Daily Ag News - 28 April 2026

In today's update, we cover the high-quality cotton harvest in Queensland and NSW, and an urgent warning for South Australian grain growers facing an escalating mouse threat ahead of winter sowing. We also highlight a significant biofuels investment poised to benefit the cane sector, alongside vital community and wellness updates, including the upcoming Mitchell Power Memorial Quick Shear and the latest on-ground support from the National Centre for Farmer Health.

Cotton:

Favourable Weather Drives High-Quality Harvest - Growers across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales are reporting strong yields and excellent lint quality as the cotton harvest gathers pace. The Australian Cotton Shippers Association forecasts a national crop of 4.3 to 4.5 million bales. Agronomists note that dry, mild weather has made defoliation straightforward, allowing pickers to log long hours with low moisture interference. While southern valleys faced a tougher start due to reduced water allocations, regions like the Gwydir Valley are seeing exceptional irrigated yields of up to 17 bales per hectare.

Grain Central: Pickers power through high-quality cotton crop

Cropping:

Emergency Update for SA Growers Amid Escalating Mouse Threat - As mouse activity rapidly builds across South Australian cropping zones ahead of winter sowing, Grain Producers Australia (GPA) is convening an emergency online update for farmers. The session features CSIRO researcher Steve Henry and focuses on on-ground risk management. Crucially, GPA will provide an update on their collaborative efforts with the CSIRO and GRDC to secure an emergency permit from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for the use of ZP50 mouse bait to protect germinating crops. GPA

BioFuels:

Canegrowers have welcomed the Queensland Government’s recent $25 million investment in biodiesel production at Ampol’s Lytton Refinery, viewing it as a crucial first step toward a robust domestic biofuels industry. While the initial project doesn't directly utilise sugarcane, CEO Dan Galligan notes it lays the essential groundwork for future expansion where the cane sector could drive the production of sustainable aviation fuel, expanded ethanol, and green electricity. For growers, the development of a local biofuels market represents a massive opportunity to add value to every tonne of cane harvested, diversify farm income streams, and improve national fuel security by reducing Australia's reliance on volatile imported fuel supplies. Canegrowers

Community:

Event Reminder: The Mitchell Power Memorial Quick Shear

Drover Ag is a proud sponsor of the upcoming Mitchell Power Memorial Quick Shear in Bombala, NSW. Mark your calendars for June 21, 2026, for what has become a cornerstone event in the shearing and rural community calendar. Established in 2022 to honour the life of talented young shearer Mitch Power, this event is about much more than just competition—it’s a vital day dedicated to raising awareness and essential funds for mental health and suicide prevention within the shearing industry and rural communities.

Held at the Imperial Hotel, Bombala, the day will feature high-octane shearing across Novice, Intermediate, Senior, and Open categories, along with the always-entertaining novelty team events. It's a fantastic opportunity to gather, celebrate the industry, check in with your mates, and support a truly meaningful cause.

Visit https://mitchellpowermemorialquickshear.myshopify.com/ for event details or to nominate, buy merch or buy raffle tickets.

Rural Health:

The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is a nationwide service dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and safety of Australian farmers, farm workers, and their families. They provide practical, industry-specific resources, clinical health services, and mental health support tailored directly to the realities of rural life.

Upcoming On-Ground Events The NCFH regularly takes their clinical team directly to the community to deliver hands-on support. Check their website for upcoming events near you, farmerhealth.org.au