F E A T U R E D

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has raised alarm bells over election policies on animal welfare, revealed in an activist-led Federal Election scorecard.

The Australian Alliance for Animals claims in a pre-election policy review that Labour and the Greens have made several major promises on animal welfare without informing the Australian public or consulting the farm sector.

NFF President David Jochinke said farmers were deeply worried Labour and the Greens were yet again taking advice from an uninformed, city-based minority whose only on-farm experience has been illegally sneaking into properties.

“Farmers’ livelihoods depend on positive animal welfare outcomes – our animals are our number one priority. Decisions and regulations around animal welfare must be informed by science and evidence and done in consultation with industry.”

The NFF notes the following commitments:

• Develop an animal welfare trade policy and seek to include animal welfare provisions in new trade agreements.

• Expand the role of the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Export.

• In principle, support for the Alliance’s goal to “extend eligibility for deductible gift recipient (DGR) status to all animal welfare charities” – meaning some activist organisations could be given significant funding boosts instead of taxpayer dollars going to genuine charities.

This comes against a backdrop of banning live sheep exports at the behest of activists, and a lack of transparency around animal welfare provisions in the recent Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

“The NFF is extremely concerned with who these parties are choosing to listen to when developing policy,” Mr Jochinke said.

“The sector has long said that the priority of trade negotiations should be market access, but should the Government seek to develop such a policy in a trade context, it must prioritise the input of Australian farmers and exporters, and exclude those ideologically opposed to farming.

“Giving DGR status to radical activist groups isn’t about animal welfare – it’s about bankrolling campaigns to tear down farming families and the industries that feed us.

“There are legitimate animal welfare organisations. But there are also extremist groups who ignore the law, trespass onto private farms and businesses, harass people online, and intimidate rural communities in pursuit of a reckless agenda to wipe out Australia’s livestock sector. That’s not charity. That’s an attack on Australian agriculture.

“Farmers will be shocked, especially given farming organisations such as the NFF, government representatives and animal welfare groups are participating in a major roundtable on the renewed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) just next week,” Mr Jochinke said.

“The NFF and farming bodies participated in good faith in the development of Australia’s first-ever National Statement on Animal Welfare, released in December. And we’re working together to revive AAWS.

“After the Government’s appalling decision to ban live sheep exports, ignoring the facts and science around Australia’s exceptional animal welfare record, this will again rattle the agriculture industry’s confidence in the Government’s policy-making process.

“Labour has promised that they won’t ban live cattle exports like they did to Aussie sheep. But I can’t imagine any cattle producers in Australia will be sleeping well at night given this news.”

The Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports was first established in 2019, and in December 2023, the role was expanded and renamed to be the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports.

New Inspector-General Dr Katherine Clift was only appointed to a five-year role in September 2024.

“Dr Clift hasn’t even published her first review yet. “It’s beyond disappointing to see these significant policy ideas out there that will impact farmers’ livelihoods, yet their voices and the science are being sidelined in favour of a blatant inner-city vote grab.”

In 2025, farmers across Australia are doing something that might’ve sounded bold a few years ago—they're backing themselves, literally, with what they already own.

Take a bloke like Tony from Dubbo. Fifth-generation farmer. Last year, he watched wheat prices soar and export demand explode. For once, the timing was on his side. Instead of sitting back, Tony leveraged the rising value of his farmland to invest in a second property and a fleet of upgraded machinery, including a couple of electric utility vehicles for the paddocks. That’s right, electric. Green farming isn’t just talk anymore; it’s happening on the ground. Across the country, demand for EVS in agriculture has jumped 283%, and it’s not slowing down.

Stories like Tony’s are everywhere. Asset-backed lending is the engine behind it. With over $131 billion in agribusiness loans now active—a jump of nearly 10% in just a year—farmers are using land, equipment, and infrastructure as collateral to unlock growth. Whether it's buying new property, replacing old plant, or investing in cutting-edge agri-tech, the money is flowing in ways that match how farming actually works.

Tasmania, for example, has seen a 37% surge in equipment finance alone. It’s not just about replacing old tractors—it’s about precision spraying, automated harvesters, and satellite-linked monitoring systems that make every hectare work harder.

And it’s not just the banks driving this. Private credit firms are stepping up with flexible, farmer-friendly deals. At Pay In Time - Finance, we’ve noticed more farmers leaning into these tailored options, especially when they don’t want to jump through endless hoops to get a ‘yes’.

