F E A T U R E D

Farmers in Victoria are suffering through a drought-driven fodder shortage that is leaving them with no choice but to sell cattle after years of low rainfall.

Hay is scarce in the state, where “worst case scenario” rainfall figures dating back to 2023 look set to continue, which have already doubled fodder prices and left land cracked and dry.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said the fodder crisis had reached a level “that I don’t think Australia has ever experienced before”.

One farmer told news.com.au last week that hay bales sourced from NSW were being sold for $250 a round when they used to cost $60.

James Knight, who runs a cattle farm at The Sisters, about three hours west of Melbourne, said his fodder stocks ran out six weeks ago.

“We’re not going to be okay,” he told A Current Affair.

“It could very easily get worse over the next three months.”

Mr Knight said hay in bale form was “virtually non-existent” in Victoria, as he tries to feed 1350 pregnant females and 1250 young stock. He became emotional speaking about the impact the crisis had on his young family.

“I can only start to think that seeing husbands or wives that aren’t sleeping or stressed would be challenging for them,” he said.

“We’re very fortunate to have water at the moment … there are a heap of people who are worse off than us.”

Dairy farmer Bernie Free has had to source 12 loads of water to his property since February alone, a period when he would normally bring in only two or three per year.

Mr Free told A Current Affair, however, what he needed most was hay.

“We buy it off a fella that delivers it as well, and at the moment he can’t source any for us,” he said.

“We need hay, and it’s not available. We need the government to talk to us about what the other solutions are.

“I think we’re going to offload another 50 (cattle) in the next two or three weeks.”

Premier Jacinta Allan recently announced her government would commit another $37.7 million to its drought support fund as the crisis deepened.

It came after Agriculture Victoria revealed rainfall in May realised the worst-case scenario, with most of the state receiving just 20 per cent or less of the average typical rainfall expected in May over the past two weeks.

“The increasingly devastating effects of drought aren’t confined by postcode or region – it’s impacting farmers across Victoria. It’s why we’re expanding support statewide,” Ms Allan said.

“The new Taskforce will bring together Victorians from different communities, different backgrounds, and different political parties. Most importantly, it’ll be focused on delivering real relief for farming communities.”

Mr Hosking has been appointed a member of Victoria’s drought response task force.

Biosecurity concerns have made sourcing hay from other states complicated, with concerns over the green snail found in Western Australia making its way to Victoria in fodder.

“We’re looking at opportunities to bring some from Western Australia, which has a whole lot of challenges amongst it, or from Queensland, or looking at ‘can we get it offshore?’,” he said.

“There’s some real critical conversations happening at the moment that have never happened before.” He said overcoming the fodder shortage would be just one step in a long road ahead for the state’s farmers.

“How do they recover their pastures? How can they rebuild their farms? How can they restock stock they’d have to sell as well?

“So they’re our next challenges.”

Over the past 25 years, Australia’s agricultural landscape has undergone a seismic shift. From the way crops are planted to the tools used to harvest them, farmers have adapted to global demand, tighter margins, and more extreme weather patterns.

But while innovation in the paddock is thriving, the financial frameworks supporting our farmers are under pressure. The numbers don’t lie: ABARES has reported a 23% drop in average broadacre farm profits over the last two decades, driven largely by physical risks like drought, floods, and rising temperatures. And with climate forecasts pointing to even more frequent extreme events and declining rainfall, particularly across southern Australia, the road ahead could become even tougher without strategic financial intervention.

That’s where the game is changing.

Climate risk is no longer a vague threat—it’s a line item in credit assessments. Lenders need to go beyond the balance sheet, factoring in things like climate exposure, pest risk, commodity price swings, and supply chain volatility. As part of the Ag2030 national plan, sustainability and emissions targets are fast becoming part of the lending equation.

At Pay In Time Finance, we’re ahead of the curve.

We work directly with agri-businesses to provide lending solutions that are built for resilience—whether it's funding for more efficient machinery, bridging cash flow gaps, or helping business owners clear tax debt and reset for the year ahead.

And here's a crucial update many don’t know: interest on ATO tax debt is no longer tax deductible. That means EOFY is no longer just about ticking boxes—it’s about making smart financial moves that reduce drag on your business. Paying off tax debt now can protect cash flow and unlock new borrowing potential.

As a finance partner that understands both the paddock and the pressure, we specialise in helping rural operators get access to capital even when traditional lenders hesitate.

If you’re considering your next move before EOFY hits, now’s the time to act. Let us help you make the most of it. www.payintime.com.au

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

1.) 20^th June 2025

Ag Machinery

THE power of the John Deere 9 Series Tractor, when combined with the accuracy of the new C-Series Air Cart and P600 Precision Air Hoe Drill, delivers a total seeding solution that works smarter together for Australian farmers.

John Deere marketing director Ben Kelly said the innovative system streamlined operations to ensure the best foundation was laid for a successful crop, while delivering new gains in efficiency and productivity.

