Tasmanian Country | Tasmanian Country Newspaper

Casey Farrell

Casey Farrell defeats Michelle Dracoulis to become Derwent Valley mayor

The Derwent Valley has a new mayor, with 37-year-old former state Labor Party representative Casey Farrell defeating incumbent Mayor Michelle Dracoulis in the 2026 Tasmanian Government Elections.

Janet Gatehouse re-elected as Sorell Mayor

Janet Gatehouse fended off challenger Kristian Horvath to be re-elected mayor of Sorell, receiving 59.6 per cent of the vote.

Janet Gatehouse

Scott Roth named Biosecurity Ambassador

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has been named Tasmania’s first Biosecurity Ambassador.

Scott Roth

Sarina Laidler elected mayor of King Island

Sarina Laidler has been elected mayor of King Island, succeeding Marcus Blackie following the 2026 local government elections.

Sarina Laidler

Fire permit period begins early across Tasmania

Tasmania’s fire season mitigation has started early as dry and often windy conditions prevail in the leadup to summer.

Fire

Human expertise vital in future of AI

Our industry needs to use AI confidently while still being able to think for itself, writes Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture director Professor Mike Rose.

Lower Barrington Hall receives Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program

Lower Barrington Hall is the sole Tasmanian venue to successfully apply for a $10,000 grant through the Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program.

Lower Barrington Hall

Fishing - Trout angling conditions expected to improve

What a wild week of weather Tasmania and the rest of Australia have just experienced. Trout fishing has been challenging, but conditions and catches should improve over the next few weeks.

Zeke Rice, 13, with a big brown trout caught recently in the Clyde River. It was only the second trout he has caught.

Former potato grower champions switch to hemp

A Deloraine farmer who grew spuds for years but now concentrates on hemp is urging others to do the same as price pressures mount from potato processors.

Hemp growers Chris Bayles and Tim Schmidt

Rural Rumble

Rural Youth rocks and rumbles

Quercus Park at Carrick rumbled to the sounds of revving utes, stomping boots and local and interstate country rocks bands on Saturday night. Check out our photos of the Rural Rumble.

A farm fence

TasFarmers Matters - Good fences make good neighbours

Primary Industries and Water Minister Gavin Pearce has announced the opening of consultation around the development of the next state management plan for feral deer.

Farmer Assist program now available for primary producers dealing with pests

Tasmanian landholders dealing with increasing pressure from wild deer, wallabies and other pest animals now have access to an additional practical management tool, with the promotion of the Farmer Assist program officially launched this month.

SSAA Farmer Assist National Coordinator Matthew Godson (right) with SSAA Tasmania’s Donald Riddell.