F E A T U R E D

Jump in Aussies eating berries triggers potential pesticide restriction

The pesticide is used by growers to kill fruit fly larvae prevalent in NSW and Queensland, and they fear the changes will make controlling the insect much harder.

The APVMA says new data from by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand shows Australians' consumption of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries has jumped since the last review of the pesticide in 2017.

In its proposal, the APVMA says serious human health risks are unlikely to be posed by current levels of the pesticide's residues, but safety margins need to be reviewed.

It is seeking to extend to 14 days the time between growers spraying their fruit and picking it.

Currently growers must wait one day after they spray blueberries and seven days following the treatment of raspberries and blackberries.

Industry body Berries Australia says extending the dimethoate restriction period to two weeks would effectively ban the pesticide.

It points out that data it has collected over the past five years shows dimethoate usage has fallen.

Alternative controls of fruit fly, such as irradiation and spraying with other chemicals, were less effective than dimethoate, says Berries Australia. 

The APVMA says all other approved uses of dimethoate are safe, and no other chemicals used on blueberries, raspberries or blackberries require regulatory action.

Following the closing of submissions this week, the APVMA will make a decision on restricting dimethoate later this month.

This week, Australian agriculture has once again shown both its strength and the need for smart financial planning.

The biggest headline came out of Victoria, where Telopea Downs, the state’s largest single farming property, has been listed for sale. Spanning more than 47,000 hectares and valued at around $123 million, the McBride family’s decision to sell highlights an important truth—even long-held, generational assets sometimes need to be restructured or liquidated to unlock value for the next stage of growth or succession.

At the same time, fresh forecasts from ABARES revealed agriculture is on track to break through the $100 billion production mark this year. Strong livestock prices and healthy export demand for beef, lamb, and dairy are powering the momentum. Crops may dip slightly in value, but favourable seasonal conditions are still underpinning resilient margins across much of the country. For producers, it’s a clear signal: the opportunity is here if you’re ready to seize it.

Turning Headlines into Strategy

What does this mean on the ground?

• For families weighing up succession or reinvestment, the Telopea Downs listing is a timely reminder that equity can be unlocked strategically, not just through sale, but through refinancing or smarter debt structuring.

• For farmers eyeing expansion, the production forecast shows that now is the time to align finance with opportunity—whether that means machinery, livestock, or working capital to maximise margins.

• For anyone under pressure, it’s also proof that liquidity matters. Capital tied up in land or assets doesn’t help unless it’s put to work for the farm.

How Pay In Time Finance is Helping Farmers Right Now

At Pay In Time Finance, we’re focused on making sure farmers don’t just watch the headlines—they act on them. That means:

• Cheap, competitive loans that keep repayments low without slowing turnaround time.

• Restructuring debt so cash flow is freed up at the right points in your seasonal cycle.

• Succession-ready finance, helping families prepare for the future without being forced into tough decisions at the wrong time.

The message this week is simple: agriculture is strong, opportunity is real, and finance is the bridge between the two. If you’re ready to upgrade, expand, or secure your family’s next step, now is the moment to act.

WEEKLY AUCTION DATES – 2025

1.) 12^th September 2025

Ag Machinery

In 2025, Australian growers are tackling climate pressures and rising costs with smarter tools. Gone are the days of relying solely on tradition. Today, data-driven strategies and cutting-edge devices are reshaping how food reaches our tables.

From drought-resistant crops to soil moisture sensors, innovations are boosting yields while protecting resources. Farmers now monitor fields in real time using drones and IoT systems. These upgrades slash water use, reduce chemical reliance, and keep soils healthy.

Why does this matter? With global challenges like extreme weather and population growth, efficiency is key. Modern methods like drip irrigation or AI-powered pest control aren’t just trendy—they’re essential for sustainable production. This shift marks Agriculture 4.0, blending tech smarts with on-ground expertise.

Key Takeaways

• Climate resilience drives adoption of smart farming tools nationwide.

• Real-time data from sensors helps optimise water and fertiliser use.

• Drones and robotics cut labour costs while improving crop health monitoring.

• Precision systems reduce chemical runoff, supporting eco-friendly practices.

• Agriculture 4.0 merges digital innovation with practical farm management.

Introduction to Australia’s Agric Technology Landscape

Digital innovation is reshaping Australia’s agricultural practices at an unprecedented pace. Growers now combine time-tested knowledge with real-time data streams from field sensors and satellite networks. This fusion creates smarter decisions about water use, crop rotation, and pest control.

The Digital Farming Wave

Recent reports show 68% of Australian farms use at least one smart device. Soil moisture trackers send alerts when crops are thirsty. Temperature monitors help predict frost risks. These tools slash guesswork while protecting delicate ecosystems.

