F E A T U R E D

Farming family breaks national lamb price record at Forbes

In short:

A new national record lamb price has been set at the Forbes sheep and lamb sale.

The McMahon family sold a pen of 43 second-cross lambs for $454 per head.

It is the latest in a string of record-breaking prices for lamb at saleyards across Australia in recent months.

A farming family from central west New South Wales has set a national record lamb price, selling a pen of heavy lambs for $454 per head.

The McMahon family, from Tullamore, sold a pen of 43 second-cross lambs for the record price at the Forbes sheep and lamb sale on Tuesday. 

Archie McMahon, 11, and his eight-year-old brother, Freddie, were often helping in the sheep yards on their family farm and were ecstatic to hear that their hard work had paid off.

 "They were the biggest out of the whole yards," Archie said.

Archie was at the saleyards hoping the lambs would attract a high price.

"It was kind of nerve-racking because we didn't know if we were going to break the record or not," he said.

Prices continue to rise

The lambs, which were between 85 and 105 kilograms and shorn 10 weeks ago, had been in the on-farm feedlot for four months.

They were sold to Southern Meats at Goulburn.

Matthew Lennon sells the lambs for $454 per head. (Supplied: Kevin Miller, Whitty, Lennon & Co)

The boys' father, Ross McMahon, described the current high prices as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity for lamb feedlotters.

"We've had some hard years feeding lambs when you're not making much [money] or not making anything," he said.

"This year it's paid off feeding them, so it's really good."

It was a red-hot sale at Forbes with the lamb price record broken twice in the space of 20 minutes, surging past the previous high of $440.20 per head, set at the Wagga Wagga sale last Thursday.

The prices have risen since May, driven by a supply shortage of high-quality heavy lambs, drought, and a strong demand for Australian products overseas.

In the past six weeks, the national record has been broken more than seven times at saleyards across Victoria and New South Wales.

Kids' idea to try for the record

Mr. McMahon said that up to 20,000 lambs were turned off from the family's feedlot each year, mostly targeting a weight of 25 kg for the domestic supermarket trade.

This year, 100 were held back longer on feed at the insistence of Archie and Freddie.

"They put a few sheep in the Dubbo Show Hoof and Hook competition. [These lambs] were kept back with them, and the kids wanted to try and get a record, and they did," he said.

Archie said a lot of work had gone into preparing the lambs.

"We had to put them in our big feedlot and feed them constantly every day," he said.

 "Clean out their water troughs and like, bring them into the yards once a week and weigh them to see if they were ready."

Just weeks into the new financial year, the tone across the agribusiness finance sector has shifted again—this time due to the Reserve Bank’s surprise decision to hold the cash rate steady against market expectations. Many in the industry had priced in a cut, and the hold has triggered a mix of recalibration and resilience across farming regions.

While the RBA cited persistent services inflation as the reason behind the pause, the bigger picture for agribusiness borrowers is one of careful optimism. Rates may not have dropped yet, but they’re not climbing either. For many producers, this spells time to fine-tune capital strategies and reassess funding needs in light of a stable cost-of-debt environment.

This is especially relevant as working capital demands begin to rise. Input costs, from fuel to fertiliser, remain volatile, and early-season planning has already begun for the coming spring. The steadiness in rates gives farmers a chance to make strategic funding decisions without the pressure of immediate rate hikes.

Meanwhile, in the broader finance world, lenders are increasingly prioritising cash flow over collateral. This is particularly relevant for asset-heavy agribusinesses with fluctuating revenue cycles. Financiers are placing more weight on real-time performance metrics and sector-specific risk factors, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.

We're seeing this play out firsthand at Pay In Time Finance, where inquiries have increased not just for traditional term loans but also for bespoke facilities like seasonal funding lines and equipment finance with flexible repayment structures. With the rate environment holding, many clients are realising now’s the time to get their funding ducks in a row—before the next seasonal or monetary shift.

The takeaway? Even without a rate cut, stability is valuable. It gives rural businesses space to think long-term, invest with confidence, and build the resilience they’ll need for whatever comes next.

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

1.) 25^th July 2025 2.) 08^th August 2025 3.) 22^nd August 2025

Ag Machinery

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends and innovations in agricultural machinery and mechanization. The agricultural industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, driven by the need for increased efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. In this article, we will explore the emerging trends in agricultural machinery, the impact of technology on farming practices, and the benefits and challenges associated with the latest innovations.

