F E A T U R E D

Aussies hit with nationwide potato shortage after 'toughest season' in a decade

Australians are being hit with a potato shortage, with growers having experienced what they say has been one of the toughest seasons in a decade. 

Extreme weather is affecting crop yields and creating widespread shortages in South Australia, which grows about 80 per cent of the nation's potatoes.

It has led to a reduced supply on supermarket shelves.

Mitolo Family Farms is Australia's biggest potato producer with crops in the Riverland, Murray Mallee, and Adelaide Plains regions.

It grows and supplies more than 200,000 tonnes of market-washed potatoes all year round, but has been facing difficulties in recent months.

According to today's Bureau of Meteorology's drought report, parts of South Australia saw some of the lowest rainfall on record between January 1 to September 30.

Mitolo Family Farms Head of Marketing and Sales John Tselekidis said the season had been "one of the toughest in over 10 years".

"A hot summer and late-season heat raised soil temperatures, followed by cold, wet, and windy conditions, resulting in lower volumes and more defects such as cold cracking, harvest damage, skin staining, and prominent lenticels," he said.

"While staining is only cosmetic, overall quality and marketable supply have been affected."

Coles and Woolworths have notices up across some of their stores, alerting customers to the shortage and changes to the appearance of potatoes.

The supermarket giants attributed the shortage to a natural dip caused by the seasonal transitional windows and expect supply to be refilled in the coming weeks.

Tselekidis said he expected the low potato supply to last for another month, despite the upcoming season's harvest.

"There's been widespread shortages from late-August all the way through to now and will continue for at least another three or four weeks," he said. 

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Cash Rate Holds, Big Ag Moves, and New Opportunities for Farmers

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

INPUTS & COMMODITIES

Australia agribusiness October 2025:
Keeping an eye on prices

Here are the main highlights for some of Australia's key commodities and economic influences for this month. The full report provides an overview of the developments to watch in the upcoming weeks.

Wheat and barley: Global wheat prices are finding support from Algeria’s recent tender and firm Black Sea values, but rising carryover in Australia and Canada, subdued importer demand, and strong US shipments continue to weigh on market sentiment ahead of the new crop harvest.

Canola: Canadian canola markets remain under pressure amid a larger harvest, weak export outlook, and unresolved trade tensions with China, while European prices find support from reduced sunflower yields.

Beef: After a lift in prices through early spring, cattle prices have plateaued, and we believe they could ease slightly over the coming month. Conditions and markets remain favorable, and prices should be supported, but an easing in producer demand will just see prices ease a little.

Sheepmeat: Ongoing low lamb slaughter volumes and sustained high prices suggest we have not yet seen the bulk of new season lambs enter the market. This could potentially lead to a concentration of lambs in the system and, depending on seasonal conditions, we may see a lift in volumes and softening prices late in the year.

Wool: Wool prices are rallying, with the EMI up an impressive 16.5% month-on-month. The rise appears to be due to a mix of declining production prospects and strong buying inquiries.

Cotton: ICE #2 Cotton futures declined 0.5% month-on-month. This, alongside Australian dollar strength, translated into Australian cash price weakness. Signs of an improving Chinese crop, alongside demand headwinds, appear to be some of the key drivers behind recent price action.

Farm Inputs: Over the past month, urea prices have finally shown some signs of relief, with prices down 12% month-on-month in Australian dollar terms. That said, if India seeks another tender soon, prices have the potential to move back the other way.

Dairy: All eyes are fixed on the strength of global dairy demand, in the face of the approaching Oceania peak milk flows, combined with a weak outlook for Chinese import demand into 2026.

Interest rates and FX: Market expectations of RBA rate cuts have been reduced after data released in September showed the economy growing more quickly than expected and inflation running a little hotter than hoped.

Oil and freight: Oil prices rose in September as US inventories fell, US growth accelerated, and President Trump encouraged NATO allies to stop buying Russian energy.

AG MACHINERY

Methane-Powered Tractor Now Available to Order 

New Holland is expanding its alternative fuel range with the T7.270 Methane Power tractor, offering higher power for larger farms and heavy-duty operations. Orders open across Europe at the end of 2025, with first deliveries expected in spring 2026. 