Why Change Matters Now

Three urgent factors drive this shift:

• Labour shortages are pushing operational costs up 22% since 2020

• Droughts are reducing viable farmland by 15% in five years

• Global food demand projected to jump 50% by 2050

Autonomous tractors now plant seeds with millimeter accuracy. Drones map plant health across vast properties. As one Queensland grain producer notes: “We’re not just farmers anymore – we’re data managers feeding nations.”

The Journey from Traditional to Modern Agriculture

From ancient ploughs to AI-driven tractors, agriculture’s progression reflects our adaptability and ingenuity. Early societies shifted from nomadic hunting to settled farming, sparking the first revolution. The 18th century brought steam-powered machinery, while the 20th century’s Green Revolution introduced synthetic fertilisers and high-yield crops.
Revolutions in Farming Practices

Four pivotal shifts reshaped food production:

A Shift Towards Technology-Driven Methods

Today’s growers combine time-tested wisdom with digital tools. Israeli-developed drip irrigation systems now conserve 30% more water than flood methods. Soil moisture trackers alert farmers when crops need hydration, reducing waste.

“We’re not just reading the weather – we’re predicting plant needs,” notes a NSW grain producer. Sensor networks map field health across thousands of hectares, while drones spot pest outbreaks before human eyes can.

These advances let farms produce more with fewer chemicals. Precision planting software ensures optimal seed spacing, boosting yields by up to 15%. As climate pressures mount, such innovations become survival tools rather than luxuries.

Agric Technology: Transforming Farm Management

Modern farm managers now wield digital tools that turn every acre into a data goldmine. By merging field insights with smart systems, they’re rewriting the rules of crop care and resource use.

Precision Agriculture and Smart Farming Innovations

Australian fields now buzz with silent helpers – drones scanning crops and robots patrolling rows. These tools gather real-time information about plant health, hydration levels, and pest activity. By merging aerial views with ground-level sensors, growers make smarter choices without stepping foot in paddocks.

Remote Sensing and IoT Devices

Imagine getting a text alert when your tomatoes need water or your wheat shows early signs of fungus. IoT-connected devices do exactly that. Soil probes measure moisture 24/7, while thermal cameras on drones spot thirsty plants before they wilt. A 2024 GAO study found farms using these systems reduced water waste by 37%.

Digital Agriculture and Data Analytics Strategies

Modern farming runs on bits and bytes as much as soil and seeds. Cloud platforms now serve as virtual headquarters for growers, crunching numbers from weather stations, yield monitors, and equipment sensors. This digital shift lets farmers access field updates from their phones while sipping morning coffee.

Integrating Cloud Computing with Farm Management

Gone are cluttered filing cabinets and guesswork. Today’s operations use cloud-based dashboards that track everything from irrigation schedules to grain prices. One NSW broadacre grower notes: “Our cloud system flagged a fertiliser price spike, so we bought stock early – saved $8,000 in a week.”

These platforms merge live data streams with historical patterns. Check how key metrics stack up:

Pilot programs show impressive results. A Victorian almond orchard slashed water use by 25% using cloud-guided irrigation. Another dairy farm in Tasmania cut fertiliser costs 18% through targeted nutrient plans.

Smart analytics don’t just save money – they prevent headaches. When unexpected rain threatened a Queensland cotton crop, automated alerts triggered drainage protocols before fields flooded. It’s like having a crystal ball that actually works.

As data becomes agriculture’s new currency, farmers who embrace these tools gain an edge. They’re not just growing crops anymore – they’re cultivating insights.

IoT, Sensors, and Wireless Connectivity in Farming

Wireless tech is turning paddocks into smart ecosystems that talk back to growers. Tiny sensors buried in soil or mounted on poles now whisper secrets about crop needs and weather shifts. This constant chatter between devices helps farmers act fast – before problems escalate.

Enhancing Field Monitoring and Weather Data Collection

Imagine getting pinged when your wheat’s thirsty or your tomatoes face frost risk. IoT networks make this possible through 24/7 data streams. Soil probes track moisture levels down to the root zone, while weather stations predict microclimate changes hour by hour.

Policy and Market Impact on AgTech Adoption

Government policies and market shifts are accelerating smart farming adoption across Australian paddocks. Federal programs now bridge the gap between cutting-edge tools and practical farm applications, helping growers stay competitive in volatile climates.

Federal Supports and Funding Initiatives

Recent grants and low-interest loans make precision agriculture tools more accessible. A 2025 GAO report shows $240 million allocated for soil sensors and irrigation tech upgrades. One South Australian grain producer shared: “The rebate program let us install moisture probes without touching operating budgets.”

Key initiatives include:

• Tax breaks for farms adopting water-saving systems

• Co-funded research with universities on drought-resistant crops

• Skills training for managing digital field data

  FAQ

  How does precision farming benefit Australian growers?

