Sat, Feb 24, 2001
Elsey Station stands out as a success story among Aboriginal-owned cattle properties but its manager believes his people still have a way to go to prove themselves in the pastoral business. Max Gorringe has worked hard to turn around Elsey for its traditional owners, bringing the famous station back from years of neglect. But despite the success he still feels he is fighting for the reputation of Aboriginal pastoralists.
Fri, Mar 2, 2001
In the wine industry's big end of town all the talk of late has been of billion dollar takeovers, global powerplays and corporate darwinism. Down in the smaller vineyards a more subtle evolution is taking place. It's the move to experiment with alternative tastes to the entrenched French varieties with most interest centred on Italian varieties.
Fri, Mar 9, 2001
It used to be that a pup from the neighbor's litter did the trick, but with fewer paid employees on the farm the working dog's role has become more important than ever. Highly skilled dogs are in demand, and last weekend some of the best in the country were put to the test, competing in the New South Wales state yard dog championships in the small town of Dalgety on the Eden-Monaro plains.
Fri, Mar 16, 2001
Imagine if succulent saltwater barramundi was readily available for a bargain price at your local supermarket. That is what could result from a grand aquaculture scheme in the Tiwi Islands off the north of Australia. The project's managers say the sea cage farm could eventually produce up to 10,000 tonnes of barramundi a year. But even before it is even in full swing, the venture has had to withstand a corporate sell-off and a string of setbacks.
Fri, Mar 23, 2001
Australia prides itself on strict quarantine protocols. But at a time when foot and mouth is threatening countries all over the world, there's concern current standards aren't keeping our island state free of pests and disease. Fifty exotic pests and diseases have entered Australia during the past two years. And one of the most recent has the potential to be one of the most devastating to primary industry. It is the South American Fire Ant.
Fri, Mar 30, 2001
Over the past 18 months, big, strange crops have appeared across Victoria, mountains of hats, cow-shaped grasses, even paddocks of boots. It's the result of cross-pollination between the art and rural communities, in a Federation project by Regional Arts Victoria called "Such Fertile Ground". Across the state, communities have taken time out of their busy schedules to help create defining images of their regions, and have a lot of fun in the process.
Fri, Apr 6, 2001
For years the wool industry has been focussed on high fashion but now a young West Australian man has set his sights on selling wool products into the booming leisure and sportswear market. Stuart Adams, himself the son of wool grower, was upset by the fact that more and more young people are wearing artificial fibres. Ian Henschke caught up with Stuart Adams and followed his dream of selling wool to the world.
Fri, Apr 13, 2001
Like banks and post offices, medical practices are starting to disappear from towns across rural Australia. Doctors are leaving the country, fed up with having to battle all levels of government for adequate facilities and tired of working long hours with little support. In New South Wales, services have been squeezed even further as doctors are forced to pay thousands of dollars in indemnity insurance to cover rising litigation costs. But still there's a steady stream of patients needing care and so some communities are taking extreme measures to secure a permanent GP. Julie Limb takes a look at the problems GPs face in the bush.
Fri, Apr 20, 2001
Can you imagine life on the dairy like this: you wake up at 9 o'clock, put on the slippers, then flick on the computer to see how well your cows have milked themselves? Well that's the dream of one dairy farmer in Victoria's Gippsland town of Winindoo. The Warren family has invested more than a million dollars in the country's first state-of-the-art dairy robots, that milk cows all by themselves.
Mon, Apr 23, 2001
The idea of electronic livestock identification has been around for years but cost and computer software glitches have been the major stumbling blocks to its widespread takeup. But now, given the tragedy unfolding in Britain with foot-and-mouth disease, individual producers and industry are taking a closer look at the benefits of electronic cattle ID.
Fri, May 4, 2001
Australia's sugar industry's been through some tough times in recent years. Growers have been battered by bad weather, low sugar levels, and even lower commodity prices. But perhaps the most serious challenge to this one billion (Australian) dollar export industry emerged about four years ago, when our biggest competitor, Brazil, developed a new improved brand of raw sugar. It immediately set new standards in quality and purity and threatened Queensland's position as preferred supplier in some of our premium markets.
Fri, May 11, 2001
If you had to name Australia�s favourite fruit it would have to be the banana. We eat millions of them every year and although we usually associate banana growing with Queensland and northern New South Wales the most productive plantations in Australia are in western Australia. The bananas from the west are grown in tightly packed plantations and as a result they are not as large as their eastern cousins but some clever marketing has turned a negative into a positive.
Fri, May 18, 2001
To the sometimes prickly issue of housing encroaching on farm country. We've all heard about diminishing country towns but what about the reverse situations? - when the town gets bigger and the only land available for expansion is used for farming? When the urban sprawl meets farming country, should primary producers be forced to accommodate the newcomers by changing the way they farm? Or should those who choose to live in certain areas, have to put up what was there first? It can be a very smelly question. Opinions vary on what, if any, compromises should be made.
