AGP Executive Report

In-ovo chick sexing in Australia: Egg Farmers Australia is set to trial fully automated in-ovo sexing using Specialised Breeders Australia’s Cheggy machine, aiming to cut day-old male chick culling by identifying sex early in incubation. ACT compostable packaging backlash: The ACT’s compostable rules at public events are being criticised because there’s no local composting facility, leaving much of it to end up in landfill. Fuel excise discount panic-buying: The Albanese government is preparing for another round of petrol and diesel rushes as the 32c-a-litre discount nears its end. Lubricant shortage risk: Rising base-oil prices and supply disruptions raise concerns about engine oil and other lubricants—an issue that could hit tractors and other farm machinery. Global beef demand tailwind: RaboBank reports global beef production down 2.5% and points to record Australian export volumes, with trade opportunities for reliable exporters. Kangaroo Island feral pig win: KI declares victory after a feral pig eradication push. Farming and jobs shock: JBS plans to close its Souderton plant in the US, affecting about 1,700 workers. El Niño watch: Multiple reports warn “Super El Niño” could bring extreme heat and crop risks across regions, with knock-on effects for food and farm inputs.

Beef Export Boost: RaboBank says global beef production is down 2.5% and key exporters are falling, creating trade openings for Australia; RaboResearch says record export volumes and strong domestic supply put Aussie producers in a good spot, especially for northern Victoria’s premium grassfed and grainfed beef. Dairy Pressure & Hope: Dairy Australia reports milk output held up after timely autumn rain, but warns input costs and supply-chain pressures could still squeeze margins; it forecasts a 2% drop in 2026-27 production (range 1–3%). El Niño Alarm for Food: The UN and WMO warn El Niño is likely to intensify extreme weather, raising risks for agriculture and food prices; impacts are expected to hit crop yields across regions including Australia and parts of Africa and Asia. Biosecurity Win on Kangaroo Island: Kangaroo Island has declared victory in its feral pig eradication program after two years with no sightings, following the removal of 878 pigs since the mission began. Apple Trade Milestone: South West Bravo apples have shipped to China for the first time, with an 80-tonne inaugural load expected to be worth $10m+ over two years. Food Safety Recall: FSANZ orders a recall of ASO United cooked scampi shrimp after banned nitrofurazone was detected, with consumers told not to eat the product.

Dairy Outlook: Dairy Australia says milk output has steadied after a weak patch, with production down just 0.7% year-on-year by March after timely autumn rain lifted pasture growth and soil moisture; the industry still faces margin pressure from fuel, fertiliser and supply-chain costs, with a 2026-27 production forecast of about a 2% decline (range 1–3%). Livestock Protection: Victorian north-west graziers warn a new 70km dingo exclusion fence will simply push predation onto neighbours after lethal control was lifted in March 2024, with local losses put at around $3m since then. Weather Risk: A warm, wet start to winter is expected across southern Australia, with a rain band set to hit SA, Victoria and Tasmania hardest, while other regions see lighter falls. Climate Signal for Crops: El Niño has officially returned and could intensify, raising global heat, flood and drought risks; one report flags Argentina may still see better crop conditions later in 2026. Grain Markets: Wheat futures closed mixed as USDA trimmed winter wheat production estimates, while export sales data showed strong new-crop demand. Urban Tree Recovery: Perth and Peel councils can apply for up to $100,000 to replace trees lost to shot-hole borer and expand canopy cover, supporting cooler, greener suburbs. Agri-Tech & Trade: CSL and Adbri delivered MV Yampu, a battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier for limestone logistics in South Australia, aiming to cut diesel use and emissions versus the previous ship.

Water Security for Farmers: Victoria has started construction on the AUD 113.2m Western Port recycled water scheme, set to deliver at least 4,000 million litres a year to 40–60 farms, with first deliveries due from 2028. Biosecurity & Farm Continuity: Mackay Sugar says it’s working to safely restore systems after a cyber attack, with limited manual crushing restarting while growers’ cane supply and logistics are brought back online. Climate Watch for Crops: El Niño has officially formed and is forecast to intensify toward historic strength, with major knock-on risks for heat, drought, floods and bushfires—while some regions may see rainfall boosts. Conservation & Aquaculture Pressure: A new study finds Tasmania’s endangered Maugean skate is stable but still highly vulnerable, as NGOs continue to challenge salmon farming near its habitat. Agritech & Inputs: Government is looking to speed up approvals for new fertilisers, aiming to cut delays in getting products registered and into farmers’ hands. Export Opportunities: Cambodia has signed a protocol to enable dried longan exports to China, aiming to lift farmer incomes and reduce reliance on costly transit routes.