“The demands placed on our customers in tight seeding windows, when speed, precision, and accuracy are everything, have driven the development of this total solution that integrates the best technology and agronomic intelligence John Deere has to offer through the entire seeding train, to deliver optimal results,” Mr Kelly said.

“Whether it’s automating headland turns, managing the precision of the implement behind the machine, or documenting the performance of different varieties and fertilisers – these three elements of the seeding train make it happen.”

“For us, working smarter together is about integrating innovation to achieve the best possible crop establishment, while reducing time and labour inputs so our customers are as efficient, profitable, and sustainable as possible.”

Strength, power in 9 Series tractors

John Deere’s strong and powerful tractor line-up is front and centre at seeding time, with the groundbreaking 9 Series featuring the 9RX 830, which is capable of a market-leading 830 hp.

Available in four-wheel, two-track, and four-track configurations, 9 Series Tractors feature the power, performance, and precision ag technology to allow growers and contractors to pull heavier, wider implements with ease, and manage bigger paddocks in tighter timeframes.

The 9 Series features the 9RX 830, capable of a market-leading 830 hp, and is ideal for pulling the C-Series Air Cart and P600 Precision Air Hoe Drill. Photo: John Deere

Each of the new 9RX Series tractors is equipped with:

• autonomous-ready capabilities;

• the new CommandViewTM 4 Plus cab, with a 15 % increase in floor space and 20 % improvement in visibility from the right-hand side; and,

• a combination of the G5Plus CommandCenter Display, integrated StarFire 7500 receiver, and the optional G5 Advanced technology package.

C-Series Air Carts provide CTF spacing and Curve Compensation.

Behind the tractor are the new C-Series Air Carts, offering a range of capacities and configurations, including 3m centres for controlled-traffic farming, and delivering improved seeding accuracy and requiring less maintenance.

The C-Series range in capacity from 12,000 litres to 30,000 litres, and features AccuRate electric meters, made from stainless steel and composite materials resistant to corrosion and wear.

The C500L, C500T, C550L, C550T, C650L, and C650T Air Carts may be ordered with a liquid-capable centre tank to replace the dry middle tank, to allow the application of liquid fertiliser or other in-row products. The C-Series’ AccuRate meter bank contains up to eight individually controlled meters per tank.

Operators can change the speed and volume of each meter, resulting in higher-resolution prescriptions and up to eight times more precise seed metering. Curve Compensation is a crucial element in the C-Series Air Carts.

As the machine turns, it slows the inside meter and speeds up the outside meter for a consistent rate of delivery across the entire bar when seeding around trees and curves.

EZCalTM ensures fast, accurate seeding

To help growers and contractors make the most of short seeding windows, the C-Series Air Carts also include two calibration features, the EZCalTM system and ActiveCalTM.

EZCal is a push-button calibration process that is completed before seeding and is up to 75 percent faster than the previous manual bag process.

By delivering information straight to the tractor cab, it eliminates the need to crawl under the cart during calibration. The ActiveCal system ensures the meters remain calibrated throughout the day if product properties vary while seeding.

New blower automation on the C-Series is exclusive to John Deere and provides consistent air delivery across the bar. The ability to automate air speed regardless of changing conditions means the system can be used by a novice or an experienced operator.

P600 Drill lighter, wider, and easier to adjust

Rounding out John Deere’s total seeding solution is the P600 Precision Air Hoe Drill, which delivers decreased compaction, labour time, and fuel consumption, through an increased working width of 15.5% and 24% less weight than its near relative, the P500.

The P600 features TruSetTM Tillage Technology to adjust tillage depth and pressure in only six seconds from the comfort of the cab. This ensures consistent pressure across the bar for optimal seed placement regardless of soft or tight conditions. The relative flow blockage system provides consistent flow across each tower and the bar.

The RelativeFlowTM Blockage is a monitoring system designed to provide operators with detailed insights into product flow at each tower and secondary hose during seeding operations.

The dual openers enable the P600 fertiliser shank to place fertiliser 2cm below and 4cm to the side of the seed. This precision placement assists in preventing seed burn and ensures even emergence.

Ranging from 12.2 to 27.4 m (40 to 90 feet) working widths, the P600 models include the P640, P650, P660, P670, P680, and P690.

Input Costs

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: May wheat markets were supported by solid crop conditions in the EU and US, with yields expected to exceed historical averages and global ending stocks revised upward. Still, global prices are facing headwinds, with a supply shock needed to change course. 

Canola: Global canola markets remain stable despite dry weather in Europe. They are supported by strong yield forecasts and a US biofuel policy shift that could boost Canadian exports. If confirmed, the US policy changes could benefit Australian exports as well.

Beef: High cattle numbers pushed saleyard cattle prices lower, with southern saleyards recording record-high volumes through May. Rainfall in some regions across southern Australia and an expectation of lower numbers in the coming months should help stabilise cattle prices. 

Sheepmeat: Lamb and mutton prices in May jumped to some of the highest levels seen in recent years. Slaughter numbers remain high, but the price spike may be an indication that supplies are about to become more limited. 

