The dollar posted fresh trend lows against some currencies. The framework regime shift at the Fed, announced by Chairman Powell last week, effectively reaffirmed the dollar softening trend, concomitantly with shorter dated inflation-adjusted Treasury yields posting fresh lows. The yields on the 5- and 7-year real constant maturity Treasury notes were indicated on Friday at… Read more »
Month: August 2020
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Aug 31, 2020
The dollar posted fresh lows during the pre-Europe session in Asia-Pacific markets. The framework regime shift at the Fed, announced by Chairman Powell last week, effectively reaffirmed the dollar softening trend, concomitantly with shorter dated inflation-adjusted Treasury yields posting fresh lows. The yields on the 5- and 7-year real constant maturity Treasury notes were indicated… Read more »
JBS Australia resumes lamb and beef processing at Brooklyn
MAJOR red meat processor JBS Australia has resumed lamb and beef processing at its Brooklyn plant after closing about two weeks ago due to COVID-19 infections among staff. Source: Sheep Central JBS Australia resumes lamb and beef processing at Brooklyn
APVMA reports improvement in assessment performance
AUSTRALIA’S pesticides and veterinary medicine regulator has reported improvements in its application assessment performance for the 2019-20 financial year. Source: Sheep Central APVMA reports improvement in assessment performance
New Zealand strong wool producers form new group
NEW Zealand strong wool producers have united in a new group to renew a focus on stimulating consumer-led innovation. Source: Sheep Central New Zealand strong wool producers form new group
Recent fall in lamb prices is a worry – NAB
THE fall in Australian saleyard trade lamb prices over recent months has reflected concerns about the resilience of international demand, according to NAB’s latest Rural Commodities Wrap. Source: Sheep Central Recent fall in lamb prices is a worry – NAB
Sheep producers continue lamb focus in online purchases
SHEEP producers chasing lambs on the ground this year lifted prices in select categories on AuctionsPlus last week. Source: Sheep Central Sheep producers continue lamb focus in online purchases
Wool and sheep meat should diversify markets – Perth USAsia Centre
AUSTRALIA’S levy-funded wool and sheep meat marketing bodies should escalate development efforts to diversify offshore processing and market access options, a leading thinktank director believes. Source: Sheep Central Wool and sheep meat should diversify markets – Perth USAsia Centre
Livestock transport drivers up-skill on animal welfare
About 45 livestock transport company drivers and support staff took part in a new pilot animal welfare workshop in Goondiwindi in southern Queensland recently – the first such course designed and delivered specifically with the stock transport industry in mind. Source: Beef Central Livestock transport drivers up-skill on animal welfare
New research partnership targets northern beef industry
A strategic research partnership to address breeder efficiency in Northern Australia has been launched, with the target of delivering at least $20 million in net benefits a year to northern beef enterprises by 2027. Source: Beef Central New research partnership targets northern beef industry
NAB forecasts AUD rise to US80c mark by mid-2022
Continued appreciation of the Australian Dollar (AUD) has offset better seasonal conditions to see the NAB Rural Commodities Index fall slightly by 3.7% in August. Source: Beef Central NAB forecasts AUD rise to US80c mark by mid-2022
Organic industry raises concerns over misleading package labelling
Products falsely claiming to be ‘organic’ on packaging will be the key focus of this year’s Australian Organic Awareness Month. Source: Beef Central Organic industry raises concerns over misleading package labelling
Australian seasonal bushfire outlook – Sep-Nov 2020
The 2020/21 fire season will be driven by vastly different climate drivers than the previous two fire seasons, according to the official Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released today. Source: Beef Central Australian seasonal bushfire outlook – Sep-Nov 2020
False positive test result can’t be ruled out, says suspended meat processor
Further analysis is required to rule-out a false positive test result, Queensland beef processor John Dee suggests, following the plant’s suspension from the China market on Friday over an unusual antibiotic residue detection. Source: Beef Central False positive test result can’t be ruled out, says suspended meat processor
Organic industry raises concerns over misleading package labelling
Products falsely claiming to be ‘organic’ on packaging will be the key focus of this year’s Australian Organic Awareness Month. Source: Grain Central Organic industry raises concerns over misleading package labelling
'It was just getting too much': Meet the uni students working on outback cattle stations amid COVID-19
