Daily Ag News - 22 April 2026
Just In: FarmsAdvice Podcast with John Boote from Drover Ag streaming now - Building Modern Leadership and Recruitment on Farm available now on Spotify and Apple
This Farms Advice Podcast episode focuses on shifting from a "seat-filling" mentality to prioritising cultural fit and personality when recruiting for agricultural roles. John Boote highlights that adopting modern leadership, fostering an inclusive environment, and developing team skills are essential for attracting top talent in a competitive market.
NSW Update
The latest NSW DPI Weekly Commodity Report highlights a surging wool market and a peak in livestock supply driven by dry conditions.
- Livestock: National yardings reached a 2026 peak, with record numbers at Tamworth and Dubbo. The EYCI eased to 803c/kg, while mutton remains a standout, trading 91% higher year-on-year at 831c/kg cwt.
- Wool & Cotton: The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) jumped 2.2% to 1,825c/kg, its highest point since 2019. Cotton also rallied 3.6% to $608.10/bale on global production fears.
- Cropping: Wheat remains steady at $347/t, while chickpea interest is rising as a low-nitrogen alternative to combat high urea costs. Canola fell 2.2% to $721/t.
- Weather Outlook: A neutral autumn is expected, but the Bureau of Meteorology warns of a likely shift to El Niño by July.
Source: NSW DPI
WA Crop & Market Report:
Early Rain Boosts Canola Hopes Amid Input Squeeze - While the eastern states face record livestock yardings, Western Australia’s 2026 season is being shaped by early tropical moisture and strategic pivots in cropping programs.
- Cropping Shifts: The Grain Industry Association of WA (GIWA) reports a significant move away from wheat, with area expected to drop by up to 30% in some zones. This is being replaced by canola, barley, and legumes like lupins and lentils. High subsoil moisture from recent tropical depressions has encouraged growers to back canola despite high urea prices.
- Input Management: Fertiliser and fuel remain the primary risks. Many growers have scaled back nitrogen programs by 20–30% to manage costs, opting for legumes to naturally fix nitrogen in the soil. Soil mineralisation levels are reportedly higher than normal, providing a natural buffer for upcoming crops.
- Livestock Outperforming: In stark contrast to the price pressure in NSW, the WA cattle market is showing resilience. Strong demand has pushed prices higher across most categories, with weaner steers peaking at 538c/kg and slaughter cows holding steady between $6.80 and $7.00/kg dw.
- Climate Outlook: The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) forecasts largely neutral rainfall for the agricultural southwest through June, though above-normal daytime temperatures are expected.
Source: GIWA April 2026 Crop Report / DPIRD Seasonal Update / Agora Market Summary , Beef Central
Events:
Webinar: Managing Urea and Input Costs - Dairy Australia is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, at 12:00 PM to address ongoing disruptions to fuel and fertiliser supply. Titled "Urea Imports and Planning Ahead," the session features market analyst Andrew Whitelaw (Episode 3) and consultant Matt Harms (ONFARM Consulting). They will discuss global supply issues, urea price impacts, and farm business strategies to navigate input shocks. The free 45-minute online event is open to all farmers and industry members. Register via the Dairy Australia website.
Virtual Fencing, A Step Change for Land Management - Holbrook Landcare Network is inviting farmers to explore the potential of virtual fencing at an upcoming information session on Thursday, 30 April 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The event will examine whether virtual fencing represents a "step change" for waterway protection and pasture management. Attendees will hear from Halter, a leading provider in the space, and gain first-hand insights from a local farmer currently in the early stages of adopting the technology. The session is designed to help producers determine if virtual fencing is a viable option for their operations. Registration is essential and can be completed HERE.
