While we don't want to be encouraging people out of agriculture, we need to acknowledge the number of farmers who will be thinking seriously about whether to keep going or make a change.

FIVE years ago, who could have imagined that a single disease could lead to the destruction of 25 per cent of the global pig population?

When we live in one of the world's most privileged and developed countries, how can country people still face 12 months' wait to see a psychologist in their local area?

As we entered the spring ram selling season, I really wasn't sure what to expect, but I'll be the first one to admit I wouldn't have bet on there being so many stud records and significant average price rises

I SHOULD be well and truly prepared by now, but the start of harvest still takes me by surprise every year.

I OFTEN cast my mind forward to 2024, when the Murray-Darling Basin Plan's water recovery process is meant to be finalised.

Feedback about the state government's proposed new trespass penalties has been overwhelmingly against the measures, and against the livestock sector as a whole.

For some farmers, this year is already a write-off. Clouds of dust are more common than rain clouds, paddocks sown to crops remain bare and more and more livestock is being sold just to help producers make it through.

I HAD a wonderful childhood, growing up on a farm, enjoying the open space and clean air. There's nothing more I could've wanted - or so I thought.

THE Royal Adelaide Show can be chaos - a thousand flashing lights, sounds and announcements all trying to attract your attention, not to mention the people walking everywhere, in all directions, all the time.