Ag Newsletter - 17 July 2026
Fit as A Farmer:
We are incredibly proud to share this inspiring feature on Ben “Wundy” Wundersitz—a valued Drover Ag client, a progressive South Australian grain producer, and one of the visionary co-founders behind the life-changing Fat Farmers movement.
Originally published by RMW Magazine and reproduced here with the approval of Fat Farmers, this article highlights Ben's well-deserved inclusion in the current, prestigious edition of R.M. Williams “Great Australians,” which honors 20 remarkable individuals shaping the nation.
What started 14 years ago as three local mates swapping their work boots for sneakers at a Yorke Peninsula gym has exploded into a national phenomenon of health, fitness, and medical screening for rural communities. From launching mobile health hubs at field days to breaking down long-standing stigmas surrounding rural mental and physical wellbeing, Ben's relentless energy reminds us all that a farm's most valuable asset will always be the person running it.
Read the full story below. To explore the profiles of all 20 featured icons, you can purchase your own copy of the Great Australians special edition directly at www.outbackmag.com.au/great-australians/.
Want to know more about the Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative?
If you want to see the real-life impact of Wundy’s vision in action, check out this short Fat Farmers Impact Video. It features everyday members from both Fat Farmers and Active Farmers sharing firsthand why they turn up each week, the community connection they build, and exactly what they get out of being part of their local group. 📺Watch the Fat Farmers Impact Video on YouTube
Weather & Cropping:
Southern Cold Fronts Deliver Timely Boost to Winter Crops - A succession of cold fronts has delivered vital moisture to southern winter cropping zones. For the week ending July 15, grain-growing regions in South Australia, Victoria, and southern New South Wales recorded beneficial falls of 5mm to 25mm. These moderate totals are maintaining high subsoil moisture profiles and are perfectly timed to support the ongoing establishment and growth of winter wheat and canola crops. Conversely, Queensland and northern NSW cropping zones remained largely dry over the past week. Source:DAFF Weekly Australian Climate, Water and Agricultural Update
Dairy Sector:
Global Trade Headwinds Challenge Local Farm Production Gains - Dairy Australia has released its mid-year Situation and Outlook report, confirming that while the national herd is entering the new season on a firm footing due to favourable opening milk pricing, complex external factors are building. Domestic milk volumes have stabilised well over winter, supported by reliable consumer retail demand for high-protein products.
However, macro-economists warn that ongoing international supply chain disruptions are inflating bulk shipping rates and the wholesale costs of key imports, including fertilisers, grain supplements, and diesel. Dairy Australia is advising milk producers to counter these volatile input margins by running tight "marginal economics" systems—focusing squarely on maximising direct winter pasture conversion rather than relying on brought-in feeds. Source: Dairy Australia Industry Reports
Livestock Markets:
Massive Yarding Surges Test Queensland Saleyards - Following weeks of limited throughput due to weather, Queensland saleyards saw a massive influx of numbers this week as producers capitalised on strong restocker demand and annual weaning programs.
At the Roma Store Sale on July 14, numbers climbed to an exceptionally high 11,547 head. The quality was described as above average, with yearling steers (330–400kg) reaching 614¢/kg for restockers. The trend continued at Dalby on July 15, where yardings surged to 7,731 head. Restockers from central NSW provided heavy support for young cattle, and average cow prices improved by 6¢ to 8¢/kg on those returning to the paddock. Source: Beef Central Market Reports
Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap - MLA reports that the Online Young Cattle Indicator (OYCI) showed strong performance this week, rising to an average of 555¢/kg liveweight (lwt) as southern buyers continued to look north for stock. The national cattle yarding increased by 2% to 69,626 head, bringing mixed results across categories. While the OYCI tracked upward, the Restocker Yearling Steer indicator dropped 27¢ week-on-week to 534¢/kg lwt, and the National Heavy Steer Indicator averaged 454¢/kg lwt. Total cattle yardings remained a massive 85% higher year-on-year, underpinned by ongoing export demand.
In the sheep pens, most indicators softened due to a larger yarding and reduced processor demand. The national sheep and lamb yarding increased to 176,903 head. However, it wasn't all downward trends: heavyweight lambs set an impressive saleyard record of $418/head at Katanning, and the National Restocker Lamb Indicator actually increased by 26¢ to 1,216¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), bolstered by a strong showing out of Wagga. Meanwhile, the Trade Lamb Indicator dropped by 37¢ to 1,212¢/kg cwt. Source: Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) Weekly Market Wrap
Agribusiness Property:
Exploring the Multi-Speed Grazing Market - A property market review has highlighted a distinct "multi-speed" environment across the Australian grazing sector. While the urgency of the boom years has eased, marketing agents note that the market is now entering a healthy consolidation phase. Buyers are becoming highly selective, weighing up elevated input costs, uncertain interest rate settings, and carbon opportunities before signing contracts. The review notes that a $25 million budget currently secures vastly different assets depending on the region—from highly intensive, tightly held improved pastures in the southern states to massive scale, natural pasture breeding operations in western and northern Australia. Source: Beef Central Property Review
