Riverina Rural Report
Friday, January 9, 2009
Latest Report
Fruit fly outbreak threatens export market
A pre-christmas fruit fly outbreak in Narrandera has caused some concern for growers in the Riverina.
The outbreak is believed to be contained but locals are asking people to be aware of what they bring into the region.
Leader of the fruit fly control monitoring program, Maryanne Nolan says if the outbreak does spread, it could have a devastating effect on the surrounding towns and their fruit export markets.
The protected areas include Narrandera, Leeton, Colleambly, Griffith and Hillston.
Down at the local
Country pubs have a certain vibe about them, not only are they the watering hole but an important local meeting point.
Simon Crump stopped by the Eurabolong hotel and spoke to the publican Rod Kerr.
Make over your community hall
Does your local hall need a makeover? Looking a little ragged around the edges?
They do act as important spaces for rural communities and the State Government has recognised this, announcing a two point five million dollar Country Halls Renewal Package.
Communities of less than ten thousand people can apply for up to fifty thousand dollars in funding to renovate, extend or upgrade their hall.
You do need to have your local council's support, so have a chat to them and call the Office of Rural Affairs on 1800 801 738 for an application.
Biggest berry crop in ten years
While some farmers across the region are evaluating and calculating just how successful or unsuccessful the last year has been, some are celebrating their biggest crop in a decade.
Manager Huntly Berry Farm, Brian McCarthy has been with the farm for the last 8 years, and says its the best crop he's seen.
Markets
Wagga sheep and lamb with Leanne Dax.
Dubbo cattle with Neil Geddies.
To listen to the report follow the links on the top right of this page.
New South Wales Features
Spurs dig, chaps fly at rodeo
Cowboys and cowgirls gave it their best shot on both horse and bull in front of a crowd of thousands at the Wingham Summertime Rodeo on the NSW mid-north coast.
Cowboy up for the Wingham Rodeo
Throwing on his chaps for one of the first rodeos of year will be 2008 PBR Australian Champion Bull Rider Pete Farley.
Having a bell on Christmas
What flower did the early settlers use to celebrate Christmas? It was a red and yellow bell flower from New South Wales.
An ancient sport getting people fit
People are turning to dragon boat racing as a way to get fit and meet new people.
Second generation locust hatching
A second generation of locusts has started hatching in the Riverina.
Touring Australia's shearing history
Take a personal tour of the Errowanbang shed. Built in the late 1800s, the 40-stand shed is multi-level and still in use today.
Broken Hill's mining history captured through mineral art
Usually you'd associate minerals with making items like mobile phones, houses or cars - but what about using minerals to make art?
Healthy lifestyle plan cooked up in Goulburn
Once vandalised railway buildings in the New South Wales city of Goulburn have been given new life, as a place to learn new life skills, including healthy cooking.
Bushies Day Out at Bulga
Tales of rum drinking horses and bullock cuts to the throat make this small town rodeo legendary.
Getting the crop off before the rains
Farmers across the NSW grain belt are working around the clock to finish harvest before the rains.
