot pot.

Goat

Australia’s goatmeat exports reached 51,489 tonnes in 2024.

Only 9% of the goats grown in Australia are eaten here; the vast majority are exported.

The North American market continues to be the largest consumers of Australian goatmeat. It’s a title the region has held for more than 20 years.

US fans of goat are more likely to have Caribbean, African, Asian, Pacific Islander and Central American cultural backgrounds, or share the Hindu or Muslim faiths.

There are some great recipe ideas online if you’re willing to give goat a go.

A taste of history

Australia exported 2.24 million tonnes of red meat to 104 countries last year.

This was the largest volume of red meat ever exported from Australia.

Our compliments to the chefs, the traders, the processors, and the farmers.

The post Hot off the press: Australia breaks multiple red meat records appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

Severe weather has caused the development. But what exactly is going on, and what do farmers do when it happens? 

Grain growing 101

It’s important to have dry conditions when it’s time for farmers to harvest their cereal crops like wheat and barley.  

Rain is great when the crops are green and growing, but once they start to dry off, which is essential for harvesting the grains, it’s critical to have dry weather. 

Any amount of rain can stop harvest in its tracks, but excess rain can really de-rail things.  

It feels wrong to wish away rain, but when a grower is hoping to harvest, it’s a common prayer.  

Growers have spent months and months nurturing the plant to this point. Rain at the last hurdle is a real blow. 

Shot and sprung

Excess rain can cause the dry, unharvested grains to germinate. The grains push out a root from their base and a green sprout from their top.  

This is known as ‘shot and sprung’ grain.  

Once grain has shot and sprung, it becomes mostly unusable for human consumption, due to changed chemical components of the grain.  

According to Viterra Australia, sprouted wheat can lead to flour failing to rise during baking and shot barley can cause an uneven consistency in brewing efficiency. 

Where does it go?

Generally, growers can still sell their germinated grain as livestock feed. Depending on markets, the pay cheque for livestock feed is likely to be lower than the human consumption market.  

Rob Bell from ProAgni has uploaded a video to encourage growers that are dealing with shot and sprung wheat in the Central West to not despair.  

“It still has good value in livestock (feed),” he said. 

“Re-evaluating your grain through a red meat production system can take advantage of a low-quality commodity that we are starting to see a little bit more of unfortunately this season.” 

For more information on the grain growing process, check out Grain Growers’ resources.

The post What is ‘shot and sprung’ grain?  appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

As far as you and your horse are concerned, the day is done!

Bronte Tremlett captured the moment a ringer left the cattle to his colleagues and took an early mark in search of a cold drink.

This fantastic photo, titled “Race to the esky”, took out the top prize in the 2024 National Agriculture Day photo and video competition. 

Lamb love

In second place was Tamara Ward’s heartwarming “Grow ewe beaut one!” featuring her daughter with Lilly, a poddy lamb. 

Tamara said Lilly the Lamb had a rough start, but bonded with her daughter through lots of cuddles, pats and milk bottles. 

Lilly was eventually weaned and put into the paddock, but Tamara said the loving sheep would come and say hello to her human family every time they dropped by.

“Over the past 4.5 years, the love these two share has not faded but has grown. Lilly has grown to be one of our biggest, healthiest ewes and has given us 3 lambs so far,” Tamara said. 

And the bond has strengthened Tamara’s daughter’s love of the farm. 

“She is developing and growing her stock handling skills and is eager to grow bigger so she can help more. You could say these two beauties have been growing up together. Such a good thing!” 

From little things, big things grow

A winning video of the amazing journey of a canola seed was awarded a runner up spot.  

Agronomist Mark Habner from Cummins in South Australia put together a beautiful bedtime story for his young son. 

“I wanted to tell him a story about growing canola and decided it would be cool to follow its journey from when it arrives on the Eyre Peninsula (most canola seed is hybrid and brought into the area) until it is shipped out to be made into oil,” Mark said.

I would drop off my GoPro to capture timelapses in the morning and pick it up at night.

The video was a labour of love over many weeks, and a lost GoPro in the mix!

“Most of the footage was shot on one of my client’s properties … I did this most weeks throughout the growing season.”

Calm cattle

Jasmine Stewart snapped this peaceful pic on Flora Valley Station in West Australia, as the weaners were being moved calmly through the yards.  

It was among the four entries awarded a runner up gong.

The weaners are always curious, often coming up and licking my lens if I sit still enough.