  Tools like soil moisture sensors and GPS-guided machinery help farmers optimise water use, reduce chemical waste, and boost crop quality. Systems like MyJohnDeere or AgriWebb allow real-time monitoring of field conditions, cutting costs while improving yields.

  What role do drones play in modern agriculture?

  Drones with multispectral cameras, such as DJI Agras models, map crop health and spot issues like pest outbreaks early. They also assist in targeted spraying, reducing chemical runoff and protecting nearby ecosystems.

  Are drought-tolerant crops being developed locally?

  Yes! Research hubs like CSIRO are creating wheat and barley varieties that thrive in dry conditions. These strains use 20–30% less water while maintaining yield targets, crucial for Australia’s variable climate.

  How does IoT improve irrigation practices?

  Wireless soil sensors, like those from Sentek Technologies, track moisture levels and send alerts to farmers’ phones. Paired with smart irrigation systems, this tech can slash water use by up to 40% compared to traditional methods.

  What government programs support AgTech adoption?

  Initiatives like the Future Drought Fund and AgriFutures Australia offer grants for tech upgrades. Farmers can access rebates for installing solar-powered sensors or upgrading to automated livestock systems.

  Can small farms afford these technologies?

  Absolutely. Subscription-based platforms like Farmbot or Agworld provide affordable data analytics. Cooperative buying groups also help share costs for drone services or soil-testing drones.

  How do weather stations enhance decision-making?

  On-site stations from companies like Davis Instruments track hyperlocal rainfall, wind, and humidity. This data integrates with farm management software to time planting, harvesting, and disease prevention accurately.

  Are robotics replacing jobs in agriculture?

  Not exactly. SwarmFarm robots handle repetitive tasks like weeding, allowing workers to focus on skilled roles. The industry sees a 12% annual growth in tech-related jobs, from drone pilots to data analysts.

GREAT NEWS FOR AUSSIE AG

Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, and forestry production is expected to hit a record combined value of $101.6 billion in 2025-2026, according to the latest ABARES forecasts released today.

Executive Director of ABARES, Dr Jared Greenville, said the new record value was mostly down to livestock.

“We’ve seen high prices lately for both livestock and animal products, like beef, lamb, and milk,” Dr Greenville said.

“This has boosted the value of livestock production to $41.6 billion, helping to drive overall agriculture sector production value to a forecasted $94.7 billion, which would also be a record.”

Dr Greenville said crop production value is forecast to fall slightly in this financial year.

“Wheat production and value are set to fall as both global prices and Australian yields decline slightly from last financial year, although wheat production is still ticking along above the 10-year average,” he said.

“Barley and pulse production are also on the rise, which, with stable canola production, is forecast to see the 3rd largest winter crop on record.”

Much of this increase is due to rainfall over July in many parts of South Australia and Victoria.

Western Australia has also had above-average rainfall, and overall is in a good position heading into spring. Southern New South Wales remains an area of concern, however, due to a slow start to the winter cropping season and relatively low soil moisture levels.

Exports are also looking strong for the year ahead.

“Agriculture exports are set to fall slightly but are still well above average – at $74.6 billion, these are the third-highest value on record,” Dr Greenville said.

“Beef and sheep meat exports are due to fall, but horticulture exports are forecast to increase, and wheat exports will also rise as a result of high carryover from 24-25.

“The global trading environment remains uncertain, but there is still strong international demand for Australian food and fibre from markets like China, Japan, and the US.”

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

AG NEWS AUSTRALIA

Key issues

• In the week ending 27 August 2025, low-pressure systems and cold fronts brought rainfall to parts of south-eastern and south-western Australia.

  • Across cropping regions, rainfall of between 5-100 millimetres was observed in Western Australia. Southern Queensland and northern New South Wales saw between 5-50 millimetres. In southern cropping regions, including South Australia, western Victoria, and southern New South Wales, 5-15 millimetres of rainfall occurred. Parts of southern Victoria saw up to 25 millimetres.

  • The low rainfall totals coupled with warming late winter temperatures across much of southern New South Wales, and parts of Victoria and eastern South Australia, are likely to see further declines in soil moisture levels with potential impacts on plant growth rates and yield potentials.

• Over the coming eight days to 4 September 2025, rainfall is expected to be low across most cropping regions, with exceptions in the southeast.

  • Falls of between 5-50 millimetres are forecast across South Australia, Victoria, and parts of south-eastern New South Wales.

  • The remaining areas are expected to receive little to no rainfall.

• The national rainfall outlook for September to November 2025 indicates an increased probability of above median rainfall across much of central and eastern Australia. Most western regions are likely to see below-average to average rainfall.

  • If realised, the expectation of average to above average September to November 2025 rainfall across most winter cropping regions is likely to be sufficient to support the growth and development of winter crops, and the timely planting and establishment of dryland summer crops in eastern Australia.

