Fiona Breen
Verified
A journo who loves getting outside, away from the city and meeting the characters in the bush. Tassie born, lover of the island State's outdoor lifestyle
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Fiona Breen
Tradies in remote Queensland swap roadside swags for mobile road train camps
Crispian Yeomans and Fiona Breen Dolly Thompson is a woman of few words, but what she does say makes you listen. She is an outback road worker who often spends weeks and even months living and working in some of the most remote corners of Queensland. "I'm used to that kind of life, it doesn't worry me," Ms Thompson said. "You're better off being out in the camp than what you are in town." She may have a point.
The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail, 2026, starts with camel races in Jundah
Freshly reopened roads helped draw visitors to Jundah for the first camel race of the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail. For Jundah Cup winner Emily Parrott, it's about bringing joy and fun to outback towns. Organisers hope the camel-racing circuit continues to attract much-needed visitors with three more race events before the end of the month at Bedourie, Boulia and Winton. Jake Callaghan admits he had no idea what to expect when he was asked to fill in as a camel jockey.
Winton's film festival kicks off as Red Dog director reveals new thriller
Winton's annual Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival has kicked off with a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Crocodile Dundee. The red carpet was rolled out for the likes of actor Delvene Delaney and Red Dog director Kriv Stenders. Stenders has revealed plans to film a new thriller movie in Winton next year.
Farmers say new rules for feral deer hunting in Tasmania are a 'missed opportunity'
The Tasmanian government is loosening rules for shooting deer as their numbers continue to soar, but both farmers and shooters are arguing the changes still fall short. A new permit system will allow landholders to shoot deer year-round without quotas, bag limits, or tagging requirements. The exception is in what is called "deer management zone one", where restrictions still apply, including quotas, bag limits and tags. Zone one is where deer are in their highest numbers.
Program: Farmers battle with dry conditions in parts of Tasmania
Many livestock farmers in the state have made the decision to de-stock their properties prior to a winter where there may be a big lack of feed for the animals. On the east coast dry conditions has forced farmers, to reassess crops and keep stock levels low.
Program: Huge demand for vegetable seedlings
In March Tasmania's biggest vegetable and flower seedlings producer almost sold out of vegetable plants, The timing coincided with the sharp rise in fuel costs, and a sudden spike in people wanting to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Tibballs Nurseries in Brighton responded - planting more to keep up with demand.
Program: Consultation with farmers over right to repair agricultural machinery
The Federal Government today announced the start of a six week consultation period on right to repair legislation for farm machinery. Farmers now have a chance to air their views about the contentious issue of the right to repair tractors, harvesters and other farm machinery, rather than be forced to gp back to the original supplier.
Families could save up to $50 a week growing their own fruit and vegetables
As more Australian households look to save money on groceries as the cost of living increases, interest in growing food at home has surged, especially among beginner gardeners. But where to start? What to plant first? And will tending an edible garden eat up your free time? Home gardener Sara Chugg says growing your own food makes financial sense, once you are established.
Invasive long-spined sea urchin found on Tasmania's west coast sparks fears for marine habitat
The discovery of a long-spined sea urchin on Tasmania's remote west coast has signalled a critical new expansion of the pest species. The single urchin was found between Port Davey and Low Rocky Point. "This is notable because it's the farthest west the species has been reported in Tasmania," Dr John Keane from the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Hobart said. A diver harvests sea urchins.
Major Milestone for Country Women's Association in Tasmania
The Country Womens Association turns 90 this weekend and women are gathering in Launceston from all around the State to celebrate. Today there's a civic reception for members at the Launceston City Council, hosted by the Mayor, Matthew Garwood and tomorrow the CWA are celebrating with an anniversary lunch Fiona Breen caught up with President of the CWA, Adriana Taylor and some of her colleagues to chat about significance of their 90th anniversary.
Refining the amazing Kangaroo Paw plant at a Tasmanian farm
Angus Stewart is passionate about native plants, but particularly kangaroo paw. The professional horticulturalist and plant breeder has been working on tougher and easier to look after breeds for the home gardener. You might have seen his tall and tough variety of kangaroo paw in the nurseries...
