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
Gas giant Woodside joins carbon farming 'gold rush' with $40m purchase of NSW grazing land
The $40 million acquisition of four large sheep and cattle properties in NSW by an oil gas giant has put the spotlight on the rapid growth of carbon farming.
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Bee killer varroa mite spreads further south. Now detected near Victorian border
Beekeepers are being urged to monitor, test and treat infected colonies as varroa mite continues to spread throughout southern NSW, including to Bega near the Victorian border.
'It shows there is gouging': Farmer finds Australian beef selling cheaper in Japanese supermarket
On a recent visit to Tokyo, a New South Wales farmer was shocked to find Australian beef selling for less than you can find it in Coles and Woolworths.
Human hair and unwanted wool could be turned into a vital component for lithium batteries, researchers say
Charles Sturt University researchers say synthetic graphite made from hair and wool offcuts could help meet growing demand for the mineral, which is used to make lithium-ion batteries.
Snowy Hydro boss doubles down on 2028 project timeline despite Florence the machine struggles
Chief executive Dennis Barnes says Snowy 2.0 will be complete on time despite one of three tunnel-boring machines moving slower than expected.
'Absolute nightmare': NSW farmers count cost after 12th flood in four years
Shoalhaven farmers are facing "massive" damage bills after intense rain triggered flash flooding. It's a particularly bitter blow after several tough years.
Widespread rain 'lifts the spirits' and potentially the profits of farmers in NSW
Graziers are hoping an east coast low dumping rain across NSW will spur a last minute burst of pasture growth for producers offloading stock, and crops will be boosted — if there's enough sunshine in coming weeks.
Heartfelt win for Ally the ewe, named in tribute to treasured Australian wool industry rep
For 12-year-old Sam Frost, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is always a fun time of year, but this year parading his Merino ewe called Ally felt extra special.
Sydney rock oyster farmers in hot water as marine heatwave leads to closure of lake
Water temperatures reached 29 degrees in parts of Merimbula Lake in the past week, forcing oyster farmers to close harvesting on a south coast estuary lake farmed for more than a century.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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$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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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'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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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