Joshua Becker
Bega, NSW
Joshua Becker is the rural reporter at ABC South East NSW.
Before joining ABC Rural, Joshua worked producing programs for ABC Local Radio in Wodonga, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Sydney.
He grew up in Tumut in the Riverina, so it wasn't far down the road to reach Bega and start reporting on the wide range of industries in the region, from commercial fishing along the coast, the rich dairying region around Bega and the historic grazing country on the Monaro.
An occasional musician and sports tragic there is plenty to keep Joshua busy in the south east.
You can hear Joshua Monday to Friday on the ABC South East at 6:38am with all the latest rural news from the southeast and Gippsland regions.
Latest by Joshua Becker
Farmer says virtual fencing 'appropriate', but RSPCA says electric shock causes 'acute stress' to animals
Momentum is growing in one of Australia's largest cattle-producing states to overturn a ban on virtual fencing technology. However, a peak animal welfare charity says using electric shocks to train animals raises significant ethical and animal welfare concerns.
Cold water, shade sails and sprinklers keeping cows cool as heatwave builds
Dairy cows are one of the animals most susceptible to heat stress, which can result in reduced milk production and fertility. As temperatures soar, farmers look to keep their cows cool.
Farmers 'get creative' with bonus incentives to keep key workers
As worker shortages worsen across Australia, some farmers are offering enticements such as cash bonuses, housing and food to retain prized employees.
140mm of rain for the year then 116mm in a night puts 'smiles on dials' of farmers doing it tough
After one of the worst winter seasons, heavy rain "means a hell of a lot" to many producers in New South Wales, where 70 per cent of the state is in drought.
$19m circular economy centre planned for NSW farming town
A plan to build a centre focused on the development of circular economies has been announced for Bega, New South Wales.
Coastal water rights cut for drought-affected farmers one year after they were tripled
Farmers say they have been blindsided by the NSW government's decision to remove water rights from coastal landholders, while the Nature Conservation Council says it will protect critical wetlands.
Why are consumers missing out as lamb prices plummet at the saleyards?
With some lambs and sheep selling for as little as $2 a head, why are consumers only just starting to see minor price cuts at the supermarket?
Gerard Dennis grew up 600km from the coast, now he hopes to be crowned the best oyster shucker in the world
A south coast oyster farmer who can shuck 30 in under three minutes hopes that's quick enough to beat the world's best.
Investigation focuses on illegal live bee imports as deadly infestation spreads
Key information from the NSW Department of Primary Industries has sparked a federal investigation into illegal live bee imports as the state battles 215 infestations of varroa mite.
'Extremely scary': Dairy farmers, ACCC concerned about Coles' bid to buy milk processing plants
Farmers and the nation's competition watchdog are worried about a deal that could see Coles control a large part of the milk supply chain.
Funding to control feral pigs in NSW nearly triples to $13m after 100k animals culled
Wet conditions over the last few years have led to a massive increase in feral pig numbers in NSW. Despite vast numbers of the pests being culled, the state government and landowners say more must be done.
Wool dumped in landfill as cost of living drives demand and price down
The luxury fibre has fallen out of favour amid a global slowdown, with some producers choosing to dump lower-grade fleece instead of paying to store it.
Researchers release first captive-bred stocky galaxias fish into NSW Snowy Mountains to boost numbers
More than 120 stocky galaxias — prioritised among 100 species in Australia considered most at risk of extinction — were released into an artificial refuge site.
After more than a year without a post office, this community is taking matters into its own hands
Fed up with having to travel 40 minutes to pick up their mail, residents of Dalgety in New South Wales have decided to reopen their post office with volunteers.
Profits plunge 74 per cent as milk price hike catches Bega Cheese off guard
They may be good for dairy farmers, but record farmgate milk prices are starting to hit processor profit margins.
What does the future hold for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party when NSW heads to the polls?
Previously seen as an alternative to the Nationals, the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party has lost all three of its lower house members since the 2019 NSW election. Can the party recover, or will the Nationals and independents shine through?
Australians avoid this meat, but export markets are hungry for more as prices fall
For the first time since 2016, mutton prices to producers have dropped below $3 a kilogram, but demand from China and the United States is strong.
Record $350,000 fine for cotton grower who illegally took nearly double their water allocation
A NSW irrigator pleads guilty to building a dam without approval and knowingly pumping almost double their water allocation from the Gwydir River for years.
The untold story behind Cobargo's beloved Christmas Eve town party
For more than 70 years, generations of Rhonda Ayliffe's family and the Cobargo community have worked together to host the town's annual Christmas Eve party. This is the story of how it all began.
Corporates out, family farmers in as rural property bucks downturn
New South Wales farmland prices have risen despite an interest rate hike causing pain in the residential market.
Hugo's life-threatening condition will be treated in the UK thanks to 50 donated cows
Bega Valley farmers have rallied to support Hugo D'Arcy access vital treatment by donating generously to their Donate a Cow fundraiser.
'Ridiculous' planning rules ousted, farmers embrace glamping and farmstay businesses
Farmers in NSW are able to open their gates for weddings, glamping and other tourism-related businesses to diversify their incomes, but some say a headache is brewing for local governments.
Farmers bid to preserve saltmarshes as they protect more than 88,000 homes from storms
In the past the coastal ecosystems have been viewed as wastelands, but a NSW agency says they can absorb eight times as much carbon as "land-based" forests and farmers are joining the effort to preserve them.
Sheep, cattle prices fall as farmers 'woken up' in run to Christmas
Livestock prices are sliding, prompting some farmers to make the unusual call to pass their cattle in as the market correction from last year's peak hits home.
Waterlogged sheep succumb to deadly pests as flooding prevents vital care
Farmers and vets are struggling to get to animals that have been standing in floodwater for weeks.