Northern Territory Country Hour NT Country Hour
Aug 20, 2025
A major live export shipping company is facing a future shift after selling its last vessel. Fire ants are spreading alarming biosecurity threats across Queensland, stressing the need for community action. Farmers are innovating by planting barley in desert conditions to meet hay demands. The podcast also reveals weather challenges impacting Northern Territory agriculture, while discussing sustainable fisheries management and the importance of Indigenous engagement. Plus, there's a focus on mango growers navigating complex market protocols.
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First Barley Trials Near Tea Tree
- Danielle Haig described installing three new centre pivots and trialling barley for the first time at Ethel Outback Hideaway near Tea Tree.
- She expects first cuts in about eight weeks and aims to prioritise local fodder customers before selling interstate.
Wellard Offloads Last Vessel
- Wellard has now sold its entire livestock fleet and is left without ships after the MV Ocean Drover sale.
- The company now depends on potential proceeds from the Brett class action to return value to shareholders.
Fire Ants Found At Bowen Basin Mines
- Five new fire ant infestations were found at Bowen Basin mine sites and likely moved from southeast Queensland in a pallet of bricks.
- Authorities applied direct nest injection and broad-scale bait and believe detections were early and limited so far.