Landline

Spill the Beans: The local baked bean industry is facing an uncertain future. Disc World: A healthy harvest is closely connected to how and when a crop was sown. Bare Belled Ewe: An earlier version of the popular Australian folk song “Click go the Shears” has been discovered – under a different name.

A Dry Debate: The federal government is under pressure to deliver billions of dollars in drought assistance to struggling farmers . Smell the Roses: Two successful farming enterprises in full bloom. Farming Heritage: "Summerville", a farm established near Hobart in 1808 has been farmed continuously by seven generations of the same family.

Current Outlook: The Victorian city of Shepparton breathed a sigh of relief when a deal was struck to save SPC Ardmona from closure. But there are still many challenges ahead for the food processing plant and Victorian fruitgrowers. Headlie's Header: A century ago New South Wales wheat farmer Headlie Taylor devised a new type of harvester that snipped rather than stripped ripened crops - and it revolutionised the global grain industry. Farming Fish: Over 200 tonnes of seafood is traded at the Sydney Fish Markets each week, but most of the fish and shellfish eaten in Australia is not caught or farmed here. Beet the Drum: When the local cannery closed last year, fifth generation farmer Ed Fagan had to find new markets for his beets.

Poppy Monopoly: Tasmania is the world’s largest legal poppy producer. The $120 million a year industry accounts for 50 per cent of international supply. Black Soil Blue: Landholders in the Liverpool Plains district of New South Wales have blockaded their properties to stop mineral exploration. Scott Hansen Interview: Kerry Lonergan interviews retiring CEO of Meat and Livestock Australia, Scott Hansen. Russian Revolution: The collapse of the Soviet Republic in 1991 was disastrous for Australian woolgrowers and contributed to the collapse of the Nation’s wool industry two years later.

Bitter Harvest: Wine grape growers in Victoria and South Australia are struggling as prices hit rock bottom. Southern Gas: The coal seam gas controversy spreads to South Australia. Joel Salatin Interview: Joel Salatin is one of the world's most influential farmers. Bullocky: The Bullock Drivers League is passionate about keeping the old tradition alive.

Against the Grain: Australia's grain handling infrastructure is in need of an overhaul. The Whisky Critic: Influential whisky critic Jim Murray is impressed with the quality of the Tasmanian drop. The Fruits of Labour: The decision to move into agri-tourism bears fruit for a farming family.

Horns of a Dilemma: The cattle industry has been researching a painless genetic solution to the confronting procedure of dehorning and now it says it's made a breakthrough. And a warning this video contains scenes of dehorning. Interview with Markus Heldt: One of the world's largest makers of agricultural chemicals has recently bolstered its presence in Australia with 40 new jobs and increased investment in research and development. German corporate giant BASF believes Australia will play a crucial role in helping to grow the food needed for a burgeoning world population, especially in Asia. The head of BASF's crop division Markus Heldt recently visted Australia and he caught up with Landline's reporter Tim Lee. GM Crossroads: The South Australian moratorium on genetically modified crops and trials ends in 2019 and already debate is underway about what should happen in 5 years' time. Tall Timber: The reputation of timber as an old fashioned building material is being challenged with two landmark buildings recently constructed in Melbourne using a relatively new type of wood panelling called cross laminated timber.

Kitchen Kindness: Organisers of Queensland's Baked Relief drought drive used some new ingredients to encourage Brisbane home cooks to show some of fashioned generosity to farmers in need, with surprising results. Long-Life Beer: Australian farmers are set to become major global suppliers of a new variety of barley that extends the shelf life of beer. Northern Plans: A new abattoir being built on the edge of Darwin could help the northern beef industry but many are sceptical of the project's longevity. D-I-Y Hydro: An energetic Tasmanian retiree returned to his ancestral farm in the picturesque Derwent Valley and set out to build his own hydro-electric scheme, with the help of his son.

Epic Trek: An exhausting 7 month droving journey, moving 18,000 head of cattle from western Queensland to the New South Wales Riverina, quickly got into trouble, coinciding with one of the worst droughts in recent years. Bittersweet: Despite recent rain, Queensland's Fraser Coast farmers have been caught up in one of most lingering droughts, which has hit hard and fast, and strangely enough in the wake of a disastrous flood. Grass Roots: While AFL fans had their eyes glued on the clash between local rivals at the revamped Adelaide Oval this week, turf farmers would have found the ground pretty interesting too.

Losing the Farm: Years of drought have taken their toll on Western Australia's wheatbelt yet despite some relief and a bumper crop last season, it was too late for one farming family. Organic Shortfall: Organic grain producers are struggling to keep up with local demand, forcing millers and processors to look to imports to fill the void. Rivers of Dreams: A project in Queensland's Gulf has brought the ongoing arguments for and against the Northern Australia agricultural development debate, into sharp focus.

