AGP Executive Report

Egg Industry: The ACCC has taken major suppliers to court, alleging they coordinated production, distribution and bird culling since 2020, restricting competition and affecting supply. Biosecurity: Red imported fire ants have been found at a Sydney logistics site, prompting an urgent containment effort. Seasonal Outlook: Australia’s 2026–27 winter crop harvest is forecast to be large but smaller than last year, while pressure on wheat’s war-driven price premium could weigh on farmers. Livestock: Graziers are urged to vaccinate cattle as three-day sickness spreads. Trade: Australian pineapple growers have raised concerns about proposed imports from India and Indonesia. Farm Links: The National Farmers’ Federation is exploring stronger trade, investment and labour ties with Vietnam, including opportunities for Australian beef, lamb, wine, cotton and wool.

Bushfire Recovery: BlazeAid says volunteer numbers have fallen as backpackers worry new visa rules could prevent them qualifying for extensions. Just 25 remain at its bushfire recovery camp, down from usual levels. Farm Tax: Labor’s proposed 30% tax on some trust income from July 2028 has drawn opposition claims it will hit farm and other family businesses. Climate Risks: A new report warns ocean warming threatens Tasmania’s salmon industry; just 1°C of warming could put $23.7 million in revenue at risk for one producer. Harvest Outlook: Australia’s 2026–27 winter crop is forecast to be large, but smaller than last season. Biosecurity: Nationals are opposing proposed pineapple imports from India and Indonesia, calling for strict safeguards; meanwhile, invasive fire ants have been detected at a Sydney freight facility. Farm Innovation: CSIRO has identified investment priorities for cutting on-farm emissions, from livestock feed supplements to precision agriculture.

Egg Market: The ACCC has taken major Australian egg suppliers to the Federal Court, alleging cartel conduct that restricted competition and affected access to major grocery and wholesale chains. Biosecurity: Red imported fire ants have been detected at a Sydney freight facility, prompting an urgent containment response. Winter Crops: Australia’s 2026/27 winter harvest is forecast to remain large but fall from last year, while easing wheat prices are putting pressure on farmers. Season Outlook: Rain has turned dry paddocks into bumper crops in some areas, but a locust threat in the Riverland has farmers seeking support. Livestock: Australian beef production has hit a record despite a smaller cattle herd, and stronger grids are supporting feeder cattle markets.

Egg Market: The ACCC has taken Sunny Queen and 11 other suppliers to Federal Court, alleging they coordinated egg production, prices and culling from 2020, limiting competition. The claims are yet to be tested. Biosecurity: Red imported fire ants found at a Sydney freight hub are believed to have arrived in a shipping container. Authorities have treated the nest and are searching nearby areas to prevent the pest becoming established. Crops: Rain has revived paddocks after years of drought, but Australian wheat farmers face pressure as the war-driven price premium fades. Livestock: Australian beef production has hit a record despite a smaller herd, as Brazil’s export push sharpens competition. Farm Safety: Agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded Australia’s highest worker fatality rate, with risks rising in remote areas.

Crop Protection: Sumitomo Chemical has launched its Carvero weed-control herbicide for Australian grain and sugar cane growers. Livestock Markets: Feeder steer grids on the Darling Downs rose about 10 cents to 510–530c/kg, with buyers watching for rain that could tighten supply further. Water Policy: Deniliquin’s mayor warned continued water buybacks threaten irrigation-dependent jobs and urged governments not to answer project shortfalls with further cuts to productive water. Animal Health: Livestock SA is calling for Q fever vaccination for livestock workers, while a livestock disease test has secured $2 million in federal backing. Beef Trade: Australian beef output has hit a record despite a shrinking herd, as Brazil’s push into the US market intensifies competition for exporters. Regional Risks: South Australian farmers are seeking help as locusts threaten Riverland crops and what could be the region’s best season in decades. Farm Innovation: Australian farmers are adding AI to their toolkits, as technology and new training options gain ground across the sector.

