F E A T U R E D

Nearly 200 locals in western NSW town Cumnock buy general store to keep the doors open

Carol Kerr has lived in the small western New South Wales town of Cumnock her whole life.  She says the town's general store is the heart which keeps it going.

"Without it, there'd be nothing," Carol says. This was a prospect the community of 500 had to consider, after the business had been on the market for three years with no takers.

"It was a very scary time because our shop is really the only thing that we have left in our community," says Robyn Bruce, a local for 46 years.

The "only thing left" offered more than one thing. Locals could buy hardware, groceries and food, and do their post and banking at the Cumnock General Store.

"People, they could possibly leave [the town], because there would just be nothing. You'd have to go to the bigger places to use the post office and everything," Carol says.

The closest town with these services is Molong, about 24 kilometres away. Thirteen women, including Cumnock farmer Sarah Haynes, concluded there was only one way to ensure the store would stay in community hands.

The business has had five owners in its 141-year history. They had an idea to make the town its sixth. The women created a not-for-profit and asked people to buy memberships, which would make them co-owners of the store.

Sarah says she didn't know what to expect, but it didn't include 196 people financially pitching in.

"We were absolutely blown away," she says.

"It was amazing to see how many people jumped at the opportunity and really wanted to become [a member]."

Robyn, who is a co-owner and volunteer at the store, saw no option but to invest.

"I just thought it was a must, we had to do it … because if we didn't do it, we weren't going to have it, and if the community didn't step up, we wouldn't be here today."

The Cumnock Village Preschool across the road also became a member.

Director Jesse Fulwood says even the children were relieved the store was there to stay.

"They love coming after school to grab an iceblock or a hot chocky, or we come over and have babycinos and things like that throughout the week, so they were so excited."

Sarah and the store's founding committee have a big vision for the old neighbour, which includes turning it into a large cafe and event space, aside from continuing its other services.

"We have a lot to do, a lot of repair work to do in this building, and we really want to bring it back to its glory days and make an experience," she says.

That has included more than 90 locals ripping up , pulling out cool rooms, knocking out cabinetry, painting and other jobs to breathe new life into the old store.

"It was actually quite a heartfelt experience for a lot of us to see how amazing our community is and how they have come together to be so passionate about bringing this store to life," Sarah says.

Carol says she wanders down to the general store for a coffee about once a week, but will make the trip more often now it is in community hands.

She says she did not hesitate to become a co-owner, and feels proud the store isn't going anywhere. "It was Sparks's store, and then Pee Wee's, and then Rudd's, and now, ours."

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

1.) 08^th August 2025 2.) 22^nd August 2025 3.) 12^th September 2025

Ag Machinery

In today’s world, agriculture is undergoing a technological revolution that is reshaping the industry in unprecedented ways.

From precision farming to smart machinery, the latest agricultural technologies are enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

In this article, we’ll delve into some of the ground-breaking technologies that are making waves in the agricultural sector.

13 of the Latest Agricultural Technologies

Precision Farming:

1. Precision Agriculture Sensors:

• Modern sensors, such as GPS and satellite technology, enable farmers to gather real-time data on soil health, moisture levels, and crop conditions.

• This data is crucial for making informed decisions about irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control, optimising resource usage and minimising environmental impact.

2. Drones in Agriculture:

• Unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors are becoming increasingly popular in agriculture.

• Drones provide farmers with a bird’s-eye view of their fields, allowing for quick identification of crop diseases, pest infestations, and areas with irrigation issues.

3. Autonomous Tractors:

• Self-driving tractors are revolutionising the way farmers manage their fields.

• These autonomous machines use GPS and advanced software to navigate through fields, plant crops, and perform other tasks with precision, reducing labour costs and increasing efficiency.

LED Lights in Agriculture:

4. Night-time Farming with LED Lights:

• Over the past decade, made-to-measure direct-replacement LED lights and LED light bars have become hugely popular for night-time  farming, enabling continuous operations and increasing productivity.

  

• The direct replacement LED lights keep machinery looking original, provide more light for a similar draw on the alternator, and are a lot easier to fit than LED light bars, as they are simply ‘plug and play’ with no brackets or extra wiring harnesses to be made.

• For farmers, there are a plethora of benefits to using LED light bars. Most notably, they provide a superior bright, white light and illuminate a much larger area than traditional halogen or HID lights.   Large light bars extend the useable light over and above by 2-4 times as to what factory fit lights will provide.

