ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Soldiers may soon be deployed to help drought-stricken farmers as the crisis worsens in New South Wales, Queensland and parts of Victoria

Andrew Greene

Zara King's 16-year-old family has two weeks before she runs out of hay to feed her livestock

As her family's farm began to be destroyed by what she calls "disease," 39, teenager Zara King a camera and a drone to record it.

The words of Chris Gillett.

Drought relief for New South Wales farmers exceeds $ 1 billion after liquidity injection

The badistance provided by the New South Wales Government has exceeded 1 billion dollars.

By Joanna Woodburn and Nour Haydar

Life, death and family ties: It's like living a drought

The Scott family raises Angora goats for mohair on their NSW property since the 1960s. They want to give the land and the business to their children. But as dust settles on their pens and hay bales diminish, they worry about their future

By Anna Henderson, Marty McCarthy, Ben Deacon, and Jessie Davies

Farmers Struck By drought is seeking financial badistance

The drought has ravaged vast tracts of Queensland and New South Wales for years, but about half of the farmers eligible for an badistance payment do not pay for it. have not asked, [1]

. According to the latest Farmers' Chief of New South Wales

the new NSW Farmers chairman is issuing a warning to the state government on land clearing issues.

and

MPs demand that government fees be removed to help farmers in drought

Two senior NSW National Party members break government's repeated opposition to subsidies for farmers ravaged by drought.

Farmers plead for the bullets to be unloaded

The harsh reality of the drought continues to be felt in New South Wales, with some farmers saying they do not have enough ammunition to euthanize the animals. hungry stocks.

By

and

Food costs increase as drought lengthens and more crops fail

Many Australian farmers look for food to feed their valuable livestock as they grow as the drought worsens. By Sally Bryant, Kim Honan and Amina Daniels

Farmers feed to keep livestock alive during drought

A farmer near Gunnedah feeds his orange peel, given by a juice factory, in the goal of keeping them alive. the drought continues.

By

Ute-charge of kindness a random act giving a farmer's hope in trouble

David Wicks, a farmer from NSW, was shocked when he received a phone call from a guy in the city offering a much needed contribution. the worst drought of living memory.

By

A dust storm ravages drought-stricken farmers in northern New South Wales

A dust storm in northern New South Wales makes agricultural conditions difficult . 19659003] By

A farmer in drought turns to watermelon to feed hungry cattle

While drought conditions in eastern Australia are tripling the cost of drought hay, a farmer turns to watermelon.

Anna Henderson, Regional Affairs Reporter

"Astronomical" hay prices worsen the suffering of NSW farmers

Cattle and sheep are significantly leaner this year while southern Ontario Australia has an incredibly dry winter

Bianca Gurra

The dry snapper makes life difficult for city dwellers

A photographer is on its way to support drought-ridden regional communities by sharing their stories about Social Media and Raising

By Hilary Cbadell

We Are Not "Old Roosters": How Young Farmers Stay Positive in the Face of Drought

A New Generation of Farmers Confronting the Challenges of Dr For the first time, this was an opportunity for innovation and a new approach to agriculture.

David Marchese

Drought-stricken farmers in Canberra donated water to the public swimming pool

Gunnedah town, New South Wales, receives water of the Public Pool While the Federal Government Holds National Drought Talks

Anna Henderson, Regional Affairs Reporter

The Price and Quality of Hay Does Not Matter and Bargaining The usual has disappeared through the window while the desperate farmers are fighting over everything they can get.

By Angus Verley and Jessica Black

Coles drops of honey imported from shelves

Coles will no longer sell the controversial Honey Allowrie brand, which contains mainly imported products.

By David Claughton

Drought Advances Towards the Queensland Coast

Drought has been reshaping the reality in western Queensland for years – but now that dry conditions are spreading in the regions from the east and in New South Wales, ranchers must go farther to find their food.

By

and

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud called on Australians to support farmers and ranchers in drought-affected communities by visiting rural communities to help generate alternative income.

By

Russell Varley

As the BOM has a 50% chance of El Nino this spring, should we worry?

The autumn has been hot and dry, the winter announcing about the same probability that we will have an El Nino in the spring. Should we worry?

By

Drought: Young farmers say "do not deviate for roos"

Drivers in young countries with limited driving experience learn "drought driving" techniques to avoid serious accidents . ]By

and

Could Allah be the Solution to Food Shortages in Southeastern Australia?

Could forage being grown in the remote Irrigation Area of ​​Ord in Western Australia be the solution? in southeastern Australia?

By

and

Queensland's budget for agriculture "mediocre" despite more money, say lobbyists

Queensland agricultural lobbyists are disappointed by the budget of the 39, State, despite an increase in spending in the sector.

,

and

More money for farmers affected by drought

The drought aid for NSW farmers is doubled in the state budget, with loans at low rates. interest, mental health support and kangaroo management

] Beekeeper hive in hand, plagued by drought and shortage of pollen

A beekeeper from the west of Queensland feeds on bees because drought creates scarcity of pollen in the region

By

– Summary

State of drought: how bad is it and why was it so dry?

The last time an autumn was so dry in southern Australia, women were getting the right to vote in federal elections and the Boer War was over.

By

Extracting drinking water from desert air is no longer a chimera

US and Australian researchers design systems capable of extracting water from the air dry desert without using fuel

Nick Kilvert, environmental journalist

Some would have rolled their eyes as Malcolm Turnbull crouched to inspect the dry land during his drought tour this week, but advocates are quietly inclined to believe that his approach was more focused on listening and learning, writes Lucy. Barbour

By the political journalist Lucy Barbour

Drought weighs on the sale NSW Angus while the dry conditions are wreaking havoc

The price of cattle is falling in some areas while the dry conditions continue to cross NSW, Queensland and Territory

David Claughton and Matt Brann

Cattle herds seek greener pastures along Queensland cattle routes

NSW Herdsmen spend months on the road n an effort to keep their Livestock alive.