Queensland university students Axel Licari and Macey Holcombe are working on Viola Station, north of Julia Creek, with one studying remotely and the other simply taking a “break”. Source: ABC Livestock ‘It was just getting too much’: Meet the uni students working on outback cattle stations amid COVID-19
Double Diamond sells for over $660,000, becoming the world's most expensive sheep
A consortium of farmers pay an “obscene amount of money” for an “extra special” Texel lamb in Scotland, setting the record for the most expensive sheep sale. Source: ABC Livestock Double Diamond sells for over 0,000, becoming the world’s most expensive sheep
Outback artist goes from 'absolute terror' to pride as outback bakery transformed
When Maree Power was asked to paint directly onto the walls of the local bakery her first response was to panic and turn the job down. Now she is in the middle of what she describes as “the single most exciting opportunity” of her artistic career. Source: ABC Livestock Outback artist goes from ‘absolute… Read more »
Big jump in AuctionsPlus listings, as young cattle price momentum continues
This week cattle numbers saw an increase in listings across the eastern states to 17,246 head, more than 4000 head above the previous week. Clearance rates across commercial cattle sales remained steady on last week. Source: Beef Central Big jump in AuctionsPlus listings, as young cattle price momentum continues
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Aug 28, 2020
The DXY bounced modestly in N.Y. on Friday, after coming under pressure overnight, hitting an eight-session low of 92.20 early in the day. The Dollar’s move lower apparently came as the market has determined that the Fed’s new inflation policy will keep interest rates low for even longer, which should continue to keep the USD… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: North America – Aug 28, 2020
The dollar’s weakening bias reimposed as the lows seen in the immediate wake of Fed Chair Powell’s announcement of a framework regime change (lower interest rates for longer as a consequence of more tolerance on inflation risks) were surpassed during the London morning. The narrow trade-weighted USD index (DXY) dropped by over 0.6% in posting… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Aug 28, 2020
The dollar has ebbed back toward the lows seen in the immediate wake of Fed Chair Powell’s historic announcement of a shift in its monetary policy strategy, moving to an average inflation target. The narrow trade-weighted USD index (DXY) has receded to a 92.60 low, swinging the post-Powell low at 92.44 back into scope while… Read more »
SA grain industry outlines plan to become a $6 billion industry
South Australia’s grain industry sets its sights on becoming the baking wheat capital of Australia in its blueprint to grow the sector to $6 billion a year by 2030. Source: ABC Grain SA grain industry outlines plan to become a billion industry
Sheep, dieback and technology covered in latest MLA podcast
MEAT & Livestock Australia has released episode three of its Feedback podcast, with segments on genetic selection, on-farm research, pasture dieback, objective measurement technology and Olympians participating in MLA’s education program. Source: Sheep Central Sheep, dieback and technology covered in latest MLA podcast
Lack of offshore confidence is hitting wool auction and forward markets
A LACK of offshore confidence again hampered the spot auction and forward wool markets this week. Source: Sheep Central Lack of offshore confidence is hitting wool auction and forward markets
Lamb prices rebound as processors scour saleyards for quality
LAMB prices rebounded this week as demand and inadequate quality supplies direct to abattoirs forced major processors back into saleyards. Source: Sheep Central Lamb prices rebound as processors scour saleyards for quality
Victorian poultry banned by overseas markets, 400,000 birds euthanased
At least eight countries have banned Victorian poultry products. Some of the 400,000 animals euthanased due to the state’s bird flu outbreak include 2,000 baby emus. Source: ABC Livestock Victorian poultry banned by overseas markets, 400,000 birds euthanased
Mouse activity on the rise in eastern, southern cropping regions
Moderate mouse activity has been reported in parts of South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Source: Grain Central Mouse activity on the rise in eastern, southern cropping regions
British Texel ram lamb sets a new world record sheep price
A BRITISH Texel ram lamb has set a new world record price equivalent to more than A$667,000 in the Scottish National Texel Sale at the Lanark Agricultural Centre in Scotland. Source: Sheep Central British Texel ram lamb sets a new world record sheep price
QLD beef plant suspended by China over residue detection
A Queensland export meat processing facility has been suspended from supply to China, following a residue detection found during routine screening in imported meat. Source: Beef Central QLD beef plant suspended by China over residue detection