• This significantly improves night-time visibility, allowing farmers to work around the clock – which, in turn, boosts productivity.

• LED lights are also extremely energy efficient, using at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting – and they last 25 times longer. With a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours (or more), LEDs require less maintenance and need replacing less frequently, which makes them a cost-effective option.

• The energy efficiency of LEDs helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of a farm, contributing to more a sustainable farming process.

5. LED Lights for Crop Growth:

• LED lights are also playing a crucial role in indoor farming and greenhouse cultivation.

• These energy-efficient lights can be tailored to specific wavelengths that promote plant growth, allowing farmers to extend growing seasons and optimise crop yields.

High-Tech Dash Cams and Reversing Cameras:

6. Advanced Dash Cams for Tractors:

• Cameras for tractors and heavy machinery are equipped with AI capabilities are enhancing safety on the farm.

• These cameras can detect obstacles, monitor driver behaviour, and provide real-time alerts, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall operational safety.

• Such cameras can come wired, or wireless and are also available in high-definition.

7. Reversing Cameras for Heavy Machinery:

• Reversing cameras are invaluable for large agricultural machinery, improving visibility during complex manoeuvres.

• These cameras assist operators in avoiding collisions, minimising damage to equipment, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Robotics and Automation:

8. Robotic Harvesting Systems:

• Robotics are increasingly being used for harvesting tasks, especially in labour-intensive crops.

• Automated harvesters equipped with advanced sensors and AI can identify ripe fruits, pick them with precision, and significantly reduce the need for manual labour.

• These robotic systems not only increase efficiency but also address labour shortages in agriculture, providing a solution to the challenges of finding skilled workers for seasonal tasks.

9. Weed Control Robots:

• Autonomous robots are being developed to tackle weed control in an eco-friendly manner.

• These robots use machine learning algorithms to distinguish between crops and weeds, enabling targeted and chemical-free weed management.

• By precisely targeting weeds, these robots minimize the need for herbicides, contributing to sustainable farming practices and reducing the environmental impact of traditional weed control methods.

10. Automated Irrigation Systems:

• Automation is extending to irrigation processes with the introduction of smart irrigation systems.

• These systems use data from various sensors, including soil moisture and weather conditions, to optimize water usage.

• Automated irrigation not only conserves water but also ensures that crops receive the right amount of moisture, promoting healthy growth and minimizing the risk of water-related diseases.

11. AI-Powered Crop Monitoring:

• Artificial Intelligence is being applied to monitor crop health and identify potential issues.

• Advanced algorithms analyse images captured by drones or sensors to detect signs of disease, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations.

• This proactive approach allows farmers to take timely corrective measures, preventing the spread of diseases and optimizing the overall health of crops.

12. Autonomous Sorting and Packing:

• Automation extends to post-harvest processes with the development of autonomous sorting and packing systems.

• These systems use computer vision and robotic arms to sort and pack fruits and vegetables, streamlining the packing process and reducing the need for manual labour.

• By automating these tasks, farmers can minimize post-harvest losses and ensure that produce reaches consumers in optimal condition.

Blockchain Technology in Agriculture:

13. Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency:

• Blockchain technology is being implemented to enhance transparency and traceability in the agricultural supply chain.

• This ensures that consumers can track the journey of their food products from the farm to the table, promoting trust and sustainability.

What the Future Holds for Agricultural Technologies

As the agricultural industry continues to embrace cutting-edge technologies, the future looks promising for increased efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

LED lights are illuminating a path to more efficient and sustainable crop growth, while high-tech dash cams and reversing cameras are enhancing safety in the operation of heavy machinery.

The integration of precision farming, robotics, and blockchain is transforming agriculture into a high-tech, data-driven industry.

With these innovations, farmers are better equipped to address the challenges of feeding a growing global population, while minimising environmental impact.

It would seem the technological evolution of agriculture is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for a more sustainable and resilient future.

At Central Wheatbelt Imports, we specialise in the supply of high-quality, durable equipment to the agricultural industry. Shop our extensive product range online, or contact our knowledgeable team to discuss your requirements.

Input Costs

In short:

Dairy companies have announced a slight increase in their opening farm gate milk prices.

Dairy farmers say they need more as they struggle to cover the costs of production.

What's next?

Farm leaders are warning of declining milk production and farmer exits if dairy companies do not support them.

Dairy farmers have been disappointed by the farm gate milk prices announced for the next financial year as they continue to struggle with drought and floods.

