F E A T U R E D

KAPCO deals with NT abattoir to supply communities with affordable Kimberley beef

In short:
A cattle company in WA's Kimberley has started selling its own branded beef, mostly to remote communities.

KAPCO is sending its cattle to a meatworks in the Northern Territory to be processed and packaged.

What's next?
The company is investing in Shorthorn genetics and looking to develop value-added products like burger patties and sausages.

An Indigenous-owned cattle company in the Kimberley region of Western Australia has started producing its own branded beef, which is now being sold in remote communities.

The Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company (KAPCO) runs 40,000 head of cattle across four stations: Mt Anderson, Myroodah, Frazier Downs, and Bohemia Downs.

This year it has locked into a service kill agreement with the Rum Jungle abattoir in the Northern Territory and is supplying about 150 head per month.

KAPCO executive officer Allison Dakin said supplying Kimberley beef to consumers was a dream come true for the company.

"KAPCO is a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned pastoral company and its directors and founders had a dream to produce its own protein and sell it back into Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley," she said.

"So it's selling meat to local stores and to the traditional owners of the lands on which the company operates."

She said the majority of the branded beef was now selling in retail stores in communities such as Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Broome, Derby, and Kununurra.

"But we also have food service customers and restaurants that we're selling to," Ms Dakin said.

"We've also got some mining camps and big commercial customers that we're selling to; we're now in Darwin, so it's going really well."

Shorthorns back in the Kimberley

The company's herd is a mix of Brahman, Droughtmaster, and Shorthorn cross, but Ms Dakin said KAPCO was focusing on processing animals with Shorthorn genetics.

"KAPCO has actually just invested in Shorthorn bulls, to keep that Shorthorn meat coming through the brand," she said.

"In the next 12 months, we hope to value-add a bit more, like doing sausages and burger patties.

"But at the moment we're sticking to primals [cuts of meat], plus ribs … that's the big seller in the Kimberley, short ribs."

Rum Jungle abattoir plant manager Kerry Kane said 2025 had been a very busy year for the meatworks, which now had a workforce of about 110 people.

He said the service kill for KAPCO had been exciting for the business.

"KAPCO came over here [to the Northern Territory] with an idea, and now it's incredible to see what's happening.

"We love having them here. Their business shows we can do service kills, which is also good for our business."

Tour to see the final product

When ABC Rural visited the abattoir, KAPCO had invited a group of young station workers to see the cattle being processed first-hand.

Juwaan Skinner from Myroodah Station said seeing the cattle "getting cut up" and put into KAPCO packages was good.

"There's not much local beef [for sale] in the Kimberley," he said.

"So this is giving people a taste of Kimberley beef."

Ivan Watson, 21, from Derby, said he was enjoying working in the cattle industry like his forebears and being a part of a project getting beef into communities.

"It means a lot to see this [because] people living in Kimberley communities, they're isolated and [food] prices are high," he said.

"So when this beef goes back, the whole idea is to provide affordable meat, great quality, that's what we want for our locals."

Pay In-Time Finance

Cash rate on hold, dry paddocks bite, and biosecurity worries: what this week means for farm finance

The Reserve Bank kept the cash rate on hold again. Stability helps, but it doesn’t refill tanks or fix margins; it simply buys time to line up cheaper, better-fitting finance before lenders shift gears. For most farm businesses, the real story this week is on-farm: a third year of “green drought” in parts of southern NSW is forcing more hand-feeding and even the sale of breeder stock—cash-flow decisions that echo long past this season.

Water remains tight but is inching in the right direction for some irrigators. NSW Murray general security saw a small uplift in allocations in mid-September—useful, but not a cure-all once carryover and on-farm storage limits are factored in. Planning spring and summer cash needs around actual allocation balances—not the headline percentage—matters now more than ever.

Fuel is another quiet squeeze. National diesel remained elevated through October, keeping freight, pumping, and cultivation costs stubbornly high. Even a modest dip doesn’t change the fact that fuel is still materially above 2023 levels, which means any finance decision that frees working cash during peak diesel use pays for itself faster than it used to.

On the biosecurity front, the varroa mite’s spread into new regions has growers re-checking pollination plans and contingency budgets. If you rely on contracted bees for fruit, nuts, or seed crops, assume tighter availability and price bumps; build that into both input finance and harvest-time repayment schedules so a pollination shock doesn’t become a repayment shock.

