F E A T U R E D

Meet the Tasmanian farmers keeping the English Leicester sheep breed alive after 200 years

In short: 

It's the 200th anniversary of the first arrival of English Leicester sheep into Tasmania. A breed imported into Hobart for its long, lustrous fleece and fast-growing meat.

They're now on the list of rare sheep breeds in Australia, but a small band of passionate farmers is determined to maintain the breed's legacy.

What's next?

English Leicester breeders are hopeful of finding new markets for the breed's fleece, sheepskins, and meat that is marbled fat.

They may not have the same star power as their Merino cousins, but for a handful of dedicated breeders, English Leicesters hold a special place on their farm.

"Dad always used to say … the perfect English Leicester is just like a dining room table; a big, flat dining room table on four legs," Tasmanian breeder Fiona Hume said.

On the banks of the Derwent River at Macquarie Plains, about 50 kilometres north-west of Hobart, you will find one of the country's largest English Leicester flocks.

Ms Hume's family has been running sheep here since 1894, and English Leicesters since the 1950s.

Because the wool does not fetch much, she admits the flock does not make a great deal of financial sense.

 "We've never made any money from the English Leicesters. At the moment their wool is worth 20 cents a kilo," she said.

"They're kind of this thing that you just love." 

It has been 200 years since the first documented English Leicesters were imported into Hobart from England. Today, the heritage breed — with its big frame and lustrous long locks — is classified as vulnerable in Australia.

That is because there are just 20 English Leicester breeders in Australia and roughly 500 registered sheep. Brenton Heazlewood's family has been contributing to those bloodlines for generations.

“We've had a stud since 1871, and I just want to keep that going," he said.

The president of the English Leicester Association of Australia is so passionate about the breed, he has released a book about their history.

"What surprised me when I started the research was that the Merino people who brought them in," Mr Heazlewood said.

"They wanted to improve the carcass of the merino, but still retain the merino wool."

The English Leicester was developed in England by agricultural pioneer Robert Bakewell in the late 1700s, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution. He wanted an animal that grew a lot faster and with more meat than other breeds.

Alongside Merino sheep, English Leicesters hit their peak in Australia between the 1830s and the 1930s.

But numbers started to dwindle when their direct descendant, the faster-maturing Border Leicester, was introduced.

"In essence, its decline was brought about because it was too good at improving other breeds," Mr Heazlewood said.

And that is what Ms Hume has done, integrating them with her Suffolk sheep and crossing some with merinos to produce a small flock of good mothers.

Craft market demand for wool

The breed is known for its long, high-lustre wool, sought after by spinners and weavers. It is this craft market that is maintaining English Leicester numbers in countries such as Sweden and the United States.

But here in Australia, demand for the curly wool is limited.

Ms Hume said there was certainly potential to grow the market.

"I think their sheepskins and wool are really great products, and I think there is enormous scope to expand in that area," she said.

"If I had more time, I could be selling a lot more English Leicester sheepskins."

Next generation keeping the breed alive

So who is stepping up to continue the legacy of the breed? George Willows was just eight years old when he took on his grandfather's English Leicester flock with the help of his dad, Paul.

Now 17, the young sheep farmer near Triabunna on Tasmania's east coast is keen to see sheep numbers grow.

"They're very gentle, nurturing sheep," he said.

"I've been trying to improve the growth rates, but still keep true to the breed.

"A lot of breeds are built on the base of the Leicester; hopefully, people see that and come back to the bloodlines.

Mr Heazlewood is optimistic that the breed's future is in safe hands.

"It's all very well, old people like me having it," he said.

"But you need young people to keep it going, and we have got that young base.

"We're very lucky here in Australia; there are four or five young breeders interested in the breed.

"So I'm confident that this future is secure, there's no doubt about that."

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

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

Ag Machinery

TAF: What do the dynamics of the electrification of agricultural machinery in Australia look like today?

GN: Generally speaking, we have not seen a great deal from the tractor manufacturers, who are mostly still using diesel-fuelled engines. Further, most of their research and development investment is still focused on conventional technologies. The reality, therefore, is that the electrification of tractors and other heavy agricultural machinery in Australia is at least 5-10 years away from full maturity across the wider agricultural industry. I do believe, however, it’s still worth starting to have a meaningful conversation now. 

TAF: Can or should we be doing better as a rich, educated, and progressive nation? 

GN: Our European agricultural “cousins” are, in some ways, leading in this area, albeit there is not a lot of meaningful progress there either. Government regulations over there provide carbon emission targets and related limits for farmers, which do not apply (yet) to Australian farmers. It’s worth recognising, however, that Australia is already a step ahead of Europe with things like the Autonomous Vehicle Code of Practice, a world first, developed in 2021 by Grain Producers Australia, the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia, and the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia. Change will probably happen here eventually, depending on whether there’s enough lobbying to the government and therefore some impetus to drive the transition. Other socio-economic dynamics are also key – the general public, a top-down “force”, is showing more and more interest in the environmental footprint of agricultural producers. This is now starting to happen, but not a lot yet. 