Fifth Australian abattoir suspended from exporting to China
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has confirmed Chinese authorities have suspended the Queensland abattoir from selling its meat to China for “quite legitimate” reasons. Source: ABC Livestock Fifth Australian abattoir suspended from exporting to China
Little bug tracker schoolkids a boost for biodiversity
Sydney schools students have teamed up with scientists to track bees, butterflies for biodiversity project. Source: ABC Livestock Little bug tracker schoolkids a boost for biodiversity
Stanbroke claims fourth Beef-Off taste test title
Queensland grainfed beef supply chain Stanbroke Beef has claimed its fourth Beef-Off taste test title, against some of the country’s best beef brands in the annual competition in Brisbane this week. Source: Beef Central Stanbroke claims fourth Beef-Off taste test title
New guide released for ag sectors seeking to establish or change levies
A new industry-focused guide will provide practical, step-by-step guidance to support the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors in establishing or changing levies, according to the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment. Source: Beef Central New guide released for ag sectors seeking to establish or change levies
Feedgrain Focus: Values steady as southern inverses shrink
Demand in southern markets for new-crop export business has closed the inverse on barley and narrowed it for wheat, while in the north, new-crop values have firmed on limited selling. Source: Beef Central Feedgrain Focus: Values steady as southern inverses shrink
Inquiry a chance to get a better deal for farmers: NFF
The National Farmers’ Federation says there continues to be systemic power imbalances across Australia’s food supply chain and a Government-sanctioned inquiry into these markets announced this week is a prudent step. Source: Beef Central Inquiry a chance to get a better deal for farmers: NFF
‘Beating ourselves up, while rest of world plays by different rules’: AgForce webinar
If customer expectations have been shaped by one-sided and misleading information, should a business or industry still try to exhaustively meet those expectations, even if it means striving for unrealistic and impossible standards, or work harder to provide better information to consumers? Source: Beef Central ‘Beating ourselves up, while rest of world plays by… Read more »
Positive weather forecast draws cautious optimism from outback graziers
After a patchy and late wet season in north-west Queensland, a cautious sense of optimism is starting to creep in with a higher than average rainfall forecast in the coming months. Source: ABC Livestock Positive weather forecast draws cautious optimism from outback graziers
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Aug 27, 2020
The dollar fell early in N.Y. on Thursday, after Powell indicated the Fed would change its inflation targeting, allowing CPI to rise above the 2% target for a time. As a result of the policy change, interest rates are set to remain close to zero for a longer time. USD-JPY fell from 106.10 to one-week… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: North America – Aug 27, 2020
The dollar lifted out of intraday lows in overall narrow ranges while global stock markets have beaten a retreat as today’s keynote address of Fed Chairman Powell looms up. EUR-USD ebbed to the lower 1.1800s after earlier edging out a three-day high at 1.1850, maintaining a narrow range for a fourth consecutive day. Cable edged… Read more »
Genetic link found between cattle temperament and autism
A strong association between the genes influencing cattle temperament and autism in humans has been discovered by researchers. It’s the first time whole genome sequencing has been used to analyse temperament in beef cattle. Source: Beef Central Genetic link found between cattle temperament and autism
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Aug 27, 2020
The dollar has retained a softening tone, though ranges have been narrow. Markets are anticipating a dovish lean from Fed Chair Powell’s keynote Jackson Hole speech today. Wall Street yesterday produced fresh record highs for the S&P 500 and NASDAQ, though the main U.S. index futures are lower in overnight trading while most Asia stock… Read more »
Profit fall for Woolworths, despite higher COVID sales
Despite strong results in its Australian supermarkets division, Woolworths reported a 22pc fall in its net profit for the 2020 year to June 30, in results announced today. Source: Beef Central Profit fall for Woolworths, despite higher COVID sales
Emus, 40,000 chickens to be culled as Victoria battles multiple bird flu outbreaks
Three different strains of bird flu have hit six farms in Victoria, including an ASX-listed company that looks set to lose a third of its flock. Emus, along with chickens and turkeys, will have to be euthanased. Source: ABC Livestock Emus, 40,000 chickens to be culled as Victoria battles multiple bird flu outbreaks
Who says you don’t get anything for free?

