Mid West and Wheatbelt Rural Report
Friday, January 9, 2009
Latest Report
Coastal study examines future human impact
The largest ever study into the impact of people on the Kimberley coast has found there is likely to be a consolidation of the population and there will be some impacts on the natural environment.
But precisely what the impact might be is still to be discovered.
The study, carried out by researchers from the University of WA, covers the area from Kalbarri to the Northern Territory border.
Dr Amanada Davies, Research Fellow at the University of WA says the study was trying to find the answers to some basic questions.
Banana industry stabilised
Carnarvon banana growers will receive higher prices for their crop this year than their Queensland counterparts.
It's the first time growers in the west have been able to attract the higher prices by exploiting a niche in the market.
Tom Day Chair of the Sweeter Banana Co-operative says the prices will stabilise the industry
Harvest records tumble
The wheatbelt harvest is breaking records right across the northern zone.
The result isn't spread evenly, there are some areas out to the east where yields haven't been as impressive as growers would have liked, but overall it's right on the edge of being a record crop.
Duncan Gray, CBH's Geraldton zone manager says its only a matter of time before the zone record tumbles
Western Australia Features
Back breaking harvest of the 1930's
To help celebrate West Australian based Co-operative Bulk Handling's 75th anniversary locals from the northern wheatbelt town of Carnamah took a step back in time.
Paddock to Port journey continues
The paddock to port journey continues as we follow a load of wheat from the farm where it was grown to the point where it leaves Australia to head for its overseas destination.
Paddock to port journey begins
Western Australia's grain harvest is underway and it provides the perfect opportunity to follow a load of wheat on its journey from paddock to port.
The Country Hour - Bush Christmas
If you’re on the road on Christmas Day, or just sitting at home wondering what the rest of the nation is up to, join Matt Brann for The Country Hour's Bush Christmas.
The Surf and Turf Tour
In the far north of Western Australia lies a stretch of cattle stations, bordered by the Great Sandy Desert and Indian Ocean.
Plum puddings filled with lashings of Christmas cheer
If you're after plenty of Christmas cheer this festive season, then the Cold Esky Challenge has found the place to be.
Surf and Turf Tour: Mandora
Pete Edmunds hopes he can retire at the Mandora Cattle Station, "as long as a cyclone doesn't blow me over!"
Shallamah Station: Making the most of the La Grange Aquifer
From the Great Northern Highway you wouldn't have a clue that tucked away in amongst the pindan scrub is one of the Kimberley's largest irrigation projects.
Surf and Turf Tour: Wallal Downs
"All I know is that I live in the desert!"
The Cold Esky Challenge has caught the cherry fever
There's a strong cherry flavour to this week's Cold Esky Challenge, as we try and salvage all the fruit split by heavy falls of November rain.
