In today's National Rural News: Red meat production suffers fall in the last quarter, experts call for more dwellings in the regions to combat nationwide housing shortfalls, Far North Queensland cotton growers welcome bumper crop -- plus the latest from the markets and more.

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Cotton growers in Far North Queensland are experiencing a bumper crop.

Yields in the region are usually four bales per hectare, but growers say this year's crop is closer to seven bales per hectare.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke to Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray about the crop.

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National Rural News Wednesday August 20

In today's National Rural News: 189,000 jobs supported by the red meat processing sector, algal bloom financial relief expanded, varroa mite detected in Gippsland -- plus the latest from the markets and more.

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A new report has found the red meat processing sector is a significant employer in Australia.

The Australian Meat Processor Corporation research shows more than 189 thousand jobs across 300 communities are supported by the sector.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Markets and Insights Manager Seamus Hoban about the research

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National Rural News Tuesday August 19

In today's National Rural News: Milk production levels falter, grape exporter fines more than a million dollars, cane burning returns to central Queensland -- plus the latest from the markets and more.

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An abundance of standover from last year's cane crop in North Queensland is leading to a rise in pre-harvest burn offs.

The practice was largely phased out in the region when new harvester technology was developed in the 1990s.

Rural Reporter Dusty Fitzpatrick spoke with Mackay Canegrowers Chairman Joseph Borg about the events.

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In today's National Rural News: tragedy on a regional highway, animal activist group loses court battle, the date industry experiencing a rise in demand -- plus the latest from the markets and more.

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There are hopes a shift in consumer trends could help date growers become more established in Australia's agriculture sector.

The Australian Date Growers Association says producers are experiencing a surge in demand.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Produce distribution company Freshmax's Mike Tyler.

Listen to the full interview above or Subscribe to the National Rural News podcast: http://bit.ly/RuralNewsPodcast

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