Overgrazed: With most of Queensland and half of New South Wales drought declared, stock routes are enduring some heavy grazing pressure and unless good rains come soon, much of the cattle will have to be shifted off. Super Food: A new super food developed by the CSIRO which increases the growth rates of prawns by 40 percent, is set to turbocharge the world's farmed prawn industry. This Woollen Life: A series of stunning photographs taken by a former Life magazine photographer, documenting life on a sheep station in the early 1950's, is on display for the first time. Cattle and Coal: An unlikely alliance between farmers and environmentalists has been formed over opposition to the Leard Forest coal expansion, in the Liverpool Plains district of Northern New South Wales.

Buffalo Bonanza: A trade agreement between the Northern Territory Government and Vietnam has opened the way for a lucrative live export trade for buffalo producers but does northern Australia have enough stock to supply Vietnam? A Valley's Tale: As the Swan Valley celebrates 180-years of wine making, the West Australian Government is promising planning laws to protect the heritage wine region, but not all grape growers are in favour. Stitch in Time: An Anzac centenary project is shining a light on an often overlooked act of kindness by wool growers which brought great comfort to diggers during the bone-chilling winters of World War I. Helping Hand: A group of scientists working on an ambitious conservation project has returned the vulnerable western quoll to South Australia's Flinders Ranges, after an absence of more than a century.

Russian Cattle: A live cattle exporter shipping a record number of Australian feeder steers to Russia says the 'world's eyes' are on the company to perform. Stormy Water: Tasmanian lobster fishermen are calling on recreational anglers to make some sacrifices for the sake of the fishery. Family Milk: Meeting the demand for dairy products in developing countries that are experiencing economic growth can be difficult, but the east African nation of Kenya is dealing with it in a very different way. City Farmers: A Melbourne couple's love of food and wine set them on an unexpected journey, and the creation of an unlikely farming partnership.

Slimy Harvest: It's worth $6 billion globally but so far we've only just begun to explore Australian native seaweeds, and their potential as food, medicine, and agricultural products. Milling to Success: Three brothers who shifted continents and cultures in their determination for a life on the land are now making their mark in the tough food processing business. Pea Struck: As landholders living near Warrumbungle National Park in New South Wales began to recover from two natural disasters, they faced a triple-whammy when an unexpected pest began killing livestock.

Organic Converts: The gradual change to organic farming techniques is delivering surprising results to some late converts. Cold Comfort: Celebrations for Macquarie Island's pest-free status have been tempered with the discovery of a new environmental threat. A Mysterious Art: A South Australian journalist has spent the last four years travelling to shows around the country, in an attempt to understand the complexities of show cooking competitions. Fair Crack of the Whip: For almost a decade, Fiona Wilks has reigned supreme as Australian Ladies Whipcracking Champion but this year's national competition may well be her last.

The Wild West: Many farmers would consider themselves conservationists, but a group of landholders in Western Australia has gone a step further, by donating land to one of Australia's most ambitious conservation projects. Rare Rabbits: Local rabbit pelts have been used to make iconic Akubra hats for generations but an exodus from the rabbit industry has seen the company source pelts from overseas. Interview with Andrew Spencer: Australian Pork Limited is calling for tougher penalties against animal activists who illegally film on farms. A Fishing Heritage: Anglers are celebrating 150 years since brown trout eggs were brought to New Norfolk in Tasmania, creating a multi-million-dollar trout industry.

Reaping The Harvest: Sean Murphy travels to Western Australia's wheatbelt, where diversification on a family farm has developed new export markets for a unique commodity. Sprouting Up: It's the vegetable people love to loathe, but two of the country's biggest Brussels sprout growers have been rewarded for their dedication to the little cabbage after sticking with it for three generations. An Australian Original: The first commercial plantings of macadamias was planted 40-years ago and as the milestone nears, the industry finds itself with much to celebrate.

Toil and Soil: An increasing amount of food waste is being professionally composted and put back onto farms to improve the fertility of the soil. Interview with NCOs Ben Copeman: Peter McCutcheon talks to Ben Copeman; the General Manager of the organic certifier involved in the recent landmark judgement on genetically modified contamination. A Tree Falls: Coalition Governments at state and federal level are seeking to re-open forests previously declared off-limit to logging, potentially ending a 2012 timber industry peace deal. Chinese Pastoral: A group of Indigenous landowners have combined ten separate cattle stations in northern Australia to form a new cooperative and they're attracting serious interest from a Chinese investor.

