Latest Program Transcripts
05/02/2012
Pip Courtney interviews NFF President Jock Laurie
It's 14 months since Jock Laurie took over the reins of Australia's peak rural lobby group, the National Farmers' Federation. However given what's happened on his watch in that time - everything from catastrophic natural disasters to man-made ones like the live cattle crisis - it must seem a lot longer. Every time you pick up a paper, switch on your computer, radio or television, farming and farmers are in the headlines. He spoke to Pip Courtney about the challenges they face in the year ahead.
Pointe to prove
The Rural Woman of the Year, Caroline Robinson, hails from the heart of Western Australia's grain belt which produced a record harvest last season of almost 15 million tonnes. Most of that is exported, so logistics and handling is critical. Ms Robinson believes not enough is being done to maintain WA's ageing grain rail network, and she's using her profile to do something about it.
Dare to be different
There was a time when farmers spent almost as much time ploughing paddocks as growing anything and harvesting it. However when pioneers like Rob Ruwoldt gave cultivation a miss and left the stubble to enrich and stabilise his soil, they were branded ratbags. Well, it seems their time has come, and the champion of no-till cropping is now the toast of the farming fraternity. He took time out from bringing in another bin-buster to tell Prue Adams about that journey from ridicule to respectability.
Kerry Lonergan interviews climatologist Roger Stone
Weather is certainly a hot topic at present with floods and a very cool summer in the east, hot and dry in the west. Climatologist Roger Stone told Landline these conditions were all part of bureau forecasts.
Is it Goodbye Aussie Farmer?
We'll leave you with some thoughts about the future of farming from Australia's first family of country music. Together with their dad Ray, Tania and brother Greg Kernaghan have produced a song which they hope is a conversation starter for anyone with an interest in viable rural and regional communities.
Landline returns
Landline returns on Sunday the 5th of February.
Rural News
Updated: 05/02/2012
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