Grain and oilseed outlooks remain mixed. ABARES’ September crop update flagged softer winter volumes in several states after dry starts, while Europe’s latest numbers point to larger wheat and barley out of the EU—pressure that can cap rallies into our harvest window. Translation: don’t bank your cash flow on a late price spike; model base-case prices with today’s costs, then finance to the base case, not the hope.

Here’s where a quiet, useful partner matters. At PAY IN TIME FINANCE, we’re structuring loans to match the season as it actually is: shorter, cheaper working-capital lines to cover feed and fuel; equipment finance with repayment profiles that avoid the leanest months; and refinances that lower costs and build flexibility in case water, bees, or prices move the wrong way. If you want a quick sense-check, send your next 6–12 months of known costs and expected receipts—we’ll map a facility that keeps you liquid without over-borrowing, so when conditions finally turn, you’re ready to push rather than catch up.

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

1.) 24^th October 2025

INPUTS & COMMODITIES

Introduction to Agricultural Commodities: 

Agricultural commodities form the backbone of the global economy, providing the essential raw materials for food, clothing, and numerous other products that we use daily. As a beginner entering the world of commodity trading, it is crucial to understand what agricultural commodities are, why they are important, and how they function in global markets. This article offers a straightforward introduction to agricultural commodities, providing the foundational knowledge needed to navigate this dynamic sector.

What Are Agricultural Commodities?

Agricultural commodities are raw materials derived from farming and livestock that are traded in global markets. These commodities form the backbone of the global food supply and also play a crucial role in various industries, from textiles to biofuels.

Some key examples of agricultural commodities include:

1. Grains: Wheat, corn, rice, barley, oats

2. Oilseeds: Soybeans, canola, sunflower seeds, peanuts

3. Tropical Commodities: Coffee, cocoa, sugar, cotton, rubber

It’s important to note that tropical commodities are often distinguished because they require specific climates and cannot be grown worldwide.

The Importance of Agricultural Commodities

Agricultural commodities play a crucial role in the global economy for several reasons:

1. Food Security: Grains, oilseeds, and other food commodities are the primary source of nutrition for billions of people. They form the basis of diets worldwide and are crucial for maintaining food security.

2. Economic Impact: Agriculture is a major industry in many countries, providing livelihoods for millions of farmers and workers. The trade of agricultural commodities is a significant contributor to national economies, particularly in developing countries.

3. Global Trade: Agricultural commodities are some of the most widely traded products in the world. Countries that produce surplus quantities export these goods to regions where they are in short supply, helping to balance global food availability.

4. Supply Chain Foundations: Many industries rely on agricultural commodities as raw materials. For example, cotton is essential for the textile industry, while grains are vital for food production and animal feed.

Key Agricultural Commodities and Their Uses

Understanding the different types of agricultural commodities and their uses is essential for anyone interested in commodity trading. Here are some of the most important agricultural commodities:

• Wheat: Used primarily for making bread, pasta, and other food products. Wheat is a staple food for many cultures and is traded extensively in global markets.

• Corn: Corn is a versatile crop used for human consumption, animal feed, and as a raw material for producing ethanol, a biofuel. It is one of the most widely grown crops in the world.

• Soybeans: Soybeans are crucial for producing cooking oil, animal feed, and protein-rich food products like tofu. They are also an important crop for biofuel production.

• Rice: A staple food for more than half of the world’s population, rice is a critical agricultural commodity, particularly in Asia.

• Coffee: One of the most traded commodities globally, coffee is consumed by millions of people every day. The coffee trade is vital to the economies of many developing countries.

• Cotton: Cotton is the primary raw material for the textile industry. It is used to produce a wide range of products, from clothing to household goods.

• Sugar: Sugar is used in countless food products and beverages. It is also traded globally and is an important commodity for many tropical countries.

How Agricultural Commodity Markets Work

Agricultural commodities are traded in markets where buyers and sellers exchange goods based on current or future prices. These markets operate in two primary forms:

1. Spot Markets: In spot markets, commodities are bought and sold for immediate delivery. Prices in spot markets are influenced by current supply and demand conditions.

2. Futures Markets: Futures markets allow traders to buy and sell contracts for the delivery of a commodity at a future date. These contracts are standardized and traded on exchanges like the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). Futures markets help producers and consumers hedge against price fluctuations and manage risks.

Factors Influencing Agricultural Commodity Prices

The prices of agricultural commodities are influenced by various factors, which can cause significant volatility in the markets:

• Supply and Demand: The fundamental driver of commodity prices is the balance between supply and demand. For example, a bumper harvest can lead to lower prices due to an oversupply, while poor weather conditions can reduce supply and drive prices up.

