Download the latest NAB Regional and Agribusiness Horizons Report for data-led insights on the state of play in regional and rural Australia.
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Agribusiness View is NAB’s online publication designed to provide our agribusiness customers with the latest economic updates, business trends and case studies specific to their industry. Regular updates include reports, case studies and articles covering such topics as international trade, finance, succession planning and superannuation – all with the objective of helping you run your agribusiness.
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Download the latest NAB Regional and Agribusiness Horizons Report for data-led insights on the state of play in regional and rural Australia.
Insight
NAB and other experts share their insights at our daily information sessions and you’re invited.
Insight
There’s nothing straightforward about catching the finest quality tuna. But Queensland-based 4Seas has mastered the art of planning to chart a path through even the most turbulent waters.
Article
Being able to make decisions around the dining table is just one reason for Simfresh’s success. Strong family bonds, careful planning and an eye for opportunity also play their part.
Article
Faced by a sudden downturn in its customer base, this regional NSW business put its faith in an interstate investment. It hasn’t looked back since.
Article
Advanced Aquarium Technologies’ multimillion-dollar creations offer audiences around the world an incredible experience of underwater life, but the magic all begins in a Sunshine Coast suburb.
Article
Combining quality with customer care has rocketed Endeavour to its position as Australia’s second-largest wool exporter in less than a decade.
Article
Consumers around the world have the smart technologies of a regional NSW company to thank for improving their food and drink experiences.
Article
When life gives you lemons… why not use the opportunity to build up an entire citrus-growing region? Here’s how Moora Group did just that.
Article
Inspired to protect crops, cars and more from Mother Nature’s fury, Netpro’s tailor-made solutions are standing strong in Australia and overseas.
Article
Playing to its less-is-more strengths has been key to winning business for the small wonder that is Australis Crop Protection.
Article
Learning on the job has never looked so good. How Yum Tasmanian built a potato-growing empire from a neglected cattle pasture.
Article
Producing top-quality, bespoke cattle feed is Causeway Beef Nutrition’s be all and end all. And it’s propelled it to top spot in the Top End.
It takes nerve and skill to waterbomb raging bush and forest fires. But for the pilots of Gunnedah-based Kennedy Air, aerial firefighting in Australia and overseas is all in a day’s work.
The NAB Rural Commodities Index in January increased for the third month in a row. The index increased 2.2% month-on-month, and is back around levels seen in May 2023.
Report
For over 50 years, Croker Grain has been a respected name in the grain processing world, and today its products are eaten around the world.
Article
The NAB Rural Commodities Index increased in November after declining for each of the past thirteen months. The index increased 3.5% month on month, retracing its October fall to be slightly above its September level.
Report
NAB senior leaders take a closer look at Australia’s trade and export sector – providing all-important insights into how regional and agribusinesses can best respond to today’s challenges and opportunities.
Podcast
The NAB Rural Commodities Index eased further in October, having now declined for each of the past twelve months. Our index fell by 1.8% mom, leaving it 35.0% below the peak for rural prices in June 2022.
Report
NAB is proud to recognise the leadership and contribution women provide to their rural communities.
Webinar
The NAB Rural Commodities Index continued to fall in September –the eleventh month in a row it has declined –down by 4.6% mom. The index is now 34% below the peak in rural prices back in June 2022.
Report
The NAB Rural Commodities Index fell further in August, down by 1.6% mom, with the index declining for ten months in a row.
Report
How NAB’s business finance for green equipment helped the Herrmanns build up both productivity and resilience against climate and commodity risk.
Article
The NAB Rural Commodities Index continued to decline in July – down by 2.1% mom. This was the ninth month in a row to record declines, with the index now 29.6% below the peaks recorded in June 2022.
Report
The scams are getting smarter, the dangers bigger – listen in as NAB’s Khan Horne discuss the latest cyber crime threats in our R&A Outlook podcast.
Podcast
The NAB Rural Commodities Index fell again in June, down 2.2%, having recorded eight consecutive monthly declines. The index is now 28.1% below June 2022 levels.
Report
The NAB Rural Commodities Index has continued to fall over autumn and into winter, largely reflecting steep declines in cattle and lamb prices.
Report
NAB’s Naomi Stuart and Phin Ziebell discuss recent NAB research and sustainability from a regional and agribusiness perspective in the latest R&A podcast.
Podcast
Download the latest NAB Regional and Agribusiness Horizons Report for data-led insights on the state of play in regional and rural Australia.
Report
Positive business conditions and a rising interest rate environment have fuelled a significant rise in Farm Management Deposits* (FMDs), new NAB data has revealed.
Report
Listen to our latest Regional & Agribusiness Outlook podcast episode: Farm management deposits 101 and how they can be utilised as a risk management tool.
Podcast
After steep falls in late 2022 and early 2023, Australian agricultural commodity prices were more stable last month.
Find out why NAB’s Khan Horne sees good times ahead for our regions – despite ongoing global concerns.
Podcast
Australian agricultural commodity prices have continued to fall in the new year.
Article
Multi-generational farming family take an integrated approach as they grow their business with one eye firmly on the future.
Article
Always looking ahead is helping a regional Victoria builder create a sustainable future in an industry that’s faced many recent tests.
Article
Buying a caravan from Jack Hillis is no ordinary experience. Discover the customer care attitude that’s made his business a growing attraction and boosted visitors to the regional NSW town of Wagga Wagga.
Article
Two decades ago, cattle breeders Wendy and Ben Mayne went back to nature on their NSW stud. It’s been an award-winning decision.
Article
For Irribiz, part of the ICI Industries family, designing sustainable water solutions for growers across Australia is only the start of the journey.
Article
An eye for a prize and a spirit of innovation – both high-tech and low-tech – are the two characteristics that have underpinned the Pye family’s rise to be among Australia’s root vegetable royalty.