El Niño Watch: Meteorologists say El Niño has formed in the Pacific and has a 63% chance of becoming one of the biggest on record, with Australia and global food and weather risks likely to rise. Farm Rates Fight: Far North Queensland graziers are seeking legal advice over a three-year stoush with Cassowary Coast Regional Council, arguing their rates are “grossly inequitable” and demanding clearer how-to calculations. Biosecurity & Pollination Pressure: Queensland beekeepers say varroa mite is collapsing colonies and that mites are becoming resistant to some approved treatments, with costs running into the hundreds of thousands. On-Farm Innovation: Elm Lab is using Taieri Plains colostrum to scale colostrum-based skincare demand, with product testing and overseas interest driving growth. Energy for Industry: Aggreko and Harmony’s Eva copper mine will be powered by Australia’s largest off-grid renewable hybrid facility, combining solar and a large battery with low-emissions thermal generation. Wine Benchmarks: The National Wine Show of Australia has named its Prime Minister’s Trophy winner, while judges flag alternative varietals like Chenin Blanc and Malbec as vines age. Roadside Produce Theft: A WA mandarin grower has shut an honour-system roadside stall early after thefts hit up to 40% of stock.

El Niño Arrives: NOAA has officially confirmed El Niño is underway in the Pacific, with a 63% chance it will become one of the biggest on record—raising the odds of hotter conditions and knock-on impacts for agriculture and food prices. Farm Profit Pressure: ABARES says Australian farm profits could fall 70% as costs rise and output declines, underlining how quickly weather and input shocks can hit the paddock. Fuel Crunch Eases (But Risks Linger): Australia’s fuel supply has improved slightly with new shipments and fewer retail shortages, yet experts warn diesel and jet fuel pressures could persist into the second half of 2026. Fertiliser Supply Watch: Malaysia’s NAFAS says it has enough fertiliser stock to cover supply needs until August 2026, while monitoring global price and logistics uncertainty. Trade Friction for Exporters: US agriculture exporters warn proposed penalties on Chinese-built ships could add $600–$900 per container and price some exports out of overseas markets. Renewables With Farm Links: Naturgy commissioned two Australian solar projects, including an agrivoltaic setup in NSW integrating sheep grazing.

Biosecurity & Trade: The federal Traceability Grants Program has awarded $4m (Round 4) for projects to digitise supply-chain data and strengthen responses to food safety and biosecurity incidents, including honeybee export traceability, horticulture data standards, and forest-to-house timber compliance. Beef Genetics: UQ researchers have identified missing hornless cattle gene variants in northern tropical breeds, improving DNA testing and helping producers breed naturally polled animals. Cattle Market Watch: Beef trade coverage says processor base prices have steadied after earlier cuts, with farmers advised to sell while supplies tighten. Grains & Weather: Wheat futures lifted on El Niño-driven crop risk, while grain trend reporting shows wheat firmer and oilseed rape holding after a recent dip. Energy for Farms: Gamuda Renewables has acquired interest in Victoria’s Hazelwood North 450MW solar-plus-storage project, with potential expansion toward data centres. Sustainability in Practice: Rocky Ridge Brewing launched a six-beer sustainability series tied to regeneratively grown barley from a Western Australian family farm. Policy & Food Security: A report flags that neglected infrastructure and rising costs are choking Cairns’ ability to grow exports and feed more Australians. Farm Safety Tech: A Queensland student has built a smart clock to help older people stay independent with medication and check-in alerts.

El Niño Watch: Forecasters say a potentially “strongest in history” El Niño is developing, with the WMO flagging an 80% chance of conditions in July–August 2026 and warning of drought, heat and food/water disruption risks across multiple regions. Climate Cost for NSW: A UNSW-led report estimates climate change cut NSW economic output by about 18% in 2024, with most losses tied to broader weather-driven impacts on agriculture, trade and supply chains. Biosecurity Raid: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches in a record bust, targeting a major pest-trafficking operation. Primary Industries Support: Labor says energy-hungry data centres will face “triple-lock” obligations to reduce peak strain on the grid, a move aimed at protecting reliability as AI investment grows. Rural Women in Focus: A Victoria conference called Thriving Women is bringing practical learning and crop/paddock experiences to more regional women in agriculture. Agritech/Robotics: Goodnature promoted new co-CEOs as the pest-control firm pushes toxin-free innovation, with Australia among key export markets. Farm Events: Elders FarmFest 2026 in Toowoomba drew strong crowds despite cost pressures, with drones and ag-tech demos a standout.