• Weather Conditions: Weather plays a crucial role in agriculture. Droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events can impact crop yields and disrupt supply chains, leading to price changes.

• Geopolitical Events: Political instability, trade policies, and conflicts can affect the production and distribution of agricultural commodities, influencing global prices.

• Currency Fluctuations: Commodities are often priced in major currencies like the US dollar. Changes in exchange rates can affect the cost of commodities for buyers in different countries, impacting demand and prices.

• Technological Advances: Innovations in agriculture, such as genetically modified crops and precision farming, can increase productivity and influence supply levels, thereby affecting prices.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

As global awareness of environmental and social issues grows, sustainability and ethical considerations are becoming increasingly important in agricultural commodity markets. Certifications like Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic are used to ensure that commodities are produced in a way that protects the environment, supports fair labor practices, and meets consumer demand for ethically sourced products.

Agricultural commodities are essential components of the global economy, influencing everything from food security to international trade. For beginners in commodity trading, understanding the basics of these commodities, how markets function, and the factors that drive prices is crucial for navigating this dynamic sector. As the world continues to face challenges like climate change and population growth, the importance of sustainable and ethical practices in agricultural commodity markets will only continue to grow, shaping the future of global trade and production.

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AG NEWS AUSTRALIA

Western Australia starts harvesting what could be a record-breaking grain crop

In short:

Farmers in Western Australia are expected to harvest a potential record-breaking 25.4 million tonnes of grain this season.

The crop is expected to be worth $7.8 billion, considerably less than a similar-sized harvest in 2022.

Farmers in parts of Victoria and South Australia are not so lucky, with some crops now being baled up for hay.

West Australian farmers have begun harvesting one of the state's biggest ever grain crops, forecast to reach 25.4 million tonnes and expected to be worth $7.8 billion.

The WA harvest will account for potentially 40 per cent of Australia's total winter grain crop. 

Spring weather has been ideal, prompting the state's main grain handler, the CBH Group, to "work furiously" to build additional "emergency" storage for grain across the state. 

The bulk of WA's grain growers spans a 1,200-kilometer distance from Geraldton at the top and Esperance at the bottom, and both regions are forecast to produce record-breaking crops, with some loads of canola and barley already delivered to CBH in Esperance and Kwinana port zones.

Grains Industry Association of WA (GIWA) crop report author Michael Lamond said warmer winter temperatures had fuelled crop growth.

"You couldn't have fathomed 25 million tonnes in June, when a lot of the crop hadn't been sown," he said. 

"It's a surprise for everyone, the season just got better in the second half of July.

"It's going to be a cracker of a year."

Prices are not so great

In 2022, Western Australia produced a record 25 million tonne crop, worth $10 billion. 

While this year's crop is a comparable size, Mr Lamond said falling grain prices meant this season's was worth about $7.8 billion.

The international benchmark for wheat prices, the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), is now hovering at a five-year low, due to an oversupply of grain in the northern hemisphere.

Grain market analyst Nick Crundall said domestic prices had firmed in recent weeks, but it was a challenging time for many Australian grain growers.

"Profitability in broadacre cropping is going to be very challenged this year, input prices have not come down in line with what grain prices have done," he said.

"Unless something changes between now and over the next … six to eight months, they're going to be looking at a very challenging margin situation in their cropping program."

A personal best

Mic and Marnie Fels, who farm at Wittenoom Hills 50 kilometers north-east of Esperance, began harvesting 2,000 hectares of canola this week.

"We are looking at a few personal bests [for crop yields] this year if the wheels don't fall off," Mr Fels said.

"We've got the best barley I've ever grown or seen; it's amazing this year.

"I don't want to jinx myself, though, let's see how we go." 

Mr Lamond said there had been isolated patches of frost in some areas, and the central Wheatbelt had lost potential due to drier winter conditions. 

"That's been annoying for those growers, but most should have a good year," he said.  

Rain damage to crops before they are harvested is now the most serious concern for farmers.

In the northern end of the grainbelt, crops are late to ripen after ideal mild spring weather and a late start to the season.

Mark Flannagan expects to start harvesting 24,000 hectares of wheat next week at Pindar, 130km east of Geraldton.

"We think it looks really good, there's a lot more weight in the grain this year than last year, we're battling to find small grain when we rub heads out," he said.