Article
You need certain qualities if a blue-sky-thinking, game-changing project is to become reality. Thankfully, Queensland businessman Alan Stent-Smith and son Warrick have them in spades.
Article
For a business that started from a ute, Southern Cross Industrial Group has come a long way. A big reason for its success is its laser focus on attracting and developing the best talent.
Article
A reactive ownership team prepared to make quick decisions on growth opportunities is creating an agricultural equipment regional powerhouse.
Article
Goolwa PipiCo was born when competition became cooperation. An expanded workforce, improved skillsets, new products and markets, and certified sustainability have been the result.
Article
Honesty, transparency, integrity: that’s the mantra Australian Consolidated Milk brings to its relationship with suppliers and it’s paying off in trust and loyalty.
Article
Whether it’s the wool in its bedding products or the employees who make them, this regional icon is deeply proud of its commitment to keeping things local.
Article
Faced with a major market downturn, an innovative WA manufacturer looked inwards. The result was three core values that underpin its foundation of sustainable growth.
Article
When it comes to finding talent for your regional business, the best tactic is to play to your strengths, says Regional Australia Institute CEO Liz Ritchie.
Article
Remote Queensland cattle station invests in a greener future for generations to come with support from NAB Agri Green Loan.
Article
NAB senior leaders, and business leaders share their views on society today and how women are adapting. Watch now.
Webinar
Hear from business experts on supply chain issues and opportunities - the impact on regional & agribusinesses, and how businesses are adapting
Insight
Hard work, determination, experience and a solid business plan weren’t enough to get Nic and Keryn Crompton their own cattle farm… until NAB backed their ambition with a Future Farmers loan.
Article
Podcast: Livestock solutions 101 - to help take advantage of a strong outlook.
Podcast
NAB’s Future Farmers program is making is easier for younger farmers to buy or lease an agricultural property. Cody Scott is one of the first to benefit.
Article
The last month has brought big changes for Australian agriculture, with global growth concerns hitting many commodity prices, but seasonal conditions still mostly supportive and further signs that input costs are stabilising.
Insight
When it comes to sustainability and eco-innovation, this fifth-generation wine-making family is an Australian success story.
Article
Since last month’s wrap, we have seen further gains in most agricultural commodity prices, tentative signs of a stabilisation in fertiliser prices, combined with a lower AUD and a weakening global growth outlook.
Report
In this excerpt from the new NAB Regional & Agribusiness Horizons Report Dean Pearson, Head of Behavioural & Industry Economics at NAB, highlights key differences in attitudes and behaviours among city, regional and rural dwellers – including the finding that rural and regional Australians are happier.
Article
Download NAB’s Regional & Agribusiness Horizons Report for compelling new insights into regional and rural Australia.
Article
Since last month’s wrap, we have seen three key changes, namely more rain forecast, ongoing inflationary pressures making central banks more hawkish and a materially weaker global economic outlook.
Report
Podcast: Farm management deposits 101 and how they can be utilised as a risk management tool.
Podcast
Optiweigh founder Bill Mitchell developed a machine that improved his own beef production operations. Now cattle farmers are knocking down his door.
Article
As the grains logistics industry changed, forward-thinking Jim Riordan evolved his business to stay ahead.
Article
Twenty-nine years ago, when their first ever tomato crop was destroyed by rain and hail, Warren Nichol and Mark Millis were convinced there must be a better way.
NAB has today launched its Future Farmers proposition to help the next generation of farmers purchase or lease their first farm by providing tailored solutions.
Article
Call it a treechange, call it a search for opportunity… whatever the reason, many Australians are swapping the city for a rural idyll. Regional Australia Institute CEO Liz Ritchie discusses the implications and opportunities of this migration.
Article
Cybercriminals are targeting Australian businesses at unprecedented rates, and a strong cyber security program has never been more important.
Webinar
Sustainable practices are driving much of the innovation that’s changing the face of Australian agriculture. Here’s what that evolution looks like in practice.
Article
New ways of looking at family farm succession are paying dividends. Here’s how to put them into practice – and why the time to start is now.
Article
Along with its many challenges, climate change is set to deliver forward-thinking farmers a huge opportunity.
Article
A new, younger generation of Australians is choosing life on the land… and that promises to bring exciting, innovative times for Australian agriculture.
Article
As our agribusiness sector turns its recent run of good fortune into a rush of on-farm investment, a bold production target comes into sight.
Article
Podcast: We discuss how farm management deposits can be utilised as a risk management tool.
Podcast
Beef producers and industry stakeholders from across Australia flock to the triennial event.
Article
Encouraging new ideas, fostering value-adding innovation and celebrating an emerging spirit of entrepreneurship is vital if our agribusiness sector is to hit a $100 billion valuation by 2030.
Article
As Australian agriculture exports gets set for record earnings, NAB agri economist Phin Ziebell looks beyond the stellar numbers to examine where future opportunities lie.
Article
Farmers are faced with a multitude of agtech solutions. Finding the right one is all about knowing to ask the right questions.
Article
A new podcast that looks at what strategies agribusiness clients used to manage recent foreign exchange market volatility.
Unleashing the transformative power of agtech could help our farmers meet the $100 billion target government has set the industry – but they’ll need a lot of support.
Article
Generational wealth transfer can be a challenge for any family but on the land the stakes can be even higher. Here, expert advisers reveal why it’s never been more important for agribusiness owners to start planning for the next generation.
Article
How building better business sense and developing critical thinking skills are preparing tomorrow’s agriculture workforce to meet new challenges.
Article
Pathway to profit: how Australia’s agri operators can boost their bottom line through smart thinking and easily achievable changes.
Article
NAB senior leaders share their views on society today and how women are adapting. Watch now.
Webinar
It’s time for farmers to turn good land management into financial success.
Article
Podcast: How well positioned is agri to respond to the latest set of challenges?
