Locusts have started to swarm across the Riverland and Mallee this week, placing farmers and authorities on alert.

Another pest is the last thing primary producers want to deal with right now, but the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a warmer winter and possible El Niño event, which one expert believes could lead to less of a chance of a locust outbreak this spring. ABC Riverland reporter Jackson Byrne is investigating the latest and will bring you more information this week.

Riverland reporter Shannon Pearce (pictured above) and ABC North and West reporter George Yankovich have been busy investigating the National Trust of South Australia, its current financial position and what it could mean for local historic sites like Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum in Renmark. You can read more about that story below.

Rural reporter Eliza Berlage has also been busy digging deep into the latest details on the mandatory wine code of conduct, which will come into effect next January.

On air, Breakfast presenter Stephanie Nitschke explored how agencies are working together across states to try to get carp numbers under control, and spoke to the 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt about how we can embrace our bodies and share healthy body image tips with children. Head to ABC Listen to catch up.

As always, our inbox is open for your story ideas or community notices, 1062@your.abc.net.au.

Wishing you a wonderful week.

Anita Ward

Acting Editor, ABC Riverland

The National Trust of South Australia admits it is cash-poor and will need to improve its finances, amid disagreements with its regionally-based volunteers. 

Multiple locust swarms in South Australia's Riverland region have put farmers and authorities on alert, prompting the South Australian Plague Locust Commissioner to send surveying teams to the region.

Industry representatives welcome a new mandatory code of conduct that dictates how wineries treat wine grape growers, but it may be too late for some producers.

The Murray-Darling Basin Plan is under review, but with submissions due to close today, we take a step back in time to remember when dried lake beds were turning acidic, dairy farmers were selling up, and there was talk of water carting for Adelaide.

Julie Jones has lived by the River Murray all her life and wants all South Australians to participate in the first comprehensive review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Labor's path to getting legislation through the upper house may get slightly more difficult after Liberal MLC Dennis Hood — who was strongly linked to the upper house presidency role — said he would remain on the floor of parliament.