Our Journalists

Rachel is a reporter at The Weekly Times, covering all agricultural industries with a range of experience across livestock, wool, cropping, community and local government.

@chel_simmonds

Rachel Simmonds

Latest

Victoria

Ondit farmers and residents are opposed to a quarry extension permit. Picture: Rachel Simmonds

Southwest farmers battle quarry plans

Ondit residents and farmers are battling a nearby quarry’s plans to expand, saying the plans would be “disastrous” for the region.

Cropping

Rob Cameron & his father Andy, harvesting canola, Mount Mercer, Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Christmas joy for harvest finishers

One century of farming and the “easiest harvest we’ve ever had”. Rob Cameron and his family have finished the program in time for Christmas.

Victoria

Game Meats Company processing plant, Eurobin.

Activist group to pay damages to abattoir

A Victorian abattoir has lost its legal bid to stop the publishing of a 14-minute video of its facility practices, but has won a six-figure sum in damages.

PicturesVictoria

Red Rock Hay Bale Trail, Clinton Theodore & his son Rhett, 3, Alvie, Picture Yuri Kouzmin

‘It’s part of our Christmas now’

A southwest Victorian community has rallied to continue an annual Christmas tradition, despite a dry year. See all the best pics here.

VideoStore Cattle Sales

Perth-based veterinary students Phoebe Conroy and Ella Major are pictured with Mick Nolan, from Napoleons. Picture: Rachel Simmonds

Reward for effort: Ballarat vendors happy

Vendors continued to sell earlier than usual at Ballarat’s store cattle sale, but they were “well paid” for it. See the full results, photos and video here.

Victoria

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - Advertiser Photos JANUARY 23, 2023: Thousands of juvenile carp and other marine life washed up on Middleton Beach from the Murray River flood waters entering the ocean. Picture Emma Brasier

Carp damage yachts at Colac

A long-awaited event at Lake Colac was “perfect”, except for carp damage to high-performing boats. Meanwhile, the VFA has called for attention on carp control.

UpdatedWeather

Harvest - Simon Wall at Pine LodgeSimon Wall is a livestock and cropping farmer who will still be harvesting wheat.He thinks he will be finished on Monday afternoon. His property has missed most of the wet weather and storms, so the wheat is performing well and no quality downgrades. PICTURED: Generic harvest. Header and chaser bin. Wheat harvest. Wheat crop. Harvesting wheat. Harvesting. Stock Photo. Picture: Zoe Phillips

How the heat impacted farmers

Farmers were on high alert on Monday as the mercury hit 40C with harvest stopping and livestock sales affected.

Victoria

Winemaker Michael Unwin, and his dog Arlo, blend the vineyard with a Christmas tree farm. Picture: Rachel Simmonds

‘The third-nicest crop in the world to grow’

Windermere winemaker Michael Unwin made room for his Christmas tree farm, with his property also home to thousands of silver banksias and a variety of wildlife.

Victoria

NEWS: Mitchell Bull Kyabram Blue Light.Mitchell Bull Community Achievement Awards. Kyabram Blue Light.PICTURED: L-R Archer Woods, Joshua Morrison and Hunter O'Hara with Leading senior constable Mitchell Bull Picture: Zoe Phillips

Rural gems: Community finalists revealed

Kyabram Blue Light is up for a top gong for its efforts helping young Victorians. Discover the finalists making waves in their communities.

Victoria

Mine Free Mallee Farms, Mine Free Wimmera Farms, and Dunmunkle Land Protection Group oppose mining projects in the region. Picture: Rachel Simmonds

Mines approved: ‘Everyone feels so powerless’

Two major mining projects have been given the go ahead in Victoria’s wheatbelt, as farmers wait for further details.

Original URL: https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/journalists/rachel-simmonds