Of course, as tech takes over, new challenges come with it. There’s growing pushback around proprietary software on machinery—many farmers are now locked out from repairing their own gear, forced to go through expensive authorised service centres. But with increasing pressure from the industry, legislation is starting to shift toward the farmers’ side.

In the end, it’s clear that owning land and gear is more than just pride—it's leverage. And when used right, it can mean the difference between surviving and scaling up. Asset-backed lending isn’t just a trend—it’s a tool. One that’s helping Aussie farmers build smarter, greener, and stronger businesses for the long haul.

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

1.)9^th May 2025 2.) 30^th May 2025 3.) 20^th June 2025

Ag Machinery

'Buyer's market': why this farmer says now is a good time to buy a tractor

Australian beef and dairy farmer Peter Henderson says now is the perfect time to buy a new tractor, just weeks out from when he takes possession of a New Holland T7.245. 

The Victorian farmer milks a herd of 550 Holstein cows and runs 550 mixed-breed beef breeding females across four properties in Victoria's east. 

Recent farm renovations to some of his properties mean his fleet of five New Holland tractors are clocking up hours quicker than they have in previous years.

"I like to change my tractors over at 4000 hours, essentially once they are out of their warranty and payments, so they don't get too old," said Mr Henderson.

"I buy a new tractor usually every five years. 

"Now is the perfect time because it is a buyer's market at the moment." 

Mr Henderson's operation is spread across multiple locations in Victoria, including at Murrindal, Gelantipy, Marlo, and Orbost, where he resides with his wife Jules. 

The operation totals 1200 hectares and comprises a fleet of five New Holland tractors, four ranging between new and 2017, and a 20-year-old 8160, the first tractor Mr Henderson bought new. 

"Depending on what the hours are doing on the tractor, sometimes you don't have any choice but to change the tractors over," he said. 

"Because the confidence has gone out of the job and people are only spending what they have to, manufacturers and dealers are very keen to move them on. 

"Machines are still coming in from overseas, and any stock that is coming in, they are keen to move, and this tractor that I purchased was ordered 12 months ago, but you could probably get that tractor within six months now." 

Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) data shows tractor sales decreased across the country in March 2025, down three per cent month-on-month, with about 1000 tractors sold across the nation. 

The figure is 7pc behind the same time last year, with drought, the pending federal election and heavy rain across parts of Australia being blamed for the downturn. 

Hutcheon and Pearce corporate account sales manager Thomas Dewhurst, Orange, NSW, said the company he worked for had sold more mid-sized tractors in 2025 compared to the same quarter last year. 

The tractors typically ranged from 100 to 180 horsepower and were used regularly in mixed-farming or livestock operations. 

"We had a pretty dry start to the year, and after some good rains in the north of the state, that has injected a lot more confidence into the industry," said Mr Dewhurst, who works at Wagga Wagga, NSW. 

"The focus for us is controlling what we can control and allowing customers to lock in pricing on incoming products." 

The company has 20 branches across rural and regional NSW and is the largest family-owned John Deere dealership in the country.

Industry representatives say new enquiries have added optimism that the market could continue to improve, pending factors including what tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump could mean. 

"With the general uncertainty surrounding the current federal election cycle combined with the impact of tariffs being imposed in the US, one cannot be certain that activity won't slip back here in Australia," said TMA executive director Gary Northover. 

"We can't be overly optimistic for the future and remain in a state of wait and see." 

Tractor sales in Queensland for March fell 4.2pc, down 3.4pc year-on-year, while NSW enjoyed its first rise for several months, reporting a 5pc rise in sales but 6pc behind the same time in 2024. 

Victoria recorded a 9pc fall in sales as large parts of the state grapple with drought, while Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory struggled to capitalise on tractor sales.

Western Australia recorded the highest jump in sales, up 14pc and just 3pc behind 2024 levels. 

Harvester and baler sales fell sharply during March, TMA data revealed. 

Victorian dealer Gendore Tractors' managing director, Derek Genoni, said his business was being helped by hobby farmers who were purchasing small and medium-sized tractors.

Mr Genoni is a New Holland dealer with multiple branches in Victoria, including Toordin, Maffra, Leongatha, and Warragul.

"People who make an income off the farm are helping our sales along at the moment, as opposed to people who make their primary income off the land," Mr Genoni said. 

"In large parts of our area, Gippsland is in drought, which is very uncommon for this time of year, with many people feeding livestock like crazy. 

"That is another driving factor for the downturn in sales." 

Mr Northover said tractor sales had slowed consistently since the federal government ended the instant asset write-off scheme in June 2023. 