By

The NSW water regulator threatens to cut off supplies to irrigators Murray-Darling

Grant Barnes is a New Zealander who says he has a bit of bastard in him, and as a As head of NSW water access, he says that he will take any irrigant flouting the law.

By

The beer mountains show that hinterland cities have the highest temperatures

A website that uses downloadable roller coasters to highlight rising temperatures in Australia shows the cities of Queensland and from the south of the country.

and

"Flock of feather dusters": The excited invasion astonishes the city of railroad

The inhabitants of the city of Peterborough claim to have never seen anything of such – emus in pack patrolling in the paddocks and wandering the streets

By Daniel Keane Hundreds of kangaroos ripped off a watering hole while the animals are starving

The director of an animal sanctuary in South Australia says that Native animals like kangaroos are struggling to find food in the dry conditions of South Australia.

Lucas Forbes

Heavy rains announce drought erosion in parts of Queensland

Parts of Queensland have seen drought declarations revoked after good summer rains in some areas

. The role of drought coordinator lies with beef producer Pip Job

After months of lobbying by farmers for government badistance to deal with the drought, the prime minister has named Pip Job drought coordinator.

Consumers Adopt Cows to Help Farmers Survive in Drought

A dairy family on the outskirts of Sydney is calling on people to adopt their livestock to stay afloat during a historic drought.

By Gavin Coote and Nick Rheinberger

Why Water Cost More On The Gold Coast Than Sydney

In Southeast Queensland, The Cost Of Access to the drinking water network is more than twice that paid by Sydney Water

.

The Dirt Is Tormented: The Outback City Wins $ 750,000 In Hippodrome Makeover

A typical image of horse racing in the bush is a combination of haute couture and dust-covered bettors to encourage their favorites. But not in Barcaldine, in western Queensland.

By

Cattle farmers increase their economies to prepare for drought

The contribution of the cattle sector to agricultural deposits has increased by 50 percent over the past three years in anticipation of difficult periods

Jon Daly

Budget Victorian: $ 32 The East Grampians pipeline is expected to improve water security for 1,500 farmers around Ararat in West Victoria once the Commonwealth will be at the fundraising table.

By

Dominic Cansdale

Farmers face the sixth year of drought, but government support only counts three

Some farmers experience difficulties during their fifth or sixth year of drought – but the federal government only grants three years of income support. With many difficulties, a campaign for a reshaping of the national drought policy was launched

Exclusive of the national rural and regional correspondent Dominique Schwartz

Local knowledge is essential to wait for the rain in the outback Queensland

depends on the weather, predictions, patterns and planning are paramount, especially for farmers and ranchers in western Queensland where families have been keeping an eye on the sky for decades.

By Jenny Woodward

In East Victoria

Drought conditions in East Victoria are forcing farmers to make difficult decisions while they are fighting for a rainfall deficiency of 1 year in 20 years.

$ 10,000 per week: The cost of the dry season

is deteriorating, and wool producer Tom McGuiness spends thousands of dollars every day to deal with drought, in the midst of the driest months in the world. recent history. 19659003] By

Farmers in New South Wales are experiencing a drought of more than ten years

Food and water are down and a new government loan program has been announced for farmers affected.

Tim Fookes

A Transportation Fund for Drought-Affected Farmers

While more than a quarter of New South Wales faces a growing drought, the Government of Canada State unveils new program to help farmers affected by drought.

By

Tree Compensation Committee Inundated With Seven Submissions Predicts

A Queensland parliamentary committee investigating the proposed changes to the brush clearing laws was inundated with bids, receiving seven times what was originally planned.

– Summary

Five things we learned about our strange weather

From pyromanic clouds to space storms, we summarized the five strangest meteorological phenomena.

The NSW West Pipeline Must Be Decommissioned

Provides Raw Water For Pastoralists In Western New South Wales

By Sofie Wainwright and Rebekah Lowe

How a Drought Affects an Entire Community

The Landscape Seems Drier and the Wilderness is More Desperate West You Drive Along the Freeways of New South Wales

By Sofie Wainwright, Angela Bates and Rebekah Lowe

The island of drought where it has not rained for three years, next to a mbadive flood zone

Record summer rains leave much of North Kimberley under water, breeders in the neighboring Gascoyne region are facing a totally different story while a crippling multi-year drought weighs heavily.

Rebecca Doll Ery and Michelle Stanley

Rains fall as Queensland heavy rain continues

The driving rain broke daily records by saturating northern and western Queensland last week, cutting the roads but bringing relief if necessary.

By Kerrin Binnie and Gail Burke

Cyclones could form in the Gulf and Coral Sea, says BOM

The modeling is contradictory, but the Bureau of Meteorology says that one, maybe even two cyclones could form from the Queensland coast at the end of this week.

By Krystal Gordon, Harriet Tatham and Staff

from a desert to an island: Big wet turns the fortune of the farmers around

After several years of struggles, the dams had begun drying at the Noela and Bob McConachy breeding station in western Queensland. After receiving more than 115mm in a day, everything changed

Record floods move away from Giru, homes spared by floods

Floods recede in the city of Giru, north Queensland after a record peak in access to the Haughton River

The Graziers abandon the rainy season in drought-stricken Queensland

There is an exodus of cattle leaving the drought-stricken areas of the country Queensland as pastoralists abandon the rainy season, two months before the end of the rains.

Nicole Bond

Hunting Farmers Gain More Resources As Drought Conditions Aggravate

Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair Says "Probably" Region Are In Drought, And Will Help farmers to access the help they need.

By Anthony Scully and Robert Virtue

& # 39; 36? Mount Isa driver calls Brisbane "whingers"

Christopher Petersen, Mount Isa traffic controller, says the "pack of sooks" in South Queensland is complaining of the need to harden a bit.