TAF: What are the key issues affecting the electrification of Australian agriculture?

GN: The main issues affecting the adoption of electric tractors in Australia are: (1) insufficient re-charging infrastructure in rural Australia; (2) charging downtime for the farmer; (3) inadequate energy density of the battery i.e., towing heavy machinery – which is a big problem for broadacre farming especially; (4) due to their sheer size, the batteries are too heavy for tractors – hence, logistics issues and (5) no government regulation yet on carbon emissions for farmers which, if / when it happens, will inevitably accelerate adoption in Australia.

TAF: Where is there real potential in the “here and now”?

GN: Australian agriculture leaders and farmers alike should be observing and monitoring, “in lockstep, the rise of the latest battery-powered engine technology in other industries that also rely on heavy machinery – such as mining and construction. There are important lessons learned that can be adopted and adapted to agriculture. It is, interestingly, the manufacturers themselves, like Cummins, that are leading the way towards cleaner engines. Strict requirements on carbon emissions for Tier 4-5 tractor engines have, for example, been top of mind in Australia in recent years. So, there are signs that, in principle, the agricultural industry wants to reduce its environmental impact – starting from the “bottom up” in this case. Change is more likely to be stimulated by the engine manufacturers themselves rather than the tractor manufacturers that use their power equipment solutions.

TAF: Where else are there small gains that can be made to continue the early momentum?

GN: The best approach for Australia in the coming years is a “baby steps” strategy towards full adoption of electric tractors – such as starting off with hybrids and also with the smaller agricultural machinery adopting electric-powered engines, including lighter horticulture equipment. Progress is also happening in the turf and lawn care area, which I believe will drive development "up the scale". For example, golf courses, along with some intensive horticulture activities. 

Inputs and Commodities

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: Wheat prices softened in July as favourable harvests in the Northern Hemisphere eased supply concerns. Trade deals and record US corn forecasts added pressure to the competitiveness of Australia's feed and milling grain.

• Canola: Strong global supply and stable canola harvests in Europe and Canada are keeping oilseed prices steady. Moving forward, geopolitical developments could reshape trade flows and influence price direction.

• Beef: Cattle prices continue to edge higher, with cull cow prices leading the charge, supported by US demand for lean trim. This demand could increase in the coming months due to the additional tariffs imposed on Brazil, which would provide ongoing support for Australian cattle prices.

• Sheepmeat: Lamb availability remains uncertain. After reaching record levels, RaboResearch believes finished lamb prices have reached their seasonal peak. With slaughter numbers contracting, prices will ease as processors adjust their kill volumes.

• Wool: Wool prices found good support month-on-month amid weakness of the Australian dollar. However, the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) was disappointing.

• Cotton: US futures continue to track lower as concerns around US production ease and the Brazilian harvest is firmly underway. Recent weakness in the Australian dollar is likely shielding Australian cash prices from some of the downward pressure.

• Farm inputs: Fertiliser prices continued to track higher in July, with urea leading the way (+11% MOM). Despite easing tensions in the Middle East, global supply and demand remain tight, particularly in the urea and phosphate markets.

• Dairy: Commodity prices were mostly weaker across the dairy complex through July. Fundamentals have shifted gear slightly, with milk supply growth accelerating across major production regions, supported by high milk prices, affordable feed, and a bounce back from disease outbreaks

• Consumer foods: Australian food inflation moderated in Q2. Food prices rose 3% YOY, compared to 3.2% in the previous quarter. This rate remains above the long-term average. While retail sales bounced in June, the foodservice channel was sluggish.

• Interest rate and FX: The RBA held the cash rate unchanged in July, but a cut in August is likely after a benign inflation report. The US has confirmed that Australia will continue to face the 10% minimum reciprocal tariff rate.

• Oil and freight: Oil prices lifted for a third consecutive month in July, as US President Donald Trump threatened secondary sanctions against buyers of Russian exports (including oil) should Russian President Vladimir Putin fail to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump has given Putin less than two weeks to agree to the terms.

We’re now taking listings for our next up-and-coming auction.
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AG NEWS AUSTRALIA

FutureAg 2025 wraps up, cementing its place as Australia’s international hub for agricultural machinery and future farming

The 2025 FutureAg powered by AGRITECHNICA has been hailed a huge success, with hundreds of people streaming through the gates of the Melbourne Showgrounds across the three-day exhibition and conference.

Bringing together 138 exhibitors from 11 different countries, 69 speakers and over 2,500 visitors from Victoria, NSW, WA, SA, Queensland and 27 countries around the globe, the event proved a powerhouse of innovation, insight and connection.

For the second edition of FutureAg, Hannover Fairs Australia joined forces with its German Partner, the German Agriculture Society (DLG), to develop and grow the event.

Supported by a huge AGRITECHNICA network, the FutureAg team strengthened partnerships with key national partners, including the National Farmers Federation, FarmSafe, Victorian Farmers Federation, SPAA, Grain Producers Australia, GRDC, AusAgritech, and Farmers2Founders to drive growth and build a market-leading content programme.