"When it was in place, it accelerated the demand for new-tractor sales," he said. 

"We found that we were selling about 50 per cent more tractors above normal market conditions. 

"We had two years of above-average sales and people taking advantage of the tax write-off, and once that came to an end, the market slowed a bit." 

A slowing economy and unfavourable exchange rates were other factors causing the slowdown, he said.

In 2022-2023, the Australian agriculture industry was valued at over $94.5 billion. But that number has been shrinking - and is expected to keep doing so in the years to come. There are many reasons for this, but the biggest is agricultural inflation. More specifically, the effect of inflation on agricultural production. Let's take a look at how bad inflation has become for the agriculture industry.

Article Contents

• Challenges for Farmers

• Agriculture Businesses Saving on Energy Costs

Inflation Challenges for Farmers

It's important to remember that a problem for Australia's agriculture industry is a problem for us all. Agriculture is unique in the sense that so much time, money, and effort go into sowing fields and setting up for harvest - with very little certainty of how much profit will be earned come harvesting time.

This has led profit-concerned farmers to produce less product, hoping that a smaller outlay might improve their chances of making money. Or at least limit their risk against further losses.

The resulting shrinkage in production has led to food shortages, accompanied by price hikes in certain sectors. So, what is affecting agriculture the worst right now?

Rising Input Costs

Input costs have gone up across the board. Fertiliser is a big one, having risen by over 156% since 2020. The same is true for fuel prices, particularly diesel. Feed costs for livestock agriculture have also spiked, which is indicative of the cost-of-living crisis's impact on businesses.

Supply Chain Issues

Then there are the problems facing agricultural supply chains. Transport costs for shipped goods have risen, while also causing delays for farmers trying to get vital resources for their production.

Labour Shortages and Wages

The agriculture industry is facing a talent crunch. Due to a lack of seasonal workers as well as people moving out of the agriculture industry in general, farmers are struggling to fill roles on the farms. Similar to the hospitality industry, this worker shortage is also pushing wages higher, further straining the margins in the agriculture industry.

Limited Government Support

Australian farmers receive very little in the way of government support. In fact, Australia has some of the lowest subsidy rates of any developed economy in the world, with Australian farmers receiving an average of 2% of their income via subsidies. Even the average for emerging economies sits at around 8%.

At Choice Energy, we can't help with all of the issues listed above, but we can help agriculture businesses save on one of the largest expenses of all - their energy bill.

How Agriculture Businesses Can Save On Energy

There are a few key ways that we've helped agriculture businesses, both large and small, save big on energy. Take Murray River Organics, for example, Choice Energy saved them $200,000 over a three-year term - and we can do the same for you.

Energy Audits and Efficiency Measures

The best way to start saving money on your energy bills is to have us perform a thorough free energy assessment. In this assessment, we identify inefficiencies in energy use and make recommendations to improve.

This includes practices like demand management, where we advise your agriculture business on how to manage the amount of energy used during peak pricing periods. For agricultural businesses, this could mean practices like shifting irrigation to off-peak hours or staggering the use of high-energy-consuming equipment.

We can also help with network tariff optimisation. These are the fees that you incur for the delivery of your energy. But if your farm regularly uses less energy than your current tariff allows for, this can become a quick win that instantly starts saving you money.

Energy Procurement

Our energy procurement service is designed to help each of our clients source the most competitive rates on the market. With unfettered access to up to 13 energy retailers, our expert consultants perform contract negotiations, market analysis, and timing purchases to get you the best deal possible.

Energy procurement for small businesses is a key part of our service. We help to negotiate customised contracts based on an in-depth analysis of your usage patterns. We also help small farms set up infrastructure, allowing them to avoid peak usage times and save on their bills in other ways.

For larger businesses, our commercial energy procurement service involves securing group procurement tenders, helping farmers in the region to pool their energy demand. We also help you secure flexible contracts and provide regular monitoring of the market to ensure your deal remains the best one available.

Commercial Solar

Solar energy is a game-changer for agricultural businesses. By installing solar systems, farms can power energy-intensive operations like irrigation, refrigeration, and processing while reducing their reliance on the grid. With government rebates and feed-in tariffs available, commercial solar not only lowers energy costs but also creates opportunities for long-term savings and greater sustainability.

World War I soldiers have brought a piece of history on horseback to a tiny public school of 14 students. 

In full Light Horse uniform, riders Pat Leary and Ross Smith trotted up to the schoolyard at Gerogery Public School, on the NSW–Victoria border, capturing the attention of every student.