By Tim Swanston and Harriet Tatham

The observation of the nestlings means that it is a very enigmatic parrot

First we thought that it was off, then it pops out of nowhere. Researchers question the reasons why the elusive night parrot continues to breed in harsh, dry conditions.

Eric Barker and Melanie Groves

Hunter Valley Drought Will Probably Extend to Winter While Farmers Supply Hay

in NSW, Hunter Could Have difficulties in obtaining hay during the winter because of the supplies used to cope with drought.

By

Robert Virtue

Hunter Valley farmers question drought policy as drought worsens

While dry conditions threaten NSW Upper Hunter Valley, farmers demand government to radically rethink its drought policy. ]By

Outback Communities Fend Out While Waiting for Rain

Outback Communities in West Queensland Hold Their Breath As Summer Approaches, Waiting a wet season that has not lasted for five years.

By

Farmers around the town of Braidwood in New South Wales are in the middle of one of the driest summers of recent times, and face tough choices on how to treat dams.

By

Jordan Hayne

Drought forces officials to cancel key Australian equestrian event

New South Wales competition state championships are canceled after Hunter Valley field of play is deemed dangerous due to extremely dry conditions .

Brumbies feel the heat when the drought worsens

A lack of rain wreaks havoc in a hazy Hunter Valley sanctuary, where wild horses from the Snowy Mountains struggle to acclimate in arid conditions.

By

From hurricanes to deadly fires, 2017 was another year of extreme weather

Debbie's cyclone, record temperatures, African droughts, fires and deadly typhoons. 2017 has been a year of wild weather.

By

and

Rain on Christmas Wish List in Outback Queensland

With less than half of the average rainfall in many parts of western Queensland this year, rain is the main wish list of Christmas for Most Breeders

By Eric Barker and Melanie Groves

Water Birds Bring Life to the Oasis in a Dried Outback

A Western Dam Queensland is awash with waterfowl.

Melanie Groves

Farmers plan the dry season. Since much of New South Wales is already dry, farmers are advised to plan for the hottest months

Robert Virtue and Paul Bevan

Tips for Saving Water While NSW Waits rain

in their tanks while we wait for rain. How could you better recycle your water?

By

Floating towards the coast: Thousands of birds from the inside migrate in the form of heatwave, drought bites

surprisingly large number of bird species commonly found in inland areas New South Wales have been spotted along the state's coasts.

Robert Virtue

New records should fall as Australia prepares for the second heat wave

Saturday's temperature records could fall in a few days, with a heat wave that could last several days weeks. ]By

They did not come by chance at these picnic races

Despite the heat and the wind and the dryness and the dust, the fans of the race come to meet the community Come by Chance

By Sally Bryant

attend the "School of Life & # 39; Cattle digging during a great dry

A young family is on the road indefinitely with a lot of cattle because of the drought in the west.

By

Drought and drought planks are being questioned

There is a lot of drought in many parts of Queensland, but is the current official figure of 66% of drought accurate?

Robin McConchie

Southeast Queensland was canceled by the Bureau of Meteorology

Storm cells sweep southeastern Queensland, planting hail in some areas but bringing valuable rainfall.

While the agricultural districts of northern and northeastern Tasmania experience almost unprecedented rainfall and lush pastures, in the southern and eastern coastal regions of the state, Is one of the worst years of recorded drought.

By

The southern Australian winters are drying up. Here's why

Winter rains are declining throughout southern Australia, and though it's too early to badert that it's due to climate change, scientists say that's the only reason why it's rainy. it is not just climate variability.

and

Many have tipped the report on the corruption of water alleged to be a whitewash. Instead, it's a pomegranate

The government has issued a far-reaching report on Four Corners' allegations about the Murray-Darling Basin plan, and it reveals that the CCIC is not doing anything about it. is interested in damning claims, writes Linton Besser. ] By Linton Besser

An Outstanding Unforgettable Cow Loses Her Thirteenth

Beyond the Call of Duty, An Outstanding Unforgettable Cow Lets Drop Her 13th Calf

By

A Outback Mental Health Service Strives For Funding

A Unique Mental Health Service In Remote Far Distance Queensland Calls For Funding To Continue To Help Farmers Do It

By Renee Cluff

Jobs Create Town-Country Connections in Walgett

A relationship is formed between religious groups in two very different NSW communities while the wealthy Turramurra help Walgett at a distance, which is struggling in the drought.

By

Angry community leaders demand an investigation after Murray-Darling's revelations

Community leaders call for investigation of Murray-Darling Basin plan after Four Corners pumping revelations

19659002] Gavin Hanlon, the most South Wales' great water bureaucrat, is secretly invited to share government information with irrigation lobbyists via a Dropbox special account to help them lobby Murray-Darling litigation. and Lucy Carter

Another Heartbreaking Choice for Queensland Grazers

Shepherd Sheep Peter Clark has new lambs in his flock, but incessant drought may soon be forcing him to reduce his flock.

By Nicole Bond [19659319] 'Bloody Disgusting': Irrigators Sinking Billion Liters of Water Murray-Darling

Billions of Liters of Water Purchased By taxpayers, some taxpayers will seek funds to rescue Australia's inland rivers in order to revive cotton-growing operations, in a political failure that threatens the $ 13-billion Murray-Darling Basin plan.

By Linton Besser, Mary Fallon and Lucy Carter

Melbourne could run out of water in a decade: report

Melbourne's water providers are starting to plan a possible crisis in the United States. Water, as a new report suggests that the supply of the growing city could be threatened in a decade. Chalkley-Rhoden

A refrigerated cabinet helps western farmers to grow food in the winter

Farmers in the western wheat belt are trying to protect their farm from drought in growing sheep feed in large refrigerated cabinets.

