Norco lifts farmgate milk price, warns more support needed for farmers
Norco, Australia’s oldest and last operating 100 per cent farmer-owned dairy co-operative, has announced a five cent per litre increase to its farmgate milk price from May 2026, while calling on the wider industry to step up and better support farmers as soaring input costs intensify pressure across the sector.
Sheepish markets: Where futures go to die
As the WA sheep industry watches in disbelief the rollout of the federal government’s transition package — where $139 million seems to be evaporating before our eyes — one thing is becoming painfully clear. The design of the funding means the vast majority of sheep producers impacted by the end of live exports won’t see a cent.
A budding friendship: Harvey Norman becomes major sponsor of rose fest
Madison Eastmond. A Renmark business has become a major sponsor of the reinstated 2026 Riverland Rose and Garden Festival after pledging of upwards of $5000 in support for the event. Locally owned business, Harvey Norman Renmark, has become one of the first major sponsors of the upcoming Riverland Rose and Garden Festival.
Allora welcomes a new business to town
The Little Flower Shop is the latest addition to our distinctive and interesting main street. Owners Jacinta and James Lax have moved into a totally renovated studio which previously housed Piston Pumps.
Tough times take a toll on small business
A mainstay of the Corryong CBD will close its doors at the end of the month. Hobie's Sports Store has been an iconic business in the town's main street for 75 years but changes in people's purchasing habits over recent years and the current economic climate has forced the hand of owners Mick and Kerrie Butler ... Ron Hoban purchased the hairdresser and tobacconist shop in the early 1950s, at the height of the construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme.
Business spotlight – Nhill Post Office
Nhill's Licensed Post Office is welcoming customers under new ownership, offering a broad range of postal, travel and retail services for the local community. Along with everyday post office services, the Nhill Licensed Post Office provides passport lodgements and photos, foreign exchange, travel cards, travel insurance and complete travel solutions, as well as TattsLotto services.
NFF Horticulture Council welcomes review of Code of Conduct
The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council has welcomed today’s announcement by the Australian Government of an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct. NFF Horticulture Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said the review is a timely opportunity to strengthen fairness and transparency in Australia’s rapidly expanding horticulture sector.
Horticulture Code of Conduct review: Collins, Leigh
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to a strong horticulture industry in Australia and is today announcing that Mr Chris Leptos AO will lead an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct ... The Code regulates trade between growers and traders of wholesale unprocessed fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs, to ensure transparency and clarity of transactions.Â
Call to love Riverland wine this summer
A Riverland MP is urging locals and visitors to show their support for the region's wine industry while enjoying the summer holiday season. Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone launched his Local Labels campaign last week, highlighting the range of Riverland wines available from wineries, liquor stores and venues like hotels, clubs, cafés and restaurants. "This summer is the perfect time to celebrate and the exceptional wines that our region produces, while also sending a clear message that this is an industry worth fighting for," Mr Whetstone said.
It’s cheaper to live in England now? Plus your Christmas weather
In the Christmas instalment of No Drama Farmer, Fiona L Fox joins us to talk about koala numbers plus is England cheaper than Australia? (cost of living) it might be!
London’s calling and it’s cheaper to eat there: TasFarmers
The peak body for Tasmanian farmers, TasFarmers, is today calling for an inquiry and full analysis of Australia’s food supply chain, from farm gate to supermarket shelf, after revealing that fresh produce is now cheaper in London than in Launceston.
Mandating cash acceptance: Chalmers
Community feedback confirmed grocery and fuel purchases are essential and today’s changes mean that from 1 January 2026, most retailers must accept cash for in-person transactions of $500 or less between 7am and 9pm. Small businesses with aggregate annual turnover under $10 million will be exempted from the mandate, however, the mandate will apply to small businesses that choose to share a trademark with a larger retailer.
Co-op switches focus to online model
Five years after establishing a community-driven food system in the Upper Murray, the Acres & Acres Co-op paused operations at its retail outlet ... to review the business. Following a trial period, Acres and Acres is now operating under a new model and a new board ... "The new model has already allowed us to reduce the price of many products in-store as our markups are very low.
Weather data pinpoints best beaches near you for Christmas 2025
A sea of red Santa hats on the beach is a common Christmas Day sight in Australia, and a new study pinpoints the exact beaches near you that almost guarantee perfect beachside weather conditions this December 25th 2025.
Australia’s first large-scale product range made from recycled soft plastics hits retail shelves
After years of uncertainty over what happens to household soft plastics, a new Australian partnership is proving they can be recycled, and reused, locally, and at scale ... ARR.News interviews Matthew Holloway from the Holloway Group and Danial Gallagher from iQRenew.
All you need is local
You’ve no doubt heard the phrase: ‘Shop Local’ but have you really thought about why it matters? As we head into the summer months and the festive time of year, there’s a lot of pressure to spend money on gifts, entertaining and looking our best; let’s be thoughtful about where and how we part with our hard-earned bucks. You don’t need to go very far to make a difference.
The latest on Op Shop and Ukraine appeal
...There are now 18 volunteers contributing to the work of running the Op Shop, each person has unique skills and creative talents to contribute ... Overseas donations have been sent to Indonesia, supporting a child who has been able to attend school and receive helpful items, and to Ukraine and Niger with boxes of jumpers, beanies, scarves, bandages.
Buy Australian made this Christmas – Toowoomba Bush Christmas Exhibition 2025
Over 100 regional artists, gourmet producers and hand crafters from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia will showcase their talents at this year’s Bush Christmas Exhibition in Toowoomba, Queensland.
MiniJumbuk: 50 years of wool, warmth and community spirit
Naracoorte's much-loved woollen bedding manufacturer, MiniJumbuk, is celebrating an extraordinary milestone — 50 years in business. From humble beginnings, the woollen bedding company’s story is woven with innovation, resilience, and an enduring connection to our community. With a $30 million annual turnover, no debt, 70 employees, and a new expansion underway in Naracoorte ...
Worth the wait
Much needed rain yesterday put smiles on farmers' faces and also gave them a reason to head along to the opening of the new A-G Warehouse Store in Corryong along with local residents. More than 20 supplier partners were onsite ranging from seed, harvest supplies, fencing, animal health, farm supplies, workwear and stockfeed companies.
Wheatsheaf turns over new leaf
Local couple Isaac Anderson and fiancé Matilda Moore have taken over the reins at East Greenmount's Wheatsheaf Hotel and have bold new plans for the historic establishment. Isaac and Matilda officially took over the pub and the adjoining café The Wheatsheaf Store on Sunday, 28 September and it has been closed ahead of a grand re-opening taking place this Saturday, 18 October from 11am until late.
Consumers pay more while farmers are crushed by cheap imports: TasFarmers
Tasmanian potato growers are turning the spotlight on multinational food giants as anger builds over price cuts being forced on farmers and the dumping of foreign produce into the Australian market. Farmers are set to rally today in Deloraine to draw the public’s attention and that of the broader commercial community to the way food processors, supermarkets, and fast-food chains are impacting Tasmania’s farming industry.