Riverina are running a TRUEGRAZ® GOLD promotion until the end of September 2020. We will provide FREE OF CHARGE a 550 litre tub for every 25 ton ordered and delivered during September. It’s that simple. How does the offer work? You place your order for 25 ton of TRUEGRAZ® GOLD with your local reseller or… Read more »
Fine Merino and oddment wool prices lift, but indicator drops
FINE wool prices lifted in Melbourne and to a lesser extent in Sydney this week, but the market’s eastern states benchmark indicator dropped further as medium Merino and crossbred values weakened. Source: Sheep Central Fine Merino and oddment wool prices lift, but indicator drops
Seasonal climate outlook for September-November 2020
SPRING is likely to be wetter than average across much of Australia, with a greater than 60 percent chance in most areas and a greater than 75pc chance in much of the eastern half of the mainland. Source: Sheep Central Seasonal climate outlook for September-November 2020
Seasonal climate outlook Sep-Nov 2020
Spring is likely to be wetter than average across much of Australia, with a greater than 60 percent chance in most areas and a greater than 75pc chance in much of the eastern half of the mainland. Source: Beef Central Seasonal climate outlook Sep-Nov 2020
Vegan activist ordered to pay compensation for stealing piglets from Queensland piggery
A vegan animal activist, who said she stole several piglets after being confronted with “putrid” conditions at a Queensland piggery, is ordered to pay compensation and undertake community service. Source: ABC Livestock Vegan activist ordered to pay compensation for stealing piglets from Queensland piggery
Wellard records maiden full year profit
An assiduous debt reduction strategy including the sale of two vessels has helped livestock shipping charter company Wellard Limited to this morning announce its first full year profit since its public listing in December 2015. Source: Beef Central Wellard records maiden full year profit
End of an era for historic Killafaddy saleyards
Killafaddy saleyards on the outskirts of Launceston holds its last auction to make way for a multi-agent facility at Powranna. Source: ABC Livestock End of an era for historic Killafaddy saleyards
Beef industry groups move to set record straight on ABC’s Fight for Planet ‘A’
Australia’s beef industry has united to set the record straight after its record on land clearing and environmental sustainability was misrepresented in the Fight for Planet ‘A’: Our Climate Challenge series on the ABC. Source: Beef Central Beef industry groups move to set record straight on ABC’s Fight for Planet ‘A’
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Aug 26, 2020
The Dollar started the N.Y. Thursday session on a firmer note, getting a brief boost from a much stronger durable orders outcome. Gains were not to last however, as the USD fell broadly through the remainder of the session. The DXY peaked at a four-session high of 93.36, later falling to 92.85 lows. Some position… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: North America – Aug 26, 2020
The dollar has lifted moderately and global stock markets have lost upside thrust as market participants hunker down ahead of Fed Chairman Powell’s keynote Jackson Hole address on Thursday. Markets are anticipating a dovish lean from Powell, although there is a risk for disappointment in terms of how much he can signal given the FOMC… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Aug 26, 2020
Narrow ranges have been prevailing among the main currencies, with market participants hunkering down ahead of Fed Chairman Powell’s keynote Jackson Hole address on Thursday (which will be a virtual affair this year). Global stock markets have steady, after Wall Street produced yet further record highs for the S&P 500 and NASDAQ. Markets are anticipating… Read more »
Solid early interest in small southern QLD abattoir
There’s been strong early investor interest in a small-scale domestic abattoir listed last week in Queensland’s southeast corner. Highchester Meats is a fully-functioning and operational multi-species abattoir near Beaudesert, southwest of Brisbane. Source: Beef Central Solid early interest in small southern QLD abattoir
Cropping identified as an ongoing risk to WA sheep meat production
THERE is a risk of a continued move away from wool and sheep meat production towards cropping in Western Australia, leading industry analyst Mecardo has found. Source: Sheep Central Cropping identified as an ongoing risk to WA sheep meat production
Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 26 August 2020
A COMPLEX low and cold fronts generated moderate falls over south-east Australia, and widespread snow fell over elevated locations in the region. Source: Sheep Central Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 26 August 2020
