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Ag Newsletter - 11 June 2026

Megan Boote

— 5 min read
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Ag Newsletter - 11 June 2026

Seasonal Rain Drives Confidence at FarmFest - Recent multi-regional rain bands across southern Queensland and northern NSW arrived just in time to salvage delayed winter crop seeding, triggering a major bounce in producer confidence at Elders FarmFest in Toowoomba. Exhibitors reported exceptional commercial inquiry and robust infrastructure sales, particularly within the livestock sector. While broadacre tractor and machinery sales adjusted slightly following successive historic cropping seasons, underlying buying sentiment remained highly positive. Source: Grain Central

Southern Market Update:

Winter Supply Tightens as Prices Rally -Widespread rainfall across Southern NSW, Victoria, and South Australia has boosted producer confidence and significantly tightened winter saleyard supply, triggering a sharp lift in buyer competition over the past 7 days.

Sheep and Lambs

  • Mutton Record: The National Mutton Indicator shattered records to reach 857¢/kg cwt for the week ending Wednesday, June 10.
  • Lamb Premium: At the Ballarat sale on Tuesday, June 9, lamb yardings eased to 13,000 head. Heavy export lambs (over 30kg) dominated, selling from $332 to $450/head to average 1,060¢ to 1,150¢/kg cwt. Store lambs returned to the paddock at dearer rates, clearing between $154 and $268/head.

Cattle

  • Price Lift: Contraction in numbers saw quality lines trend firm-to-dearer. At the Naracoorte sale on Tuesday, June 9, a smaller winter yarding saw well-bred young steers and heifers consistently top 500¢/kg lwt to feedlots and processors.
  • Indicators: Nationally, the Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator jumped 5.3% to 540¢/kg lwt, while the National Young Cattle Indicator (NYCI) lifted 4% to 522¢/kg lwt for the week.

Source: Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) / Saleyard Reports

EOFY 2026: Compliance and Cost Changes Impacting Farm Business

As the financial year draws to a close, farm businesses face a series of significant regulatory and operational cost changes taking effect this July 1. From surging diesel prices to major payroll overhauls, here are the key adjustments you need to prepare for.

Fuel Excise Reinstatement - The Federal Government’s temporary cut to the fuel excise expires on June 30. Bulk and bowser diesel prices are expected to spike immediately by upwards of 30 to 40 cents a litre as the full tax is reapplied. Taking delivery of bulk on-farm diesel before the end of the month will lock in the currently subsidised rate. Note that once the full excise returns in July, your off-road Fuel Tax Credit (FTC) claim rates will adjust back up accordingly. ATO

"Payday Super" and SBSCH Closure - From July 1, 2026, the new "Payday Super" legislation mandates that employee superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions must be paid at the same time as regular wages (within 7 business days of the pay run). Quarterly super payments are no longer permitted. Concurrently, the ATO is permanently closing the free Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH). If you currently use this government portal, you must transition to commercial payroll software or an alternative clearing house immediately to ensure compliance. The good news is that the SG rate is NOT increasing this year and will remain at 12%. Australian Super

Minimum Wage Increases - The Fair Work Commission has mandated a 4.75% increase to modern award wages. Effective the first full pay period on or after July 1, 2026, the National Minimum Wage rises to $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week). All farm employers must review their workers' pay rates against the Pastoral Award to ensure they meet the new legal baselines. FairWork

Asset Deductions and Loss Carry-Back - The $20,000 instant asset write-off has been made permanent for small businesses with an aggregated turnover under $10 million. You can immediately deduct the business portion of multiple eligible assets costing under $20,000, rather than depreciating them. Additionally, for farms operating under a company structure, the government has reinstated the loss carry-back scheme, allowing eligible companies to claim a cash refund on taxes paid during the previous two profitable income years to help buffer cash flow during tough seasons. ATO

Environment:

NFF Raises Concerns Over Proposed Environmental Offset Rules - The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has issued a submission strongly opposing elements of the draft National Environmental Standard for Environmental Offsets, warning that proposed 25-to-100-year maintenance periods and permanent land covenants impose restrictive burdens on agricultural landholders. The NFF argues that enforcing in-perpetuity restrictions on land titles will depress rural property values, limit future land-use flexibility, and complicate family succession planning. Source: National Farmers' Federation

Genetics:

Australia Resumes Cattle Genetics Exports to China After Five-Year Pause - Australian bull semen exports to China have resumed for the first time since 2021, following the re-accreditation of a Victorian export facility late last year. Facilitated by ABS Australia, initial shipments in April and May 2026 totaled 24,000 straws of Wagyu, Jersey, and Holstein genetics. The trade aims to improve Chinese dairy herd productivity and satisfy surging domestic demand for premium, high-marbling beef in China's traditional dining sectors by crossing Australian Wagyu genetics with local dairy cows. The renewed market access is projected to more than double the exporter's sales. Source: ABC Rural

Watch Now: What Does Drover Ag Actually Do? Beyond the Job Ad
“So what does Drover Ag actually do?” It’s a fair question, as on the surface, it might look like our business simply advertises jobs for farms. However, the reality of our operations goes far deeper than that. In our latest video update, Drover Ag Founder and Director John Boote
Drover Ag NewsJohn Boote

Cyber Security Warning for Ag:

This week, a targeted cyber attack forced Mackay Sugar to halt its milling operations during a critical processing window. This incident is a stark reminder that agribusinesses—from large corporate processors to family farms—are increasingly targeted by hackers who know that downtime during harvest or crushing costs millions. Source:ABC Rural

With on-farm technology more connected than ever, digital vigilance is essential.

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