Fri, May 25, 2001
If you're one of the many Australians who own a horse, be it for sport or play, then you've gone through the hassle of getting your mount shod. Well a Tasmanian inventor has come up with another choice, and his horse boots, described as running shoes for equine athletes, are set to take the world by storm. For humans, footwear is an important part of the wardrobe. Now horses have a choice about what goes on their feet, or hooves if you wish.
Sat, Jun 2, 2001
When Jeannie Gunn wrote the quintessential tale of life in the top end against all odds, she called it We of the Never Never. The Northern Territory even coined the "never never" phrase to attract tourists, though for the past century it may have just as easily summed up your chances of getting to Darwin by train. It seems you should never say never. The project that has been sidetracked more often than a shunting yard loco, has finally got the greenlight and $1.2 billion to make it happen.
Fri, Jun 8, 2001
When most people think of winter in northern Australia, they imagine warm days, clear skies and fresh air. Well think again. The "dry" is also the time when back burning's carried across 30 million hectares of savannah and spinifex to reduce the impact of wildfires in the spring. There's so many fires sending plumes of smoke and soot into the skies that some days you could swear you're in Tokyo instead of the Top End. In fact there are some now questioning whether the rangelands can sustainably continue, "fighting fire with fire".
Fri, Jun 15, 2001
We often hear how life is tough on the land as farmers struggle to make ends meet on properties that have been in the family for many generations. But they are not the only ones trying to make a buck in the bush, there is also a new breed of farmers, city dwellers who are choosing rural life. And while beef, sheep and grains still dominate Australia's agricultural economy many of these novice farmers are experimenting in alternative ventures on their very own bush blocks.
Fri, Jun 22, 2001
Who can deny that the future of Australian agriculture depends on enthusiastic farmers? But with advancing technology, globalisation and new opportunities in the city ... the number of young people interested in a life on the land is dwindling. There is however a dedicated band of young farmers who are intent on showing farming is a viable choice.
Fri, Jun 29, 2001
One subject, which will inevitably involve farmers, is ethanol production. To create this fuel extender, farmers are needed to grow the crops from which ethanol is extracted. But as Landline found out, despite the inevitable decline of our fossil fuel resources, with few exceptions, enthusiasm for ethanol is surprisingly low-key.
Fri, Jul 13, 2001
He's from one of Australia's most prominent family business dynasties. Now Peter Holmes a Court, the eldest son of Janet and the late Rober Holmes a Court is aiming to make his own mark in the corporate world. Holmes a Court's unashamed ambition is to create the world's largest cattle company, and like his late father, his approach is already making waves. Let's profile the man who aims to be Australia's new cattle King.
Fri, Jul 20, 2001
Property owners in Australia are no strangers to the tough times of drought. After all why else would Australia be known the world over as a wide brown land? But for all the problems associated with unreliable rainfall, some graziers have been able to successfully beat the odds and triumph over a lack of water. In some of our arid zones wool producers have been relying on a native plant which hasn't always been feted in scientific circles, but they say the hardiness of saltbush speaks for itself.
Fri, Jul 27, 2001
As dawn broke in the main street of Barcaldine, around 800 locals clustered to see the opening of the Queensland Biennial Festival of Music. The big moment everyone was waiting for was the world premier of the Barcaldine's very own Big Marimba Band. Around 150 kids and adults from the Barcaldine community have spent the last two months making and learning to play marimbas.
Fri, Aug 3, 2001
As family farms are passed down from one generation to the next, so too are any problems brought on by years of working the land. Today we look at one farmer in Western Australia who is turning such an inheritance into an asset. He's found a way to make his salt ravaged land pay by building a series of salt ponds and growing trout.
Fri, Aug 10, 2001
It's been said that at its peak, Melbourne's wool stockpile alone would have filled the Melbourne Cricket Ground three times over. Aided by a low Australian dollar and a recovering wool market, nationally six hundred thousand stockpile bales have been cleared since the start of the year. It's ten years since the wool reserve price scheme collapsed leaving 4.7 million bales in storage so the end of the stockpile, not only marks a major milestone it also removes a major millstone from around the wool industry's neck.
Fri, Aug 17, 2001
Fifteen years ago the farmers of Barooga, a rural community in southern New South Wales had just experienced another wet winter. Yet again more water was lying around in great sheets, drowning valuable winter crops and waterlogging productive land. When the State Government said the problems in Barooga were too big to fix farmers were left demoralised and in despair. Today Barroga is a different place, it's vibrant and profitable. And it's all down to a group of farmers who decided they would show the bureaucrats that their homes, farms, and futures were not beyond help, and that salinity, waterlogging, and high water tables aren't a death sentence.
Fri, Aug 24, 2001
With agriculture in crisis worldwide there's good news from Latin America. Harvests are being tripled. Rainforests are being saved. The whole environment is benefiting from a remarkable bean that really does work miracles with people's lives. In the fairy story, Jack plants a magic bean and his family prospers. Now in Latin America farmers are planting a magic bean with similar results. The bean is called "Mucuna" - the a velvet bean and extraordinary claims are being made for it: bigger harvest and more food without cost to the environment.