Colac lamb processor continues despite new COVID-19 case
COLAC sheep meat processor, the Australian Lamb Company, has dropped its afternoon shift, but maintained production after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Source: Sheep Central Colac lamb processor continues despite new COVID-19 case
Sheep industry and RDCs fail to meet reproduction rate target
AUSTRALIA’S sheep and wool industry and levy-funded bodies have failed to meet a target to raise average reproduction rates by 10 percent between 2012-17, a new report has found, while the nation’s flock remained historically low and sheep meat demand stayed strong. Source: Sheep Central Sheep industry and RDCs fail to meet reproduction rate… Read more »
AWI directors should take a pay cut for growers – Olsson
DECLINING grower levy proceeds to Australian Wool Innovation from falling prices and production has prompted a former director to call for the company’s board to take an immediate 50 percent cut in fees. Source: Sheep Central AWI directors should take a pay cut for growers – Olsson
Integrating livestock into a cropping system opens new opportunities
Integrating livestock into a continuous grain cropping enterprise can create many benefits, according to 2018 Nuffield Scholar and NSW farmer, Stuart McDonald. Source: Beef Central Integrating livestock into a cropping system opens new opportunities
'I've never seen anything like it:' Farmland reaches record prices
Through the economic hardships of COVID-19, the rural property market in Victoria continues to thrive with many local buyers driving the market. Source: ABC Livestock ‘I’ve never seen anything like it:’ Farmland reaches record prices
ACCC announces new inquiry into power imbalances in perishable ag supply chains
Australia’s competition watchdog has today launched a new inquiry into supply chains for perishable agricultural products, specifically investigating whether bargaining power imbalances exist in relationships between farmers, processors and retailers, including supermarkets. Source: Beef Central ACCC announces new inquiry into power imbalances in perishable ag supply chains
Why AgForce abstained from the NFF carbon zero 2050 vote
“You can’t start any journey until you know where you are starting from, and where you are trying to head,” AgForce CEO Mike Guerin told Beef Central this week, explaining the Queensland farm organisation’s decision to abstain from supporting the NFF’s carbon neutral 2050 target announced last week. Source: Beef Central Why AgForce abstained from… Read more »
Woolies takes stake in distributor PFD in $552m deal
Woolworths has announced a $552m deal to take a 65pc stake in one of the nation’s largest food service distribution companies. PFD Food Services services 40,000 food service customers across Australia, including pubs, restaurants, cafes, fast-food chains and convenience stores, using a fleet of 750 trucks operating from 68 distribution centres. Source: Beef Central … Read more »
Roma store sale 25 Aug 2020: Prices maintain strength in changed yarding
Despite not reaching the same top prices as last week, medium weight steers under 330kg to restockers only fell by 1c to 4c, while heavy weight yearling steers to feed improved by 1c/kg, and processor competition improved on the store condition cows across the weight brackets. Source: Beef Central Roma store sale 25 Aug… Read more »
Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 26 August
A complex low and cold fronts generated moderate falls over south-east Australia, and widespread snow fell over elevated locations in the south-east. Source: Beef Central Weekly rainfall wrap + rain outlook, 26 August
Cattle sell for 'hot prices' at WA's richest bull sale, despite pandemic, drought
The annual Fitzroy Crossing Bull Sale exceeds all expectations this year, overcoming coronavirus travel restrictions and prevailing dry conditions to achieve total sales just shy of $1 million. Source: ABC Livestock Cattle sell for ‘hot prices’ at WA’s richest bull sale, despite pandemic, drought
Supermarkets in spotlight as Government orders review into treatment of farmers
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will consider whether supermarkets should face tougher regulation in their dealings with farmers. Source: ABC Livestock Supermarkets in spotlight as Government orders review into treatment of farmers
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Aug 25, 2020
The dollar was stuck in narrow trading ranges in N.Y. on Tuesday, though remained near its recent highs. The DXY slipped early on, bottoming at 92.97, then bouncing to 93.20. Incoming data help USD sentiment to an extent, as July new home sales surged 13.9%, the most since December 2006. While a softer consumer confidence… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: North America – Aug 25, 2020
