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One of WA's biggest blueberry companies has launched a lawsuit claiming it is owed over $14 million in incorrect payments for blueberry licencing royalties. Inset: United Exports varietal manager Roger Horak.

Blueberry BattlePremiumBlueberry bust-up: $14 million legal stoush over royalties

A royalty licensing dispute has erupted after one of WA’s biggest blueberry companies claimed it is owed more than $28 million in growers’ royalties.

Georgia Campion

Cattle Australia ceo Will Evans.

US TARIFFSAussie farmers’ mixed response to US beef import ruling

Australian cattle farmers have hit back at Donald Trump’s claims American beef will “flood” the market down under.

Cally Dupe, Caitlyn Rintoul and Jackson Hewett

Troy Williams has quit his role as the NFF chief executive after five months in the role.

Sudden VacancyPremiumNFF CEO quits role five months after taking reins

National Farmers Federation chief executive Troy Williams has quit the job five months after taking the role, citing personal reasons.

Georgia Campion

Tattarang chief executive John Hartman speaks at the Bringing Dowerin Downtown Lunch 2025.

FEEDING BOOMPremiumFeeding the future: Koojan Downs drives WA beef expansion

Western Australia’s biggest private agri-investor says the State’s beef industry is hitting its stride, with its flagship Koojan Downs feeding facility nearing full capacity just four years after opening.

Cally Dupe

A mix of delayed turnoff due to seasonal conditions, booming export orders — especially from the Middle East, US, and Asia — and a low Australian dollar has driven intense demand for quality stock.

RECORD PRICESSheeeep! WA lamb price smashed at $320 per head

WA’s lamb price record has toppled six times in a week, with a pen of heavy lambs sold at Katanning Regional Sheep Saleyards reaching a new high of $320 per head.

Cally Dupe and Georgia Campion

Five people died on Western Australian farms in 2024 — more than double the number recorded in 2023.

Countryman NewsPremiumNumber of WA farm deaths, accidents ‘extremely concerning’

New national figures have revealed a disturbing rise in fatalities across the agricultural sector.

Cally Dupe

NEW SHOES CommentsPremiumWell-known WA auctioneer back in boots after legs amputated

Tiny Holly has just notched two new milestones in his career. 

Cally Dupe

Australian wool market has continued the positive start to the 2025-26 wool selling season, with the EMI rising 10 cents to finish at 1221c/kg, its highest level in three months.

continued growthPremiumAustralia’s wool market reaches a three month high

Australia’s wool market has reached a three-month high following renewed inquiry from Chinese buyers, sparking optimism across the industry.

Melissa Pedelty

Manjimup’s own Thea Walker will represent WA as a finalist for Australia’s top young ag leadership award

National Rural Ambassador Award PremiumManjimup’s Thea Walker running for young ag leadership award

Manjimup’s own Thea Walker will be representing WA as a finalist for Australia’s top young ag leadership award this year

Craig Duncan

Kojonup’s Libby Hardingham, 17, has grown up helping out on her grandparents farm and working with stud and commercial sheep on her family friend’s farm.

NATIONAL FINALISTPremiumLibby Hardingham Merino Fleece Judge national finalist

Kojonup’s Libby Hardingham has been selected to represent WA in the race to be Australia’s best young merino fleece judge in September. 

Hannah Whitehead

Brookton-based farmer Gary Eva, CSBP senior account manager Miles Ellery and farmer Rosalie Eva used plant sampling for the 2025 cropping season.

GET GROWINGBrookton farmer has cropping win with CSBP plant sampling

CSBP Fertilisers is urging WA growers to start plant sampling this cropping season to better support optimal growth and maximise returns. 

Hannah Whitehead

Fremantle Ports chief executive Jodie Ransom said fees had been kept below CPI for the past five years, and that the organisation had been absorbing rising costs. 

TradeCommentsPremiumFremantle Port slugs customers on new wharf and mooring fees

Big scheduled hikes on Fremantle Ports’ ship and cargo charges have triggered backlash among its customers who have lashed the highest increases of 295 per cent as an “excessive cash grab”.

Simone Grogan

The decline is primarily due to poor rain in regions usually responsible for the bulk of the wheat harvest.

AgriculturePremiumWA set for smaller wheat crop after poor rainfall

Western Australia’s wheat production is expected to decline this season following poor rainfall across some regions, according to an industry group, which issued its first estimates for the year.

Ben Westcott

The front page of South West NRM’s reconciliation action plan.

NAIDOC WeekPremiumNRM launches first environmental reconciliation action plan

With NAIDOC week in full swing, South West NRM revealed they have been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia to launch the South West’s first reconciliation action plan.

Craig Duncan

Jersey cattled raised on regenerative farm in Pemberton.

Open for commentPremiumContentious cattle grid policy opened up for public review

A contentious cattle grid policy from the Shire of Nannup has been opened up for public review following concern from local farmers.

Craig Duncan

Feild work volunteer Willain Thomas, researcher Dr Joshua Kestel and field work volunteer Lily Whelehan.

Something a-buzzPremiumResearchers a-buzz with findings to boost avocado production

Research from Curtin University has reviled the hidden role patches on native vegetation alongside farmland play in avocado production, giving a home to countless insect pollinators. 

Craig Duncan

Mundella is a well-known brand selling yogurts.

Administration and liquidationPremiumDebts pass $16m in sticky situation for dairy business

The future of dairy empire Mundella hangs in the balance amid revelations the yoghurt-maker’s debts have surged beyond a whopping $16 million.

Matt Mckenzie

The US taste for Australian beef will remain strong as local supply declines due to higher costs. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

AgricultureBright spots in agriculture amid market volatility

Demand for Aussie beef looks set to remain strong, with reason for "cautious optimism" across agriculture after months of extreme weather and trade uncertainty.

Stephanie Gardiner

The train line in the Mid West region.

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
State PoliticsCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Movement at the station in WA’s bid to buy back railways

The State Government’s mission to buy back WA freight railways from a Canadian investment behemoth has advanced beyond a seemingly frosty start earlier this year.

Simone Grogan

Avocado production in Australia is down about 15 per cent but is expected to soon bounce back. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

AgriculturePremiumAvo production smashed, but still 20 for every Aussie

Millennials don't have to mourn the loss of their beloved smashed avo toast, with lower production of the fruit expected to be short-lived.

Stephanie Gardiner

Mundella is an award-winning brand selling yogurts.

Administration and liquidationCommentsPremiumFresh twist emerges after collapse of Mundella Foods

A fresh twist has emerged following the demise of Mundella Foods, Margaret River Dairy Company and Cheeky Cow.

Matt Mckenzie

A cattleman and a veterinarian face charges after police recovered a herd of livestock. (Tracey Nearmy/AAP PHOTOS)

AgriculturePremiumFrozen semen and embryos found amid hot cattle caper

A former cattleman is facing charges of stealing over 100 cattle from his boss along with semen and embryos to gain financial return of about $200,000.

Tom Wark

Roe MLA Peter Rundle blasted the State Budget as creating a “country versus city” divide.

STATE BUDGET 2025-26PremiumState Budget 2025 full of ‘wrong priorities’, Roe MLA says

The Member for Roe has slammed WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti’s State Budget, tabled on Thursday, as “city-focused” and a document full of “wrong priorities”.

Melissa Sheil

Farmers Across Borders' first hay run to South Australia will set off in late July, it's biggest convoy to date.

Convoy of CompassionCommentsPremiumFarmers Across Borders drives solidarity with first hay run

WA’s first hay run to South Australia will set off in late July, as farmers lend a helping hand to their drought-affected neighbours. 

Melissa Pedelty