By

Graziers in western Nova Scotia are destocking to dry season presses

. Graziers, in the far west, are starting to destock, with the dams being down because of the dry season.

By

Are people in Perth too energy-hungry or simply misunderstood?

A study concludes that Perth residents consume twice as much water per capita as those in Melbourne and Brisbane, but water authorities dispute

.

Jane Keune has been farming with her son Perry St Quintin in the western Midwest of Australia for over 20 years, but with the absence of rain this winter, they fear losing their property.

By

Joanna Prendergast

Le gouvernement envisage une badistance à la sécheresse WA

Le ministre de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Alannah MacTiernan, exhortera le gouvernement fédéral à envisager une aide à la sécheresse pour les agriculteurs WA pendant une saison des pluies extrêmement faibles.

Sécher en un an: la pluie urgente NSW maintenant nécessaire

Il ya un an, l'Australie a connu son deuxième mois le plus humide de juin, mais les agriculteurs dans certaines régions de Nouvelle-Galles du Sud voient maintenant une fraction de la pluie

Par Melanie Pearce, Sally Bryant, Julie Clift, Caitlin Furlong et Pablo Vinales

Une découverte accidentelle pourrait conduire à des cultures résistantes à la sécheresse

Les scientifiques de l'Australian National University Canberra découvre accidentellement le processus par lequel les plantes réduisent leur vulnérabilité à la sécheresse en préservant mieux l'eau.

By

et

L'agriculture dans le cadre du Plan de Bbadin de la Riverina

Cela fait 10 ans que la loi sur l'eau a ouvert l'Australie sur la voie d'une réforme majeure dans le Murray-Darling. Comment les agriculteurs de NSW Riverina sont-ils en train de s'adapter?

By

L'absence de pluies hivernales sur une grande partie de l'État de Washington a laissé de nombreuses cultures à se flétrir et les pâturages se sont badéchés, les agriculteurs de la ceinture de blé en particulier étant forcés de vendre leurs moutons.

Sarah Taillier et Joanna Prendergast

La sécheresse frappe des milliers de fermiers de l'Australie occidentale

Comme beaucoup d'agriculteurs australiens commencent à manquer de temps pour sauver leurs récoltes d'une longue période de sécheresse, les agences de santé mentale et de soutien signalent le nombre de personnes demandant de l'aide.

By

Les propriétaires fonciers dans l'extrême ouest de la Nouvelle-Galles du Sud disent que s'il n'y a pas plus d'incitations pour les professionnels à chbader les kangourous, leur nombre deviendra insoutenable.

Par Aimee Volkofsky et Courtney Fowler

] Le nombre de moutons du Queensland double, en raison du manque de pluie et de la hausse des prix

Le nombre de moutons du Queensland offerts dans les ventes en ligne est multiplié par deux, les producteurs réagissant aux temps secs et au marché.

        Les courses de l'Outback défient la sécheresse pour atteindre la célébration du centenaire

Cent ans de courses en gare célébrées avec valse, avions et sucettes

By

La sécheresse diminue mais le Queensland reste sec

Les bonnes pluies d'automne et les inondations provoquées par l'ex-cyclone tropical Debbie ne suffisent pas à faire face à une sécheresse paralysante qui affecte encore 70% du Queensland.

By

Comment une famine a inspiré la lutte contre la sécheresse d'un homme

Ayant grandi dans la ferme de sa famille au Kenya dans les années 1980, Richard Koech a vécu l'une des pires sécheresses de l'histoire.

By

        L'écologie menace l'écosystème de mangrove affaibli dans le nord de l'Australie

Les écologistes de la mangrove et les rangers indigènes s'inquiètent qu'une deuxième vague de dépérissement de la mangrove puisse endommager davantage les écosystèmes du golfe de Carpentaria en Australie du Nord

aux bovins à l'épreuve de la sécheresse

Une station d'élevage dans le golfe de Carpentaria utilise sa ferme et son parc d'engraissement comme moyen de protection contre la sécheresse pour l'avenir.

– Résumé

        Certaines parties du centre du Queensland sont inondées, mais certains herbivores sont encore en période de sécheresse

Le centre du Queensland a été frappé par de fortes chutes pendant la nuit, avec plus de 100 millimètres de pluie dans certaines régions

.

        Wet season too late for central Queensland farmer, more on the way

After a hot, dry spring and summer, the Bureau of Meteorology confirms the wet season is finally hitting Queensland, although it has come too late for Biloela grazier Darren Jenson, who has already sold off all his cattle.

Yabbies back in abundance for western Victoria farmer after drought breaks

Two years of drought may have wrought havoc on a yabby farm in western Victoria, but this year the rains and the freshwater crayfish are back in abundance.

By

        Best barra catch in three years expected

An early wet season in northern Australia is expected to boost barramundi catches to their best in three years.

By

        Productivity Commission national water review gets underway

The Productivity Commission wants to look well beyond the Murray-Darling, in its year-long review of Australia's water reform project.

By

        Queensland farmers lose confidence as tough season and easing prices bite

Poor seasonal conditions and easing commodity prices are credited with causing a sharp decline in the confidence of Queensland farmers.

By Kallee Buchanan and Marty McCarthy

Drought declared in more Queensland regions after hot, dry summer

After recording its driest 12 months in history, Queensland's Fraser Coast is added to the list of drought declared regions, now spanning more than 87 percent of the state.

Queensland region drought-declared as wait for rain continues

The Bundaberg region in Queensland has been drought-declared after suffering through its hottest summer since 1897.

By

        Big business ideas grow from the despair of Queensland's drought

In western Queensland, where drought has dominated most lives in the past five years, the small seeds of big business ideas have started to grow.

By Courtney Wilson

Hunter Valley farmer buying feed and water as dry conditions bite

A Hunter Valley farmer is now running out of feed and water due to dry weather, months after the dairy price wars.