The dollar and yen have softened against most currencies, while the euro has been topping the top-performing list. This dynamic has come amid risk-on positioning in global markets. Encouraging news on the U.S.-China Phase 1 trade deal, and on developments of COVID-19 treatments and vaccinations, have been tonic for investors. EUR-USD lifted to the mid… Read more »
Weekly genetics review: A structured approach to bull assessment
This week’s column is inspired by feedback from participants in the recent AuctionsPlus bull selection seminars I delivered. There were more than 120 producers involved, and the interest/requests for a checklist to help make more structured assessments of replacement bulls was overwhelming. Source: Beef Central Weekly genetics review: A structured approach to bull assessment
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Aug 25, 2020
Most dollar pairings have remained well within their ranges from yesterday, though the dollar and yen saw mild weakness against most other currencies, outside the cases against the New Zealand and Canadian dollars. Wall Street clocked fresh record highs for the S&P 500 and NASDAQ yesterday. PE ratios are stretched, but trend following, index tracking… Read more »
Five tips for using breeding values
If producers are not aggressively accelerating the performance of their herd by using better breeding values, they’re fighting a losing battle. That’s the message from Dr Rob Banks, director of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit at the University of New England. Source: Beef Central Five tips for using breeding values
Tom Brinkworth a 'visionary' pioneer in a corporate farming era
The South Australian pastoralist is being remembered for building one of the country’s largest private agricultural empires. Source: ABC Livestock Tom Brinkworth a ‘visionary’ pioneer in a corporate farming era
Koala hospital gets go-ahead in NSW Northern Rivers
A conservation group has been given the green light to operate the first specialised koala hospital in the Northern Rivers. Source: ABC Livestock Koala hospital gets go-ahead in NSW Northern Rivers
Vale Charles ‘Charlie’ Lund
Legendary Central Queensland cattleman Charles Lund passed away yesterday, aged 82. Source: Beef Central Vale Charles ‘Charlie’ Lund
Property: $14m Terrica deal joins growing Grimwade & Gordon aggregation
Three years ago, BRW rich-lister Michael Gordon teamed up with well-known sheep breeders Will and George Grimwade, with the trio now forging an impressive portfolio of grazing property investments. Their latest acquisition is the Terrica aggregation in southern QLD’s traprock country. Source: Beef Central Property: m Terrica deal joins growing Grimwade & Gordon aggregation
Weekly kill: Production rates stabilise, after previous week’s dramatic declines
Rates of slaughter across eastern Australia appear to have steadied last week, after dramatic declines were reported the week before. There has been little or no change in direct consignment slaughter rates this week, despite the absence of couple of larger processors due to plant shutdowns. Source: Beef Central Weekly kill: Production rates stabilise,… Read more »
Here comes the restocker
The Restocker Steer Indicator spread relative to the EYCI shows just how optimistic restockers are becoming. But is it becoming too expensive to buy young cattle? Not necessarily, as Matt Dalgleish from Thomas Elder Markets points out. Source: Beef Central Here comes the restocker
Yes, it’s been raining a lot – but that doesn’t mean Australia’s drought has broken
Heavy rain in parts of Australia in recent months has raised hopes Australia’s protracted drought is finally over. But determining whether a region has recovered from drought is a complex undertaking. Source: Beef Central Yes, it’s been raining a lot – but that doesn’t mean Australia’s drought has broken
Restrictions to ease on NSW-Vic, Vic-SA borders
The strict COVID-19 travel restrictions along the NSW-Victoria and Victoria-SA borders will be eased slightly in coming days, allowing freer movement over a wider area for farmers and agricultural service providers. Source: Beef Central Restrictions to ease on NSW-Vic, Vic-SA borders
Restrictions to ease on NSW-Vic, Vic-SA borders
The strict COVID-19 travel restrictions along the NSW-Victoria and Victoria-SA borders will be eased slightly in coming days, allowing freer movement over a wider area for farmers and agricultural service providers. Source: Grain Central Restrictions to ease on NSW-Vic, Vic-SA borders
$600m dairy deal with Chinese company ditched amid trade tensions
A $600 million deal to sell an Australia-based dairy business to a Chinese company is terminated, after failing to secure the approval of the Foreign Investment Review Board. Source: ABC Livestock 0m dairy deal with Chinese company ditched amid trade tensions