Dairy companies have revealed their opening milk prices, a month before the start of the financial year, as required under the mandatory milk pricing code.

This year's milk prices are up slightly on last year, ranging from $8.60 to $9.20 per kilogram of milk solids.

But they are lower than what farmers were hoping for.

'Unprecedented' strain

The dairy heartlands of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are in the grips of drought, while many farms in New South Wales and Queensland are recovering from floods.

"This is not a normal year," Colac dairy farmer and Dairy Farmers Victoria president Mark Billing said.

"The climate challenges we are seeing right across Victoria, coupled with extraordinary cost increases on farms, mean that farmers are carrying unprecedented levels of financial and emotional strain."

He said companies risked the rapid decline of Australia's milk production if they did not increase prices to help dairy farmers through the tough times.

"Milk processors have repeatedly said they value their suppliers," Mr Billing said.
"This is the year where those words need to be backed by action."

How much are they getting?

The majority of farmers are paid for the level of fat and protein in their milk, known as milk solids. Many were hoping to be paid at least $9.20 to $9.50 per kilogram of milk solids, which equated to about 70 cents per litre.

Mr Billing said the prices under $9.20 on offer from the dairy companies were not enough for farmers to get by. United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Bernie Free agreed.

"It's pretty disappointing, really," he said.

He said some farmers would quit the industry if milk prices did not go up soon.

"I think it's a concern that farmers may move out of the industry at this price mark, especially in [drought-affected] western Victoria," he said.

"Gippsland is not far behind us, and there are pockets in north-east Victoria that are doing it pretty tough.
"There is only so long you can throw good money after bad."

Milk production drops

Dairy Australia's latest outlook shows the national milk pool is on track to drop 1 per cent this financial year, compared to the previous one.

It has also forecast a further drop in production of up to 2 per cent in 2025/26.

If that happened, milk production would sit around 8.24 billion litres, almost 3 billion less than the industry's peak in the early 2000s.

Dairy Australia analysis and insights manager, Eliza Redfern, said ongoing challenges with the weather were affecting production.

"We are also seeing a lower appetite for farm business growth, and we do expect some farm exits to continue within the new season," she said.

Higher price than last year

Fonterra Oceania was the first milk company to announce its opening milk price for the next season, with one of the lowest prices — an average of $8.60 per kilo of milk solids.

Its director of farm source and sustainability, Matt Watt, said while it was higher than last year's opening price, he understood farmers would like more.

"What we've got to do is make sure we're running a business that is here not only this year but for years to come," he said.

"That's our job, frankly, to make sure that we're continuing to make decisions that support paying a milk price that we're earning in the market.

"Sometimes that is a milk price that farmers appreciate and enjoy, and other times it takes a bit of time."

We’re now taking listings for our next up-and-coming auction.
Contact us today!

AG NEWS AUSTRALIA

National lamb price nudges $480/head for new record as drought tightens supply

"Spirited bidding" has pushed the national lamb price to a new record at a regional New South Wales saleyard today.

A pen of 55 second-cross lambs sold to $479.50/head at Griffith, but agents say this still may not be the top of the market. The lamb price has been slowly climbing, with records nearly a weekly occurrence at saleyards across the country since late May.

"You don't sell the lambs to get the records, but they did deserve it. They were amazing lambs," agent Wayne Spencer said.

"They weighed an average of 92 kilos liveweight, so that's an estimated dress weight of somewhere around 43 kilos."

They were purchased for export by processor Thomas Foods International. Droughts in parts of southern NSW, Victoria and South Australia have been impacting supply and weight of the lambs in a time of high demand.

"The lamb job just keeps getting better and better, just as those numbers drop away .… but these lambs coming in today, they're massive big lambs."

Mr Spencer said the lambs, bred by Mark Tabain, drew keen interest from the opening bid.

"It was very spirited bidding," he said.

"Mark was over the moon, he's a fella who doesn't like the limelight much but he does an amazing job with his lambs year in, year out."

The industry is now asking where the top of the market could be, as consumers brace for possible price rises for the final product. Agents from Dubbo held the national record for a few days, after topping at $477.20/head earlier this week.

Mr Spencer said he would not be surprised if next week brought another record price.

"As the old lambs start to drop in numbers and weight, if our suckers come in a bit later, [there] just could be a window that this job could just get a little better."

