Daily Ag News - 21 April 2026

Market Update:

Wagga Cattle Sale Faces Softening Demand - At the Wagga sale on Monday, secondary cattle and heavy cows saw price corrections as dry conditions in NSW dampened restocker interest. Heavy cows were particularly impacted, dropping 35-60c/kg as supply from northern regions remains high.

Source: Beef Central - Wagga Sale Report

Dairy:

Norco Lifts Farmgate Price to Offset Soaring Costs - Farmer-owned cooperative Norco has announced a 5 cent per litre increase in its farmgate milk price, effective from May 2026. The move brings the price to 97 cents per litre and is designed to inject an additional $1 million per month into the pockets of its members. CEO Michael Hampson stated the increase is a direct response to "unsustainable" pressures, noting that farmers are currently facing doubled diesel prices and tripled fertiliser costs. The co-op is calling on consumers and the wider industry to support farmer-owned brands as the sector navigates these record-high input expenses.

Source: InDaily QLD - Norco Raises Milk Price ; Norco

Fertiliser:

GRDC Urges Profit over Peak Yield - This weekend is ANZAC Day, the unofficial start of the winter cropping season, and a traditional climax of decision-making for the season. The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is advising growers to shift their focus from "maximum yield" to "maximum return per dollar." Due to ongoing supply chain volatility and high fuel prices, growers are being encouraged to pressure-test their fertiliser rates using paddock-scale trials and to consider pulses to offset nitrogen costs.

Source: GRDC - Fertiliser Decisions Ahead of Planting

Supply Chain:

CSIRO Unveils Plan for Resilient Supply Chains - The CSIRO has released a new South East Queensland Food System Strategy aimed at securing the region’s food future. The strategy addresses the "fragile" nature of current supply chains and calls for coordinated action to combat climate volatility and population growth. While focused on SEQ, the framework is being viewed as a blueprint for nationwide food security and regional agricultural stability.

Source: CSIRO: Regional Blueprint to Safeguard Australia's Food Future

Input Costs:

Virtual Fencing and Drones Mitigate Fuel Costs - As diesel prices remain volatile, a new report highlights how Australian farmers are pivoting their workforce strategies. By adopting ag-tech like virtual fencing and remote water monitoring, operations like Springhill Beef are reducing the need for staff to travel 340km between blocks. This shift is not just about saving fuel, but about optimising labour and allowing employees to focus on high-value stock management rather than transit.

Source: Aussie Farmers Navigating Fuel Pressures

Fuel Security Measures to Ease Farm Input Pressures - The Federal Government continues its spending on the massive PR program to show what it is doing about fuel costs and availability. It has moved to Stage 2 of the National Fuel Security Plan, introducing a suite of measures designed to protect regional supply chains from global volatility.

Key Takeaways for Producers:

• Excise & Freight Relief: The fuel excise has been halved, saving 26.3 cents per litre at the bowser. Additionally, the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge is now zero, providing a direct cost-saving for livestock and grain transport.
• Securing Regional Diesel: To prevent local shortages, the government has released 762 million litres of stock from the Minimum Stockholding Obligation. This is bolstered by the purchase of 100 million litres of additional diesel specifically for Australian shores.
• Import Flexibility: Temporary adjustments to fuel quality standards (sulfur and flashpoint levels) have been made to allow more international supply options, ensuring tractors remain operational during the winter sowing window.

Source: DCCEEW - Securing Australia’s Fuel Supply