Michael Condon

1 week ago | abc.net.au | David Claughton |Michael Condon

The first winner of what is regarded as one of the most prestigious food awards in the country has claimed it for a second time, almost two decades later. Tathra Oysters has been awarded the 18th annual Royal Agricultural Society of NSW President's Medal at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. It's not only a shot in the arm for the business, but also for the oyster industry on the NSW South Coast which has suffered through bushfires, flood, emergencies and even an ex-tropical cyclone.

4 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Amelia Bernasconi |Lara Webster |Michael Condon |Cara Jeffery

A NSW parliamentary inquiry heard fears that sheep prices for Australia's eastern state producers could drop heavily as live export was being phased out. The report handed down this week made only one recommendation — monitoring industry trends. NSW Farmers says it will continue to push for more action to address the impacts. Farming groups have slammed the findings of a NSW government inquiry into the impact of the live sheep export ban on the state after it delivered just one recommendation.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Michael Condon |Lara Webster

A semi-hard goats cheese made in South Australia has been named Champion Cheese. It's the first time a goats cheese has won the Royal Agricultural Society's top award. One judge said hard cheeses of this kind are "unusual and rare". For the first time in 150 years of judging, the Annual Trophy for the Champion Cheese of Show at the Royal Agricultural Society's dairy awards has been awarded to a goats cheese.

Dec 1, 2024 | abc.net.au | Lily McCure |David Claughton |Michael Condon

A report has found that the $13 billion investment into the Murray Darling basin is "failing". The report released by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists found that across 27 indicators used to measure the effectiveness of the basin plan, 74 per cent showed no improvement or a decline in conditions. The report has provided recommendations for the Murray Darling Basin Plan, which is expected to be reviewed in 2026.

Oct 12, 2024 | abc.net.au | David Claughton |Michael Condon

The "glass ceiling" is not restricted to cities and corporate offices. Female farmers say it also reaches the remote properties they live and work on. A Department of Education rule requiring academic supervision for primary school-aged children makes career progression difficult for women on the land. Many say the cost and availability of other options leaves them little alternative but to educate their kids themselves.