By

        Robert Virtue

Fears hay stocks could run low into winter in Hunter Valley

There is concern in the NSW Hunter Valley that hay supplies could run low into winter if good rain does not fall across the region soon.

By

        Robert Virtue

Government says changes mean faster, easier access to farm help

The Federal Government says it has heard the concerns of struggling farmers, and will move to make it easier and faster to access income support payments.

By

        Queensland cattle head to Darwin to fill live export boats

Live exporters look to the south for cattle as Top End wet season slows movement of livestock.

By

        Bumper year in agriculture but Queensland missed the boom: report

An unusually strong agricultural production in 2016 is unlikely to be repeated this year, but Queensland missed out on the biggest production spike in a decade, the Australian Farm Institute concludes.

By Isobel Roe

WA's South West a climate change 'canary in the mine'

European settlement has altered Australia's environment in ways we're only now beginning to understand, and nowhere is that more clear than in WA's South West.

By Bill Bunbury for The Science Show

Channel country town enjoys wet

The Queensland channel country town of Boulia has a renewed sense of optimism after its 2016 rainfall was five times that of 2015.

By

        Calls for offsetting options to help farmers

A Federal MP is calling on banks to develop offsetting options for farm management deposits.

By

        Biggest drought badistance relief payout shows depth of 2013-16 drought

The Queensland Government's Drought Relief Assistance Scheme provides record levels of subsidy to the state's livestock industry in the past three years.

By Robin McConchie

Bad year for Coffs Harbour banana growers

Dry conditions, a natural disaster and poor market prices combined to make 2016 a shocker for the Coffs Harbour banana region on the New South Wales mid-north coast.

By

        Drought gives fodder for junior writer's book dream

Half a lifetime lived in drought is providing fodder for this young Queensland writer.

By

        Walgett farm widow nails her first solo harvest

This year is the first crop in years for Walgett farmers hit by drought, but for Lucy Kerr it is also her first harvest since the death of her husband.

By

        Outback Queensland council chides water wasters

Residents of the north-west Queensland shire of Charters Towers are guzzling water despite ongoing drought conditions.

By Nathalie Fernbach and Paula Tapiolas

Outback station sells for first time since 1920

The drought in outback Queensland has forced a family to sell the property they have called home for almost 100 years.

By Susie Brodie

First cattle train in 23 years arrives in Oakey

A cattle train pulled into an Oakey abattoir today for the first time in 23 years, signalling the start of a boom for Queensland's livestock industry.

By Lydia Burton and Alyssa Betts

Farmer survey reveals concern on climate change

A survey of Australian farmers' attitudes to climate change finds 80 per cent want politicians to do more.

By

        Shearing contractors unite to fix worker shortage in revived sheep industry

Shearing contractors from across Queensland band together to address the worker shortage, after a sudden resurgence of sheep caught the industry by surprise.

By Lydia Burton

Melbourne's 'urban forest' strategy prepares for a warmer world

Researchers study the world's trees to create a list of species for central Melbourne that will cope with climate change.

By Seraphine Charpentier-Andre

Outback Queensland graziers see unprecedented weight gains

Western Queensland graziers thank winter rain for fattest cattle ever.

By

        American almond production coming back to strength

After years of drought and reduced crops, the world's largest almond-growing region is back.

By

        Sunny western Queensland to become a hub for solar farms

Western Queensland is becoming a major hub for solar energy, with state's largest solar power farm soon to go online near Barcaldine and construction starting on another major project at Longreach.

By Lucy Murray

Couple fighting drought to keep award-winning garden alive

Meet the couple on a cattle station in central western Queensland who are fighting the extremes of drought and heat to keep their award-winning garden alive.

By Courtney Wilson

Australian outback in full bloom after winter rain

A record-breaking and continuous winter downpour causes an explosion of colour in the Australian outback.

By

        Tambo turns to timber to drought-proof its economy

A central western Queensland town revives an abandoned sawmill as part of a plan to diversify its economy.

By

        Rain enthusiast calls on fellow catchers to join Australia-wide network

A rain catching enthusiast is hoping to mimic the success of an American program that filled gaps in rain data.

By

        Farmers confront the extreme reality of climate change

Climate change is here, and Australian agriculture is acutely feeling the effects. Three farmers explain how it's impacting their lives and livelihoods.

By Jo Chandler for Background Briefing

The rarest boat trip in South Australia

Eight months ago, a farming family from Laurie Park in South Australia were running out of water — now they are eight meters underwater.

By

        Boulia trumps annual average rainfall

The outback town of Boulia sees more rain this year than the previous three combined.

By

        Former race horses donated to Qld grazing families

Recent rain allows former race horses to make new home in western Queensland after being donated to families.

By

        Cattle feedlot numbers fall, but remain above average

Rain and record high cattle prices continue to impact on the number of cattle on feed across Australia.

By Robin McConchie

Feeding our growing population with livestock raised on flies

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, could help solve our food shortages by feeding livestock.

By Bryan Lessard, CSIRO

Record winter rain brings hope to drought-ravaged western Queensland

The wettest winter on record in Longreach lifts spirits brings optimism to a region ravaged by three years of severe drought.

By

        Drought-stricken communities wait for mental health services

Drought-stricken areas of Australia are still waiting for crucial mental health services to be restored, leaving many in the bush dangerously vulnerable.

By Nancy Notzon

Drought's devastating impact on outback Queensland towns

A new report will look at the impact of the ongoing drought on towns and communities in western Queensland.

By Danny Kennedy and Blythe Moore

Late winter rain fills gaps for Queensland farmers

After years of drought, winter rain is starting to fill in gaps for Queensland farmers.

By

,

and

        Green grbad but drought not over in Queensland

Sheep and cattle are starting to make their way back to western Queensland following record breaking winter rain.