The heady scent of lavender as the harvest begins
Let's head to the Tasman Peninsula now where it's harvest time at one of the most popular flower farms for tourists. The heady smell of the flowers hits you as you drive into the farm at Long Bay just down the road from Port Arthur. Fiona Breen spoke to farm owner Brendan Dean as the harvested flowers were brought into the distilling room Owner of the Tasmanian Lavender Company Brendan Dean Port Arthur, Flower Gardens, Essential Oil Crops, Harvesting, Agricultural Marketing, Travel and Tourism
Remote fire detection technology set to double across Tasmania after AI cameras spot hundreds of blazes
It's a hot day in early December, and the Tasmanian winds are fierce. Firefighting teams are stretched, with blazes burning at both Dolphin Sands and St Helens on the east coast. They're mopping up at Dolphin Sands, where 19 homes have been lost, but the fire is still alive at St Helens. Suddenly, a remote artificial intelligence camera spots a tiny plume of smoke a few kilometres away near St Mary's, in the middle of tinder-dry bush.
'Dead zones' prompt tour operator Pennicott to fund marine study of D'Entrecasteaux Channel
A Tasmanian tour operator says he's alarmed by changes he's noticed in a waterway he has taken people to see for decades. He is helping to fund a five-year scientific study of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, the waterway between Bruny Island and mainland Tasmania. He hopes the research will help answer some questions, once and for all, and help protect a treasured waterway.
Tasmanian veteran farmer and his family listen to Country Hour most days - here's why
Veteran farmer Reuben Radford listens to the Country Hour most days, and so too does his granddaughter Caitlin, who is now running the family farm, although she is more likely to listen via her phone. "There's the weather report and the general reports on what's going on around the country; the cattle and sheep market reports. They're all very important," Mr Radford, 91, from north-west Tasmania, explains.
Meet the Tasmanian farmers keeping the English Leicester sheep breed alive after 200 years
It's the 200th anniversary of the first arrival of English Leicester sheep into Tasmania. A breed imported into Hobart for its long, lustrous fleece and fast-growing meat. They're now on the list of rare sheep breeds in Australia, but a small band of passionate farmers are determined to maintain the breed's legacy. English Leicester breeders are hopeful of finding new markets for the breed's fleece, sheepskins and meat that is marbled with fat.
Rheban farm on Tasmania's east coast changes hands as locals lead rural investment
The price for rural land in Tasmania has stabilised, but demand from interstate has risen. Farmers interstate are looking to Tasmanian land to help de-risk some of their rural portfolios from the diabolical affects of climate change. The interest is predominantly coming from South Australia and Victoria, which have suffered through some challenging dry conditions. Interstate interest is expected to keep rising as climate change challenges farmers.
Tasmanian abalone exports dive as competition from farmed operations heats up
Tasmania's farmed and wild abalone industries are reeling amid a crash in the Chinese market. The industry says Tasmania's products are being crowded out of the lucrative export market by cheap, farmed products from China. The Tasmanian Abalone Council is considering a marine stewardship certification for wild abalone, in a bid to regain its market premium. Tasmania's farmed and wild abalone industries are reeling as demand stalls and export prices plunge.
Around 200 dahlias on this flower farm
Commercial flowers growers have had a pretty good run run of warm weather to extend their summer blooms, before the cold change arrived this week. On the weekend, Little Forest Gardens at Cressy held its final Pick Your Own session for the season. Laurissa Smith called in to check out the hundreds of dahlias in all shapes and colours.
Growing garlic good for your mental well being
|
Today we're diving into the wonderful world of garlic growing, a topic that sparks the interest of many hobby gardeners. It's a crop that requires patience, but as any seasoned grower will tell you, the longer it stays in the ground, the richer and more flavourful it becomes.