• Water storage levels in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) increased by 141 gigalitres (GL) between 21 August 2025 and 28 August 2025. The current volume of water held in storage is 14,861 GL, equivalent to 67% of the total storage capacity. This is 19% or 3,529GL less than the same time last year. Water storage data is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

• Allocation prices in the Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke decreased from $272/ML on 21 August 2025 to $262/ML on 28 August 2025. Trade from the Goulburn to the Murray is closed. Trade downstream through the Barmah Choke is closed. Trade from the Murrumbidgee to the Murray is open.

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

There’s a hard truth in Australian agriculture that few want to name.
Lamb feedlotting is being left half-done.

Margins are tight. Risk is high. Yet across the supply chain, the approach remains casual and treated like an optional side gig rather than the strategic pillar it needs to be.

This kind of thinking comes at a cost.

Done well, lot feeding is not just about adding weight faster. It’s about stabilising the erratic seasonal swings that cripple processors. It’s about converting feed into growth more efficiently, which cuts both waste and emissions. Most of all, it’s about building a year-round system that works for everyone involved.

That kind of system doesn’t emerge by default.

It takes discipline. It means tracking feed conversion like your life depends on it. It means getting the timing right, every time. And it means having risk-sharing structures that don’t leave one party holding the bag. Because right now, that’s what’s happening. Lot feeders are carrying the risk. And most are walking away.

Forward contracts exist. They work. But they’re still treated like an experiment rather than a solution. Without them, we keep repeating the same cycle. We chase weight in the good years and abandon infrastructure in the bad ones.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

WA knows how hard it gets. Margins can disappear overnight. Timing is everything. But some strategies work: forward agreements that hold up, systems that align incentives, people who have figured out how to feed smart and stay profitable.

The question is not whether lamb feedlotting can succeed. It’s whether the industry is willing to take it seriously.

If we want a supply chain that is sustainable, resilient, and fair, then feedlotting can’t be a hobby. It has to be built for the long haul. Or we can keep pretending it’s someone else’s problem, and watch the chaos continue.

When I think about what keeps me moving forward in agriculture, it’s not just the cattle, the compliance, or the long hours in the yards. It’s the people. The conversations that light a fire. The moments of connection that remind you why you started, and why you keep going.

As women in ag, many of us juggle multiple roles—producer, business manager, mum, bookkeeper, mentor, community volunteer. It can be relentless, and at times it can feel isolating. That’s why networking, collaboration, and building each other up isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s vital.

My Journey

For me, being on the ground as a small producer has shaped everything I do. Running a beef breeding and trading operation while raising three boys has shown me firsthand how important it is to build tools that are both practical and reliable. That’s why I started JAB Agri Solutions—to bridge the gap for small producers and hobby farmers who need straightforward support, not red tape.

But along the way, I’ve learned something else: the work doesn’t get done in isolation. The spark that keeps me driving forward often comes from others—the conversations at industry events, the advice from those who’ve walked this road before, and the encouragement from peers who share the same vision.

Why Networking Matters

Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or shaking hands. In our industry, it’s about creating a circle of support and collaboration that gives us energy when things get tough.

• It sparks ideas. A single conversation can shift how you see a challenge on your property or in your business.

• It builds confidence. Knowing you’re not alone in facing the unknown gives you the courage to act.

• It creates opportunity. Every workshop, field day, or coffee chat is a chance to find a new partner, mentor, or friend.

• It fuels drive. Sometimes we just need to see someone else’s determination to reignite our own.

For women in ag, especially, this sense of community is everything. We’re often the glue in our families and businesses, and it’s easy to pour out until we’re running on empty. That’s when connection helps us refill the tank.

Fighting for the Spark

Agriculture is tough—there’s no denying that. Markets fluctuate, compliance grows, and seasons change. But when we stay connected, share our knowledge, and back each other, we find that spark that keeps us moving.

I’ve had to fight for that spark myself. There have been moments of doubt, of wondering whether the juggle was worth it. But every time I’ve leaned into my network—other women in ag, mentors, industry partners—that drive has come back stronger.

It’s in those shared moments, where passion and purpose meet, that we remember why we love this industry: because it’s bigger than us. It’s about building something lasting—for our families, our communities, and the next generation.

A Call to Action

To every woman reading this: keep showing up, keep connecting, and keep fighting for that spark. Don’t underestimate the power of your story or the value of your voice. The industry needs both.

And to the men and wider community around us—thank you for backing the women in ag. Keep encouraging, inviting, and celebrating the contributions that often happen quietly but make all the difference.

Together, we are shaping an industry that is stronger, more resilient, and more connected. And that’s something worth fighting for.

Kind Regards,
Amanda Burchmann 

“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)