agriculture

Daily Ag News - 1 May 2026

Red meat consumption under the spotlight amid changes to discretionary spending

Welcome to today’s Drover Ag News. Red meat currently tops domestic food inflation, leaving producers watching closely for farmgate returns. Meanwhile, South Australian grain growers are urged to report locust activity as winter seeding begins to prevent spring outbreaks. In the yards, Queensland cattle markets are defying dry conditions, with Dalby and Roma seeing massive throughput and fierce restocker demand and solid pricing. Meanwhile, the VFF is demanding urgent federal fuel relief to combat the skyrocketing diesel costs squeezing farm margins. Finally, don't miss the latest agricultural career opportunities directly from the Drover Ag Jobs Board!

Red Meat:

Red Meat Leads Food Price Inflation as Consumption Takes a Hit - Recent data highlights that red meat has topped the list of domestic food price inflation hotspots. While this reflects strong retail value, it also underscores the pressure on discretionary spending, which is already affecting red meat consumption in many domestic and export markets. Producers have yet to determine how these indicators translate into farmgate returns, especially as global supply chains continue to face volatility due to geopolitical tensions.

Source: Beef Central | ABC

Cropping:

SA Growers Urged to Report Locust Activity - Grain Producers South Australia (GPSA) is calling on farmers to urgently report increasing locust activity across key cropping regions as they get winter seeding operations underway. While plague has not yet been declared, sightings have been flagged across the Riverland, Mallee, Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Ranges, and Yorke Peninsula, with authorities believing the insects migrated interstate on recent favourable winds.

With light winds and warm temperatures further encouraging movement, growers are urged to report any sightings of hoppers, swarms, or egg-laying immediately. Early detection will be critical in preventing renewed pressure from eggs hatching in spring during what is already shaping up to be a complex, high-risk season.

Source: Grain Producers SA

Livestock Markets:

Major QLD Saleyards See Strong Restocker and Feeder Demand - With ongoing dry conditions across parts of Queensland, the state's major selling centres saw massive throughput this week, with active competition from restockers, feedlots, and export buyers keeping prices resilient.

Dalby (Wednesday, April 29): Dalby recorded a yarding of 6,905 head. Lightweight yearling steers returning to the paddock held firm, topping at an impressive 514c/kg. Heavyweight yearling steers destined for feedlots saw price improvements, peaking at 500c/kg. The yarding also featured a large cow lineup, with heavy 3-score lines averaging 306c/kg and reaching a top of 350c/kg.
Roma Store Sale (Tuesday, April 28): Roma presented a yarding of 6,064 head. The laneways were packed with buyers as weaner steers (200-280kg) commanded strong restocker attention, reaching a top of 518c/kg. Feeder steers (400-500kg) topped at 468c/kg, while heavy cows (over 600kg) performed solidly, averaging 303c/kg and topping at 338c/kg.

Both sales highlight that despite high volumes and seasonal dryness, buyers remain highly active for quality young cattle and well-conditioned lines.

Source: MLA

Fuel:

VFF Demands Fuel Crisis Support Amid Surging Inflation - In response to surging national inflation figures, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is urgently calling on the Federal Government to deliver targeted fuel crisis support for the agricultural sector. Pointing to the compounding impact of skyrocketing diesel and transport costs on farm businesses, the VFF argues that primary producers are bearing the brunt of the current economic environment. The Federation is warning that without meaningful government relief to offset these unsustainable input costs, the financial pressure will not only severely squeeze farmgate margins but will ultimately flow straight through to consumer food prices at the supermarket checkout.

Source: Victorian Farmers Federation