By Fiona Breen Verified, Tony Briscoe Verified
|
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Isolated women in rural Tasmania fighting the 'beast of cancer' together, apart
Anita Campbell, a merino wool and lamb farmer from Tasmania's southern highlands near Bothwell, never expected to hear the words "you have breast cancer". "I had my routine mammogram in July 2022, and a week after that I got the call that there was something there that wasn't there two years ago" Ms Campbell said. That call changed everything. Living on a farm in the country meant long trips to the city for treatment.
Tasmania’s beekeepers begin artificial queen bee insemination program to futureproof industry
Tasmania's largest apiary has begun artificially inseminating queen bees in a bid to safeguard against the arrival of varroa mite into the island state. A Tasmanian ban on the importation of queen bees from interstate will see local beekeepers increasingly turn to artificial insemination to ensure healthy bee populations. Artificial insemination, once only a tool for scientists, is a game-changer for commercial beekeepers.
Tasmanian oyster farmers selling up as mystery illness kills Pipe Clay Lagoon oysters
Exhausted superannuation, dwindling savings, collapsing businesses, selling houses. These are the conversations for oyster farmers still reeling from a mysterious and deadly illness that is killing oysters in what was once one of Tasmania's most productive oyster-farming areas. Veteran oyster farmer Steve Calvert has been farming Pacific oysters in Pipe Clay Lagoon, about 30 kilometres south-east of Hobart, for 40 years. "We'll have to fold up this year. We can't keep going on.
TikTok's increasing role in revolutionising Tasmanian cherry sales
Tasmanian cherries are being sold on TikTok, with Asian buyers selling them to local customers during livestream events. A Chinese importer says the way cherries are sold is changing and that "10 years ago, we sold cherries in supermarkets. Now … TikTok is more popular, especially among young people". Lucaston Park Orchards owner Matt Griggs is impressed and says selling on social media "captures a lot of attention and creates excitement around Tasmanian cherries".
From hitchhiking on an abalone boat and using sheep poo - the lengths Tasmanian whisky makers will take to stand out
Some of Tasmania's 90 whisky distillers are going to great lengths to give their drops a distinct style. One producer sends his barrels on an abalone boat, another smokes the grain with sheep poo. Another 10 distilleries are under development in Tasmania, but the industry says there is more than enough room due to the state's reputation for high quality whisky. Some say whisky is influenced by the terroir of the barley or the peat used to enhance its flavour.
Farm diversity the key to one farming couple
|
Like most farmers Jake and Anne Wolki from Central NSW fit a lot into every day. From running running an African breed of cattle, pigs and chickens on the farm to supplying their own 24 hour butchery. Fiona Breen caught up with the entrepreneurial couple in Tasmania's South recently.
By Fiona Breen Verified, Tony Briscoe Verified
|
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Farming sustainably in the UK
|
Their farm is on the other side of the world and yet UK farmers Helen and James Ree-banks face some of the same issues that farmers in Australia face. While their property in the Lakes District of the UK is blanketed in the snow the Rebanks spent some time in Tassie recently, their seventeen year old daughter ran things at home.
By Fiona Breen Verified, Tony Briscoe Verified
|
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Sea Forest seaweed cow feed pioneer laments government exclusion from carbon credit scheme
A Tasmanian company is ramping up production of a unique red seaweed that, when added to livestock diets, reduces planet-warming methane emissions. Asparagopsis is grown at an ocean lease and in tanks on Tasmania's east coast, and a new second site will be entirely land-based seaweed farming. Sam Elsom founded the seaweed farming operation through his company, Sea Forest. For his efforts, Mr Elsom was named the 2025 Tasmanian of the Year.
Organic UK Dairy farmer on learning trip to Tasmania
|
The inaugural Grounded Agricultural event has attracted farmers and those working in the ag sector from around Tasmania, the mainland and around the world. An organic dairy farmer from England was in Australia as part of a Nuffield Scholarship and was attracted to come to Tasmania to attend Ground which is based on a similar farm event in the UK.