Podcast
Listen to podcast: How agri businesses can get their finances back on track.
Podcast
New podcast: Agribusiness a surprising bright spot in COVID-19.
Podcast
Timothy Reeves of the University of Melbourne discusses why there’s a real opportunity to grow a wider range of crops and build a more sustainable Australian agriculture model.
Australia’s agricultural sector generates mountains of waste each year, but new research programs aim to help farmers turn a profit on unwanted produce.
National agribusiness confidence rises despite tough conditions.
We examine the last decade in Australian agricultural exports and what’s projected to come.
As harvest gets started, hear from growers and traders across the country on the first NAB Growers’ Podcast.
When BJ Plummer was handed the reins of acclaimed Tasmanian smoked seafood producer Woodbridge Smokehouse, he was instructed not to ‘mess around’ with the brand. We spoke to Plummer about his strategy, which has seen export revenue grow a whopping 1,300 per cent in just three years.
A commitment to relationships in Japan and Australia, respect for supply chain profitability and a focus on quality has seen Edwards Livestock double exports in less than a decade.
How a nurse and surgeon husband set out to lower the world’s cholesterol levels, one bottle of olive oil at a time.
Rutherglen’s Campbells Wines has lived through the global rise, fall and resurrection of the Australian wine industry. Current head of the winery Colin Campbell discusses how this fifth-generation business structures itself for export success in the 21st century.
NAB customer and former Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson has joined NAB’s regional listening tour, conducting community consultations across regional Australia, starting with a visit to Gunnedah in the drought-stricken region in northern NSW.
The nation’s thoughts are with drought-afflicted farmers. As distressing as their current circumstances are, the encouraging news is that underlying economic conditions remain positive and will help them bounce back once the drought breaks.
We’ve listened and we’ve announced three ways we will serve our regional and rural customers better.
With almost one in three Australian agribusinesses banking with NAB, we’re pleased to share our plans for delivering better service for all our regional customers.
When BJ Plummer was handed the reins of acclaimed Tasmanian smoked seafood producer Woodbridge Smokehouse, he was instructed not to ‘mess around’ with the brand. We spoke to Plummer about his strategy, which has seen export revenue grow a whopping 1,300 per cent in just three years.
Sweat, smarts and steely resolve have seen Peter Doonan transform his Sunday backyard business into a thriving supplier of steelware to the rural market.
If you like a schooner of beer, it’s likely you’ve sipped a brew made with hops from Hop Products Australia. Having weathered this boom-bust industry, and as Australia’s largest hops grower today, the team at HPA is passionate about these little cone-like flowers – and about bringing distinct fresh flavour to every glass.
While many city dwellers see farming as old-fashioned, Kim and David Coulton and family of Morella Agriculture know it’s all about cementing market share by staying on top of the science and technology curve.
Beef Australia is a wrap for another three years. The NAB Agribusiness team had an amazing week, catching up with customers and industry leaders, and learning a lot about where the industry’s heading.
Agromin Australia is expanding its exports by sticking to what it knows best – pulses for the Indian subcontinent. Owner Rajni Patel explains how the company is cornering a larger and larger share of the market for Australian farmers.
Beef producers are outperforming other industries in adding to Farm Management Deposits (FMDs), with the national balance expected to break another record this financial year.
Hear from Khan Horne, GM Agribusiness, NAB about what he is seeing across the beef sector, what to expect during Beef Australia 2018, and how NAB is supporting the industry generally and on location at Rockhampton – 6-12 May.
Making wine is a very personal venture for this Barossa Valley-born and bred artisan combining two passions in his small-batch business.
Brothers Hamish and Gavin dreamed of taking their Aussie backyard turf company big and supplying world-class stadiums. Today they’re internationally recognised suppliers in their field.
The award-winning Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation has created jobs in some of Australia’s most isolated communities. CEO Alastair King explains how ALPA is creating the jobs that are key to building successful communities in remote locations.
The grandeur of Australia’s wool industry is visible in the huge old wool stores standing tall all over our cities. Moses & Son’s Martin Moses wants Australian wool to rise again – and says the next generation of sheep farmers has the power to take on the world.
With a 60-year domestic and international success story already behind them, it comes as no surprise that family-run Nolan Meats has very definite ideas about how to launch a successful push into the Asia Pacific region.
After two years of dead-end phone calls to Asian supermarkets, Lively Linseed’s Jacqui and Chris Donoghue overcame the challenges to find direct-export success.
While there are many things to consider when buying new equipment to make your business more productive, one of the most important is finding the best way to finance the purchase. NAB Agribusiness General Manager Khan Horne is urging customers to carefully consider all available options.
Jim Barry Wines says there’s no need for Aussie agri brands to compete against each other – all have a place in a modern consumer’s diet.
Hope Estate’s Michael Hope says there’s a new leisure market generated by stressed city folk looking for authentic experiences to enliven the senses – and Hope Estate is taking centre stage.
Moving to a regional town might seem a career-limiting step but for entrepreneurial Australians with an eye for untapped market opportunities the opposite can apply. Business View meets two former city-slickers achieving success in country Australia.
It’s not just nutritional benefits and old-fashioned happiness behind the Sunny Queen egg story – the company’s embrace of digital marketing includes giving an egg its very own blog. The strategy is working.
Artisans of Barossa, a collaboration of six winemaker mates, was born following a business growth decision to band together under the one umbrella brand. The result has been a host of benefits for both the individual business owners and their beloved wine region.
Australian agribusinesses are joining forces with universities to harness growing interest in agricultural careers and develop the future industry leadership needed to succeed in the global agricultural marketplace.
In just a few years, Marie Piccone has revived the fortunes of three mango plantations and the once-renowned Manbulloo brand. A careful strategy built on meeting customers’ demands is what got her there.
