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
Grim reality for businesses left to pick up the pieces after bird flu outbreak
Despite poultry farmers being required to kill tens of thousands of their chickens to stop the spread of bird flu, the industry says it gets minimal financial support from government
McDonald's cuts back breakfast hours over egg supply concerns, supermarket prices expected to rise
Consumers can expect to pay more for eggs at the check-out in coming weeks as one of Australia's biggest fast-food retail chains limits its breakfast times.
More than 1 million birds to be killed in Victoria to stop the spread of deadly disease
Poultry farmers continue to fight Australia's largest outbreak of avian influenza as the disease is detected at a seventh Victorian farm.
Do you own backyard chickens? Here's what you can do to help stop the spread of bird flu
Backyard chicken owners are asked to do their bit as the poultry industry fights Australia's largest ever bird flu outbreak.
Japan, US among countries to ban Victorian poultry imports due to bird flu
Japan has joined the United States in banning poultry imports from Victoria, as the state works to control two outbreaks of avian influenza.
Farmer 'devastated' at having to cull 500,000 chickens after bird flu detected
A farmer in south-west Victoria is in the process of killing more than 500,000 chickens this week to help stop the spread of bird flu through Australia's poultry industry.
The harsh reality of food security — 500,000 chickens culled to stop bird flu spread
To protect our birds and your food, more than half a million chickens need to die. It’s a cold, harsh reality of Australia's tough biosecurity measures facing their latest test from avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
Bird flu outbreak spreads to second Victorian poultry farm, more than 500,000 birds destroyed
H7N3 avian influenza has spread to another poultry farm in Victoria, authorities have confirmed.
Hundreds of thousands of chickens euthanased on Victorian farm as bird flu strain identified
Agriculture Victoria says farms at Terang and near Meredith are in quarantine and that the variant of the disease is H7N3, the most common strain to occur in Australia.
Egg farmers prepare for legal action as they wait for clarity around phase-out of caged egg production
Caged egg farmers are preparing for a legal stoush against the Victorian government if their industry is shut down because of the phase-out of caged egg production.
Farmers furious at Victorian government for 'accelerating' renewable energy projects
In a bid to build $90 billion worth of developments held up in red tape and bring down energy prices, the government says they will be eligible to be fast-tracked under the Development Facilitation Program, raising the ire of rural communities.
Gross value of poultry rises above sheep meat for first time in Australian history
The overall value of chicken meat has surpassed lamb for the first time, according to data from the final quarters of 2023.
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.