Fri, Aug 31, 2001
Less than three years ago pork producers in this country were talking about the death of their industry. Rising imports from Canada and Denmark had brought growers to their knees; many forced to start killing their stock, as it was not viable to send them to market. But desperate times in another country, Malaysia, have brought a new prosperity to the pork industry that is now enjoying record prices as well as a massive jump in exports to Asia. Julia Limb looks at the changing fortunes of Australia's pig farmers.
Fri, Sep 7, 2001
The issue of cloning has made many prominent headlines in recent months especially with claims by a controversial Italian scientist that he plans to clone humans. But cloning is already having an impact on agriculture and Australian scientists are at the forefront of this new frontier of science that promises amazing possibilities. But as Tim Lee reports, cloning also has many pitfalls and the issue has divided Australia's scientific community.
Fri, Sep 14, 2001
Australian broadacre farmers have justifiably earned an international reputation for being among the most efficient and innovative primary producers in the world. This is due in no small part to their uptake of new technology. What's not always appreciated is that our agricultural engineers are responsible for many of those bright ideas from the stump jump plough through to precision farming equipment. In fact, when it comes to the development of GPS-guidance for farm machinery, the so-called "hands-free" steering systems, Australia's now the acknowledged world leader.
Fri, Sep 21, 2001
Abbotsleigh Citrus has only been up and running for five years, but after winning a prestigious Banksia Award, has shown already it's leading the way. It isn't just being sustainable but is also being innovative - not just in how it manages the environment but how it uses the latest technology in most parts of its operation.
Fri, Sep 28, 2001
Conservation farming is the name for an approach to cropping, that an increasing number of Australian farmers are switching to. Those that do change have to be brave, as it's a system that turns on its head, nearly every long held tradition associated with cropping, including doing away with one of the cropper's favourite tools - the disc plough. There are now enough farmers adopting conservation farming principals in central western New South Wales for an annual award to be handed out, and this years winners are attracting a lot of praise for their sustainable approach to cropping.
Fri, Oct 5, 2001
Landline reports on the cash crop that's clean and green and at the cutting edge of technology. Wind turbines are springing up on farms all over the country. In fact they are proving so popular that renewable energy analysts believe Australia could be producing at least 10 per cent of its power from the wind within a decade. Apart from the significant environmental spin-offs, the projects could generate substantial investment and jobs across rural and regional Australia.
Fri, Oct 12, 2001
Shearer Joe Dodd wanted to perform a marathon shear, and he combined this with his commitment to charity work to create Shear For A Cure. On an unseasonally warm weekend in South Australia, shearer Joe Dodd set out to achieve a world first marathon shear, 34 hours on the boards. Joe's attempt has raised more than $10,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Fri, Oct 19, 2001
Boronias are known for their scent and besides the cut flower market, can be cultivated for essential oil. But boronias are also notoriously difficult to farm. A bioscience venture at Margaret River however is overcoming the plant�s limitations and is producing super-hybrids better suited to harvest.
Fri, Oct 26, 2001
The Australian wild dog has long been the curse of the landholder. Even with a constant vigil throughout the pastoral regions of mainland Australia, wild dogs still cause havoc. Stock losses annually total hundreds and thousands of dollars and landholders across the eastern seaboard believe dog attacks are increasing. And there's a disturbing new trend emerging of wild dog attacks on humans. Reporter Tim Lee visited the remote high country regions of Victoria and New South Wales for this special Landline report.
Fri, Nov 2, 2001
Researchers in the Top End this week unleashed one of the most devastating diseases affecting commercial banana production - all in the name of science. There have been a series of outbreaks of the soil-borne fungus Fusarium Wilt or panama disease in the Territory over the past five years, which have threatened the viability of the fledgling industry. Panama disease has no known cure or treatment. Not only does it lead to the destruction of banana plants, but it can contaminate soil and remain undetected for up to 30 years.
Fri, Nov 16, 2001
Every year, Australia's thoroughbred breeders provide the racing industry with thousands of young horses bred to run and the law of averages ensures most won't run fast enough to be financially viable. But the thoroughbred is a versatile animal and many ex-racehorses go on to find homes as showjumpers and eventers. In fact, Australian thoroughbreds have been the mainstay of a string of Olympic gold medal results. We've been so successful that eventing nations now look to Australia for both horses and know-how, the best of which was recently on show in the heart of Adelaide.
Fri, Nov 30, 2001
For many farmers their property is their kingdom, a piece of land that they control and nurture without interference. But a group of graziers in the New South Wales northern tablelands have chosen to relinquish this concept and instead combine their land into a single farm, sharing stock, resources, labour and most significantly, the decision-making process. This new approach to farming is based on a practice which began in medieval Europe one thousand years and these commoners believe it is not only good for their bottom line but also an innovative way to halt the environmental decline.
Fri, Dec 7, 2001
Kingaroy, in Queensland is famous for two things - peanuts and former Queensland premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen. But for locals Kingaroy has another claim to fame - its dirt. It's red, it stains and it gets into everything. One young couple has decided to make money from the bane of Kingaroy farmers' wifes' existence.