For the first time since their introduction in 1999, Farm Management Deposits have topped $6 billion. Khan Horne, General Manager of NAB Agribusiness, explains which sectors and states have fuelled this incredible growth, and what the result means for the Australian agricultural sector. Khan Horne, General Manager, NAB Agribusiness
Superfoods can mean super profits. But which ones are gaining the attention of Australian farmers?
After 10 years in business, Titan Ag is now a formidable strength in holistic agricultural chemical supply, respected for competitive products, relationship building – and now for being grain producers themselves.
When the Australian Government removed price reserve guarantees on wool in 1991, the resulting price collapse meant long-standing beef, lamb and wool producers Julie and Sandy Cameron had to either innovate or accept that their business would perish.
A sharing platform for agricultural equipment could see Aussie farmers spending less on machinery and earning a sideline income hiring out gear which would otherwise sit idle in the shed. Agri View reports.
Research trials on two Northern Territory mango farms are investigating the potential of high resolution satellite imagery combined with fruit-scanning guns to improve productivity and farm efficiency.
Fifteen years ago, two separate groups of enthusiastic investors and abalone farmers set out to secure a footing on the global stage. It wasn’t until they joined forces in 2008 that everything changed and the farms, within the space of nine years, went from individual 70-tonne entities to being the biggest producer of abalone in the southern hemisphere.
How is biogas powering a cleaner future for farming?
A new partnership between Monash University’s Food Innovation Centre and China’s largest food processing organisation, COFCO, is aimed at helping Australians better understand the Chinese retail environment.
Many farmers take control of their supply chain but few market the benefits to customers as successfully as Australian Grain Link. Over the past 16 years this strategy has helped them carve out lucrative specialty niches that show no signs of shrinking.
Robots as a Service could provide the benefits of robotics without the upfront costs. Technology futurist Shara Evans discusses the potential for increasing production and reducing costs.
Third generation dairy farmer Tim Marwood was looking for a way to go from “price taker” to “price maker” when he saw an opportunity – premium artisanal ice cream.
Australia has the talent and the willing investors, so what’s holding our agtech sector back? SproutX General Manager Sam Trethewey discusses a new accelerator program and national co-working space network that could put us on a par with the world’s great innovators.
Remember the Chinese gooseberry? Not so much. Not until it turned into the kiwifruit and began turning up in fruit salads everywhere. Meet the man introducing ancient Australian bush tucker to global foodies as ‘lime caviar’.
New healthy food trends favouring scratch baking and organic and raw produce have created a resurgence of interest in traditional pantry staples, and ingredients brand McKenzie’s is keen to spur on the excitement.
A once-neglected lavender farm, Bridestowe Estate is today a global tourist destination, celebrated for the romance and colour of its 200 kilometres of blossoming lavender rows.
Head of Asia Business Development, NAB Business & Private Bank, Laura Mattiazzi recently hosted a roundtable discussion at the Global Food Forum addressing the challenges and opportunities facing cropping industries - and how Australian businesses can compete globally.
Researchers are seeking help from farmers around Australia to test and advise on a new online resource designed specifically to help farmers better cope with the challenges of their occupation.
Smart phones and GoPro cameras are on trial in Australian vineyards to help grape growers and wine producers better predict the season’s grape yield – information that could reap major savings for the industry.
Cape Grim has carved a definitive space in the premium beef market, offering a grass-fed, mature protein raised in an environment the CSIRO tests as amongst some of the world’s cleanest air.
Look out quinoa – an Australian-grown ancient grain with serious health credentials is gaining ground on menus as awareness builds about its many benefits.
How the Internet of Things will revolutionise farm productivity.
How can satellites help to combat rising global pesticide usage?
Rich Gilmore left school hoping to become a wealthy stockbroker, before a trip to an African mangrove forest opened his eyes to saving the environment. “It was a life changing experience for me to see scientists and volunteers out in the field solving other people’s problems…”
How farmers, environmentalists and investors are working together to save the Murray-Darling Basin.
Why is sustainable soil management so vital to our survival?
Launched in early 2016, Dad’s Oats is the brainchild of siblings Alicia and Peter Cain, who clocked the potential for the family farm to earn extra revenue by selling the cream of their crop direct to the public.
Are you a female entrepreneur or business owner in a regional area of the country? Then the beStella website could be for you.
A free trade zone to expedite Australian food exports into China may soon become a reality. NAB’s Chief Customer Officer believes it’s a game changer for Australian agriculture.
Clare and Keith Mugford have one defining philosophy that’s been pivotal to Moss Wood's export success over the last 30 years: dedication to absolute quality, from soil to bottle.
Benchmarking can help farmers identify opportunities for growth. Holmes Sackett’s John Francis and NAB’s Matt O’Dea discuss the benefits and considerations.
Big data could help level the playing field for small- to medium-sized farmers. The Australian Farm Institute’s Mick Keogh and Precision Agriculture’s Andrew Whitlock discuss the opportunities and how to make the most of them.
After suffering through two droughts in 10 years, the fortunes of Central Queensland cattle stud Olive Brahmans turned around when they met a Thai investor interested in their Brahman cows.
Agronomist Peter Birch details five agricultural technologies on the radar for Australia farmers.
Cultivating fruit that’s sweet in taste, colour and consistency has positioned 2PH as a citrus market leader that can set its export price.
Kangaroo broth, macadamia milk, river mint – a new initiative plans to put a premium spin on native Australian foods and take them to the world.
In 2015, JT Johnson & Sons, a fourth generation family business selling ruminant animal pellet feed and hay, celebrated its 20th anniversary with Japanese joint venture partner Asahi.
With an eye to adding more diversity to their beef, lamb and cropping operation, the Warner family hatched a plan to use their 1,700-hectare property to house a true free range egg enterprise. Caravan Eggs is the fast-growing result.
Sixth-generation farmer Charles Downie has managed Glenelg Estate through a period of drought and active stock reduction, to a flourishing flock producing some of the world’s finest fleece.