But the 100 millimetres that fell during harvest last year, damaging grain and bogging machines, is fresh in his mind.

"It's looking good, but it ain't over till it's over," he said. 

National crop is a mixed bag

Across Australia, farmers were forecast to harvest 62 million tonnes of winter grains in the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) September crop report. 

This would have been the nation's third-largest harvest on record. 

But finishing rains have failed to fall in parts of Victoria and South Australia, where some farmers have now cut struggling crops for hay.

Meanwhile, strong crops are being harvested in Queensland, with GrainCorp telling ABC Landline that its Capella site had broken its record for the largest day of receivals. 

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

You May Be Missing from the AI Conversation and It’s Costing You 

Search used to be simple. 
You’d type in “tractor parts Shepparton” or “Angus bulls for sale WA,” and that was that. 

Product. Location. Maybe a keyword or two. 
But that world’s gone. 

Today, AI decides who gets seen. And it doesn’t just look at your website. It reads the entire internet: cross-checks citations, scans structured data, and builds a picture of who you are based on how others talk about you. 

That means brands aren’t being left out because they’re irrelevant. 
They’re being left out because the machine can’t read them. 
You might be good. You might even be the best. 

But if the AI doesn’t recognize your name, your products, or your proof, you’re left unread.  And in this new world, unread is invisible. And invisible doesn’t get chosen. 

How AI 'Reads' Your Brand 

Think of today’s search engines (from ChatGPT to Google’s AI Overviews) like mapmakers. They’re not just reading your website. They’re connecting signals across the web: 

• What do you say about yourself? 

• What do other people say about you? 

• Are those stories aligned? 

• Is your information structured in a way machines can understand? 

When the answers are messy, your brand disappears.
When your content is unclear, you get dropped from the shortlist.
When your presence isn’t trusted or cited, the AI simply moves on. 

This is called semantic mapping. It’s how AI builds a mental model of your business.
If the map is vague, you're excluded simply because you didn’t light up the signals. 

Here’s what does light them up: 

• Clear, structured data (like schema and metadata) 

• Consistent signals across your name, address, and services 

• Trusted mentions on other reputable sites 

• Readable, helpful content  

• Alignment between your website, socials, and listings 

Why This Matters for Ag 

Agri brands are especially vulnerable here. 

You work hard, often offline, and don’t always have time to wrangle your digital presence. But AI doesn’t care how good your work is. It only knows what it can find, map, and trust. 

So while other brands begin showing up in ChatGPT results or Google’s AI summaries, yours might be missing.  

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Livestock Record Keeping: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Good Evening,

I hope you’ve had a wonderful week and that the weather is being kind to you. This week, I want to deep dive into record-keeping.

Running livestock isn’t just about healthy animals — it’s about responsible record management. For small producers and hobby farmers, juggling compliance, paddock plans, and budgets can feel overwhelming. But simple, consistent record keeping can transform your management and confidence.

Why Good Records Matter 
✅ Save Time & Reduce Stress – Keep everything in one place and make audits simple.​
✅ Boost Compliance Confidence – Easily meet LPA and NLIS requirements.​
✅ Protect Animal Welfare – Avoid missed treatments or double dosing.​
✅ Strengthen Biosecurity – Support national traceability and market access.​
✅ Add Value to Your Enterprise – Build credibility with buyers and agents.

What to Record Start with the basics — consistency is key: ∙Animal Husbandry: Treatments, vaccinations, breeding ∙Feed & Nutrition: Purchases, rations, adjustments ∙Chemical Use: Spray diaries, labels, storage safety ∙Paddock Movements: Stocking rates, rest periods ∙Budgets & Costings: Income, expenses, enterprise breakdowns

Get Started with Free Templates. Not ready for full software? Start simple — use editable templates or printed forms:

https://www.integritysystems.com.au/globalassets/isc/pdf-files/lpa-recording-keeping- booklet-editable-pdf.pdf ∙https://www.integritysystems.com.au/globalassets/isc/pdf-files/lpa-documents/lpa-records- templates/lpa-06-lpa-on-farm-biosecurity-plan-template-form.pdf ∙https://www.integritysystems.com.au/globalassets/isc/pdf-files/animal-welfare-management- plan-template-editable-pdf/

From Templates to Traceability Over time, your templates will evolve into full traceability systems — linking with NLIS and LPA for complete paddock-to-plate transparency.

