Daily Update 12 April 2026
Mouse pressure warnings spread into SA ahead of sowing
Grain Central says calls for growers to check paddocks for mouse activity have spread into South Australia’s Adelaide Plains and Yorke Peninsula, alongside parts of WA. With sowing close, this is a practical reminder that pest pressure can quickly turn into an establishment issue if growers leave control too late.
Source: Call to cut mouse numbers ahead of sowing spreads to SA
https://www.graincentral.com/news/call-to-cut-mouse-numbers-ahead-of-sowing-spreads-to-sa/
Livestock
Record 2.9 million tonne beef production forecast for 2026
MLA’s updated 2026 Projections show the Australian beef industry is on track for record production of 2.9 million tonnes, with slaughter expected to hit its highest level since 1978. While the national herd remains stable above 30 million head, the report warns that the "long-haul" strategy of southern processors buying northern cattle is under severe threat from spiraling fuel costs. For producers, this record volume highlights a supply chain at maximum utilization; any further domestic disruptions or freight hikes will likely hit farm-gate prices immediately.
Source: Beef Central: Record beef production forecast for 2026 as cattle herd remains above 30m head
MLA reports weaker feeder cattle indicators and reduced slaughter
after Easter disruption
MLA’s weekly cattle and sheep market wrap shows national cattle yardings fell 12.3 percent, feeder heifer and feeder steer indicators dropped, and cattle slaughter fell 19.2 percent in the week ending 3 April. The short-term holiday effect is part of the story, but producers and lotfeeders will still be watching whether feeder weakness persists beyond the Easter interruption.
Source: Weekly cattle and sheep market wrap
https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/10042026weekly-cattle-and-sheep-market-wrap/
AuctionsPlus cattle clearance improves as listings rebound
Beef Central reports cattle listings more than doubled to 20,032 head in the latest AuctionsPlus offering, with clearance lifting to 59 percent and several young cattle categories improving in value. That suggests buyer confidence has lifted somewhat, even if the broader
cattle market still looks patchy.
Source: Clearance lifts to 59pc in 20,032 head AuctionsPlus offering
https://www.beefcentral.com/markets/clearance-lifts-to-59pc-in-20032-head-auctionsplus-offering/
Cropping
Northern grain prices jump as growers "clamp down" on selling
A widening price gap has emerged between northern and southern grain markets this week. In the north, dry conditions have seen growers halt sales, pushing wheat bids to $425/t on the Downs. Conversely, southern prices have softened as recent rains triggered an early start to sowing dual-purpose crops. With Urea prices stuck at $1,400/t and diesel over $3.00/L, traders report that growers are already lowering yield targets—planning for 4–5t/ha instead of 6–7t/ha to save on fertilizer. For southern growers, the current lack of export competition means local domestic feed markets remain the primary focus.
Source: Grain Central: Feedgrain Focus: Dry north lifts values, south softens
Commodities
Canola and Cotton find support in energy market surge
Global geopolitical tensions have sent crude oil prices higher, providing a secondary bounce for Australian canola and cotton. Canola is currently trading around $752/t, up over 4% this month, as it tracks the rising energy market. Analysts suggest canola currently offers a better risk-reward profile for the 2026 season than nitrogen-heavy cereals, despite the high cost of seed and fuel. Cotton prices have also jumped 6.5% this month, a trend that may help offset the significant diesel bills growers are facing as picking gets underway.
Source: Rabobank: Australia agribusiness April 2026: Fuel and fertiliser pressures