“In this image you can see the one curious weaner watching me with every move,” Jasmine said.

“Working in the northern cattle industry with these beautiful animals is a privilege and these are years of my life that will forever hold such a special place in my heart.”  

Jaz is no stranger to Australian Farmers and has previously shared her amazing story of life in the Top End as a camp cook, ringer and photographer!

Cream of the crop

National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said it was fantastic to receive more than 500 competition entries this year.  

“Best of all, it’s about the pride and purpose knowing you are feeding and clothing people in Australia and across the globe,” Mr Jochinke said.  

The NFF teamed up with Syngenta for the competition, with the agricultural company providing $5,000 in cash to share between six winners. 

National Agriculture Day – or #AgDayAU – is held on the third Friday of November each year. 

2024 #AgDayAU Photo & Video Competition Winners: 

First place: Race to the esky 

Photographer: Bronte Tremlett, Limbunya Station, Northern Territory 

Second place: Grow ewe beaut one! 

Photographer: Tamara Ward, Tincurrin, WA 

Runner Up: Canola – Grow You Good Thing (video) 

Photographer: Mark Habner, Cummins, SA 

Runner Up: Future Farmer Monty 

Photographer: Alisha Campbell, Goondiwindi, Qld 

Runner Up: Stand Out  

Photographer: Jasmine Stewart, Flora Valley Station, WA 

Runner Up: Nothing Runs Like a Deere 

Photographer: Sascha Estens, Moree, NSW 

The post A cheeky mustering pic wins #AgDay photo comp  appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

This was no small feat, with farmers travelling thousands of kilometres to attend. Some came from Western Australia, others from the Top End near Darwin or as far south as Port Lincoln in South Australia. Then there was the MC Gillian Fennell, who drove 500km from her cattle station in outback South Australia to catch a plane from Alice Springs to Sydney, then another onto Canberra.

What made the event even more significant was the fact it was the first time in four decades Australia’s peak farm body, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), backed a rally, the last being a gathering of about 45,000 farmers in 1985.

Why were farmers rallying

This historic event originally began as a #KeeptheSheep rally, organised by the producers, shearers, truckdrivers and rural communities in Western Australian who will be devastated by the live sheep export ban.

However, with a growing list of pressures on Australian farmers and the need for greater recognition and understanding from policymakers and the public alike, the rally was expanded to include other issues.

In recent years, farmers have felt increasingly sidelined as activist groups push for policies that threaten the viability of their businesses. These policies, driven by people often far removed from farming realities, include banning live sheep exports, reduced water access, increased taxes, and new regulatory hurdles.

As NFF President David Jochinke explains, the farming community is simply asking for fairness.

“We want forward-thinking solutions that will allow Australian agriculture to thrive, not ideological battles driven by out-of-touch activists and detractors who would like to see less food and fibre grown in Australia.

“These groups often push agendas that would undermine our ability to feed and clothe the nation, without understanding the realities of farming or the vital role we play in the economy and regional communities.”

Not your regular protest

The rally was more than just a protest; it was a heartfelt plea for understanding – and a friendly one at that.

Unlike the protests that usually make the news, there was no yelling or people chaining themselves to things. Rather the vibe was more like a family-friendly festival, with farming families, live music by Sam + Sam, food trucks and, of course, speeches from farmers from across the country.

While it was a friendly atmosphere, these farmers made it clear they have had enough of anti-farming voices having an increasing amount of influence over regulations that impact farmers’ livelihoods. These policies have far-reaching effects. Water buybacks, for instance, threaten the food production in the Murray Darling Basin, while unnecessary red tape around emissions reporting increases costs and complexity, particularly for smaller family-run farms.

The issues raised at the rally have wide-reaching consequences beyond the farmgate. As farmers highlighted, when agriculture suffers, rural communities and local economies feel the pinch. Western Australian farmer John Hassell highlighted this point with the banning of the live sheep trade.

“It’s about communities. It’s not about me as a farmer, I’ll change my enterprise mix, I will survive, but my community will not survive. It’s about our schools, it’s about our footy teams, it’s about the businesses in town, it’s about our IGAs. Sadly, I expect 30-40 communities in Western Australia will be savagely affected by this legislation.”

The NFF believes that the policies shaped in Canberra need to reflect the realities of farming life and urges lawmakers to consult directly with those most affected.

“When farmers thrive, the nation prospers. We are the backbone of food security, the lifeblood of regional communities, and a driving force in the national economy,” Mr Jochinke explained. “Support for Australian agriculture is an investment in our shared future, and a rejection of those who would see our industry diminished.”