👉 Read the full article here:
 https://www.jabagrisolutions.com.au/knowledge/why-every-small-producer-needs-record- management-tools

🎓 Want to Learn More? Join our Livestock Production Essentials Workshop Series, where we unpack practical, hands-on ways to build and manage records that meet compliance and add value to your business.

👉 Workshop Series Link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1671378781929?aff=oddtdtcreator

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


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

G'day, REALM Readers!

I first met Maitland 'Maitie' Webb back in 2018 at the Birdsville Races. She was helping out with her Dad's helicopter business, and even in our brief chat back then, it was clear she was destined to head north. Fast forward seven years, and at just 29, Maitie’s already carved out quite a career - I fired off a few questions while she was Indo-bound on a live export boat...

How did you end up on a boat to Indonesia?

Maitie: I’d wanted to go on an export boat for quite a few years - probably five or so - ever since I first started looking into it. Lining it up was a bit tricky, as it can be hard to get a spot unless you’re already connected with an export network that can organise it. But it finally worked out, thanks to Frontier and CPC.

I mainly wanted to broaden my understanding of the export industry and really see the process from start to finish. It’s pretty incredible to see the “end product,” for lack of a better word. I think it’s important to be able to explain the whole process - especially when it comes to raising cattle for export. One small mistake early in an animal’s life can have ripple effects all the way through, impacting its health, value, and suitability for international trade. So the more I can educate myself on the whole system, the better equipped I am to help teach others.

It was an amazing experience overall. The cattle traveled really well, and I was lucky to have an experienced stockman, a great crew of seamen, and perfect weather the whole way. It was definitely a bit daunting at first, being the only woman on a ship with 31 men, but they were all fantastic - and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to do it. I’m spending 10 days here at the feedlot/ wet markets. I’m really excited to learn more about the whole process. 

What have you been up to in 2025?

Maitie: This year, I have been running one of the stock camps at Carlton Hill in the Kimberley. I mainly do the export cattle side of things. Carlton has a licensed export yard that loads cattle out of Wyndham. I really enjoy it, it challenges me sometimes and keeps me organised. 

Where did you grow up, and how did you get into Ag?

Maitie: I grew up near Comet in Central Queensland, where my parents ran a helicopter business and a few cattle properties. I was surrounded by hard work from a young age - both Mum and Dad have this incredible “never give up” attitude. They’re the type who just get on with things no matter what, and I’ve always really looked up to that and tried to bring the same mindset into my own life.

Growing up around horses and cattle was pretty exciting, and I could never really see myself moving to the city. Mum and Dad sent me off to boarding school, but I was always counting down the days until I could get back home. As soon as I finished school, I headed up north for what was meant to be a gap year - and about 11 years later, I still haven’t replied to the uni about my offers, much to Mum’s disgust.

Seeing my parents battle through droughts and all sorts of challenges probably should have put me off a career in ag, but I’ve always loved being on the land, working with cattle, and riding horses — it’s where I feel most at home.

What do you do in your spare time/ hobbies, and your biggest influence?

Maitie: I’ve got a few hobbies that keep me busy. I really enjoy art, sewing, and leatherwork, and I’ve got a few good horses that I take to campdrafting whenever it lines up with a boat-free weekend. I also like working with my dogs - they keep me entertained - and on a day off, I’ll happily head out for a fish, as long as something’s biting!

I’ve been really lucky over the years to work for some amazing and talented people. I’ve learnt something from each of them and wouldn’t be able to single out just one as my biggest influence. I’m just grateful they put up with me and were willing to invest their time and energy into helping me improve

Plans for the wet season, next year, and beyond?

Maitie: My partner, Cameron, and I will be staying up at Carlton for the wet this year - it’s our turn to look after the weaners since we had a big break last year. Hopefully, we get some decent rain and can relax a bit and enjoy listening to it for a change.

Next year, I’ll keep working at the export yard, and I’m hoping to build on my skills, especially on the office side of station work. I’d like to do a bit more personal development and help teach others whatever I can along the way. I’m not exactly sure what the future holds just yet, but I’m keen to keep moving onwards and upwards - and to keep enjoying this lifestyle while I do.

And finally, your advice to anyone thinking of heading North to work on a station?

Maitie: Ahh, my advice to anyone coming up here, that’s a hard one! I was in the first year from hell. So, probably more what I would have said to myself, and that would be: just be prepared to have a go at absolutely everything; and that people with a good attitude and no experience will go further than all the experience and a bad attitude! 

Onya Maitie, well said! We wish you the best as you continue your career...

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Simon Cheatham
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