Northern Territory Country Hour

In this discussion, Andrew Bayliss, Acting Senior Executive Director for Industry Development with the NT's Department of Ag and Fisheries, dives into the ambitious plan to transport water from Western Australia’s Ord River to the Northern Territory. He reveals the federal funding aimed at drafting a business case to boost agricultural growth. Listeners explore various transport options, logistics challenges, and the vital role of stakeholder engagement in overcoming hurdles like land ownership and evaporation. This conversation highlights innovative strategies for sustainable water management.

What's the plan to get Ord River water into the Northern Territory? Playschool and Delmore Downs cattle station team up.

Alex Detmers, who works at the Katherine Cotton Gin, shares his expertise on optimizing cotton processing. He discusses the technological advancements, like RFID tagging, enhancing efficiency. The podcast dives into the potential growth of the Northern Territory’s cotton industry and the local demand for products. Listeners also gain insights on the significance of weather conditions on cotton quality and the vibrant agricultural community supporting this sector. It's an engaging look at how local efforts are shaping the future of cotton production!

The Country Hour was today broadcast from the Katherine cotton gin as processing begins for the 2025 season.

What does a $30 billion takeover bid for Santos mean for the Northern Territory? And the purple GM tomato that could soon be growing in Aussie greenhouses.  

A decade of work brings water back to the landscape at Old Cameron Downs. Where are this season's bush tomatoes? 

The NT Farmers Association has a new CEO. Gillnet alternatives in development for wild-caught barramundi industry.  

Innovative coffee trials in the Northern Territory suggest a promising future for local coffee cultivation. Legal disputes around a horticultural project spark conversations about land rights and environmental concerns. The push for streamlined business approvals aims to simplify agricultural efforts. Meanwhile, efforts to control invasive gambagrass are ongoing, impacting both local ecosystems and coffee growing potential. Livestock market updates bring insights into cattle pricing and upcoming agricultural forums, highlighting the dynamic nature of Northern Australia’s farming landscape.

Is a proposal to build a rail line from Tennant Creek to Mt Isa back on track? Lee Humphris from Bushfires NT has received an Australian Fire Service Medal. 

Cattle industry "bitterly disappointed" by Federal Court's ruling on live export ban compensation. Finke Desert Race reaches its conclusion.