AgWatchers

Markets are moving, and there is plenty to unpack in this AgWatchers X update. We look at the sharp rally in global wheat markets as Black Sea supply risks finally begin to bite, with Russian export flows slowing and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict putting a sizeable chunk of global wheat and barley exports at risk. We also discuss why Australian growers need to resist the temptation to chase the top of the market and instead use rallies to average up their grain sales. On top of that, weakening US and European corn prospects could provide further support to wheat prices. On livestock, we cover Australian cattle prices, the impact of Chinese and South Korean beef safeguards, and Donald Trump’s latest moves to increase beef imports into the US in an attempt to ease consumer prices. We also look at the growing threat facing Australian sheepmeat exports, with the US inquiry into imported lamb potentially opening the door to significant tariffs. With sheep prices beginning to ease ahead of the spring flush, there is plenty happening across both grain and livestock markets.

What does AI actually mean for the future of Australian agriculture? Andrew and Matt are joined by grain and pork producer Sharon Starick, Chair of the GRDC and the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations, to discuss how artificial intelligence and new technology are changing the agricultural workforce. They look at where AI can genuinely improve productivity, which jobs and skills may change, and why experience, critical thinking and human judgement remain difficult to replace. Sharon also shares a cautionary example from her own canola crop, where ChatGPT and the agronomist came up with very different diagnoses. The conversation ranges from automating the boring jobs on farm to cybersecurity, data ownership, robotics, research, the skills agriculture will need from the next generation and whether AI might actually make a career in agriculture more attractive. Plus pigs, black pudding, Powderfinger and the important distinction between artificial intelligence, artificial insemination and avian influenza. Remember and support the podcast by sharing with your friends and family.

AI, agtech and automation are changing agriculture fast, but are relationships becoming more valuable, not less? This week on AgWatchers, Matt and Andrew are joined by Peta Ward, Westpac’s Managing Director, Regional Commercial & Agribusiness, to discuss innovation on farm, the next generation of agricultural leaders and why Westpac is putting bankers back into regional communities.  They also talk regional careers, diversity, the post-COVID shift back to the bush and why understanding the people behind a farm business still matters in an increasingly digital world. Plus, somehow, polar bear nutrition enters the conversation. Listen now at episode3.net/links.

Ag Watchers X: Market Moves That Matter to Your Farm Tariffs are reshaping export markets. Geopolitical tension is pushing input costs around. And your harvest timing just got more complicated. In this market analysis episode, Matt and Andrew break down what's really happening with beef exports to Korea and China, where grain prices are headed, and why geopolitics matters more than weather right now. If you're making decisions on cattle, crops, or inputs this season, you need to understand these market shifts before they hit your gate.

Forget the ideology. Australian farmers don't need to believe in climate change to care about one thing: their bottom line. This week on AgWatchers, Matt and Andrew explore how practical farmers are cutting costs and creating new income streams through energy solutions and why skepticism is actually the smart approach. Karin Stark, who organizes Australia's agricultural renewables conference, discusses real farmers doing real things on their land. Solar panels reducing diesel bills. Biodigesters turning waste into power. Variable rate fertilizer applications cutting chemical costs. These aren't about saving the planet they're about keeping more money in the farm's pocket. The reality is messier than the marketing. Karin breaks down why some renewable projects fail, how regulatory approval can take years, and what separates farmers actually making money from those chasing buzzwords. She also explores why innovators often come from outside agriculture and what that means for traditional farming families. Whether you're curious about diversifying income or just cutting costs, this conversation cuts through the green noise and gets down to what actually works on Australian farms. Listen to the full episode to hear what farmers are really doing and what's actually worth your time and money. You can find out about the conference on the link below: https://renewablesinagconference.com.au

Veteran economist Saul Eslake joins Matt and Andrew to unpack tariffs, free trade and the increasingly difficult position Australia occupies between the United States and China. They discuss why tariffs are ultimately paid by consumers, whether Australia can still trust its major trading partners, the need to diversify agricultural export markets and what weaker Chinese growth could mean for beef, wool, wine and other premium products. Closer to home, Saul shares his views on inflation, interest rates, productivity, housing and tax reform. Plus black pudding, haggis, questionable compliments and one particularly memorable toilet analogy.

Episode Three is thrilled to announce we'll be hosting the inaugural Australian Agricultural Awards, a groundbreaking national celebration of ag excellence in partnership with the National Farmers Federation (NFF), Nutrien, and Westpac. In this episode, we sit down with Scott McCullough, General Manager of Commercial at ACM Agri, to explore this prestigious new event that's set to transform how we recognize and celebrate the brightest minds driving agriculture forward. We'll be taking the stage as MCs across all five state award events (Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane) leading into the National Awards in Canberra on November 19. This is a truly exciting opportunity to shine a light on the next generation of ag leaders and innovators. Featuring five key categories (Next Gen, Women in Agriculture, Sustainability, Well-being, and Innovation), these awards are supported by industry powerhouses including Nutrien and Westpac, who are championing categories alongside the NFF. The inaugural winner across all categories will drive away in a brand new Toyota Tundra, making this the most valuable agricultural award platform Australia has ever seen. Join us as we dive into what makes these awards different, why trust matters in agriculture, and how you can nominate your industry heroes. Nominations close at the end of August, so don't miss your chance to be part of ag's biggest celebration. Ready to celebrate excellence? Tune in now. https://episode3.net/agwatchers

Jo Hall, CEO of WoolProducers Australia, joins the podcast to discuss efforts to diversify Australian wool exports beyond China, including emerging opportunities in Bangladesh, India and Vietnam. We also examine the Future Flock strategy, industry representation and whether the recent wool price recovery can rebuild grower confidence and lift supply. Plus, Pearl Jam, Dhaka’s textile factories and wandering elephants.

Tim Neale from DataFarming joins AgWatchers for a wide-ranging chat on where ag technology is heading next. The big question: what happens when grain farmers stop thinking only in paddocks and start managing crops square metre by square metre? Tim talks through the next evolution in precision agriculture, from satellite imagery and variable rate fertiliser to robotics, AI, autonomous drones and the potential for farming systems to be redesigned around automation. The conversation also gets into rising input costs, how tech can help growers make better decisions on fertiliser spend, and why the next gains in productivity may come from getting much more precise. There is also plenty of AgWatchers nonsense along the way, including Qantas lounge food, haggis, Clarkson’s Farm, Chinese machinery, robot vacuums and Andrew’s deep love for the Kia Carnival.

This episode breaks down how the Middle East conflict, US-China tensions, and extreme weather are reshaping Australian red meat exports. Sheep meat is bouncing back. Cattle prices are holding firm despite softening. And supply chain disruptions may be opening doors most producers haven't spotted yet. You'll get the details on: Why China's demand for Australian beef and sheep keeps swinging — and what it means for your margins How South Korea quietly became Australia's #2 beef export market, ahead of China What US tariffs and trade programs mean for Australian competitiveness How droughts and global conflict are moving grain and fertiliser markets — and what that means for future yields Why ageing populations and rising protein demand will reshape meat markets long-term Built for farmers, export traders, and anyone in red meat, grains, or fertiliser who needs clarity, not noise, to make the next move.

This week on AgWatchersX, Matt and Andrew cover a fairly hectic mix of global politics, red meat trade and football hope. The pair unpack the end of the Iran conflict and what calmer conditions in the Middle East could mean for markets, before turning to China where Australia’s beef quota appears to have been unofficially filled, raising fresh questions about trade flows, pricing and where product goes next. They also look at the Bureau of Meteorology’s declaration of El Niño and what that could mean for Australian agriculture as the season unfolds. Then, in a very serious piece of football analysis, they assess the World Cup chances of Scotland and Australia, with only a small amount of national bias involved.

In this episode of AgWatchers, we speak with Mark Been from Marnco, our first fertiliser industry guest in more than 300 episodes. The conversation starts with the immediate question facing growers: what is really happening in the fertiliser market? While urea supply concerns have eased after Australia moved early to secure product, Mark argues that the market is far from settled. Prices have fallen from their peak, India’s tenders have shown product is still available, and recent rain has helped validate earlier buying decisions. But beneath the surface, the fertiliser trade remains exposed to volatility, limited transparency and high-risk physical trading. A major part of the discussion focuses on the federal government’s fuel and fertiliser security facility, and whether underwriting selected importers has created an uneven playing field. Mark explains why importers outside the scheme are concerned about price-risk support, market distortion and the long-term impact on competition. The team also discusses whether the facility acts like a subsidy, how it affects existing inventory, and whether a more open, case-by-case approach would have been fairer. The episode then turns to the next pressure point: phosphate. Mark warns that while the urea story has attracted most of the headlines, phosphate supply is becoming increasingly tight due to restrictions from key suppliers, Gulf shipping issues and broader supply chain constraints. For growers, the message is not to panic, but to recognise that fertiliser markets are complex, opaque and difficult to time. As Mark puts it, trying to pick the bottom of the fertiliser market is usually a dangerous game.

Andrew and Matt are joined by Sian Fenner, Senior Economist at Westpac, for a wide-ranging discussion on the Australian economic outlook. Topics covered: CPI & Inflation: April's CPI came in at 4.2%, below expectations, but underlying pressures are building across building costs, freight, and hospitality Strait of Hormuz: How ongoing shipping disruptions are flowing through to energy and fertilizer prices, and why full normalization isn't expected until mid-next year Fuel & Trade: Australia's fuel import positioning, government contingency funding, and the fragmented global trade environment US-China-Australia Trade Tensions: Agricultural deals, tariff exposure, and what the Trump administration's agreements mean for Australian commodity exporters RBA Rate Outlook: Westpac's forecast for two further hikes in August and September, taking the cash rate to 4.85%, with GDP growth expected to slow to 1.1% by year-end Commodity Markets: Outlook for wheat, canola, and beef, including El Niño risks Federal Budget: A detailed breakdown of the Labor government's tax reforms, including the permanent $20K instant asset write-off, carry-back loss provisions, and changes to capital gains tax and discretionary trusts

Shannon Beattie, founder of Bush and Beyond Media, joins Ag Watchers to talk all things agricultural communication, storytelling and media. The conversation covers the difference between communications and marketing, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how agricultural industries can turn complex research, policy and technical information into messages people actually want to hear. Shannon also shares her views on presentation skills, the changing media landscape, the role of podcasts and social media, and why chasing viral content is often less useful than reaching the right audience with the right message. It is a practical and wide-ranging discussion for anyone involved in agriculture, advocacy, extension, media or industry communication.

We cover off on the big news in grains, fert and livestock. 

We are back for another AgWatchersX. This week we will be covering off on the tentitive peace in the middle east. We give our views on future grain prices, fert for next year, Chinese beef tariffs, the weather in Australia and a whole lot more. 

On this episode of the AgWatchers Podcast, we’re joined by Julie Collins to unpack the forces shaping Australian agriculture. From Canberra to the Middle East, we explore how geopolitical tensions are influencing fuel, fertiliser and food production and why events unfolding thousands of kilometres away are being felt at the farm gate. As instability in the Middle East rattles global energy markets, Australian producers are once again grappling with rising diesel prices, volatile fertiliser costs and mounting uncertainty across supply chains. When shipping lanes tighten and oil prices surge, the ripple effects are immediate, pushing up the cost of planting, harvesting and transporting food and fibre. For farmers, it’s a stark reminder that geopolitics can have as much influence on profitability as rainfall and commodity prices. Julie Collins shares her insights on regional Australia, agricultural policy and the role government plays in supporting producers through an increasingly complex and unpredictable global landscape. Together, we examine the challenges facing rural communities, the policy decisions shaping the sector’s future and the resilience required to navigate an era defined by uncertainty.  

We have a chat with Melinda Hashimoto, CEO of Egg Farmers of Australia. In this podcast, we talk about a wide range of issues from biosecurity to Japanese raw eggs. 

We have a chat with Lola Rauch, who works for the German Ag Society, who is now working in Australia to bring an offshoot of the famous Agritechnica conference to Australia - the future ag expo in Melbourne in July.

Will we run out of fuel? will we need horses for harvest? What about our urea supply? Are people stockpiling? We have Rebecca Reardon, Vice President of the NSW Farmers organisation, and Samuel Miller, lead economist for NSW Farmers, on the podcast to have a chat about the response from NSW Farmers to the current crisis impacting our farming inputs. 

Food is one of our favourite topics. The two of us love to go out and eat a good meal, and meat is usually the centre point. We invited Professor Peter McGilchrist onto the podcast to talk about what makes meat so great to eat. We talk about the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that drive the taste of meat.  Warning: Do not listen to this podcast when you are hungry. 

This podcast was recorded live on stage at EvokeAg. In this podcast, we have Sarah Adams, GM of Global Strategy and New Ventures for Gallagher, and Dr Guy Coleman, a researcher and innovator currently working at the University of Copenhagen.  In this podcast, we discuss where innovations will come from, whether from small start-ups or big corporations.    *Please note the sound quality is not the best due to being recorded on stage and Matt having a microphone malfunction. 

In this podcast we talk about the new tariffs announced over the weekend and due to go into action as of tomorrow. 

This podcast was recorded live on stage at EvokeAg*, so if you didn't make it to the event, you don't miss out. This podcast was a discussion of geopolitics and how the industry should respond. We had Rachel Triggs, the chair of Women in Wine and Will Barton, CEO of Gundagai Lamb up on the stage for a chat.  *Due to being onstage, the sound quality is not the best. 

We have a chat with Leighton Wilksch of Agbyte. We discuss the possibilities and the value that farmers get from localised weather information through having IoT-enabled weather stations on the farm. We also learn about the signal that allows weather stations to continue working on 4G, whilst all our other services seem to fail.    We then talk about his Cows for Cambodia trip, which he is running in September, a charity event where you get to learn about farming in Cambodia, and also give something back to those who are more in need. If you want more info follow this link 

We chat with Alastair Rayner, an independent beef extension officer. In this podcast we discuss the using genetics to improve efficiency in a herd, but also a secondary benefit, reducing emissions.  A really interesting discussion, with strong linkages back into farm profitability. 

On this podcast, we have Emma Kealy MP, the deputy leader of the Victorian National Party, and shadow minister for agriculture and mental health.  We discuss the recent heatwave, fires, the CFA levy, renewables and a whole lot more. 

Our fortnightly market update. We talk about grains, cattle, sheep and the new change in who pays for export certifications from the government. 

On todays podcast, we have a chat with Jared Greenville of ABARES. In this discussion we discuss the 100bn target, the value of ag, the risks to ag and the new updates on the Australian crop.  We also discuss the March ABARES conference, which we recommend attending - either online or in person.  Find out about the conference by clicking below: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/event/abares-outlook

The AgWatchers podcast is an open platform for different views, and we have had politicians from most of the major parties. This week, we have Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, the Greens senator for Tasmania. Peter holds the Greens portfolio for agriculture.  In this podcast, we discuss competition in agriculture, ACCC changes, net zero, his favourite politicians, and a range of other topics.  Peter comes from a farming background and has qualifications in Economics and a career in banking and finance. 

Our fortnightly market update. We talk about grains, cattle, sheep and wool - and the new Trump deal. 

Our fortnightly market update, brought to you by Sproutag. We talk about the state of the grain markets, the potential for aid for US farmers, beef and sheep exports. 

In this podcast, we have Jack Gough, the CEO of the Invasive Species Council. We learnt a lot from this podcast about the various species invading Australia, how to control them, and the strength of the hunting lobby.   

Our fortnightly market update. We talk on this podcast about the livestock industry trending higher, the sheep ships no longer coming and the impact of the new biofuels announcement from Albo on the grain and livestock sectors. 

We had a chat with Tyson Cattle, who runs his own consultancy (Salmon Haven), but for years has been behind the scenes in the agripolitical space.  Tyson is undertaking a Nuffield project, which aims to review advocacy strategies in the agricultural industry. Tyson is independent, like EP3, and provides us with a good update on what is happening, where we are excelling, and where we are falling short as an industry. 

Our fortnightly market update, supported by SproutAg.   You can also visit our new grain trading simulator, which can be found here You can visit the SproutAg website by clicking here

We have a chat with Georgia Beattie, Australia's largest organic mushroom farmer. We talk about a range of topics from whether the government should have a Chief Farmer, growing mushrooms and the impact of the beef wellington trial on the mushroom sector. 

Our fortnightly market update, supported by SproutAg.   You can also visit our new grain trading simulator, which can be found here You can visit the SproutAg website by clicking here

As the final in our series talking with presenters/panellists from the Future Ag Expo, we have John Bennett on for a chat. A great discussion where we talk about how to fight drought, the protest in Victoria and a whole lot more.  Remember to register for the future ag expo by clicking here

In the lead-up to the future ag expo, we have a chat with Georgia Stormont. Georgia is a sales coach, and provides advice to companies on how to approach their relationships with farmers.  In this podcast we talk about personalities, we do a roll play, and a whole lot more.  Make sure to get organised for the future ag expo by clicking here

AgWatchers and Episode 3 have been at the forefront of AI for years, as you all know. It turns out that you can do more than make images from it. We talk to Future Ag Expo presenter Lachie Vogt, who is the founder of Algorithm, an AI developer for agriculture. As usual we talk about a range of topics, both serious and (mostly) not so serious. We also bring back our old intro music after requests from multiple listeners who missed it. Links below: https://futureagexpo.com.au https://www.aigorithm.com.au  

We have a chat with Joshua Gilbert. Joshua has recently penned a book called Australia's Agricultural Identity, and is presenting at the Future Ag Expo on the 6th to 8th of August.  This podcast covered a wide range of topics related to indigenous inclusion in Australian agriculture.   

We have a chat with Natalie Green, who is organising the future ag expo in Melbourne from the 6th to 8th of August. This event is a trade show and conference, where AgWatchers will be the MCs for the three days.  On this podcast, we have a frank and honest chat about what went wrong and right last year, and what the plans are for this year. Many conferences in Australia are pretty expensive, this has a lot of good speakers, and only costs a maximum of A$180, and there are some free tickets, if you dont want to hear all the speakers! Click below to get involved: https://futureagexpo.com.au

We had a chat with Mick Crowley, the CEO of Meat and Livestock Australia. We chat about dropping the 2030 carbon neutrality plan, the five year plan, using tik tok and a whole range of other topics. 

Episode 300! On this podcast, like episodes 100 and 200, we have a professional turn the tables and take over our podcast.  We have Warwick Long, presenter of the Victorian Country Hour, on to chat with us. We also have a big announcement at the end of the podcast. 

Our fortnightly market update, supported by SproutAg.  In this podcast we chat about livestock pricing, and the impact of the Iran/Israel conflict on grain and fert markets.  You can also visit our new grain trading simulator, which can be found here You can visit the SproutAg website by clicking here

Our fortnightly market update, supported by SproutAg.  In this podcast, we update on the my families visit from Scotland (and my aunts trashy magazines), wheat doldrums, Iran and Israel conflict, record beef exports and record low live sheep exports.  You can also visit our new grain trading simulator, which can be found here You can visit the SproutAg website by clicking here

On this podcast, we have a chat with Brad Perry, the CEO of Grain Producers South Australia. We chat with Brad just after he has toured South Australia with the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins. We discuss this visit, along with topics such as the drought, available support, the reclassification of farming land, and a range of other issues. 

Our fortnightly market update, supported by SproutAg.  In this podcast, we update on the tariff roundabout, record-high lamb prices, and the lack of a drought premium.   We also talk about our new grain trading simulator, which can be found here You can visit the SproutAg website by clicking here

In this podcast, we have Brad Hogg, a former professional cricketer originally hailing from Narrogin in WA and Rachael Oxborrrow an executive officer from Grain Producers Austalia.  Brad has been on the podcast in the past, chatting about his advocacy and discussing mental health in rural areas. On this podcast, he is here with Rachael to launch their new podcast series, the 'Mates Mental Health Toolbox'. This series will delve into the really important conversations that we need to be having with our mates and neighbours.  We talk about a wide range of topics, around mental health in the bush. Visit the GPA website to get access to the podcast: https://www.grainproducers.com.au