Emerging Trends in Agricultural Machinery

The agricultural machinery sector is witnessing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and the need for sustainable farming practices. Some of the emerging trends in agricultural machinery include:

Autonomous Farming Equipment

Autonomous farming equipment is revolutionizing the agricultural industry by enabling farmers to optimize crop yields, reduce labor costs, and improve resource allocation. Autonomous tractors, drones, and robots are being used for tasks such as planting, spraying, and harvesting. For example, John Deere's autonomous tractor, powered by an advanced GPS system and sensor technology, can navigate through fields with precision and accuracy 1.

Electric and Hybrid Farm Machinery

The shift towards electric and hybrid farm machinery is gaining momentum, driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs. Electric tractors, such as those developed by Solectrac, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered tractors, with zero emissions and lower operating costs 2.

Advanced Irrigation Systems

Advanced irrigation systems are being developed to optimize water usage and reduce waste. These systems use sensors, GPS, and data analytics to precision-apply water and nutrients to crops. For example, the use of drip irrigation systems can reduce water consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional flood irrigation methods 3.

Impact of Technology on Farming Practices

Technology is transforming farming practices, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource allocation, and improve crop yields. Some of the key technologies driving this transformation include:

Role of AI and Machine Learning in Farming

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are being used in farming to analyze data from various sources, such as sensors, drones, and satellite imagery. This data is used to predict crop yields, detect pests and diseases, and optimize farming practices. For example, AI-powered predictive analytics can help farmers identify potential yield losses due to weather events or pests, enabling them to take proactive measures to mitigate these risks 4.

Use of Big Data in Agricultural Decision-Making

Big data is being used in agriculture to inform decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and improve crop yields. Farmers are using data from various sources, such as weather stations, soil sensors, and crop monitoring systems, to make data-driven decisions. For example, the use of big data analytics can help farmers optimize fertilizer application, reducing waste and environmental impact 5.

Integration of IoT in Farm Equipment

The Internet of Things (IoT) is being integrated into farm equipment, enabling real-time monitoring and control of farming operations. IoT sensors and devices are being used to track equipment performance, monitor soil moisture levels, and detect crop stress. For example, IoT-enabled precision agriculture systems can help farmers optimize irrigation, fertilizer application, and pest control 6.

Benefits of the Latest Innovations

The latest innovations in agricultural machinery and technology are offering numerous benefits, including:

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

The use of autonomous farming equipment, precision agriculture, and data analytics is enabling farmers to optimize crop yields, reduce labor costs, and improve resource allocation. For example, the use of precision agriculture can improve crop yields by up to 20% while reducing fertilizer and water usage by up to 30% 7.

Environmental Benefits

The adoption of sustainable farming practices, such as electric and hybrid farm machinery, is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. For example, the use of electric tractors can reduce emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional diesel-powered tractors 8.

Improved Crop Management

The use of advanced irrigation systems, precision agriculture, and data analytics is enabling farmers to optimize crop management, reducing waste and improving yields. For example, the use of precision irrigation systems can reduce water consumption by up to 50% while improving crop yields by up to 20% 9.

The following table summarizes the benefits of the latest innovations in agricultural machinery and technology:

Challenges and Opportunities

While the latest innovations in agricultural machinery and technology offer numerous benefits, there are also challenges associated with their adoption. Some of the key challenges include:

Adoption Challenges for New Technologies

The adoption of new technologies can be hindered by factors such as cost, complexity, and lack of infrastructure. For example, the high cost of autonomous farming equipment can be a barrier to adoption for small-scale farmers 10.

Opportunities for Growth and Development

Despite the challenges, there are numerous opportunities for growth and development in the agricultural machinery and technology sector. For example, the increasing demand for sustainable farming practices is driving innovation in electric and hybrid farm machinery 11.

Future Outlook for Agricultural Machinery

The future of agricultural machinery is likely to be shaped by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and environmental concerns. For example, the increasing adoption of autonomous farming equipment and precision agriculture is expected to continue, driven by the need for increased efficiency and productivity 12.

Conclusion

The agricultural industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, driven by the need for increased efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. The latest innovations in agricultural machinery and technology are offering numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, environmental benefits, and improved crop management. While there are challenges associated with the adoption of new technologies, there are also numerous opportunities for growth and development in the sector.

Inputs & Commodities

Commonwealth Bank’s agriculture economist, Dennis Voznesenski, said prices would likely bounce back this year if rainfall in the US prompted farmers to rebuild their herds. A severe drought in key cattle regions sent US livestock numbers to their lowest in decades.

If higher rainfall replenishes pastures, it will prompt US farmers to keep cattle on farms to rebuild their herds, reducing slaughter activity and increasing the need for imports. “We could be a big beneficiary here in Australia as beef prices rise,” he added.

Last year, cattle prices fell from a 2023 peak of around $8.50, with the eastern young cattle indicator ending 2024 at $6.84 a kilogram.