We Have Been to Your Town! We don’t just sit in an office; we are hands-on with our Farmers! 🙌

In Australian agriculture, the supply chain is where fragility lives. A sudden drought, a border closure, a delayed truck on a back road—any link in the chain can falter, and with it, entire seasons of planning. But what if you could see those breakdowns before they happened? What if you could run the whole thing twice: once in real life, once in a simulation?

That’s the quiet power of digital twins: virtual replicas of physical systems that let you model, test, and optimise in real-time. Once a fringe idea confined to manufacturing and aerospace, digital twins are gaining ground in agriculture, especially as the sector tilts toward data-backed decision-making. By 2025, more than 60% of Australian agribusinesses are expected to adopt some form of digital strategy.

At RD Creative Studio, we work with agribusinesses across Australia and New Zealand to translate emerging technologies into practical tools. Not hype. Not jargon. Just solutions that work in the real world.

Picture this: a supply chain operator in the Riverina region of New South Wales, managing citrus and nut exports. They’re juggling unpredictable weather and tightening sustainability requirements. Deliveries get complicated. Penalties loom. And still, the crops ripen on schedule.

Now, give that operator a digital twin—a living model that maps the journey from paddock to port, tracking moisture levels, shipment timing, workforce capacity, and even regulatory changes. With the right inputs from sensors and AI, that model becomes a sandbox: a place to ask, “What if?” before the real-world consequences kick in.

The outcomes aren’t theoretical. Research shows that digital twins improve forecasting, cut waste, and enable faster responses to supply shocks. Local innovators like Agronomeye are already building high-resolution farm twins to optimise yields and sustainability—proof that this isn’t distant-future tech. It’s already on the paddock.

So, where do you begin? Four pragmatic strategies to get you moving:

1. Start with robust data collection: Integrate IoT devices across your chain for real-time inputs. Ensure mobile optimisation for rural users—think seamless apps that work offline in spotty coverage areas, so your team can check twin simulations from the tractor.

2. Run predictive simulations: Use AI to model ‘what-if’ scenarios, like supply impacts from a wet harvest. As per Rabobank’s latest trends report on food and agri to 2030, such tools are vital for navigating market volatility and sustainability pressures. 18

3. Boost visibility with SEO: Optimise your digital platforms for agritech searches, targeting terms like “ag supply chain digital twin Australia.” This helps resellers and partners find your shared twin insights easily.

4. Foster collaboration: Share twin data with stakeholders for end-to-end transparency. What if your setup could handle peak export season without a glitch, mate?

The question isn’t whether digital twins will reshape the industry. It’s whether we’ll be ready to use them well.

At RD Creative Studio, we’re here to help you get there. We don’t deal in quick fixes. We build with care so that when conditions shift, you’re ready.

Want to connect or learn more? Jamie’s door (and inbox) is always open:  📩 [email protected]

Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your herd or flock, buying livestock is one of the most important decisions you'll make. For small-scale producers and hobby farmers, it’s not just about the price or how cute that poddy calf looks — it's about purpose, suitability, and setting yourself up for long-term success.

In our latest article, we unpack the fundamentals of selecting and purchasing livestock, tailored specifically for smaller operations. From understanding your land capability and infrastructure needs, to recognising the importance of biosecurity, animal health, and the right breed for your region — this guide has you covered.

👉 Read now:​ A Beginner’s Guide to Selecting and Buying Livestock for Small-Scale Producers and Hobby Farmers

What you’ll learn: ∙Choosing the Right Animals to Suit Your Property
∙Transport Consideration ∙Veterinary Care and Disease Prevention ∙Sourcing Livestock Safely ∙Building Relationships and Getting Advice ∙Preparing your property ∙Regulatory & Compliance

For small producers, buying livestock is more than a transaction — it’s the start of a commitment to animal welfare, productivity, and responsible land stewardship.

💡 Tip: Always start with a plan and ask yourself — what is the purpose of these animals on my property? Meat production? Breeding? Land management? Education?

If you're unsure where to begin or need guidance before your next livestock purchase, this article is a must-read.

Until next week —​ Let’s build a lifestyle we all love, the right way.

Kind Regards,​
Amanda Burchmann​
Livestock Production & Industry Development Specialist​
Founder | Advocate | Producer​
📞 0408 847 536​
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.jabagrisolutions.com.au

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Realm Group Australia

REALM Group Australia (RGA) - originally est. 1992. The most trusted online Ag Marketing System in Australia. Built by Farmers for Farmers! Education is the KEY. True Pioneers - We were the first, and we are still growing. Proud Supporters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) & Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)