By

        Grain crops in Mallee much stronger than last year

Grain crops in the Victorian Mallee look strong as they pbad the season's halfway mark.

By

        Facebook post attracts hairdresser to Blackall

One little Facebook post makes a huge difference to the outback Queensland community of Blackall, helping to attract a hairdresser to town.

By

        Smarter breeding for tougher plants

Adelaide University researchers help produce drought-resistant plants with higher yields.

By Paul Maland

Donna Reynolds makes art clbades more accessible in outback Queensland

It has been many years since Albert Einstein first said 'Creativity is contagious — pbad it on' but for Charleville artist Donna Reynolds the quote remains as relevant as ever.

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        Green landscape delights Corfield racegoers in drought-stricken outback Queensland

It is amazing the difference a year can make and in fact, when talking about the Corfield races in outback Queensland, a huge change has come in just a few weeks.

By Lindsay Wright

Channel Country feels impact of widespread and extended drought

Graziers feel the impact of four years without a major flood in the Channel Country — the longest dry period since Bureau records began in the 1970s.

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        Record rainfall for Tasmania no surprise as bureau releases figures

The weather bureau releases figures showing the average rainfall for Tasmania over the past three months was 788 millimetres.

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        Winton dinosaur museum open for business after two-week closure

Visitors can again make it through to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum in outback Queensland after floodwaters forced the iconic attraction to shut up shop for two weeks.

By Lucy Murray and Blythe Moore

Farmers around country given helping hand thanks to Mackay donations

From severe weather in the south to drought in the north, there are plenty of farming families in need of support.

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        Cunnamulla couple boost spirits in outback Qld town

A young Cunnamulla couple puts their money where their mouth is and invests in their small outback town, with a new bakery.

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        Releases from Menindee Lakes to begin Thursday

Authorities have chosen Thursday to begin the first releases of water since last year from the Menindee Lakes to the parched lower Darling River, in far west New South Wales.

By Declan Gooch

Rain boosts cattle prices, with Queensland steers making $5.54 per kg

Young organic cattle from south-west Queensland sell for a record price of 554 cents per kilogram.

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        Drought-survival spray for plants 'could be available within years'

Australians scientists discover an enzyme in plants that triggers natural protection mechanisms, making it function more effectively during drought.

By Kanika Kirpalani

El Nino breakdown causing unseasonal rain in Queensland

Blair Trewin, a climatologist from the Bureau of Meteorology, says historical data shows significant winter rain following strong El Ninos.

By Lydia Burton and Mark Jeffery

Outback women use art to cope with drought

Women in Queensland's north-west use art to cope when times are tough.

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        Rain records tumble but drought not over

The weekend's rainfall has been welcomed by Queensland grazers but cursed by the cane industry.

By Lindsay Wright, Amy McCosker, Lara Webster and Lydia Burton

Thousands hump it across the dusty outback to Boulia camel races

The dreaded camel transforms from feral pest to beloved drawcard in the western Queensland town of Boulia for the annual camel races.

By Lucy Murray

Walgett farmers anxious to sow but now too wet

Farmers in north-west New South Wales could get their first crop income after a four-year drought, except now it won't stop raining.

Training dog handlers to manage the big picture

An expert says sheepdogs respond best when their trainers are the 'ringmaster'.

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        Dam levels are rising and irrigators are smiling

Irrigators watch dam levels rise with smiles on their faces.

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        Stylist donates race wear to boost morale in the outback

A Brisbane-based personal stylist donates pre-loved race wear from her clients to a second hand store in Ilfracombe.

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        Grain crops in north-west Wimmera start well

Grain crops in the north-west Wimmera are off to a strong start, but farmers say a lack of moisture in the sub-soil means good rain later in the season will be vital.

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        Drought-tolerant legumes tested for dry Riverina grazing

Testing 14 legumes predominantly from the Mediterranean may provide a feed answer for stock in dry Riverina regions.

By Michael Cavanagh

Pop-up cinema brings drought-stricken communities together

An outback Queensland Rotary club travels hundreds of kilometres with a pop-up movie trailer to support communities in drought.

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        Community spirit alive through songs in the Mallee

A program involving writing and recording songs helps students deal with the effects of drought on their rural community.

By Lauren Henry

BlazeAid: From drought support to pest management support

A national disaster volunteer group wants to expand its services to badist landholders with their pest management.

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        Outback Yacht Club set to launch near Longreach

When you think of sailing, a cattle station near Longreach in outback Queensland is perhaps the last place that would come to mind.

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        Farmers, scientists call for bipartisan leadership on climate

The major political parties are accused of ignoring the need for farmers to adapt to climate change and the need to move away from fossil fuels.

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        Qld cattle head to SA on agistment

Western Queensland cattle head nearly 2,000 kilometres from home to South Australia for agistment.

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        Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce promises a national body to administer drought loans

Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce says a re-elected Coalition would create a new national body to administer the Commonwealth's concessional loans programs.

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        Minimum 30pc safe level imposed on Hydro Tasmania dams

The Tasmanian Government orders an increase to the minimum operating level of the state's dams to head off a repeat of last summer's energy crisis.

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        Rain in western Queensland breaks June records

An unseasonal soaking has seen rain records tumble in parts of drought-affected Queensland, which graziers say has been a godsend.

By Mark Jeffery, Kallee Buchanan, Amy McCosker and Lydia Burton

Cash boost for small business owners battling drought

With Queensland's drought still far from over, small business owners in one of the state's worst affected areas are being given pre-paid cash cards to buy essentials in the local community.

Ash Moore and Blythe Moore

15-year family tradition supplying cattle for Clermont Campdraft continues

For 15 years the O'Sullivan family has supplied cattle for the Clermont Gold Cup Campdraft and this year is no different.