The pair, who are members of the re-enactment group the Australian Light Horse Society, stopped in as part of a 750-kilometre commemorative ride through northern Victoria and southern New South Wales.

The long-distance tour is part of an effort to honour and raise awareness of the Australian Light Horse. 

The mounted infantry soldiers were renowned for their bravery in the desert battlefields of Egypt and the Middle East during World War I, from 1914 to 1919.

"This is not about glorifying war, this is about remembering the sacrifices that the guys made 100 years ago," Mr Leary said.

With just 14 students, Gerogery Public School does not often get visitors such as Mr Leary and Mr Smith. 

Primary school teacher Madeline Curnow said the experience had added a new dimension to lessons. 

"They really take that moment in and really enjoy that hands-on experience of learning," she said.

"Being a rural school, sometimes you miss these opportunities because we often have to travel and there are costs involved, or students might not be able to attend excursions that are away from school," she said.

School student Hilton Hill prepared for the visit by reading books about the Light Horse.

"It was really cool to see because you've read about them and you've researched them and you finally get to see them," he said.

After hearing tales of the soldiers, the children fed the horses some carrots before heading back to the classroom.

"They won't remember my name, but they'll remember the day the Light Horse came to their little school … and that means that legacy doesn't die," Mr Leary said.

Six weeks in the saddle

Mr Leary spent six weeks in the saddle meeting with veterans and community groups in 33 towns during his journey along the Chauvel Border Light Horse Trail.

The trail runs from Shepparton in northern Victoria, through southern New South Wales to Harden, then back to Tallangatta, linking statues, monuments, and artworks.

"They're magnificent statues and they've all got a story, but they didn't seem to be getting the recognition they needed or deserved," Mr Leary said.

His ride aimed to encourage people to visit landmarks and raise awareness of the Light Horse.

While some might be daunted by such a long journey, Mr Leary is an endurance rider who has twice conquered the prestigious Tom Quilty Gold Cup, where competitors ride 160 kilometres in one day. 

"You've got to well and truly pace yourself," he said. 

"Try and work out a distance between each town and keep your horse physically and mentally sound, but also keep ticking over the miles."

Ross Smith and Pat Leary have spent some long days in the saddle.

Mr Leary said he was often asked about the condition of his buttocks on the six-week journey.

"It's been better, I've got a few band aids placed all over my backside and my legs, but they'll get better," he said.

"I'm sure those guys 100 years ago had plenty of rub marks too."

Mr Leary said he was also grateful for the support of other riders who joined him for parts of the journey and the support crew who cared for the horses.

"They're not following me, they're following the uniform, the pride of what is the Light Horse," he said.

Well, do to all that helped and participated.

Many Thanks, Emily Doak

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

When Debbie Dowden moved to Challa Station in the southern rangelands of WA to work alongside her husband on what was then a sheep property, she was not legally allowed to call herself a farmer.

Key points:

• Women were only legally recognised as farmers in Australia 25 years ago

• More women are studying agriculture, but many never work in the sector

• The Visible Farmer documentary aims to raise the profile of women in the sector

And she was not alone. Until 1994, no Australian woman was allowed to list their legal status as "farmer".

Instead, women on the land were officially defined as unproductive "silent partners", "domestics", "helpmates", or even "farmers' wives".

While legal recognition led to improvements for women in the industry, 25 years later, many believe their significance is still not fully recognised.

"I have been invisible in my role — not just myself, but I speak on behalf of a lot of women on the land," Ms Dowden said.

"Quite a lot of the time, we're perfectly content to be invisible.

"But now and then we have to stand out from the shadows [to] remind people that agriculture has depended so heavily upon women for centuries.

"We know how hard we work, and our sisters in the bush know how hard we work, but a lot of people don't imagine a woman when they see a farmer.

"These days, with the way the farming of the agricultural industries is going, there's a lot more technology out there — physical work is often replaced by machinery, and women are taking a much more active role in the day-to-day farming activities."

Ms Dowden has shared her story of what it is like to work alongside her husband, Ashley, on what they now run as a cattle property to shine a spotlight on women in the industry.

Her story will be told in the first episode of a new documentary series, Visible Farmer, set to have its premiere at WA's Dowerin Field Day on August 28.

A new image of a farmer

Producer and director of Visible Farmer, Gisela Kaufmann, was inspired to create the series when she came across Invisible Farmer, a nationwide research project working to highlight the role of women in the industry, both past and present.

Thanks to All. Check out (Visible Farmer)

“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)