Pactum Dairy Group, part of the Freedom Foods Group, is riding the wave of China’s growing love affair with dairy beverages. Freedom Foods Group Managing Director, Rory Macleod, explains how.
From one product line on Australian shelves many years ago, Stahmann Farms now has an abundant 40 nut products in some of the world’s biggest supermarkets chains as well as delivering branded products into its own online store in China.
Technology has been a boon for farmers but it can also make them vulnerable to a cyber attack. NAB’s Chief Information Security Officer Andrew Dell and Beyond Technology’s Greg Spencer reveal the best strategies for cyber security.
Agribusiness entrepreneurs get a high-powered facility
Issues such as water access, a more efficient supply chain, and the protection of the family farm are at the heart of a new regional initiative aimed at driving a new wave of growth for Central Queensland.
With Asia estimated to account for two thirds of the global middle class economy by 2030, northern Australia’s potential for agricultural expansion to meet the impending demand is being examined.
Workforce planning can help farmers to operate more efficiently. Rob Grima, a Farm Management Consultant at Planfarm, shares his practical tips for managing a valuable resource.
Aglive has developed a unique digital traceability platform to connect farm to food and unlock the value of food safety compliance for farmers.
Entrepreneur Joep Pennartz is tapping into the appeal of a country break with an accommodation idea that offers a potential new income stream for farmers.
Skye Blackburn is carving out a new market convincing Australians to go eat bugs, shipping 400 kilograms of bugs a week through the Edible Bug Shop.
Tess Herbert, who along with her husband Andrew runs one of the most successful feedlot operations in Australia, is the first female to become President of the Australian Lot Feeders Association.
An International Treaty is helping Australian farmers to boost productivity, adapt to climate change and stay competitive. Chief Plant Protection Officer Dr Kim Ritman discusses the treaty and its importance.
The international trend towards more nutritious, protein-rich eating is reaping healthy rewards for Australia’s largest nut and health food company, Select Harvests.
Rachel Brindley is the former Melbourne-based chef turned jillaroo behind Outback Careers, where tree changers can search jobs and access information about life on the land.
Anna-Lisa Newman, Chair of Women in Farming Enterprises, explains how this social and professional network is helping women to share their knowledge and experience.
Cattle breeder Margo Hayes is the powerhouse behind Vitulus Lowline Stud, an award-winning semen and embryo export business with customers in a string of countries, including the US, the UK, Thailand and Italy. We share a day in her life.
Richard Mohan and his family run a micro agribusiness called Midyim Eco Produce, which specialises in rare and specialty peppers such as pimientos de padrón – small green peppers unique to the Spanish region of Padrón.
The Fresh Produce Group has built its burgeoning Asian export business by expanding on what they already did very well – international trade, economies-of-scale, and customer-centred delivery.
An advanced software system developed in Alice Springs called Precision Pastoral Management System (PPMS) is helping cattle farmers manage their land better by identifying areas in their production cycle that need to be improved. It could add an estimated $70,000 to the bottom line for the average rangeland cattle property.
The Maitland family had already been farming for five generations when they decided to turn the durum wheat grown on their farm into healthy, wholegrain pasta. Pangkarra Foods are now selling their products across Australia and south-east Asia.
The recent Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper committed $4 billion to the sector but is that enough to support potential growth? Simon Talbot, CEO of the National Farmers’ Federation, discusses the gains, the gaps and why the industry needs to revisit its image.
While most of their neighbours were growing food crops for the domestic market, the Salvettis of North Queensland Tropical Seeds (NQTS) diversified their seed, grain and legume crops with traceable Australian-grown chia, tapping into lucrative offshore markets.
The organic wine industry, once a cottage industry run by and targeting a handful of mavericks, is now big business.
There are plenty of opportunities for agribusiness in 2016. Four agri specialists from NAB – Khan Horne, Phin Ziebell, Greg Noonan and Rodd Ludeman, share their predictions.
Dairy farmer John Fairley has built Country Valley into a successful niche brand. He explains how sustainable practices are helping him to cut costs and attract premium prices.
Alice Mabin re-launched her career from animal health to rural lifestyle photographer, author and entrepreneur with the launch of her self-published book, The Drover capturing an epic cattle drive. She explains how taking a risk helped her build a business doing what she loves.
Teys Australia has invested in four wastewater treatment plants, which are significantly reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and resulting in a major reduction in the beef processor’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation is working with NAB to make energy-efficient equipment more affordable. NAB’s Robert White discusses the benefits of investing in new technology.
Healthy, delicious, sustainable – and as Australian as you can get. Kangaroo meat’s praises are being sung by chefs, and farmers would love to see increased harvesting of the animals. But local consumers remain slow to put it on their regular shopping list.
The realisation that so many Australian school children are completely oblivious about where their food and fibre comes from prompted a South Australian mother to create the George the Famer app.
Mara Seeds is a diverse family company selling everything from organic soil treatments to cattle. Managing Director Stuart Larsson discusses his sustainable approach to business.
Australia’s agricultural producers, long frustrated by the inaccessibility of neighbouring Asian markets, now find themselves operating on a more level playing field given the signing of free trade agreements with Japan, Korea and China.
For many young Australians, food is something that comes from a shop, not a farm. Lynne Strong and Tony Butler discuss two very different ways of bringing young people and farmers together.
KAITEKI Fresh has launched a hydroponic facility in Victoria that produces up to eight times as much high quality, high nutrient spinach, rocket and kale using less water than conventional farming and no pesticides.
Australia’s second-largest sugar producer also powers almost a third of Mackay. Quinton Hildebrand, Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Sugar, explains how a ‘nothing is wasted’ approach to the business is creating multiple income streams.
GT Ferreira, who made his mark in South Africa, is leading the charge to make Australia the most valuable mohair producing country in the world.