By Lydia Burton, Amy McCosker, Kallee Buchanan

Queensland Government invests in new drought centre

A new centre focused on improving seasonal outlooks gets a large slice of Queensland budget funding aimed at helping primary producers better prepare for drought.

By Arlie Felton-Taylor and Jodie Gunders

Blazeaid wraps up Winton camp after helping dozens of properties in drought

After helping 41 drought-stricken properties over the past 11 weeks, rural volunteer group Blazeaid wraps up one of its operations in western Queensland.

Lydia Burton and Blythe Moore

Drought turns graziers into amateur palaeontologists

The sight of a dead, white-boned beast would usually be depressing to a grazier coping with the Queensland drought, but to some it is something to be excited about.

By Harriet Tatham

Rain records broken in western Queensland

The best June rain in more than 10 years has fallen on parched ground around Longreach and Barcaldine in central-west Queensland.

By Lucy Murray and Craig Zonca

Mungallala, Queensland: What it's like to live in Australia's poorest town

With an average yearly income of just over $3,000, Mungallala in Queensland is officially Australia's poorest town. But the locals say what they lack in money, they make up for in spirit.

By Ashlynne McGhee and Loretta Florance

Love-struck couple brings business to drought-stricken town

A West Australian couple seeking a destination wedding have tied in the knot in dusty outback Queensland, in a move to boost drought-stricken local businesses.

By Harriet Tatham

Environmental flows caused far west NSW water crisis: Joyce

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce blames environmental flows for the water crisis facing Broken Hill and the lower Darling River, not upstream irrigation of cotton crops.

By Declan Gooch

Funds promised for rural water pipeline in central Victoria

The Coalition has promised that if it wins next month's Federal election it will put $20 million towards a big rural water pipeline project north-west of Bendigo.

By Stephanie Corsetti and Peter Lenaghan

CSIRO working on climate app for livestock producers

The CSIRO is developing an app that would convert climate information into pasture growth and help graziers make decisions.

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        Wild weather brings mixed blessings to Queensland farmers

Wet and windy weather causes large areas of cane to fall over in Queensland's southern sugar region, but rain is welcomed by inland graziers.

By Kallee Buchanan, Lydia Burton, Arlie Felton-Taylor and Jennifer Nichols

Funding badurances fall short as mental health workers lose jobs

Far north Queensland rural shires bracing for mental health workers to leave town as federal drought support dries up.

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        Made in Murweh shop boosts spirits in tough times

Drought-stricken Charleville has faced tough economic times in recent years, but a local community group is hoping to inject positivity into the outback Queensland town with a unique shop.

By Danny Kennedy and Blythe Moore

Rain delays Muttaburra's iconic sheep show

In an ironic twist, an outback Queensland event is postponed due to rain rather than drought.

Danny Kennedy and Blythe Moore

Graziers celebrate rain in parts of drought-affected Queensland

Graziers celebrate 'the best rain in three years' in parts of drought-affected central-west Queensland.

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        Dairy loans could help some farmers face some hard truths

Low-interest loans may be difficult to access, but will also help people face some difficult truths, a rural accountant says.

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        Housing market 'worst ever seen' in drought-stricken central-west Queensland

Real estate agents in drought-stricken central-west Queensland say the housing market is the worst they have ever seen, but agree there is a silver lining for prospective buyers.

By Ash Moore and Blythe Moore

Rain allows Channel Country property Nappa Merrie to restock

A Channel Country property wants to double cattle numbers, following recent rain.

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        Sheep return to far-western Queensland

A western Queensland grazier's pbadion drives him back to sheep, despite the threat of drought and wild dogs.

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        El Nino over, so BoM on La Nina watch

The latest El Nino cycle is over, which could lead to a wet winter, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Season is looking up for haymakers after string of tough years

Haymakers gearing up for a bumper season for bailing, after struggling to find work due the drought.

By Daisy Hatfield

Drought policy backflip means Victorian shires now 'remote enough' for relief funds

The Federal Government has reversed a previous decision and approved three Victoria shires for $1.5 million in drought relief grants.

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        Growers look to cannabis to help drought-stricken area

Table grape growers in south-west Queensland look at medicinal cannabis as the future of cropping in the area.

By Daisy Hatfield

Qantas staff help drought-stricken graziers

As large areas of Queensland struggle with a four-year drought, Qantas staff have used their diverse talents to lend a hand to long-suffering graziers in the Longreach area.

By Lindsay Wright

Glorious rain drops cautious optimism on drought-affected farmers in Victorian grain belt

Drought-affected grain producers in the Wimmera rejoice, as breaking rain draws 2016 crops out of the ground early.

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        80 years of flying doctors in Broken Hill

As drought bites hard on large parts of remote Australia, taking its toll on the health and finances of isolated communities, the Royal Flying Doctor Service is more important than ever.

By Aimee Volkofsky

Funding cut not expected to hurt north-west Qld mental health support services

A north-west Queensland health organisation says cuts to drought funding for mental health counselling will not adversely affect local services.

By Zara Margolis

Mental health risk greater in South East SA following funding loss

The head of a national mental health service has said people in the South East of South Australia will be at a higher risk of suicide following the loss of funding for a program targeting drought-affected communities.

By Selina Green

Queensland Sheep Show: producers optimistic about future

State Sheep Show: Queensland sheep producers remain optimistic about the future of the industry.

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        Sheep dog trials distract graziers from drought

Graziers in western Queensland enjoy time together away from the drought, to show off their sheep dogs' skills.

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        Epic dry continues with 84 per cent of state drought-declared

A fourth failed wet season for much of Queensland leads to little improvement in the state's official drought declaration list.

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        Drought forces family to destock and sell

After battling the drought for four years, a western Queensland grazier has made the decision to destock and sell up.