Aussie agriculture and fuel security: With the Strait of Hormuz still a flashpoint after renewed US-Iran hostilities, a Reuters report says Australia’s fuel stockpiles are now bigger than feared, after Asian refineries shifted supply away from the Middle East. Policy and farm income: AgriFutures Australia research warns the tax system isn’t keeping up with how farms are diversifying into renewables and biodiversity credits, leaving producers facing uncertainty and extra compliance. Sugar industry pressure: Canegrowers says urban expansion and mill viability are squeezing Far North Queensland growers, with Mulgrave Mill’s planned throughput seen as a knife-edge for profitability. Biosecurity and wastewater: New research from UQ and Exeter finds antibiotic by-products in treated wastewater can still drive antibiotic resistance, while Australia’s record cockroach bug-bust highlights ongoing pest-trafficking risks. Conservation for farming landscapes: WA’s Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo faces extinction unless a major tree-planting corridor restores habitat and food sources. Regional development: A Corowa roundtable flags housing shortages and weak retail foot traffic as key barriers to growth in the Murray River region.

US Tariffs Watch: The US has proposed fresh 12.5% tariffs on Australia as part of new levies covering 60 countries, with analysts saying Australia likely won’t win an exemption—though beef and gold are expected to keep their carve-outs. El Niño Food Risk: Forecasters and the WMO are warning a potentially strong El Niño could intensify drought, flooding and heatwaves, raising the odds of major knock-on effects for global food and water supplies. Beef Cost Pressure: Rabobank says the Middle East conflict could squeeze margins across Australia’s beef supply chain as consumers trade down from premium cuts to mince and sausages. Biosecurity Alert: Australia’s record cockroach bust has seized 100,000 illegal live insects, highlighting ongoing risks to agriculture from wildlife trafficking. Tuna Shift Planning: Pacific nations are rolling out a climate warning system to track tuna moving beyond national waters, aiming to protect fisheries, food security and livelihoods. Agriculture Trade Signals: China’s blueberry boom is reshaping regional markets, with Yunnan expansion boosting exports and undercutting prices versus Australian fruit.

Grain Outlook: ABARES forecasts Australia’s winter crop production down 21% in 2026-27, with lower yields and planted area raising questions for Asia-bound supply. Labour Solutions: A non-profit is matching international workers to farms to help plug labour gaps, including placements linked to Australia and other countries. Biosecurity & Pests: Victoria farmers are on alert after plague locust numbers hit their highest in 15 years, with egg-laying raising fears of spring swarms. Beef Market: Beef trade shows signs of steadying after a run of weekly price falls, with processors holding quotes and tighter slaughter supplies supporting negotiations. Virtual Fencing Debate: Virtual fencing is gaining traction, but vets and animal welfare groups are still split on animal welfare and regulation. Tasmania Forestry: The Albanese and Rockliff governments move toward a bilateral forestry agreement to align Tasmania’s forest management with new national environmental standards from 2027. Sustainable Packaging: Terra Firma launches Averro to scale alternatives to conventional plastic packaging across foodservice, healthcare, logistics and export supply chains. El Niño Watch: Forecasters are increasingly confident a strong El Niño could form, with major knock-on risks for drought and flooding in key agricultural regions.

Biosecurity Crackdown: Australia seized more than 100,000 live illegal cockroaches from a NSW commercial breeder in the country’s biggest invertebrate bust, including Madagascar hissing and Dubia species, warning they’re banned to protect ecosystems and prevent invasive spread. Dairy Pressure: Dairy farmers say opening 2026-27 milk prices are disappointing, with Gippsland processors’ minimums ranging about $8.50–$10.38/kg milk solids and some suppliers facing pay cuts versus last season. Water Policy Fallout: Campaspe Shire Council urged the 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan review to weigh local social and economic impacts more heavily, citing dairy processing closures and eroding confidence from ongoing water recovery uncertainty. Cotton Outlook: ANZ reports cotton growers have balanced limited water and rising costs, with quality generally good/fair and a possible further crop contraction to 3 million bales in 2026-27. Beef Trade Watch: Research flags China’s import quotas as a key force reshaping global beef trade flows, with competition shifting as Australia and Brazil expand supply. Farm Tech & Data: BNOW says its AI livestock platform uses ingestible biosensing to improve cattle health monitoring and farm productivity, aiming to boost predictability across regional supply chains.

