agriculture

Ag Newsletter 15 May 2026

Megan Boote

— 5 min read
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Ag Newsletter 15 May 2026
Burnout, Margins, and the Silent Crisis in Ag Recruitment with John Boote from Drover Ag

Today’s news reflects a shifting landscape: Welcome southern rain forecasts have softened feedgrain prices, though the North remains too dry for widespread planting. Amid global and national uncertainty and tightening margins, we examine the "silent crisis" in agricultural employment—and the tools available to help build resilient teams for the season ahead.

Weather & Climate Outlook

BOM Long-Range Forecast: A Drier, Warmer Winter Ahead The BOM’s newly released winter outlook (June to August) indicates a high probability (60% to 80%) of below-average rainfall for much of eastern Australia and south-west WA. Daytime temperatures are likely to be above average for most of the continent. The Bureau also noted early signs of El Niño development and the potential for a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) later this winter, which typically suppresses rainfall. Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Employment:

What does it take to keep Australian agriculture moving forward? It takes great people. Latest video from John Boote.

Watch Now: Burnout, Margins, and the Silent Crisis in Ag
What does it take to keep Australian agriculture moving forward? It takes great people. To give you a behind-the-scenes look at who we are and what drives us, John Boote, Managing Director and Founder of Drover Ag, has released a short video that captures the heart of Drover Ag. John
Drover Ag NewsJohn Boote

Beef & Sheep Meat:

According to Rabobank's May 2026 outlook, Australian cattle prices temporarily dipped in April as dry conditions in northern NSW pushed more numbers through saleyards, but strong global demand is expected to help the market stabilise and potentially lift. Meanwhile, lamb and mutton prices are holding at historically high levels and are forecast to remain strong heading into the seasonally tighter winter slaughter months due to ongoing national supply constraints. Source: Rabobank

Cropping & Grains:

Global Wheat Prices Surge as USDA Slashes Production Estimates - International grain markets reacted sharply to the latest USDA report, which cut global production and sent winter wheat prices "limit up." - AgWeb. With global stocks hitting a multi-decade low, Australian growers with grain in the shed or winter crops established are seeing a significant lift in price potential, though high fertiliser costs continue to keep margins tight.

Feedgrain Prices Soften on Rain Forecasts - Widespread rainfall forecasts across eastern and southern Australia have pushed feedgrain prices down across the board. Forecasted rain (25mm+) is solidifying strong winter crop prospects in SA, Victoria, and southern NSW. Growers are selling modestly, primarily to cover high fertiliser and chemical bills.

While northern feedgrain values dropped up to $10/t, the expected 15mm isn't enough to trigger widespread winter planting in northern NSW and Queensland, where 50mm+ is still needed. To fill the northern feed gap, southern hay and grain are tracking north. Market speculation is also growing about a potential shipment of WA or SA wheat into Brisbane by July. High cottonseed prices driven by intense northern drought feeding, have pushed it out of many feedlot rations, while sorghum's discount to wheat is attracting pig and poultry buyers.

Source: Grain Central

Employment Market Update - May 2026
Quality Over Quantity in a Shifting Ag Landscape Australian agriculture has always been resilient, but the current operating environment is testing the limits of family farms and corporate agribusinesses alike. Globally, ongoing conflicts are driving fuel and input shortages and supply chain bottlenecks, creating unpredictable and costly flow-on effects for
Drover Ag NewsMegan Boote

Budget 2026 Wrap:

NFF Welcomes Tax Relief, Warns of Regional Cuts -The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Federal Budget, including a $10 billion fuel security package and a permanent instant asset write-off with some exemptions for primary production on CGT changes. The NFF also raised alarms over sweeping budget cuts to regional connectivity, the Department of Agriculture, and the Inland Rail project.

Meanwhile, the NFF Horticulture Council warned that potential changes to the Working Holiday Maker program could severely undermine harvest capacity and place immense strain on an already stretched regional labour pool.

Sources: NFF Ag Release | NFF Hort Release

WA Industry Slams "Anti-Farming Agenda" Over Wild Dog Controls - A new political rift has opened in Western Australia, with the Shadow Minister for Agriculture slamming a motion to remove dingoes as declared pests. Livestock producers warn that removing control measures like 1080 baiting would cripple livestock breeding programs, adding more pressure to a sector already navigating the live sheep export phase-out. Source: Loop WA | May 14, 2026

Drover Ag Jobs Board Summary:

Here is a summary of the current job opportunities available on the Drover Ag Jobs Board.

Read more