The Brosnans used innovative technology to create a 1,300-sow piggery that’s efficient, humane and powered by electricity generated from pig manure and other waste products. We look at how they’re leading the way with their sustainable, whole-of-farm approach.
Jillamatong’s pastures are lush and weed free yet Martin Royds spends next to nothing on biocide sprays – and has even sold his ploughs. He discusses the role of holistic management in creating a drought-resistant environment for raising healthy cattle
A skills shortage is affecting every aspect of Australian agriculture. Professor Jim Pratley, the author of a government review of agricultural education and training programs, discusses how schools and universities are helping boost the number of qualified people in the sector.
Nathan Free, 26, a fourth generation Victorian farmer, named the 2014 AUSVeg Young Grower of the Year, runs Wattle Organic Farms. Launched six years ago by a group of like-minded organic growers, the business is growing at 200 percent year-on-year.
D.D. Saxena, the founder and Managing Director of Riverina Oils & BioEnergy (ROBE), has built a $150 million state-of-the-art, fully integrated oilseed crushing and refining plant in Wagga Wagga that’s crushing and refining over 165,000 tonnes of oilseeds a year.
Andrew French is a Gippsland farmer who’s exceeded his own expectations by turning what could have been a disastrous event into a booming business with the help of some indigenous plant species that grew and thrived in the salty estuaries of his Snowy River property.
Uniting under a single ‘True Aussie’ brand could give Australian farmers more visibility, more bargaining power and higher farm gate returns. Simon Talbot, Chief Executive Officer of the National Farmers’ Federation, discusses the opportunities and how farmers can make the most of them.
When the Estens family started growing oranges they had been cotton farmers for over 30 years. Dick Estens discusses why they decided to diversify, how they’re building a sustainable citrus industry and their success in exporting orange juice to Asia.
Bees that pollinate crops (worth an estimated $4 billion) are under threat from a devastating pest, the Varroa mites. Beekeeper Lindsay Bourke, a finalist in the 2014 Plant Biosecurity Farmer of the Year Awards, explains how biosecurity – and the bees themselves – can build up our defences.
David Hohnen, the former CEO of Cape Mentelle and Cloudy Bay, is combining his dual passions for wine and sustainable agriculture with a family winery called McHenry Hohnen and The Farm House, a butchery, smokehouse and smallgoods maker.
Mark Wootton and Eve Kantor have spent almost 20 years building up their carbon neutral sheep and cattle farm. Wootton explains how planting almost a million trees helped to double the carrying capacity of their 6700 hectares and boost their profitability.
Farmers are using drones to collect information on everything from germination patterns to hail damage. Peter Birch, who operates a drone for farmers around Australia, discusses their value and the role they’re likely to play in the future.
One of Shanghai’s largest private real estate developers, Shanghai Zhongfu, faced the challenge to integrate off-take from its planned Australian operation into the long supply chain of China’s domestic market.
The 2014 Australia-China Trade Report reveals China is Australia’s top dairy export market highlighting the considerable growth potential for Australian agribusiness in processed food as Chinese incomes rise.
It started out as a way of cutting the cost of fuel. Today, Ecofuels Australia’s biodiesel operation is just one aspect of a ‘closed-loop’ system that includes rearing livestock and generating power. General Manager Peter O’Donnell discusses his commitment to sustainable practices that make economic sense.
Trust is one of the most powerful marketing tools – and consumer trust in Australian farmers is on the rise. Patrick McClelland, from public relations firm Porter Novelli, explains how putting three key principles to work can help farmers turn consumer trust into business growth.
Weed control activities are costing Aussie farmers around $1.5 billion a year and herbicide resistance is on the rise. Whilst wide rows make it easier for machinery to pass through stubble they increase the need for herbicide. A return to narrower rows could be part of a balanced solution.
After struggling to find a buyer for his first crop of coffee, Ian MacLaughlin has gone on to become Australia’s largest exporter of Arabica coffee. He explains how sustainable practices helped him to create a competitive edge and underpin his continuing success.
Nine months into an ambitious export program, Norco has been exporting between 4,500 to 25,000 litres of fresh Australian milk to China each week – commanding $7 to $9 a litre. CEO Brett Kelly explains how the dairy co-operative gained a foothold in this lucrative market.
In recent years, Australian agriculture improved its productivity by 72 percent – more than any other industry sector. Dr John Bell, who chaired an Expert Working Group reporting on productivity, discusses the role played by research and technology.
A new approach to risk management looks at the range of variables rather than average values. Cam Nicholson, a farm consultant with Nicon Rural Services, explains how this approach can help shape a more effective risk management strategy.
A recent survey of over 5,000 farming customers found that 74 per cent had made changes to their businesses as a result of natural resource sustainability in the past two to three years. NAB is stepping up its recognition of the benefits of sustainable business practices.
David Blackmore’s melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef is recognised around the world thanks, he says, to a healthy farm and happy cattle. Today his biggest challenge is keeping up with demand from some of the world’s leading chefs and restaurateurs.
2015 could be a very good year for agribusiness, with easier access to Asian markets and favourable economic conditions. Five of NAB’s leading commentators take a close look at the opportunities and share their tips on how to make the most of them.
The most recent Global Dairy Trade auction, held in mid December 2014, posted a small increase in weighted prices. This, combined with expectations of weaker supply growth in 2015, may point towards price stabilisation in 2015. Get the full picture on the local and global dairy outlook.
When succession planning, how do you recognise the on-farm contribution of children who’ve stayed working in the business? National Manager of Agribusiness Wealth at NAB, Bill Adams, illustrates how putting a dollar value on this ‘sweat equity’ can help explain estate planning decisions.
Warren Taylor has been breeding and selling bees for over 40 years. He also rents them out to farmers to help pollinate their crops – and he’d like us all to be more aware of the role the humble honey bee plays in both global agriculture and the Australian economy. We share his story.