Tim Bostridge, Managing Director of Hannover Fairs, said, “The team expanded the conversation, strengthened industry connections, and continued to tackle the big issues shaping agriculture today, from technology adoption and sustainability to workforce challenges, policy changes, and weather extremes.”

Erik Guttelsröd, Deputy Managing Director of the DLG Competence Center Agriculture and Head of Farm Management and Sustainability, added, “We’re proud to see FutureAg becoming a platform where innovations are launched, ideas are tested, and collaboration thrives. We are convinced that knowledge exchange is important to foster innovation and support the farming community in Australia. Practical solutions will not only come from the newest machinery and technology, but also from real connections and conversations between farmers and industry leaders, as well as the exchange between the farmers themselves.”

For the very first, the FutureAg team invited Australian agri-leaders and farmers from across Australia to the show, through the new “Hosted Buyer Program” offering these key industry leaders special networking opportunities to foster their networks and ensuring those leading agricultural professionals interact with the FutureAg community onsite: exhibitors, visitors, speakers.

Across all three days, visitors experienced live tech demonstrations, international showcases, and thought-provoking conversations underscoring the depth and diversity of ideas driving the sector forward.

One of the highlights of this year’s exhibition was the introduction of two specialised feature areas, the AusAgritech Pavilion and Grain Automate Alley, each dedicated to showcasing innovation in key growth areas of Australian agriculture. These zones offered focused displays of cutting-edge solutions, industry collaboration, and homegrown innovation, exemplifying how local ingenuity is shaping global conversations.

In addition, five leading agricultural universities actively participated in the FutureAg Expo by exhibiting and facilitating student visits to the event. Recognising that a well-educated workforce is essential, these institutions underscore the critical role that quality education plays in driving innovation and securing the future of the agricultural sector.

By championing Australian agriculture alongside international advancements, the FutureAg Expo reinforced its role as a platform where domestic producers, innovators, and agribusinesses can connect with the world and drive tangible outcomes for the sector.

“By showcasing homegrown agtech solutions alongside international advancements, we’re creating a space where local innovation can be recognised, tested, and scaled. It’s this mix of global perspective and Australian know-how that drives meaningful progress for our industry.”

The co-located FutureAg conference delivered a wealth of knowledge and insight from key industry professionals. Across the three days, attendees heard perspectives, solutions, and ideas on topics around innovation, the business of Ag and the workforce, equipping them with practical strategies and inspiration to drive the future of their operations and businesses forward.

Overall, the 2025 FutureAg Expo strengthened farmers and industry networks, sparked collaborations, and showcased how machinery, technology, business acumen, and human capability together power a resilient and thriving sector.

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

As AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Gemini shape how people find and engage with information, a new layer of digital strategy is emerging: GEO, or Generative Engine Optimisation. Unlike traditional SEO, GEO focuses on helping businesses surface in AI-driven answers, not just search result pages.

For agribusinesses (especially those operating in complex or seasonal markets), this shift is worth paying attention to. Tools like ChatGPT are already being used to research supply chain solutions, sustainable practices, and export readiness. If your business isn't feeding into that stream of content, you risk being left out of the conversation.

So what does that mean in practice?

It means updating your website content to be not only informative but also AI-readable. It means grounding your insights in real data and explaining them in natural, human-first language. And it means understanding how platforms index authority—not just based on keywords, but clarity, structure, and specificity.

At RD Creative Studio, we’ve been watching this shift closely and working with partners across agriculture and regional business to adapt accordingly. For those just getting started, here are a few foundational steps:

●​ Be generous with your expertise. Share insights that AI models can draw from. Keep it practical, grounded, and original.

●​ Use structured language. Clear subheadings, plain English, and citations help your content get picked up by LLMs.

●​ Update your FAQs. These are often the first entry points for AI-powered answers.
●​ Keep location in the mix. Regional context still matters, especially when tied to search intent (e.g., “supply chain solutions in Bundaberg”).

As digital channels evolve, visibility will depend not just on where you are but how clearly you're understood.

If you’re curious about how GEO fits into your current setup, we’re happy to share what we’re learning.

Looking after poddy calves can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’ve taken on an orphaned calf or are supporting one whose mother can’t feed, the right approach can make all the difference to their health, growth, and long-term productivity.

In our latest JAB Agri Solutions article, we explore two main methods for raising poddy calves:
 ∙Hand-Raising – feeding calves yourself using best-practice techniques for nutrition, hygiene, and consistent routines.
∙Using a Foster Cow – pairing an orphan calf with a cow willing to accept and feed it, saving time and feed costs.

The article also covers:
∙Ensuring calves receive colostrum and hydration in the crucial early hours
∙Introducing solid feed to encourage rumen development
∙Providing shelter and comfort to protect calves from environmental stress
∙Monitoring closely for signs of illness and acting early

And as a special bonus, the article includes expert advice from Matt Brown, who shares practical tips from his years of experience in livestock management.

📖 Read the full article here: www.jabagrisolutions.com.au/knowledge/gbleww0lm68fzfnzsn05uzvuy8wp1e

Healthy calves = productive cattle. ✅
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

“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)