A Gourmet Oyster: For more than a quarter of a century the pacific oyster from Japan has reigned supreme in South Australia however the threat of a deadly disease is now prompting farmers to look at diversifying. Interview with Richard Whittington: Kerry Staight sat down to discuss Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS), with Sydney University's animal health expert, Richard Whittington, who spoke at the world aquaculture conference. Competitive Farming: Sean Murphy caught up with some of the beef and lamb producers participating in the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Challenge which encourages them to improve their business. Rock of Ages: The small Victorian country town of Tynong which supplied remarkable granite to build Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance has been called upon again to play an important role in next year's Anzac Centenary.

Mallee Oil: Many West Australian farmers who have invested heavily in tree cropping, will miss out on the $1.9b windfall being offered under the Federal Government's direct action plan to tackle climate change. A Little Further North: Queensland singer-songwriter Graeme Connors celebrates the 25th anniversary of his breakthrough album and reflects on a career in country music. Pest to Profit: They've long been derided as a scourge to the environment and a pest to pastoralists but wild goats are now a viable export commodity.

She'll be Apples: Tasmanian apples are currently going through a revival and new export markets are emerging, as production lifts for the first time since it began falling in the 1960s. Life in the Saddle: Till now modesty has kept Alwyn Torenbeek from writing his memoirs, but this Australian bronc riding champion's biography is about more than just fame. Interview with Agriculture Minister, John McVeigh: Qld Agriculture Minister, John McVeigh, discusses the bitter battle over sugar marketing between the countries biggest sugarcane farming group, Canegrowers and foreign-owned processor Wilmar Sugar. Grave Danger: The race is on to save Australia's rich bush heritage, as memorials and headstones lie decaying in country cemeteries.

Financing the Farm: Australia's farmers traditionally raise the funds they need to break into growing markets through bank debt, but some farmers are now looking at alternative ways. Interview with John Hartley, Future Directions International: The Chief Executive of the food and energy security think tank, Future Directions International, John Hartley, spoke to Townsville reporter Allyson Horn about the renewed push for the so-called northern food bowl development. Interview with Richard Mulcahy, AUSVEG: Ausveg CEO, Richard Mulcahy, talks about the controversial Woolworths fresh fruit and vegetable marketing campaign that caused upset amongst growers, who were asked by the supermarket giant to pay a voluntary levy to contribute towards to cost of the marketing blitz. Get Crackin': Global demand for tree nuts is on the rise and while almonds and macadamias lead the industry in Australia, walnuts are hot on their heels.

White Gold: The Tasmanian dairy industry is at the forefront of plans to boost exports into China. Wild Dogs Interview: Pip Courtney talks to the facilitator of the National Wild Dog Action Plan, Greg Mifsud, who has been closely involved in the planning of the first national approach to tackling the scourge of wild dogs. Tomato Source: Instead of taking the product to market, the family company behind Ricardoes tomatoes has successfully sidestepped wholesalers by bringing people to the farm. A Country Song: A country music singer turned classroom leader is helping the next generation to focus on all that's good about life beyond the big smoke.

Politics of Pot: A prohibition on growing industrial hemp in Australia was lifted in the late 90s; however politics has prevented the industry from gaining access to booming hemp food markets. What's up Doc?: Every year thousands of people, many from the city, flock to the Scenic Rim in south-east Queensland to celebrate 'eat local' week. Rub of the Greens: Kale is all the rage at the moment with seed suppliers, growers and retailers alike stunned by the demand for the nutritious green leafy vegetable. Interview with Roland Mouret: One of the world's most in-demand fashion designers Roland Mouret was in Sydney this week to judge the Woolmark designer awards; he caught up with Landline's Sean Murphy.

Makin' Bacon: The pork industry has developed 'bacon week,' to get across a serious message to Australian consumers about the prevalence of imported meat and confusing labelling. Fishy Business: The New South Wales fishing industry is heading into uncharted waters and while some say so-called reform packages could end family fishing ventures, others argue it’s a much needed change. Gut Feeling: Scientists in Queensland are looking into how probiotics might benefit animals and the early results are looking promising for cattle, sheep and poultry producers. Crashing Bores: A Federal Government program to cap bores has been scrapped, and farmers say millions of litres of water are now being wasted every day.

High Stakes: After almost two decades of investment, Australia now has the biggest wagyu herd outside of Japan, after years of relying on Japanese genetics to build that herd. Interview with Michael Dahlstrom, Director 'The Animal Condition': Pip Courtney talks to a young filmmaker who has attempted to capture the often polarised animal welfare debate in a documentary called 'The Animal Condition.' Organic Image: A young grower who converted the family farm to organics is providing more options for supermarket consumers. The Big Cheese: Buffalo producers in the Northern Territory are on the verge of a breakthrough into the dairy industry.