Under the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), big opportunities will exist for agricultural exports with considerable growth potential, like dairy, beef, lamb, wine and horticultural products. Australia's wool industry will also benefit from improved trading conditions.
Following the signing of the China-Australia Free-Trade Agreement yesterday, NAB General Manager Agribusiness, Khan Horne said dairy, beef, lamb, wine, horticulture, grains and seafood are some of the sectors set to benefit, and that it's an exciting for many farmers across the country.
While global grain prices are currently weaker than recent seasons, NAB's Greg Noonan says Australian growers are being paid a hefty premium. He's urging them to work through the pros and cons of marketing options when deciding whether to sell now or hold onto their grain.
Speaking at the BeefEx conference on the Gold Coast today, NAB’s Regional Head of Food and Agribusiness, Patrick Vizzone, explained that China is changing how it does business and the shift in thinking from self-sufficiency to trade provides a massive opportunity for beef exporters.
From satellite navigation to controlled traffic zonal tillage, David Cox is at the cutting-edge of precision farming. He explains how he uses technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency on his North Queensland sugarcane farm and how he’s now helping other farmers do the same.
Not all fruit and vegetables can be supermodels – the wonky carrots and curly capsicums farmers often have to throw away are just as tasty and nutritious. As CEO of Spade & Barrow, Katy Barfield is committed to reducing waste and paying farmers a fair price for their whole crop.
China accounts for a staggering 43 per cent of the projected increase in global agrifood demand over the next 35 years, and Australian agribusinesses are positioning themselves now to seize the business opportunities.
Keen to encourage young people to enter the sheep, meat and wool industry, Don and Pam Mudford changed the way they did business to better suit the next generation. Don opens up about his family’s commitment to breeding hardier sheep and the challenge of encouraging young people into farming.
Social media can help you grow your business, deliver advice from international experts, even provide practical ways to help fix your tractor – but how do you know where to start? Digital strategist Tim Gentle explains how to develop a strategy for making the most of online opportunities.
Many things have changed since Malcolm Knight’s grandfather ran Golden Wattle farm, but the family’s commitment to the community is stronger than ever. Knight discusses the changes, the challenges, and a welcome trend for more young people to return to the family farm.
With information about prices, market trends and the supply chain, farmers can plan more effectively and run a more profitable business. Mick Keogh, Executive Director of the Australian Farm Institute (AFI), explains the importance of statistics and where to find the most useful ones.
The Crothers family saw a bright future ahead in the cotton industry, but moving from livestock meant taking on a massive challenge. Douglas Crothers talks about storing a year’s supply of water, completely restructuring the farm, and the need to plan for a sound financial future.
Dairy farmers are encouraged to review budgets and timing for any capital expenditure plans off the back of opening dairy price forecasts. NAB’s Neil Findlay says these plus this financial year’s stronger finish should support the confidence that’s been returning to southern producers.
Michael Worthington, Chief Executive Officer of PMA Australia-New Zealand, says the produce sector is ripe with fresh opportunities for fruit and vegetables growers of all sizes – as long as they keep pace with their customers’ changing needs.
Ninety three percent of Australia’s annual grain crop is grown under dryland conditions. Southern Panel Chair of the Grains Research and Development Corporation, explains how national and international research is helping farmers in this challenging environment.
Farmers looking to retire or play a less active role in the family business have a special set of considerations at tax time. Farmers are encouraged to investigate the most effective tax solutions and their longer term wealth creation.
The 2014 Federal Budget outlined some drastic measures for the agriculture sector – from changes to Landcare to additional RD&E funding. Colin Bettles, Canberra Bureau Chief, Fairfax Agricultural Media, shares his summary of the proposed measures.
China is the world’s biggest market for red wine at 1.87 billion bottles in 2013. Australian wine producers are invited to experience first-hand Chinese tastes, the local industry and build valuable contacts with a wine study tour to China and Hong Kong.
Montague Fresh fought off tough competition to win the prestigious Woolworths 2013 Supplier of the Year Award. Ray Montague and his son Scott discuss the key to their success and how things have changed during their 50-year relationship with Woolworths.
Robots are rapidly moving out of science fiction and on to the farm. Salah Sukkarieh, Professor of Robotics and Intelligence Systems at the University of Sydney, says they could soon be helping farmers to cut costs and increase yield - and that now is the time to prepare.
Entrepreneurial thinking can strengthen rural businesses and reinvigorate entire communities. Dr Yasmin Chalmers, Director of Marcus Oldham College’s Centre for the Study of Rural Australia, explains how the EntruBIZ program is helping people to think in an entrepreneurial way.
New Year is the perfect time to be considering and reviewing your strategies for the year and putting your plans in place to make the most of opportunities. Our message to farmers is that if they’re ready for more in 2014, we’re here and ready for them.
A farm can be a dangerous place for farmers, their families, workers and even visitors. John Temperley, Executive Officer of Farmsafe Australia, discusses some of the most common hazards and shares practical steps for making farms safer for everyone.
There are strong opportunities for Australian agribusinesses as key Asian markets are increasingly demanding high quality, safe and healthy food.
Do you know how sanctions and embargoes work and how they can impact your business? As an agribusiness it's important to understand your obligations in relation to domestic and international sanctions before entering into arrangements with offshore providers and/or their agents.
It’s a season of stark contrast for Aussie wheat growers, with those in the west and south set for a bumper season while those in the east are doing it tough. International factors are also placing downward pressure on prices, with Canada producing one of its biggest wheat crops on record.
Farmers’ Markets are helping to bridge the gap between the city and the farm. Jane Adams, National Representative of the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association, explains how farmers can benefit from selling directly to their consumers.
The 2011 Agricultural Census reveals an evolving sector - in terms of both farm and farmer. With bigger farms and more sophisticated owners to contend with, service providers need to prepare for a new and challenging landscape.