The T7.270 builds on the methane engine used in the T6.180 Methane Power, delivering 270hp and 1,160 N · m of peak torque while matching the performance farmers expect from the T7 series. The tractor can run on biomethane from livestock manure, supporting on-farm sustainability and even achieving a negative carbon footprint when used in a closed-loop system. 

Gas storage has been optimized with 657 liters standard capacity, plus an optional 480-liter range extender, giving up to 11 hours’ autonomy in transport applications. Refueling is quick thanks to an NGV2 valve supporting pressures up to 260 bar. 

The tractor also features New Holland’s Auto Command™ CVT, the award-winning Horizon™ Ultra cab at just 66 decibels, and the IntelliView™ 12 interface integrated into the SideWinder™ armrest for easy control. Full TIM compatibility ensures smooth implementation and integration, while the PLM Intelligence platform and FieldOps connectivity enable remote monitoring and data management. 

Darragh Mullin, New Holland T7 Long Wheelbase Global Product Manager, says: 

“The T7.270 Methane Power is ideal for biodigester operators and larger arable farms. It combines low operating costs, autonomy, reliability, and driver comfort, helping farms reduce emissions and improve sustainability.” 

With this launch, New Holland is taking methane-powered tractors further up the power scale, making low-emission, high-performance machinery accessible to a broader range of farmers. 

 CNH deepens commitment to alternative fuels

• CNH Industrial is expanding its alternative fuel capabilities by taking a majority stake in Bennamann, a UK-based expert in solutions to capture, repurpose, and store fugitive methane emissions for energy use

The company claims the move will boost its leading position and portfolio in alternative fuels for the agriculture industry.

“By consolidating our share in Bennamann, we are offering our customers a full energy production, storage, and distribution service,” says Derek Neilson, President of Agriculture at CNH Industrial.

 “This solution can transform farms into mini energy hubs that can satisfy their own energy needs, produce their own natural fertilizer, and sell any excess gas on the open market. It also enables them to generate their own electricity. This makes us a true alternative energy enabler, able to serve myriad applications and contribute to a carbon-negative future.”

Reducing emissions such as methane and CO2 from biowaste and operations is one of agriculture’s greatest environmental issues. To help farmers meet this challenge, CNH Industrial has been pioneering sustainable alternative power solutions in agriculture for over two decades, including the world’s first tractor running on compressed natural gas – the New Holland T6.180 Methane Power.

Alternative fuels and electrification can enhance a farmer’s operational flexibility, efficiency, and even profitability, while dramatically offsetting their carbon footprint.

The relationship with Bennamann began in 2019 when they jointly developed a liquefied natural gas fuel tank for the tractor prototype. In 2021, CNH’s venture investment arm acquired a minority stake in the business.

On a pilot farm in the UK, these shared technologies are capturing fugitive emissions from farm biowaste – specifically livestock manure slurry – which are then purified into biomethane that is subsequently either compressed or liquefied. Both can be used as vehicle fuel, to generate electricity, and even supply household or farm power, while the byproducts of the conversion process can be used as a natural fertilizer. In total, the system provides energy independence for the farm, reduces input costs, and potentially generates additional revenue streams. This work has also led to the introduction of the world’s first liquefied fugitive methane tractor prototype, the New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG, which is operationally carbon negative when fueled by Bennamann’s system.

This latest strategic investment furthers CNH’s commitment to the Science-Based Targets initiative by reducing CO2 emissions in agriculture. The company’s research has found that a 120-cow farm operating our shared methane capture technology can reduce the CO2 equivalent of 100 Western European households – about 780 tons annually.

“Together, we have progressed beyond the prototype phase and will install the CNH Industrial-Bennamann solution on multiple farms over the next year. This will start with compressed fugitive methane solutions, moving to liquefied in the future.”

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AG NEWS AUSTRALIA

Meet REALM360 – Built for Farmers, Backed by AI

Farming isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life. But it’s also one of the toughest industries out there. Long hours, unpredictable weather, tight margins, and increasing compliance pressure mean every decision counts.

That’s why REALM Group Australia created something new — something that truly understands the human side of farming, not just the data.

Introducing REALM360.
👉 Not another app gathering dust on your phone.
👉 Not just another data dashboard.
👉 It’s an AI-powered companion designed for Aussie farmers, by Aussie innovators.