Biosecurity & pests: Australia seized 100,000+ live exotic cockroaches in NSW in the country’s biggest illegal invertebrate bust, warning the trade could threaten native wildlife and agriculture. Weed control scrutiny: Top neurologists say the APVMA has ignored their concerns as it weighs paraquat’s future amid Parkinson’s disease links, with a final decision expected mid-year. Feral pigs on the move: Inland NSW farmers report major pasture damage from feral pigs after dry conditions boosted numbers, with NSW Local Land Services urging producers to use available support. Farm productivity tech: Seoul firm BioData Now is pushing an AI livestock system using ingestible biosensing to track cattle health and improve reproductive outcomes. Cotton policy vs science: India’s Cotton Productivity Mission aims to lift lint yields sharply, but a new look at cotton fields questions whether policy can undo on-ground challenges. Markets & crops: Rains in NSW and bullish offshore wheat sentiment helped lift Australian wheat prices in May, though more old-crop selling later pulled prices back. Dairy pressure: A report highlights milk industry shrinkage as factories prioritise shareholders over farmers, despite steady demand.

Dairy Value Push: Jemaluang Dairy Valley in Malaysia is ramping up an integrated dairy model with Australian-bred cows, targeting 4,000 head and 10 million litres of milk by year three, aiming to cut reliance on imported premium milk and build a wider dairy supply chain. Wool Market Watch: ANZ says Australian wool prices have stabilised in early-to-mid 2026 and may stay relatively high, though week-to-week swings are likely driven more by currency and auction mix than demand alone. El Niño Pressure on Food: A “super” El Niño is increasingly likely, with forecasts warning of major heat and disruption risks that could feed into food inflation and supply strain globally. Milk Waste Fix: A Canberra company’s on-site biosensor testing could help dairy producers spot spoilage risk faster, potentially preventing more than 70 million tonnes of milk waste each year. Agri Supply Chain Diversification: Commentary highlights how geopolitical shocks are pushing companies toward diversified, regional sourcing—pointing to India’s growing role in agri-chemicals and related supply chains. Biosecurity Raid: Australia seized 100,000 illegal live cockroaches in a record operation, underscoring ongoing pest and trade risks for agriculture.

Biosecurity crackdown: Australia seized more than 100,000 live illegal exotic cockroaches from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, NSW, including Madagascar hissing and dubia species, warning they can spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture. Drought and climate risk: Forecasts point to El Niño returning, with the next 90 days seen as critical for how severe impacts become for farming and food prices. Dairy waste tech: A Canberra company says on-site milk testing using biosensors could cut routine lab delays and help prevent more than 70 million tonnes of milk waste each year by steering high-protease milk to products with longer tolerance. Feral pig pressure: Farmers and hunters in NSW’s cropping regions say feral pig numbers are “flying out of proportion,” calling for stronger incentives and faster control. Winter growing tips: A practical guide highlights how to protect and extend harvests in winter veggie patches, including dealing with snails and frost mitigation. Veterinary education focus: India’s veterinary leaders are debating how training must shift toward livestock economics, food safety, climate resilience and public health.

Feral pigs pressure: Farmers in NSW’s central west say feral pig numbers are “flying” in cropping areas, urging stronger incentives as the NSW Feral Pig and Pest Program reports large recent culls but hunters argue it’s not enough. Biosecurity raid: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing and dubia species worth about $142,000, with officials warning pet owners to use legal feeder insects instead. El Niño watch: Forecasters say El Niño is very likely to develop, with uncertainty over strength but clear implications for Australia’s weather extremes. Lentils on the rise: ABARES expects Australia’s lentil output to hit a record 2.2m tonnes (+3%), even as overall winter crop production is forecast to fall 21% on dry conditions and high input costs. Producers face legal uncertainty: AgForce warns EPBC reforms are creating approval layers and legal ambiguity that could disrupt routine farming and future investment. Beef pricing outlook: Rabobank expects tight global beef supply to keep prices firm through 2026. Community resilience: Kariong residents marked the suburb’s 80th anniversary with a big turnout and local fundraising.