Beef jerky business chews through tough times
From the farmhouse kitchen to the shelves of supermarkets, the Camerons are biting their way through the beef jerky market. Source: ABC Livestock Beef jerky business chews through tough times
Early results of four-year trial of sheep grazing under solar panels sheds light on impact
Grazing near and under panels has been debated for years, especially with the use of prime agricultural land for solar farms, but there are positive results from a new study. Source: ABC Livestock Early results of four-year trial of sheep grazing under solar panels sheds light on impact
XE Market Analysis: Asia – Aug 24, 2020
The DXY bounced from opening lows of 92.84, making its way to 93.28 through the morning session. There was no data to influence markets, though Wall Street was stronger amid a confluence of positive developments. President Trump announced Sunday that the FDA approved blood-plasma treatment for emergency use. China gave the green light to its… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: North America – Aug 24, 2020
The dollar’s weakening bias resurfaced during the European morning session, pushing the USD index (DXY) to a low at 92.92, which marks over a 50% retrace of Friday’s gain. EUR-USD concurrently lifted to a high at 1.1841, which is over 40 pips on last week’s closing level. The pair still remains comfortably below last week’s… Read more »
XE Market Analysis: Europe – Aug 24, 2020
Narrow ranges have been prevailing in early-week trading. EUR-USD has been consolidating losses seen last week after the pair hit a 27-month peak at 1.1967, holding today near the 1.1800 level, up on Friday’s pull-back low at 1.1754. Last week, while producing a new trend high, was the first down week EUR-USD has seen out… Read more »
Victoria gives $1.5m boost to online ag product marketing
VICTORIAN Minister for Agriculture has announced $1.5 million in funding to help the state’s farmers and producers to expand into online marketing. Source: Sheep Central Victoria gives .5m boost to online ag product marketing
MLA is looking for sheep meat and grass-fed beef research ideas
MEAT & Livestock is seeking preliminary funding proposals from researchers for on-farm research, development and adoption projects that benefit sheep meat and grass-ed beef producers. Source: Sheep Central MLA is looking for sheep meat and grass-fed beef research ideas
Young NSW auctioneers heading to Dubbo for state final
FINALISTS in the 2020 ALPA NSW Young Auctioneers Competition finalists will compete at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets on September 3. Source: Sheep Central Young NSW auctioneers heading to Dubbo for state final
Strong online demand for young Merino and crossbred ewes
YOUNG Merino and crossbred ewe prices edged higher on AuctionsPlus last week. Source: Sheep Central Strong online demand for young Merino and crossbred ewes
Wool joins the race to develop protective finishes for apparel
THE COVID-19 pandemic is inspiring some companies to add new protective qualities to wool and other textile fabrics to protect against the bugs that plague us. Source: Sheep Central Wool joins the race to develop protective finishes for apparel
AWI general manager for operations is moving on
AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation’s general manager of operations Nigel Gosse is moving on to take the top job at real-time livestock auction app company FarmGate Auctions. Source: Sheep Central AWI general manager for operations is moving on
Vale: Tom Brinkworth
Legendary South Australian pastoralist Tom Brinkworth has passed away, aged 83. Source: Beef Central Vale: Tom Brinkworth
Record offering of 3000 Gulf heifers tipped to create three-way bidding duel
What’s shaping up as the largest single-vendor, single-sale offering ever assembled on AuctionsPlus could produce a three-way contest among buyers when they are catalogued for sale on Friday week. Source: Beef Central Record offering of 3000 Gulf heifers tipped to create three-way bidding duel
Feedgrain Focus: Prices drop on sell-side pressure
Grower and trader selling on nearby and new-crop barley has driven values down to levels which are buying bulk and containerised export demand. Source: Beef Central Feedgrain Focus: Prices drop on sell-side pressure
Qld-NSW border opens to agricultural workers, NSW launches ‘help harvest’ website
An exemption allowing farmers and agribusiness workers to cross the Queensland-New South Wales border was confirmed on Saturday, which should end three weeks of disruption and uncertainty for agricultural enterprises and service providers with business operations in both states. Source: Beef Central Qld-NSW border opens to agricultural workers, NSW launches ‘help harvest’ website