REALM360 brings together everything you need to stay ahead — from practical wellbeing tools to real-time insights on funding, technology, and sustainability.

With REALM360, you can:
✅ Get instant, practical tips on stress, resilience, and wellbeing
✅ Explore AgTech tools that improve efficiency without the jargon
✅ Access grants, compliance tools, and sustainability insights in real-time
✅ Build digital confidence through training and community programs

And this is just the start. 👀

We’re already expanding REALM360 to deliver:
🌱 Traceability & compliance solutions — helping you stay market-ready
🌾 Sustainability frameworks — practical tools to future-proof your farm
🤝 Farmer education programs — from digital skills to regenerative farming
💡 Community events & workshops — connecting innovators across rural Australia

REALM360 is more than technology — it’s a movement toward a smarter, stronger, more connected rural future. It’s where wellbeing meets innovation, and where farmers have a voice in shaping the tools that serve them.

💬 Jump in, try it out, and tell us what matters most to you.
REALM360 isn’t just our project — it’s your future.

👉 Explore REALM360 here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-68e2e5c12e0881919bccfc1b21289f8f-realm360

🌾 Empowering Farmers with Digital Skills and Community Support

REALM360 is fostering a new era of digitally empowered farmers. Through workshops, online programs, and peer networks, we’re building capacity across regional Australia to help producers adapt, innovate, and thrive.

• Farmer Education Programs: covering AgTech, sustainability, and modern business models

• Digital Skills Workshops: hands-on training in data, precision farming, and marketing

• Community Events: connecting farmers, innovators, and researchers to collaborate and grow

🌱 Revolutionizing Agriculture with Smart Farming and AI

REALM360 is driving digital transformation in Australian agriculture, bridging the gap between technology, people, and purpose. By combining AI, education, and human insight, it helps farmers make smarter decisions, reduce stress, and build more resilient operations.

This is more than a chatbot — it’s a digital asset built by farmers, for farmers, evolving with the challenges and opportunities of modern agriculture.

REALM Group Australia continues to lead with vision, innovation, and execution — creating tools that truly make a difference on the ground.

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

Grain Margins and Machinery Values Under Pressure

It’s early October, and across eastern Australia, the harvest still feels more like a theory than a season.

In the Riverina and southern Queensland, growers are walking dry country and recalculating their plans. Some have already made the call to turn grain crops into hay, chasing whatever salvage value they can find. The margins are tight. The soil is dry. The mood is cautious.

ABARES points to low autumn rainfall as the culprit behind patchy plantings. And with subsoil moisture still running behind, the 2025–26 grain year has started with more questions than answers.

Global Markets Are Talking. It’s Not What Growers Want to Hear.

The latest USDA WASDE report dropped quietly, but the numbers landed loudly.

Wheat is projected at 805 million tonnes, corn at 1.24 billion, and soybeans at 425 million. 

That’s a rise of one to three percent across the board. Barley is pushing 150 million tonnes, but China’s demand has cooled.

In dollar terms, this puts pressure on local returns. Global wheat has eased to $202 per tonne, down from $209. Corn sits at $161. Soybeans are tracking at $368, based on a 0.68 AUD/USD conversion.

Back home, ABARES forecasts wheat at $320 per tonne, down 10 percent. Barley is expected to land around $240, an 8 percent drop. For a 3,000-hectare operation, this trims expected returns by 5 to 7 percent—down to $450–$550 per hectare.

And while a potential La Niña offers yield optimism, markets are watching the other horizon. A scorched EU crop or fresh U.S. tariffs could shift sentiment quickly.

The Gear Market Is Speaking Its Own Language

Used harvester values are falling fast, and it’s not just age dragging them down.

Machines without GPS, yield mapping, or AI-assisted guidance are being priced out of the modern system. According to GRDC, retrofitting a 2019 model Deere or Claas with current precision tech runs anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000.

Buyers are adjusting accordingly. What sold last year for $350,000 is now fetching closer to $250,000 on auction platforms like Ritchie Bros.

And the cost of running what you already own? That’s climbing, too. The ACCC reports 20 to 50 percent premiums on non-OEM parts, a 43 percent warranty rejection rate, and an average $10,000 to $20,000 per year lost to parts delays on high-hour machines in the Mallee.

Margins are already thin. These numbers are cutting into the bone.

