The English Leicester makes no sense or cents on the farm's profit and loss sheet, but some farmers are passionate about the breed and its long, lustrous fleece.
Authorities use DNA testing and tracing to work out the origin of fire ants found more than 700 kilometres outside the biosecurity control zone meant to contain the invasive pest.
Producers trying to build their own meat brands say access to abattoirs is becoming harder, with most processing capacity tied up by supermarkets and exporters.
West Gippsland businessman Nathan Gibbon will spend six months behind bars and undertake community service upon his release after pleading guilty to defrauding two export companies and an unrelated charge of handling stolen goods.
A new generation of Nguni calves has been born for the first time in Western Australia and researchers hope to raise awareness of the unique breed's benefits.
Recent rain in southern New South Wales has put water in dams and given paddocks a healthier tinge, but farmers say the drought is far from over and they need financial assistance.
