Ag Newsletter - 19 May 2026
Weather & Climate:
A massive northwest cloudband has delivered highly anticipated, soaking rainfall to parched inland regions of New South Wales and southern Queensland, breaking an exceptionally dry start to the year.
Driven by an upper-level trough tapping deep tropical moisture, the system brought rare late-autumn totals of 25-50 mm across southwest Queensland. Meanwhile, central and northern inland NSW—which have faced significant rainfall deficiencies—have already seen useful falls of around 15 mm, with Borrona Downs in the far northwest registering 39 mm. For regional primary producers, the deluge offers a critical lifeline for winter crops and pasture growth ahead of the cooler months.
However, the rapid volume of water has quickly filled catchments closer to the slopes and plains. The BOM has issued active flood watches and warnings for several inland river systems, including the Condamine-Balonne catchment, as runoff moves downstream.
Meat Processing:
Organic Giant Hewitt to Acquire Nolan Meats - Australia’s largest Certified Organic meat producer, Hewitt, has agreed to acquire the nearly 70-year-old Queensland processing icon, Nolan Meats.
The family-owned, Gympie-based Nolan Meats will maintain its local operations and workforce. Founded as a single butcher shop in 1958, the business grew into an export pioneer, featuring the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fully automated meat-chilling centre.
For Hewitt—which owns extensive agricultural holdings and the Cleaver’s Organic brand—the acquisition secures a critical processing footprint to scale up domestic and international supply chains. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Source: Beef Central
Federal Budget:
VFF Confronts CGT Thresholds while NFF Welcomes Budget ‘Certainty’ - The federal budget’s tax overhauls have many wondering how the changes will affect the ag sector on the ground. While the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has embraced the budget's measures to provide sector 'stability', the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), small business groups and advisors appear to be doing the heavy lifting in pushing back.
The VFF is lobbying the federal government to review the $2 million small business turnover threshold for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concessions, which has been frozen for nearly 20 years. They warn that skyrocketing land values and inflation create a severe "bracket creep" effect, hitting retiring family farms with unfair tax liabilities and choking succession.
There remains widespread uncertainty about the impacts on Family Trusts. Many farmers are concerned about how changes could affect their non-primary production income, such as contracting, off-farm work, transport, ag support services and spousal income, which often support the family farm.
Cattle Markets:
Saleyards Rally as Restockers and Feedlots Chase Quality Lines - Cattle prices have trended dearer across major eastern saleyards, supported by robust processor and feedlot demand. At Dalby, light-weight yearling steers returning to the paddock jumped 20¢ to 24¢/kg to average between 472¢ and 475¢/kg. Meanwhile, heavyweight yearling steers to feed improved significantly, averaging 470¢/kg with isolated sales hitting 504¢/kg. At Wagga, an influx of restocker activity following recent southern moisture saw the best younger steers sell to feedlots for up to 532¢/kg. Source: Beef Central / NLRS
Cropping:
Irrigated Corn Crop Smashes National Yield Benchmark - An irrigated Pioneer hybrid corn crop grown at Arcadia in northern Victoria has officially set a new Australian yield record of 23.78 tonnes per hectare. Achieved by Leslie Farms, the standout performance was independently verified, showcasing the high-performance capabilities of modern agronomy and regional irrigation infrastructure when matched with precision input timing. Source: Grain Central
Wild Dog Control:
The Dingo Debate: Hybridisation Study Fuels Calls for Action - A landmark genetic study revealing eastern "dingoes" carry up to 30% domestic dog DNA has fueled livestock producers' demands to retain vital pest control measures.
Following Victoria's controversial ban on baiting and trapping on public land boundaries, desperate West Wimmera producers are compiling DNA and attack footage. They argue the government’s $2.5 million non-lethal support package is wildly impractical against escalating stock losses. For livestock producers, the new genetic data validates what they’ve seen on the ground: these predators are hybridised wild dogs, not pure dingoes. With conservation lobbying intensifying, the fight to maintain lethal management tools remains a critical battle for the sheep and cattle sectors this winter. Source: Sheep Central
John Boote
Following the overwhelming industry response to his initial video exposing the "silent crisis" of burnout and tightening margins in Australian agriculture, Drover Ag Managing Director John Boote released a follow-up reply.
In his response, John expresses deep gratitude for the flood of messages, validation, and shared experiences from across the agricultural community. He notes that the massive engagement proves just how deeply these pressures—ranging from global supply chain bottlenecks to the gruelling demands of production, employment and retention on the land—are felt by family farms and corporate agribusinesses alike. Rather than just highlighting a bleak situation, Boote uses his reply to emphasise a message of solidarity and resilience, reinforcing Drover Ag’s commitment to supporting the community, keeping the conversation alive, and actively working toward structural solutions that protect the industry's most valuable asset: its people.
To hear his message of appreciation and his thoughts on the industry-wide feedback firsthand, you can view the John Boote Reply Video.
Interested in talking to John about Recruitment and Retention on your farm? Book A Call today.
Drover Ag Jobs Board - New Jobs
Caretaker & Gardener | Southern Highlands, NSW - APPLY NOW
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