NEWS IN BRIEF: New Managing Director for Nutrien Australia, Rex bailed out and Aussie Hay Runners' largest convoy ever on the way to South Australia

Nutrien Ag Solutions on Friday announced Kelly Freeman, Managing Director of Nutrien Ag Solutions Australia for over two years, has stepped into a new role as Executive Advisor to Nutrien’s Latin America operations. Adrian Capogreco has taken on the role of Managing Director for Australia. Mr Capogreco, who joined Nutrien in 2021, brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Nufarm, KPMG, and JP Morgan Chase. 

The Federal Government on Thursday pledged $50 million to buy debt owed by Rex Airlines, safeguarding the regional airline's operations and critical community services. This follows earlier measures, including an $80 million loan and guarantees for regional ticket sales, to maintain Rex's essential routes. 

The Aussie Hay Runners’ largest convoy ever—106 truckloads carrying 3,630 donated hay bales worth over $400,000—will arrive in South Australia on Australia Day. The effort will support over 130 drought-stricken farmers across 11 local government areas.  

The Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) on Monday declined to participate in the government’s co-design process for its policy to phase out live sheep exports by sea. ALEC CEO Mark Harvey-Sutton in part wrote: "At no stage during this term of Government has there been a genuine intention to listen to national peak bodies on this policy that have been united in opposing it – why would the government start genuinely listening now? In ALEC’s view, this is another example of the Government showing how clueless they are as, at the 11th hour before an election, they are desperately turning towards industry seeking answers to a problem of their own creation. The government has claimed to have all the answers since this ban was initiated, but this process shows they are deeply bereft of any practical solutions to the mess they have created." 

NSW Farmers applauded a new initiative to support veterinary professionals relocating to rural NSW with housing, childcare, and service assistance. However, they stressed the need for additional measures, including mentoring, training, and incentives, to address the ongoing rural vet shortage. 

The Zanda McDonald Award welcomed four new board members: Tess Herbert, Traci Houpapa, Adelaide McDonald, and Greg Pankhurst. Long-serving board members Julie McDonald and Emma Black have retired, with Julie continuing as Patron.