By Fiona Breen Verified, Tony Briscoe Verified
|
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Lobster man back on the waters and marketing lobsters to locals
|
Take your favourite podcasts and radio with you
By Fiona Breen Verified, Tony Briscoe Verified
|
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Butchers are getting creative with their cuts as social media trends for Thor's hammer, tomahawk steak drive demand
Do you know your Thor's hammer from your tomahawk? Or your picanha from your flat iron? They're just some of the cuts today's butchers have to know to keep up with the demands of social media-informed consumers. As social media butchers and television programs such as Master Chef and My Kitchen Rules fuel meat curiosity, customers are demanding more creative cuts. One cut doing the rounds is Thor's hammer — a slow-cooked beef shin on the bone that's typically either smoked or barbecued.
These Tasmanians have chosen city life and walked away from the family farm, for their mental and physical wellbeing
The precarious balance of farm and family life can be tricky for a lot of families. Thrown in at the deep end 10 years ago, this young family gave it their all, before making the difficult decision to swap farm life for city life. "You only live once, you've got to be happy," second-generation farmer James McShane said.
Tasmania's wines are in demand, and it's wine grapes are fetching top dollar
The Island State's industry hopes this year's bumper vineyard season will help it fill unmet demand for Tassie's wines.
Chardonnay back as top grape as Australian preferences shift to white wine, crush report shows
Wine Australia's latest National Vintage Report shows Australia's overall wine grape crush climbed by 9 per cent in 2024. In the past year more chardonnay grapes were crushed nationwide than any other variety. It's the first time in a decade that white grape crush has surpassed red. More chardonnay grapes were crushed across Australia in the past year than any other variety, pushing the country's white grape crush ahead of red for the first time in a decade.
Livelihoods threatened by water knockback as Tasmania's south-east farmers struggle with climate change
In short: Drought is threatening the future of food and wine production in Tasmania's south-east, with the federal government knocking back a bid for $150 million for an irrigation scheme. Farmers are putting development plans on hold as they try to work through the current conditions and a changing climate. What's next? Tasmanian Irrigation will resubmit its business case for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme at a later date.
Fonterra Australia joins other major dairy processors in slashing farm gate milk prices
In short: Dairy farmers have been told they will be paid less for their milk. A major processor says the decision comes as it needs to tighten its belt. What's next? Australian Dairy Farmers president Ben Bennett says he feels many dairy farmers will struggle. Dairy farmers are set to receive 10 cents a litre less for their milk this season as major processors tighten their belts.
Can Tasmania keep its birds safe from a deadly bird flu?
A deadly strain of avian influenza wreaking havoc in Victoria is yet to make its way to Tasmania, keeping the state bird flu free. But Biosecurity Tasmania warns it won’t stay this way forever, and is urging the state’s agricultural industry to be extra vigilant. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Tasmania's poultry industry prepares for deadly strain of bird flu
In short: There are concerns a deadly strain of avian influenza will make its way to Tasmania, following confirmed cases in Victoria. Biosecurity Tasmania is urging the state's poultry industry to be extra vigilant to better protect themselves against an outbreak. What's next? Scientists say the biggest risk to Tasmania's bird flu free status will be when infected seabirds from Antarctica migrate to the northern hemisphere in spring. Tasmania is entirely bird flu free.
Hay destined for desperate King Island farmers, delayed in Victoria
King Island farmers urgently need feed for their livestock, but 500 tonnes of donated hay sits at Swan Hill in Victoria with a tussle over which port it will be freighted out of. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Fodder destined for drought-stricken King Island farmers held up in Victoria
In short: A Victorian council says it can't allow donated hay to be freighted out of its port to King Island The hay sits in Swan Hill. The nearest port is Apollo Bay. Farmers on King Island say they needed it yesterday. What's next? The "Need for Feed" says the next port is further away and will add $70,000 to the delivery cost. King Island farmers are desperately waiting for 500 tonnes of fodder stuck in Victoria, with a local council yet to allow it to be shipped from its port.
