Ag Newsletter - 12 May 2026

May marks a distinct season of change. As the North welcomes the dry and mustering hits top gear, the South is navigating the start of autumn with snow, ice, and wind to keep things interesting. The moisture has been a vital boost, transforming winter crop prospects for many and helping feeder cattle markets find a floor amid surging restocker demand. While some producers still await a crucial break, all eyes are on a promising rain system building in Central Australia.

Beef:

Feeder Cattle Markets Find a Floor as Rain Sparks Restocker Demand - Following weeks of downward pressure, the feeder cattle market appears to have found a floor as the heavy influx of dry-weather sell-offs begins to slow. With lotfeeders largely booked through June, Darling Downs flatback steers have stabilised between 440–450¢/kg, while southern Angus steers are drawing premiums of 525–530¢/kg. This renewed confidence was evident at the Wagga sale on Monday, where recent widespread rainfall triggered aggressive competition from restockers and feedlots, pushing well-bred Angus heifers up by 13¢/kg. Source: Beef Central

Community First: The Drover Ag Story

At Drover Ag, we do more than just fill jobs; we build and support the people and communities that keep rural Australia moving. With a specialist team spread across the country, we live and breathe the regions we serve. From the productive sheep and cropping districts to the cattle breeding

Drover Ag NewsMegan Boote

Federal Budget 2026:

Pre-Budget Tension Felt Across Rural Australia - With the Federal Budget looming tonight, tension is high across rural Australia. Farmers are already navigating squeezed margins from global supply chain volatility and soaring input costs, and are looking to the Government for stability—not surprises.

Peak agricultural bodies have spent the past week demanding the protection of family farm structures:

• NFF Noticeably Quiet: Despite grassroots advocates and regional representatives being highly vocal and damning of the Government in the lead-up to the Budget, the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has remained surprisingly quiet. At a time when producers are anxious about the future of Capital Gains Tax (CGT), family trusts and the increasing cost of doing business, the peak national body has not issued any official pre-Budget statements to address these concerns.
• VFF: Plea to Rule Out Farm Transfer Taxes: Echoing this anxiety, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has directly called on Treasurer Jim Chalmers to explicitly rule out any changes to CGT concessions on farm transfers. Following a highly disappointing Victorian State Budget that slashed ag spending by 4.7% and neglected regional roads, southern producers are highly sensitive to any new federal tax burdens.

The Bottom Line: Australian farmers aren't looking for cash splashes tonight—they want smart, long-term policy, secure supply chains, and the unwavering protection of the family farm.

Cropping:

Rainfall "Split" Impacts Winter Crop Prospects - Widespread double-digit rainfall across southern and central NSW and Victoria has transformed the winter crop outlook, boosting already planted canola and providing essential subsoil moisture for wheat and barley. However, the system largely disappointed northern growers; dry-sown crops in parts of Northern NSW and Queensland still require a follow-up "break" to ensure successful establishment. Source: Sheep Central

Grain Markets:

Canola Exports Slow After Fast-Paced Start - Australian canola exports fell 37% in March compared to February, totalling 558,780 tonnes. The decline is attributed to a combination of rapid early shipments and geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, which temporarily disrupted access for regular customers in the UAE. Western Australia remains the primary hub for remaining full-cargo executions, mostly destined for European biofuel markets. Source: Grain Central

Weather:

"Promising" System Building in Central Australia - Meteorologists are tracking a developing system forecast to develop in Central Australia and track southeast. While totals remain uncertain, the potential for widespread, soaking falls across dry regions of Northern NSW is providing a rare glimmer of hope for producers holding onto stock or waiting to finalise winter planting programs. Source: BOM / Weatherzone

Season of Change - May marks a distinct shift in weather across the country. In the North, the dry season has arrived, opening the gates for mustering rounds as tracks finally dry out. Conversely, the South is battling a turbulent autumn; sporadic rain, the first significant snowfalls, and biting cold and coastal winds are making both sowing and autumn calving a challenge. Whether you're chasing the tail of the wet or bracing for the winter chill, it’s a critical window for seasonal transition.

Strategic Planning for 2026: Need to assess your team's performance for the new season? Take our Team Health Check Quiz or browse the latest roles on the Drover Ag Jobs Board.

Job Opportunities:

As we move into May, the Queensland cattle season has officially shifted into top gear, with the final drying of the tracks allowing mustering rounds to begin in earnest from the Gulf to the Channel Country. Keep an eye on the Drover Ag Jobs Board, specifically across the Central Highlands, the Darling Downs, and North West Queensland to find your next role.