Bearing Fruit: Fresh fruit at the push of a button. The Droving Poet: Former drover and bushman 91 year old Bruce Simpson has just released his 8th book. The Milky Way: The Australian dairy market expands into China. Sunny Verghese Interview: Sunny Verghese is CEO of Singaporean agribusiness giant Olam International.

Northern Frontier: A number of stations in the Northern Territory have changed hands in the past year, raising questions about the future of cattle producing in Australia. Interview with Steve Coleman, NSW RSPCA CEO: Landline's Peter McCutcheon talks to the RSPCA's New South Wales CEO, Steven Coleman about animal welfare issues and the regulators view on 'ag-gag' laws. Salty Citrus: Last year Queensland's largest citrus growing region suffered devastating floods but for some growers in the North Burnett, the flood has left behind a damaging legacy. Leaps and Bounds: A family-owned Brisbane tannery has defied the odds, producing hides of the highest grade that feature in many of the world's most prominent sporting events.

Cash Cows: It's been tough times for the cattle industry but for one central Queensland couple, an unlikely business deal with a Thai entrepreneur looks set to change their luck. David Williams Interview: Investment Banker David Williams tells Pip Courtney why foreign investment in Australian agriculture is good for the country. High Tech Farming: For centuries farmers gathered and passed on knowledge by word of mouth however the language of agriculture is changing as a new generation of farmers embrace new technology. High Water: Water is once again flowing in the Hattah Lakes in Victoria due to Commonwealth Government water buy backs.

Fracture Lines: The first new coal seam gas project in New South Wales in more than 5 years has been approved for Gloucester Valley but the project has divided residents. Grist for the Mill: One of Australia's few remaining family owned flour milling companies has gone against the grain and opened a new facility in Victoria. Pick of the Bunch: A fruit and vegetable wholesaler in Adelaide has made it her mission to provide some of the top chefs with heirloom and miniature produce.

Hot to Trot: The biannual National Polocrosse Championships were held in the Northern Territory this year and hosting the event was a major logistical challenge. Interview with Australian Dairy Farmers CEO, Natalie Collard: With a possible deal now tantalisingly close, this week dairy farmers across Australia were encouraged to use Twitter to drive home their push for a FTA. The Family Tree: Eucalyptus oil was the first Indigenous product to be exported in the early years of European settlement and in all those years, little has changed in eucalyptus oil production until recently. Sharp Shooters: Australia has an abundance of pest animals and managing them can be time consuming, as farmers grapple with increased work demands and complex firearm laws.

Turning on the Tap: The tap has been turned on in Tasmania's Midlands with the state's biggest irrigation scheme now operational. Farmer Gregie: Meet the feisty Australian dairy farmer of the year, Greg Dennis and find out why he and his high-tech operation are attracting so much attention. The Yellow Crop: Canola flowers normally looks their best this time of year but a large proportion of the distinct yellow crop has been affected by a virus and some scientists are saying its the world's worst outbreak. To Market: At the Brisbane Markets at Rocklea wholesalers move billions of dollars with of fruits, vegetables and flowers grown from 7,000 Australian farmers, and this month they celebrate 50 years since trading began.

Bat Crazy: Across Australia, a national census is underway aimed at gaining a better understanding of the protected grey headed flying fox, which is an important pollinator. Co-operation: As cooperatives get bigger and more successful, they often find themselves the target of some tempting takeover offers but the country's biggest milk producer, Murray Goulburn has resisted the temptation. Interview with Don Watson: Don Watson is perhaps the most celebrated speech writer in modern Australian politics but for the last 7 years he's been researching a book on the bush and its myths, simply called 'The Bush.' The 2014 Bob Hawke Landcare Award: Pip Courtney talks to former Prime Minister Bob Hawke about the establishment of Landcare, 25 years on, and we meet the winner of the 2014 Bob Hawke award, Colin Seis.

Sugar Power: In northern New South Wales, the country's sole remaining 100 percent Australian owned sugar mill and refinery is hoping its green credentials will keep it that way. Interview with Pip Job: The winner of the 2014 national Rural Woman of the Year is Pip Job, a 35-year-old beef producer and environmental advocate from Cumnock in New South Wales. Coorong Mullet: A few years ago South Australia's Coorong fishery was on a knife edge, as a decade long drought took a dramatic toll however one particular species has held on. Cooking up a Storm: Dan McIntosh is the first to admit he's an unlikely internet sensation after a Facebook site he started with the simple aim of sharing his photographs of the outback with family and friends, became a worldwide hit.

