Northern Territory Country Hour

Join Tony Wood, a Senior Fellow at the Grattan Institute, and Ross Johnson, a cotton grower from Ravenshoe, as they dissect the complexities of the delayed $36 billion Santos takeover and its implications on energy investments. Ross shares his unexpected success with cotton crops in far North Queensland, highlighting innovations in local agriculture and establishment of processing facilities. The duo also touches on community resilience in agriculture amid challenges and emphasizes the optimistic outlook for the mango industry despite current pest management hurdles.

Dan Richards, the owner of Humpty Doo Barramundi, discusses their exciting venture of exporting barramundi to Japan for the first time. He highlights the importance of maintaining seafood quality during transportation and shares insights about the increasing global demand for Australian seafood. The conversation offers a deep dive into the journey of this family-run business, showcasing their commitment to innovation and expansion into international markets, while emphasizing the unique flavors and high standards of their products.

Advocates call for lighter abattoir regulations to increase local meat processing. How do live export alpacas travel to their destinations?

Nutrition advocate says NT should be represented on new national food council. First case of exotic potato mop-top virus detected in Australia.

New nationally recognised fruit fly management protocol agreed ahead of NT mango harvest. Cattle work stops west of Mataranka as stations battle bushfire.  

Oliver Chaseling, an ABC reporter, unpacks the sordid case of cattle theft by a station owner, revealing the complexities of livestock ownership disputes. Dennis Woznisensky, a grain industry analyst, shares insights on global grain market trends alongside a dip in Australian machinery sales. Kirsty Howey, Director of the Environment Centre NT, raises concerns about the proposed Ord Stage 3 development, emphasizing the need for environmental impact studies and transparency in water policy discussions. The conversations highlight the intersection of agriculture, law, and environmental sustainability.

Jim Angulke, Chair of the Kimberley Cotton Company, discusses the opening of the Kimberley Cotton Gin, a $60 million facility poised to transform agriculture in Northern Australia. He highlights its role in boosting local cotton production and the logistical advantages it brings, particularly for the port of Wyndham. Angulke also addresses environmental concerns and the impact of a colder dry season on crops. With a focus on sustainable growth, the conversation reveals how this gin could streamline processing for local farmers and stimulate the regional economy.

Gary Edwards, Managing Director of AAM Investment Group, discusses innovative plans for a 2,500-hectare agricultural project near the WA border, while emphasizing proactive environmental engagement. Gary Riggs, a cattle producer at Lakefield Station, shares the drastic measures taken to combat a bushfire that burned 10,000 hectares, affecting livestock management. The conversation highlights the importance of water management, crop rotation, and the rising popularity of Angus bulls, alongside addressing regional challenges posed by climate and market trends.

The NT's largest passionfruit farm is expanding. Aussie beef export record broken for second month in a row. 

Northern cattle industry to appeal Federal Court's ruling on compensation claim. BOM predicts early northern rainfall onset.