April rain has brought relief for some farmers, but others are struggling with drought conditions
In short: Some parts of Tasmania have experienced their driest February and March on record. Recent rain has brought relief to some farmers, but others have missed out. What's next? Farmers on King Island say they're running out of water in their dams. April rain has brought relief to some farmers across Tasmania this week, although areas struggling through a prolonged dry have missed out.
In this sheltered Tasmanian waterway, where oysters are usually thriving, something is very wrong
In short: Oyster growers in Pipeclay Lagoon are on the verge of exiting the industry because of mass oyster deaths in the area. Stock has tested negative to the deadly Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome. What's next? The industry is lobbying for additional funding for ongoing research into the mystery oyster deaths. A mystery illness is wiping out millions of pacific oysters south-east of Hobart and commercial growers don’t know what's causing it.
Tasmanian 'hempcrete' producer X-Hemp warns government regulations may exclude industry from multi-billion-dollar market
In short: Tasmania's only hemp stalk processing factory is developing "hempcrete" products for a major development in Hobart. The uncommon building material is highly insulating, non-combustible, and has a low carbon footprint. Tasmania's industrial hemp industry is looking to Europe and North America, where the product is more popular, to understand legislative and market issues. What's next?
Solar dream a step closer for Tasmania's O'Connor farming dynasty, as council approves development application
In short: One of Tasmania's oldest farming families has a plan for 600 hectares with over 600,000 solar panels — which will share the paddocks with 22,000 sheep. Roderic O'Connor says his ancestors feature individuals who made their mark on the world — and he has decided to make his, with a renewable energy project to benefit the planet. What's next? The Connorville solar farm development application went before the Northern Midlands Council on Monday night and was approved unanimously.
Rick Rockliff, Tasmanian agricultural identity and father of Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff, dies
Rick Rockliff, farmer, popular north-west Tasmania community member and father of Premier Jeremy Rockliff, has died aged 79. Mr Rockliff spent decades working in the alkaloids industry and was an award-winning poppy and potato farmer, involved in the industry for more than 45 years. On a lighter note, he was also known as the man behind the big spud, Kenny Kennebec, which was on display at Sassafras in northern Tasmania. Jeremy Rockliff announced the news on social media.
Half-blind Tasmanian kelpie Earl wins title of best working dog in Australia and New Zealand
Earl, a half-blind kelpie from north-east Tasmania, has been named the best working dog in Australia and New Zealand. Over three weeks, Earl ran at a speed of 14.1kph in the Cobber Challenge Relay competition. Earl works at a speedy pace all week on Alex Johns's sheep and cattle farm, then enjoys some loving from the family at weekends. Why is Earl the kelpie, the best working dog in Australia and New Zealand? He's fast, he runs long distances, he's smart and he loves a smooch.
What makes Earl, a half-blind kelpie, the best working dog in Australia?
A GPS tracker on Earl’s collar has shown he can run faster and longer than all the other top working dogs in Australia. His owner Alex says he’d be lost without the loyal, hardworking kelpie by his side. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Half-blind Tasmanian kelpie Earl wins title of best working dog in Australia and New Zealand
Earl, a half-blind kelpie from north-east Tasmania, has been named the best working dog in Australia and New Zealand. Over three weeks, Earl ran at a speed of 14.1kph in the Cobber Challenge Relay competition. Earl works at a speedy pace all week on Alex Johns's sheep and cattle farm, then enjoys some loving from the family at weekends. Why is Earl the kelpie, the best working dog in Australia and New Zealand? He's fast, he runs long distances, he's smart and he loves a smooch.
The project aiming to make sure this species of tree doesn't go the way of the Tasmanian tiger
A warming climate and heavy wildlife browsing saw one of the biggest healthy populations of a Tasmanian eucalypt species decline from around 2,000 trees to just six mature trees in a seven-year period. Scientists and others have developed new areas for the tree to thrive which are better suited to its needs in the changing climate. What's next? If successful, it is hoped the "assisted migration" model can be used for other threatened species.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Fiona
Contact Fiona, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack