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