Where the Margin Lives Now

Not all is grim. Canola is holding at $760 per tonne. Chickpea plantings are up 22 percent, offering growers a much-needed shift in gross margin profiles.

And in machinery markets, smart operators are adjusting. The savvier buyers are less worried about age and more focused on capability. They’re scanning online listings with price trackers. Watching live auctions. Looking for AI-ready headers and updated consoles—machines that can walk straight into the paddock without needing a rebuild.

Some are even securing deals 15 to 30 percent below book value, despite a 28 percent rise in demand for used gear since 2022.

In a harvest shaped by uncertainty, this is what smart looks like.

Final Word

This year’s crop won’t be just about tonnes per hectare. It will be about decisions made at the edge: what to cut, what to conserve, when to pivot, and how to prepare for the rebound.

The market is speaking. The margins are moving. For those willing to shift early and think with clarity, there’s still ground to gain.

Cattle Care Essentials: Protecting Your Herd, Your Land, and Our Industry

Good Evening,

Raising cattle isn’t just about feed and water — it’s about knowing what keeps your animals healthy, your pastures productive, and your business compliant. For small producers and hobby farmers, good animal husbandry is the foundation of both welfare and profitability.

This week’s Cattle Care Deep Dive looks at the key management practices every cattle producer should have in place — and why they matter in Australian conditions. From disease prevention and nutrition to animal welfare and record-keeping, each step plays a vital role in long-term productivity.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s covered:
💉 Vaccination – Prevent three-day sickness, blackleg, and tick fever before they cost you. Prevention is always cheaper than a cure.
🪱 Drenching and Parasite Control – Worms, lice, and ticks thrive in our climate; keep them under control to maintain condition and growth rates.
✂️ Castration, Dehorning & Pain Relief – Safe, humane handling protects both cattle and handlers. Always seek vet advice if you’re not trained.
🏷️ Identification & Record Keeping – Your NLIS tag and LPA records are your biosecurity shield — and proof of good management.
🌾 Nutrition & Supplement Feeding – During dry spells or winter, cattle need extra energy and minerals to stay strong and keep grazing.
🌿 Poisonous Weeds & Paddock Safety – Learn to spot and manage toxic plants before they cause harm.
☀️ Heat Stress & Seasonal Management – Stay alert as temperatures rise; access to shade and water saves lives.
🚧 Biosecurity – Your front gate is your first line of defense against disease — every small step counts.

Every healthy animal on your property reflects your management. By combining solid husbandry, good records, and smart nutrition, you’re helping safeguard both your herd and Australia’s red meat reputation.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.jabagrisolutions.com.au/knowledge/cattle-care- essentials-protecting-your-herd-your-land-and-our-industry

Wishing you a productive week ahead, and here’s to making the most of the season while protecting the resource that matters most – your land.

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

G’day  Realm Readers...

We’ve been helping promote the 2026 Future Roots Program - an exciting initiative from Bryce Camm, CEO of the fourth-generation Camm Agricultural Group, saying:

"The Program is a great opportunity for anyone to experience life across various aspects of the beef supply chain". 

Bryce, himself is well known around the traps with 20 years in the beef industry. He grew up on the family property, Natal Downs Station, near Charters Towers in QLD. As Chair of Beef Australia and former youngest president of the Australian Lot Feeders Association, he has a swag of leadership awards, is a keen innovator for all things beef, holds a couple of degree's and to top it off, is a qualified pilot. 

Today, Camm Ag has properties all over QLD and continues to grow, now turning off 100,000 head of cattle per year with 110 team members across their pastoral, farming, and feedlot businesses. They are now taking applications for:

• 2026 Future Roots Program 

• Station Manager | Myra Aggregation near Clermont, QLD

• Mechanic | Northern Aggregation near Charters Towers, QLD

• Livestock Hand/Pen Rider | Wonga Plains near Bowenville, QLD

• D10 Dozer Drivers | Natal Downs near Charters Towers, QLD

VIEW ALL JOBS: www.RFTTEJOB.com

Hooroo for now,
Simon Cheatham
0417 277 488 | [email protected] 
Founder | Ringers From The Top End | RFTTE.com | The Online Campfire since 2007
RFTTE PTY LTD | ABN 29 678 593 283

“Samantha Watkins Photography”

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)