Pygmy Bluetongue: Until 1992 the pygmy blue-tongue lizard was considered extinct, now a community in South Australia's mid-north is rallying to keep the little lizard off the endangered list. Interview with Federal Agriculture Minister, Barnaby Joyce: In the past week industry reports into competition policy have flooded in, Pip Courtney asks Barnaby Joyce if this is an opportunity to implement significant change in the farming sector. National Treasures: In Arnhem Land, Indigenous rangers are in a race against time to save Aboriginal rock art, most of which is under threat

Salt Water Future: The move to counter increasing imports of barramundi comes as the WA Government proclaims a new aquaculture zone in the Kimberley region, which could also provide a huge lift to three nearby Aboriginal communities. Farm Magic: Around Australia a handful of 19th century farmhouses are slowly regaining the magnificence of their past lives but as renovators rebuild and restore, they're uncovering secrets hidden from view for nearly 200 years. Gingerly: The Federal Agriculture Minister, Barnaby Joyce is playing down concerns over the decision to allow ginger imports from Fiji, but ginger growers say it's only a matter of time before devastating diseases arrive in the country.

Kimberley Water: The West Australian Government is investing a record $300 million in a plan to help create new small scale irrigation enterprises, to tap into the growing demand for protein and high quality produce in Asia. China Trees: After years of negotiation a Victorian commercial tree farm is about to send their first batch of ornamental trees to China. Vintage Mill: At 60 years of age Ralph Affleck designed and built a saw mill that he could solely run, now 84-years-old the Killarney local is considered a legend around town. Bearing Fruit: When the Federal Government offered advice instead of helping SCP Ardmona out of financial trouble last year, the company took up Canberra's suggestion to modernise, and have invested $100 million in to new products.

Capital Cattlemen: The potential of Northern Australia to provide Asia with quality food is driving a bold investment in the cattle industry by one of Australia's richest men. Fighting Back: Two years after bushfires devastated the seaside village of Dunalley in Tasmania's south-east we visit some of the local farming community to see how they are recovering from natural disaster. Indian Wool: Fashion designer, Rahul Mishra, is the first Indian designer to win the International Woolmark Prize, just days after his sell out collection was showcased at Paris Fashion week; he paid his first visit to an Australian wool property.

Great Expectations: A new abattoir near Darwin was due to begin processing cattle in September but the $100 million plant is not yet up and running and the company behind it, the Australian Agricultural Company or AACo, won't reveal what's causing the hold-up. Killer Cats: The Federal Government has announced a ten year plan to effectively eradicate feral cats that are carrying diseases which are being passed on to sheep in Tasmania, with disastrous consequences. Ladies Day: Life on a remote cattle station is tough on women, so it's no wonder they crave a weekend away surrounded by friends and free from everyday responsibilities.

Carbon Farming: How will farmers and Aboriginal communities with existing carbon abatement schemes adapt to the Abbott Government's Direct Action climate change policy. Farmer Green: The ABC Rural Farmer of the Year is an orchardist who grows apples at Lenswood near Adelaide and despite running a small family business, Robert Green has been able to achieve extraordinary results. Wrapped Up: Some savvy scientists think they might have worked out a way for cotton growers in Central Queensland to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature, using the most unlikely of materials. Tocal: Tocal College just north of Maitland in New South Wales is just one of a handful of remaining agricultural colleges in Australia. Still run as a working farm, Tocal has recently won a major award for its enduring architectural significance.

Back of Beyond: The remarkable story behind the making of that classic 1954 film 'The Back of Beyond' and the man it was all about, Tom Kruse. Greenwheat: Greenwheat freekeh has been around for thousands of years in some parts of the world, but it's taken a South Australian businessman to try and get an industry going. Hydro Wood: An ambitious project to log forests drowned when Tasmania's remote Pieman River was dammed, is closer to reality as a local company undergoes rigorous testing.

Camel Cull: A feral camel culling program has taken the pressure off sensitive environmental areas and farm infrastructure but critics are questioning if wild camels should be seen as a pest or a resource? Army Rations: The Federal Government's $19m investment in military food research is a welcome economic boost for the struggling country town of Scottsdale in Tasmania however there's little in it for local farmers. Planting Push: The loss of so much cane land has put pressure on the sugar cane industry in Mackay but the local mill is using a range of measures to get thousands more hectares planted to cane. Trout Tales: Anglers across the country have been marking 150 years since the arrival of the first trout eggs into Australia.