Wool: Recent Australian dollar strength alongside disappointing export data likely played a key role in pushing EMI prices lower over the past month.

Cotton: Australian cash prices struggled to find momentum in May as a well-supplied global market kept prices below the AUD 600/bale mark.

Farm inputs: Urea prices declined sharply month-on-month in May as news of China’s return to the export market, following 18 months of limited exports, helped to somewhat ease market concerns of tightening global supplies.

Dairy: New season milk prices have been set and are higher than last year at around AUD 9.00/kgMS. This represents a 6% lift on final milk prices for 2024/25. Firmer commodity markets and a weaker Australian dollar versus last year have supported rising farmgate milk prices.

Consumer foods: Monthly food inflation came in at 3.1% in April. Supply shortages from the avian influenza outbreak have driven egg prices 18% higher on an annualised basis.

Interest rate and FX: The RBA cut rates in May by 0.25 percentage points and signalled further cuts to come. The dovish signal from the central bank and a weaker outlook for growth and inflation have prompted RaboResearch to update its cash rate forecast. We now project a 2.85% cash rate by February 2026.

Oil and freight: Crude oil prices rose in May, but OPEC+ has announced another big round of production increases that could cap further rallies in prices. A 90-day tariff reduction between the US and China could pressure container rates higher in the short term.

Over 1 million tonnes moved autonomously. Now, it’s time for what’s next. At Brønnøy Kalk, our current-generation solution has delivered real, repeatable performance in one of the toughest off-road environments on Earth. But we’re not stopping there.

In this video, I walk you through the next generation of autonomous transport, what our teams are building at Volvo Autonomous Solutions to push capability, integration, and safety even further.

This isn’t just a truck. It’s a productized autonomous system, from virtual driver and platform integration to user interfaces and fleet management, designed to meet the unique needs of mining and quarry operations.

As Chief Product Officer, I have the privilege to work with the extraordinary team bringing this to life. Engineers, safety leads, operators, partners, solution owners, all working with deep focus on:
- The customer
- The user experience
- The operational design domain

To the team: thank you.
Your work is turning autonomy from concept to real-world value.

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

Good Afternoon,
I hope you've had a better week than we have...

We bought 10 head at a local sale, and sadly, we lost two. We got the vet out straight away to assess and treat the rest, and fingers crossed, everyone is on the mend. It’s been a tough lesson, but also an important one—the kids are learning just how much pride, care, and love go into looking after our livestock. Animal husbandry and welfare practices play a pivotal role in what we do.

Now, back to business...

As more Australians take up hobby farming—whether for lifestyle, income, or to give the kids a country upbringing—there’s one area that often creates confusion: livestock compliance.

Whether you’ve got five sheep, a few poddies, or a handful of cattle, there are some key things you need to get right. From tagging to movement records, here are five of the most common questions I get from hobby farmers—and the straight answers to help keep you on track.

1. Can I move stock or buy tags in small numbers? What documents do I need for the sale yard?
Absolutely—you don’t need to be a large-scale operation to manage livestock legally.
✅ Tags: You can purchase NLIS tags in small quantities from approved suppliers—just check minimum order requirements. You’ll also need to apply through your state’s DPI with an order form before you buy.
📄 Sale yards: You must complete an NVD (National Vendor Declaration), or use the eNVD version online. These forms are legal documents and must be completed accurately.

2. What happens if I don’t update the NLIS?
Not updating your livestock’s movements in the NLIS database isn’t just risky—it’s a legal issue.
🚫 You could face penalties or lose access to markets like sale yards or processors.
🦠 More importantly, it creates gaps in the system meant to protect Australia from disease outbreaks. Always log movements—no matter how small they seem.

3. Do I really need to tag and record five sheep?
Yes—even if it’s “just a few.” Every sheep must be tagged with an NLIS-approved device.
📘 You must keep a record of what’s on your property and any movements off it. This includes tag numbers, dates, and property transfers. It’s a little effort now that saves a lot of hassle later.

4. What if I’m gifted a poddy without PIC details?
It’s not uncommon, but it still needs to be handled properly.
🔎 If the previous owner didn’t supply PIC (Property Identification Code) details, register the animal under your own PIC.
📝 You’ll need to note as much as you can—breed, tag (if any), age—and lodge the update with your local registry or livestock agent.

5. I have less than 10 cattle—do the rules still apply to me?
Yes—while you might not be a big player, the same principles apply.
🏷 Every animal still needs a tag.
🔁 Any movement must be recorded through NLIS.
🛡 When selling or transferring cattle, be prepared with animal welfare, biosecurity, and identification records.

🔚 Wrapping it up
Whether you’ve got one cow or twenty, compliance matters. These systems aren’t just red tape—they’re about protecting the food chain, improving animal welfare, and ensuring access to future markets.

The good news? Once you understand the basics, it’s completely manageable. And we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Have questions about your setup?
Drop me a message at [email protected] or follow JAB Agri Solutions on https://www.jabagrisolutions.com.au/ 

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

“Samantha Watkins Photography”

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

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)