Jane McNaughton
Ballarat, VIC
Growing up on a farm in Gippsland, Jane has always had a passion for regional Victoria. With a keen eye on media and politics since primary school, not that it's great playground talk, she knew that a career in the news was her calling. Working in Rural and News, Jane has paired her love of the country and drive for journalism.
Latest by Jane McNaughton
Farmers relieved ACCC will investigate supermarkets but say problem goes beyond pricing
Farmers say the current food supply chain model is a "broken system" that gives supermarkets too much power and long-term solutions are needed.
Farmers frustrated after BOM's El Niño forecast proves costly
Livestock producers say unreliable long-term weather forecasts have played havoc with sheep and cattle prices, after farmers made business decisions based on media reports.
Aussie lamb prices expected to rise in coming weeks following spike in saleyard sheep prices
After Australia's two largest supermarket chains were accused of delaying price reductions for lamb despite a plummet in saleyard prices, questions now turn to how long it will take for them to increase prices as the market improves.
Weather conditions set to ease in Victoria's north, towns told to remain alert for flooding
Impact assessments are underway in Rochester, as weather conditions and flood risk are set to ease for parts of the state.
Bid to sack Victorian Farmers Federation leadership dismissed in Federal Court
Victoria's peak farming body has won a Federal Court case brought by disgruntled members to remove leader Emma Germano and other members of the leadership team.
China lifts restrictions on Australian abattoirs as trade tensions ease
Analysts say the protracted bans were part of a campaign of economic punishment conducted by China against Australia due to political tensions.
Minister for food proposed as farmers seek accountability for 'avalanche of bad ideas'
A year-long parliamentary inquiry focused on the future of Australia's food security recommends introducing a minister for food among its 35 recommendations to the federal government.
Nearly 600 sheep stolen from Victorian farm after owner loses theft insurance
Police are urging members of the public to keep an eye out for suspiciously cheap breeding rams after the sheep were stolen from a property on the Sunraysia Highway.
Three Victorian Farmers Federation board directors quit over 'lack of consultation'
The internal battle for the future of Victoria's peak farming body has intensified today, following the shock exit of three board directors citing communication issues.
Micro abattoir approved in Victoria's Central Highlands
A micro abattoir in Victoria's central highlands gets the local council's green light promising improved animal welfare and a secure supply chain for local farmers.
Farmers turn to sheep that shed, as shearing shortage continues
Ageing farmers, tree changers, and fewer shearers drive the transition towards sheep that shed rather than needing to be shorn.
Victorian council votes in favour of banning commercial kangaroo shooting
Mount Alexander Shire will lobby the state government to voice its support for a ban on commercial roo shooting in the region.
Battery eggs on the way out — eventually — as ministers agree they have to go
An egg industry advocate says farmers will need to be compensated if a suggested end date for battery hens in Australia becomes a reality.
Food waste is costing Australian households up to $3,000 a year
About 7.6 million tonnes of unnecessary food waste is thrown in the bin by Australians every year.
Vic, SA offshore wind zone could power 8.4m homes, give jobs to 6,000
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says an offshore wind zone in the Southern Ocean will help unlock "cheaper, cleaner" energy security.
Western Victorian wind farm plans fail to mention brolga nests, say residents
Plans to build wind farms in western Victoria are making residents of Brewster, west of Ballarat, anxious about noise, shadow flicker and the population of nearby endangered brolgas.
Victorian flower farmer invents award-winning app encouraging people to buy local
In a bid to encourage Australians to buy locally grown flowers, a young entrepreneur in western Victoria designs a digital marketplace to connect producers with the local market.
Critics say $250k loans for fruit growers devastated by hailstorms a drop in the ocean
Fruit growers in regional Victoria are being offered concessional loans to recover after hailstorms destroyed crops, but industry advocates say it will only touch the surface for medium and large-scale producers.
High costs, shortages and a push for free-range eggs show cracks in industry
The phasing out of caged eggs and higher production costs for farmers continues to impact the supply of eggs to consumers.
AEMO bails on transmission line meeting as farmers protest 'lemon' project
The Australian Energy Market Operator has refused to attend an energy infrastructure consultation meeting in western Victoria after hundreds of people arrived to voice their opposition.
Seven protesters charged with trespass following alleged break-in at Benalla abattoir
Seven animal activists have been charged with trespassing after they allegedly broke into an abattoir in Benalla and chained themselves to machinery.
Sparks fly as energy experts call plans for transmission projects 'monumental mistake'
Energy experts call on state and federal governments and AEMO to scrap major projects planned for Victoria, warning they will lead to higher bills and greater blackout and bushfire risks.
Small-scale pig farmers call for end of carbon dioxide stunning
With a centralisation of pig abattoirs owned by large multinationals, many small-scale pig farmers say they have limited choices on where to send their pigs for slaughter.
Pork industry hits back at slaughter process criticism after 'distressing' footage of gassing made public
The pork industry says stunning pigs with carbon dioxide gas before slaughter is "science-backed" and legal, after footage of the practice shot by animal rights activists was aired by the ABC's 7.30 program.
How farmers are fighting back against power price hikes
Farmers faced with 30 per cent electricity bill rises are finding ways to streamline their operations and generate their own power to temper price volatility.