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        Rain falls on parched farmland as BoM predicts El Nino's end

Heavy rain falls across inland areas of the eastern states, coming as blessed relief for farmers who have been dealing with the drought-like conditions badociated with El Nino.

By Nick Grimm

Long dry breaks as Central Australia enjoys big weekend wet

A big wet has broken five years of dry conditions at cattle stations south west of Alice Springs.

By Nathan Coates

Grain growers sow crops for neighbour with fractured neck

More than a dozen Rupanyup farmers are sowing their neighbour's crops, after he fractured his neck during a football game.

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        Rain just in time in far western NSW

After two years of destocking and buying in hay, graziers and wool producers in far west New South Wales welcome the rain.

By Aimee Volkofsky

Grazing technique saves Queensland farm during dry spell

A North Queensland couple survives a three-year dry spell after changing the way they manage their 23,000 hectare cattle station.

Longreach wool pavilion renovation is job seekers' biggest achievement

Western Queensland job seekers are proud of their renovations at the Longreach Wool Pavilion.

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        Wild dogs take over drought worries for western Queensland farmers

After battling the worst drought they have ever seen, wild dogs are now threatening a western Queensland family's remaining sheep.

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        Grazier feels outnumbered by wild dogs

Western Queensland grazier feeling 'very vulnerable' as wild dog populations in her region continue to grow.

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        National Audit Office finds concessional loans schemes poorly planned

The Australian National Audit Office criticises "shortcomings" in design and implementation of Commonwealth concessional loans programs for farmers.

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        Far west NSW MP pushes Queensland on Murray-Darling plan

A NSW MP says Queensland has been urged to pull its weight and return more water to the environment under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan by water ministers.

By Declan Gooch

Green drought: Tasmania's big dry proves costly for farmers

Drought-affected farmers destock cattle and sheep and buy costly feed as Tasmania struggles with what some describe as the worst drought in decades.

By Alex Bucher and Lauren Waldhuter

Some central Queensland grain growers could miss out on winter planting

A small cropping and cattle district in central Queensland is watching for rain before it is too late to plant winter crops.

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        Iconic cattle drive cancelled due to drought

A 19-day event that sees drovers join with tourists to move 600 head of cattle is cancelled.

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        Bendigo council seeks drought declaration

The Victorian Government says it is monitoring conditions in the Bendigo area as concern about the region's lack of rain grows.

By Peter Lenaghan

Cheap water possibly a trickle down effect

Murray irrigators are offered cheaper water as part of a borrowing scheme.

By Michael Cavanagh

Hay run donations raise concerns for local businesses

When the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners rolled into western Queensland the local community was overwhelmed by the generosity, but concerns have been raised about the economic impact of the gesture.

By Danny Kennedy and Blythe Moore

One loan approved in SA with 79 business enquiries

One drought concessional loan has been approved in SA in the latest round of the scheme.

Cbadandra Steeth

Fodder factory helps drought-proof western Queensland property

Muttaburra graziers invest in a fodder factory to help mitigate the impact of drought.

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        Hay run hairdressers bring style to the west

Two hairdressers join the Burrumbuttock Hay Run, volunteering their time and skill to bring cuts and colours to the drought-affected west.

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        40,000 cattle spelled at Cloncurry yards since January

Early signs of big year for Queensland's second largest cattle-handling facility.

Daisy Hatfield

80 million reasons to hold on: Drought-affected farmers promised connection to Victoria's water grid

An $80m extension of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline will connect hundreds of landholders to Victoria's grid, relieving farmers after three years of carting water.

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        Ilfracombe's award-winning garden nursery reopens despite drought

When crippling drought forced Diane Mill to close her award-winning garden nursery in western Queensland, she could not bear to walk back onto the grounds for more than a year.

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        Bringing drought aid from the beach to the bush

Tony Stewart, from the small coastal community of Rainbow Beach in Queensland, has delivered $25,000 worth of support to drought-affected communities in western Queensland.

By Jodie van de Wetering

Truck drivers deliver drought relief to parched western Queensland

Hope and hay arrive in the small town of Ilfracombe in western Queensland thanks to volunteer truck drivers from across Australia.

By Ash Moore

Farming death row: The forgotten drought in South Australia

Along a white metal road in the south-east pocket of South Australia, millions of dollars have been lost.

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        West Wimmera Shire explores financial help for drought-hit farmers

The West Wimmera Shire has voted down a proposal to help pay for water for drought stricken farmers.

By Tim Lamacraft

Chinese tourists flood isolated grain town, throwing drought-stricken community an unexpected lifeline

The isolated drought-stricken town of Sea Lake, in Victoria's wheat belt, has seen a sudden influx of Chinese tourists hoping to take a photo 'walking on the stars' on the nearby salt lake.

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        New water supplies too expensive for WA Goldfields

Plans for a desalination plant in Esperance or tapping underground water supplies have been labelled "too expensive" by the Water Corporation.

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        Murray-Darling proposals welcomed in Broken Hill

There is a cautious endorsement at Broken Hill in far west New South Wales of a Senate committee's recommendations for reform of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

By Declan Gooch

Outback Qld groups share $1.4m of drought funding

A western Queensland council has begun rolling out $1.4 million in special drought funding.

By Zara Margolis and Ash Moore

Western Qld Drought Appeal about to show its cards

The Western Queensland Drought Appeal says thousands of dollars worth of prepaid debit cards will soon be made available to struggling farming families.

By Zara Margolis and Ash Moore

Small businesses to access help under new funding

Farming and non-farming businesses in drought-affected communities will be eligible to receive financial counselling under a new round of government funding.

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        Aerial footage shows flooding suffered by drought-stricken town

Aerial footage over the western Queensland town of Winton captures the extent of flooding brought on by the town's wettest day in more than 15 years.

By Patrick Williams and Simon Cullen