The US remains a huge market for Australia, accounting for a quarter of this country’s total beef exports last year. Shipments of Australian beef to the world’s largest economy soared 65 per cent in 2024, from the year before.

But cattle farmers will not be the only winners, with the overall value of agriculture expected to climb $6 billion in the 2024-25 financial year to $94.3 billion, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

“It is looking like the second-highest production ever, and that’s largely based on an increase in terms of revenue from cropping and livestock,” said Michael Whitehead, director of agribusiness at ANZ.

While agriculture accounts for just 2 per cent of Australia’s $2.7 trillion economy, it is a big contributor to exports. Last financial year, the industry brought in $60 billion as more than 70 per cent of the agricultural output was exported.

A surprising helping hand has come from a weaker Australian dollar, which makes exports more attractive to overseas buyers, and better-than-feared weather conditions.

The dollar slumped more than 9 per cent against the greenback last year and is languishing near five-year lows at around US61.6¢. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology is expecting above-average rainfall for the next three months.

Wheat

ANZ’s Mr Whitehead said wheat was a crop to watch. That’s because the stock-to-use ratio – that is, the amount of grain in storage compared with how much the world uses – dropped to 19 per cent, a level only reached three times in the past half a century, and an indicator that prices are bound to lift.

He said a trigger could be a supply shock as countries rush to secure grain imports.

CBA’s Mr Voznesenski predicts wheat prices could climb as much as 10 per cent this year because of lower output from key export countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Europe, and North America, from adverse weather conditions.

Developments in the Russia-Ukraine war are being closely watched as the region accounts for a third of global exports. The analyst cautioned that a truce would weaken global wheat prices, after President-elect Donald Trump vowed to quickly end the war after taking office on January 20.

Rabobank’s head of agricultural commodities, Stefan Vogel, meanwhile, is predicting that the global consumption of grains, including corn, barley, and wheat, will exceed supply this year, boding well for prices.

Dairy

It is a different story for the dairy and wool industries, which are both on the back foot and likely to stay under pressure.

ANZ’s Mr Whitehead anticipates that further reductions in Australian milk production and dairy cattle stock will prompt higher imports as farmers shift to more profitable products such as cheese, beef, or horticulture.

“It is a structural change, the industry is getting smaller,” he said.

A key area to watch is dairy processing. New Zealand-based dairy giant Fonterra is trying to sell its Australian business, a major supplier of milk, and last year, Coles bought two processing plants in Melbourne and Sydney from Canada’s Saputo.

Yet, Rabobank’s Mr Vogel is more optimistic, highlighting that milk prices have held up well. “Maybe they are not as good as one or two years ago, but they are still at very historically good levels,” he said, before adding that Australian dairy farmers were making money.

Wool

Wool, once Australia’s biggest agricultural product, has been a challenging sector for farmers with the arrival of synthetic fibre. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank does not anticipate a bounce in prices this year, largely due to falling demand from China.

And, things could get worse should Trump implement his threat of hefty tariffs on the Asian giant.

“If garments manufactured in China and exported to the US attracted a large tariff increase, would that impact Australia wool exports?” asked ANZ’s Mr Whitehead. The economist stressed that locally produced wool has the biggest reliance on China among Australian agricultural commodities.

CONGRATULATIONS ROBBIE McKENZIE, CEO REALM GROUP AUSTRALIA JUNE 2025 FLUXX AWARD - SUSTAINABILITY LEADER OF THE YEAR

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

Hi everyone,

This week, we’re diving into a crucial but sometimes overlooked topic in livestock management — castration. Whether you’re managing a few head or running a small but growing operation, understanding the benefits and best practices around castration can make a big difference in your herd’s performance and welfare outcomes.

We’ve published a practical guide that outlines why, when, and how to approach castration responsibly, especially for small-scale and hobby producers.

🔗 Read the full article here:​ https://www.jabagrisolutions.com.au/knowledge/3346qgr5ydum346w1y9s12h7c005v9

Castration isn’t just about controlling breeding — it has long-term impacts on animal temperament, meat quality, and safety. In Australia, it’s also a matter of compliance. As the article highlights, early intervention (preferably under 6 months of age) reduces stress, lowers the risk of infection, and aligns with animal welfare standards and state legislation.

The article also explores different methods — from surgical to rubber rings — and provides practical insights into when pain relief is required by law, and when it's simply best practice. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to refine their animal husbandry approach or ensure they’re operating within regulatory requirements.

This is part of our mission at JAB Agri Solutions — equipping producers like you with clear, credible, and actionable information to strengthen your livestock practices and compliance confidence.

If you're unsure about your current approach or need help reviewing your animal health plan, feel free to reach out.

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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