Cattle Industry: Darwin’s Tiger Brennan Drive overpass has been renamed the Luke Bowen Bridge, honouring the former NT Cattlemen’s Association and Cattle Australia chief executive and his advocacy for producers and regional communities. Crop Protection: Sumitomo Chemical has launched its Carvero herbicide for Australian grain and sugar cane farmers. Farm Technology: Victorian farmer Andrew Gill is using AI to bring market, weather, paddock and cash-flow data together, while growers weigh the technology’s demands on land, water and energy. Seasonal Workforce: Agriculture is among the sectors due to press the government on planned Working Holiday Maker visa changes, with regional employers warning a ballot system could complicate staffing. On-Farm Infrastructure: Twelve western Victorian farming families were fined for blocking survey access for the proposed VNI West transmission line, deepening a dispute over farm access and the project. Livestock Markets: Paxton’s three-breed ram sale cleared all 97 Poll Dorsets at a higher average than last year, while Reiland Angus bulls sold strongly, with buyers targeting maternal traits and feed efficiency.

Beef and Livestock: Australian beef production is forecast to hit a record three million tonnes in 2026, even as the national herd shrinks. Strong demand and heavier cattle are lifting output, while 780 Brahman-cross cattle from Darwin have arrived in Sabah to support its livestock industry. Pest Pressure: A locust plague threatens South Australia’s Riverland just as growers anticipate one of their best seasons in decades, prompting farmers to seek urgent help. Rural Workforce: Queensland’s Link 2 Country program has given about 1,000 students hands-on farming experience, as founder Nicole Chiesa warns agriculture needs more young people. Farm Ownership: Australian billionaire Ray Dalio and partners have sold six Riverina properties, including the Boonoke and Wanganella Merino studs, for A$300 million. Wine and Dairy: A Riverland grape grower says industry support came too late, while Western Star marks 100 years of butter-making at Cobden, Victoria.

Beef: Australian production is forecast to hit a record 3 million tonnes this year, up 5%, despite the national herd shrinking 0.9%. More cattle are being slaughtered and heavier carcases are lifting output. Pest Pressure: A locust plague threatens Riverland growers’ strongest season in decades, prompting South Australian farmers to plead for help. Farm Costs: Diesel prices are surging just as farmers need fuel for seasonal work, adding pressure alongside a growing fertilizer crunch that could push grain prices higher next year. Farm Workforce: A promised new agriculture visa could help address labour needs across the sector.

Locust Threat: Riverland farmers are warning that a fast-growing locust plague could damage crops and grazing land just as South Australia heads into one of its best seasons in decades. Growers want stronger government support to limit losses and grain contamination. Rising Costs: Farmers face mounting pressure from higher fuel and transport costs, while a fertilizer crunch and disrupted trade are adding to forecasts of higher grain prices next year. Cattle Outlook: Australia’s herd is projected to fall from about 30.8 million head in 2026 to just under 30 million by 2028, but productivity gains are expected to keep cattle turn-off historically high. Water Security: A new sprinkler roster is set to protect Esperance’s groundwater, a crucial resource for local farms.

Fuel Costs: Energy Minister Chris Bowen ruled out Russian diesel imports, but continued fuel-price pressure remains a concern for farms and agricultural freight. Farm Workforce: Regional businesses warn proposed working-holiday visa changes could deepen labour shortages, while a new agriculture visa has been promised for 2030. Wine and Horticulture: Riverland grape grower Jack Papageorgiou says support came too late as low prices push growers out; a table-grape exporter has also entered liquidation with $43.6 million in debt. Water and Livestock: A sprinkler roster is planned to protect Esperance’s groundwater, and a livestock disease test has secured $2 million in federal backing. Red Meat: Brazil’s beef export expansion is set to intensify competition for Australian producers, as industry leaders call for action on sector challenges.

Water Management: A sprinkler roster is set to protect Esperance’s groundwater, putting limits on irrigation use in the WA region. Dairy: A sale has rescued landmark Western Australian dairy brands from collapse. Livestock: A disease-testing project has secured $2 million in federal backing, while Sea Forest’s deal with Teys covers 480,000 cattle. Farm Workforce: A new agricultural visa has been promised as regional businesses warn they need more workers. Grain: South Australia’s wheat harvest is forecast to hit an eight-year low, raising the prospect of higher imports. Sheep: Strong prices are drawing buyers to ram and ewe sales, with recent auctions reporting record demand.