Farmers left the rally hopeful their collective action sent a clear message: Australia’s farmers deserve a seat at the table, and their contributions to the nation’s prosperity must be valued. As Mr Jochinke put it – a sentiment echoed fervently by the crowd: “No farmers, no food.”

Want to know more about the rally? You can watch the recording here and sign the petition here. You can also show your support for farmers on National Agriculture Day on Friday, 15 November.

The post From paddock to parliament: The reasons behind the historic farmers rally in Canberra appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

Interviewee: John Shaw, Gunning NSW

For John Shaw, the frustration of spending two days to print a single bank statement was a turning point. At 72 years old, John has seen many changes in agriculture, but the struggle for reliable internet connectivity in regional Australia has been one of the most pressing challenges.  

The importance of connectivity 

For John, a seasoned farmer, the role of internet connectivity on his 220 hectare farm in Gunning, NSW, cannot be overstated. Over the years, as the digital world has expanded, so too has John’s reliance on a stable internet connection. Whether it’s managing finances or communicating with suppliers, connectivity has become integral to the farm’s daily operations. 

Like many farmers in regional areas, John initially faced significant hurdles with internet connectivity. The primary service provider in John’s area was Telstra, and while the service was reliable, options were limited.  

“Telstra was our major provider, who we’re still with and have no problems with,” John notes.  

The signal strength of other providers like Optus and Vodafone was poor, leaving Telstra as the sole viable option. 

Discovery of the Regional Tech Hub 

John’s journey towards improved connectivity took a pivotal turn when he attended a Regional Tech Hub forum in October last year.  

The Regional Tech Hub (the Hub) was launched in December 2020 to provide independent and factual information to help people in regional and rural Australia get connected and stay connected more easily. The Hub provides a range of practical resources aimed at helping regional consumers find appropriate telecommunications services in their area, as well as troubleshooting tips, escalating faults with service providers and helping users to understand their consumer rights.  

The Hub was able to pinpoint coverage on John’s property and provide him with invaluable guidance.  

“I knew about a forum they were holding in Crookwell. I went along, spoke to them about what they had, and they looked into my situation,” John recalls. 

Through the forum, John learned about Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, and how it could be integrated through Telstra. This discovery was a game-changer. Transitioning to Starlink was a relatively smooth process, albeit with a learning curve for both John and the service providers.  

“I think I was the first person who bought the Starlink dish and also the plan from Telstra in Goulburn,” John says with a hint of pride.  

Despite some initial challenges, the collaboration between John and Telstra resulted in a successful setup, providing John with a reliable internet connection. The benefits were immediate and profound.  

“There have been no dropouts. We get a guaranteed 50 megabytes per second.” 

This stable and high-speed connection has significantly enhanced his ability to manage the farm’s operations efficiently. From quickly printing bank statements to ensuring seamless communication, the upgrade has alleviated many of the frustrations that once plagued his workday. 

Overcoming technological challenges 

Staying up to date with technology can be daunting, especially for those who are not digital natives. At 72, John acknowledges this but emphasises the importance of perseverance.  

“It still continues to be challenging. You talk to a lot of people and they just get frustrated with it all, thinking that it’s all too hard. And it probably is for some because we’re not young anymore, and if you don’t keep up with it then you get left behind.”  

John has made a concerted effort to stay informed and adapt to new technologies, a mindset that has served him well. The Regional Tech Hub played a crucial role in this journey, not only providing information but also offering hands-on support.  

“They guided me through it.” 

The personalised assistance helped demystify the process, making it more accessible. 

Future prospects  

John’s experience underscores the potential for technological advancements to transform rural farming. He is optimistic about the future and the role of services like the Regional Tech Hub in bridging the digital divide.  

“They weren’t there to sell the products. They were there to guide us in the direction of what we could do,” he says, appreciating the unbiased support that helped him make an informed decision. 

The broader implications of improved connectivity in regional areas are significant. Reliable internet can enhance not only business operations but also quality of life, enabling access to telehealth, education and entertainment. For farmers like John, it represents a step towards a more efficient, connected and resilient agricultural sector. 

Living in a small town in NSW, John has navigated the challenges of limited internet options, leveraging the support of the Regional Tech Hub to set up reliable connectivity. 

The post From frustration to solution with the support of Regional Tech Hub appeared first on AustralianFarmers.