Water Security: Esperance will introduce a two-day sprinkler roster for domestic bores from December, as falling groundwater levels and rising salinity put pressure on the region’s main drinking-water source. Dairy: Artisanal Market has bought the Mundella and Margaret River Dairy Company brands and assets, rescuing two WA names after their former owner collapsed; production is planned at Metricup, with Asian exports a goal. Livestock: Strong ram sales continued, with Burrawang’s top White Dorper reaching $25,000 and Gleneith Border Leicesters clearing 98 of 99 rams amid firm demand. Biosecurity: A livestock disease test has secured $2 million in federal backing, while bird flu’s spread across the region is raising concerns for Australia. Farm pressures: South Australia’s wheat harvest is forecast to hit an eight-year low, and rising diesel prices are squeezing growers just as they need fuel. Forecasters also warn El Niño could heighten Australian heat, drought and bushfire risks.

Farm Costs: Diesel nearing $3 a litre is squeezing growers just as they need fuel for farm work and transport, adding pressure across supply chains. Export Hurdles: The Grape House Group has entered liquidation with $43.6 million in debts, following crop losses and a 2025 fine over export rule breaches. Livestock Innovation: Sea Forest has signed a deal with Teys covering 480,000 cattle, a major step for its seaweed-based feed aimed at reducing livestock emissions. Seasonal Labour: Tourism and industry representatives warn proposed changes to working-holiday visas could leave farms short of harvest workers, with Cobram expecting fewer backpackers during peak season. Markets: Confidence in strong wool lifted an Egelabra ram to $20,000, while hail-related crop estimates point to only minor impacts on overall harvest volumes.

Beef Innovation: Sea Forest has named Teys Australia the exclusive SeaFeed distributor for Australia and New Zealand, opening a route to scale its methane-reducing cattle feed. Farm Costs and Crops: Diesel nearing $3 a litre is squeezing farmers as harvest fuel demand rises, while stronger winter-crop forecasts offer a brighter outlook for grain volumes. Biosecurity: CSIRO and Moderna have launched a five-year research partnership to help counter emerging threats, as the global spread of bird flu raises concern for Australia. Food Safety: A supermarket test reportedly found banned pesticides on Australian produce sold by Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. Water Security: South Australia is demanding action over a projected 265-gigalitre annual shortfall in River Murray water, with only 13 of 39 promised savings projects completed.

Biosecurity: CSIRO has signed a five-year partnership with Moderna to speed research into infectious diseases and mRNA technology, as H5N1 bird flu spreads in Australia and threatens wildlife, poultry and other animals. Farm costs: Diesel nearing $3 a litre is raising pressure on producers, with calls to put regional needs at the centre of a national fuel reserve. Workforce: Farmers have welcomed a Coalition pledge to introduce a new agriculture visa from 2030, amid wider concern that migration cuts could worsen regional labour shortages. Water and climate: Irrigators are warning that ongoing water recovery, complex rules and rising costs threaten production and regional jobs as El Niño risks intensify. Harvest outlook: South Australia’s wheat crop is forecast to hit an eight-year low, potentially increasing imports, while harvesting has begun on crops that have avoided setbacks this season. Farm innovation: Australian livestock technology company Agscent has launched in the UK, pairing methane monitoring with in-paddock weighing to help producers manage feed efficiency.

Fuel squeeze: Diesel is nearing $3 a litre in parts of Australia as global shocks bite, with Energy Minister Chris Bowen saying a G7 emergency stockpile release is unlikely to deliver much relief at the bowser. Pacific climate gap: A new Pacific resilience fund has received a $15m boost, but pledges still sit well below targets ahead of pre-COP talks in Fiji. AI biosecurity warning: Parliament heard calls to “harden AI defence” after concerns malicious actors could use advanced AI to develop biological agents and other threats. Farm input scrutiny: Pesticide Action Australia reports residues and “forever chemicals” on fruit and vegetables from major supermarkets, renewing pressure on testing and pesticide approvals. Cotton research focus: CRDC highlights grower-led R&D tackling cotton disease costs, productivity and irrigation evaporation via projects including floating solar on dams. Methane deal for cattle: Sea Forest and Teys struck a distribution agreement to scale SeaFeed methane-reduction feed for hundreds of thousands of head. Drought risk for insurers: A new analysis warns flash drought could cost insurers and rural economies billions, arguing drought needs the same pricing rigour as other hazards.