Wine sales in China are expected to increase 50 percent between 2013 and 2016. Australian wine producers have the opportunity to differentiate themselves from international competitors by concentrating on marketing more premium vintages in China.
As Managing Director of Taylors Wines, Mitchell Taylor is steward of a family-owned company which was founded by his grandfather. Here, he explains how his passion for handing on a sustainable business inspired the creation of the world’s first carbon-neutral wine.
A successful business needs quality employees but in agriculture, skills are in short supply. Rimfire Resource's Nigel Crawley suggests ways to attract the right recruits and explains how the Career Harvest initiative could bring more young people into the industry.
Four years ago, John Gladigau joined forces with fellow farmer Robin Schaefer to create a new business, Bulla Burra. Here Gladigau explains how the collaboration has led to improved efficiency, economies of scale and even a better lifestyle.
Like China, Indonesia has a fast-growing middle class with an appetite for Australian produce. Grant Healy, Director of NAB's Asia Desk, discusses the business opportunities, available resources and the importance of paying a visit.
30 years ago, Rushel Farm was a bare and uneven block of dirt. Today, Russell and Helen Chapman head a family concern selling over 550,000 cartons of capsicums, melons and mangoes every year. They’re also August’s featured family in the NAB Agribusiness Calendar.
22 years after his first visit, Michael Jackson, a beef farmer and specialist in agricultural real estate, accompanied the NAB Agribusiness team on a 10-day study tour of China. Here, he discusses the country’s development, current opportunities and why he’s since made a third trip.
Agriculture in Australia has an exciting future. The changing landscape of Australian agriculture is creating a raft of opportunities across the sector and for the first time in years, agricultural student enrolments are up, and quite significantly.
As owners of Ellerslie Hop Estate, the Crokes have been putting the flavour into beer for over 80 years. Managing Director Greg is the grandson of the founder and the son of the chairman - and they're June's featured family in the NAB Agribusiness calendar.
David Brett, NAB's Head of Agribusiness for Northern Australia, says it’s been a solid year for Australia's 1,500 cotton farms.Driven by a more positive global economic outlook, Australia looks set to export a record 1.1 million tonnes of cotton this financial year.
Nationally, farmers have been using Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) at record rates - the biggest month for deposits each year has traditionally been June, as farmers look to take advantage of tax benefits before financial year end.
Until the age of 19, Evangelos Kalafatis grew fruit and herded sheep in a remote Greek village. Today he heads a family business that supplies stone fruit, apples and pears to supermarkets across Australia – and which features in the NAB Agribusiness calendar for May.
A trip to the Calgary Stampede in Canada was the highlight of the year for Joel Fleming, ALPA 2012 Young Auctioneer of the Year. Here he talks about the competition, his win and how the experience of a lifetime has also provided a boost to his career.
Campdrafting is a sport for people of all ages and a family event that brings rural communities together. The NAB Agribusiness Rookie Campdraft Series encourages less-experienced riders to join in the action with a chance to compete at their own level.
If you want to do business in China, you have to go there. Developing relationships and understanding the intricacies of doing business are vital to successfully taking advantage of the opportunities presented by Asia’s growing population and wealth.
Farming is in Michael Schembri’s blood – after a short break from the land, he and his family are pulling together to build their investment in a New South Wales poultry farm. Here he talks about the challenges they face and their commitment to ongoing growth.
Skills shortages and an ageing population are affecting rural communities across Australia, highlighting the need to attract more young people to agribusiness. So what traits must young people have to carve a successful career in farming or agricultural services?
Self managed super funds (SMSFs) have a number of benefits for farmers including control, flexibility and concessional tax treatment, but they’re not for everyone. Bill Adams, NAB’s National Manager of Agribusiness Wealth, discusses the pros and cons of SMSFs.
A year on from the establishment of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), NAB Agribusiness is foreseeing a time when the system may assist more people to get into farming. NAB Agribusiness Head of Southern and Western Australia, Neil Findlay explains.
From the brink of breaching environmental standards to a leading diversified food and agribusiness company – CEO David Lock talks about transforming the Craig Mostyn Group, securing a supply chain and tapping into consumer preferences.
Australia’s fastest-growing supermarket milk brand, A2 Milk™ turned an obscure milk protein into a profitable point of difference. CEO of A2 Dairy Products Australia, Peter Nathan, explains how and discusses the growing export market.
This month in Agribusiness View, we have an in-depth talk with food producer Maggie Beer, hear about Asia’s growing demand for milk and dairy products, and learn how grain growers can manage their risk. We also give you a new view on women in the agricultural industry.
A family concern started in the early 19th century is now Australia’s largest onion and walnut grower. Webster features on the February pages of the NAB Agribusiness calendar and, here, CEO Leigh Titmus talks about their sustainable success.
Grain growers who have done their homework will usually get opportunities through the year to lock in price spikes above $300 per tonne and hopefully healthy margins. NAB’s Director of Commodities, Business Markets believes preparation is the key aspect of managing risk for grain growers
Beyond the cook’s toque, NAB Agribusiness customer Maggie Beer wears many hats − farmer, gourmet food producer and sometime television presenter. But her least celebrated role may be her greatest achievement given the challenges of her industry - businesswoman.
Speaking at International Dairy Week in Tatura, Victoria, Grant Healy of NAB Asia said the growing demand for Australian agricultural produce in Asia represents a sustainable opportunity for Australian dairy producers and processors.
The New Year is a time to reflect and review – and that goes as much for your business as any other aspect of your life. That’s why NAB is encouraging farmers and those beyond the farm gate to spend some time now planning for 2013.
This month in Agribusiness View, we’ve taken a closer look at the critical issue of succession planning, the changing role of women in farming and the need to provide young people with the skills and encouragement they need to forge a successful career in the sector.
The role of women in agriculture has changed dramatically over the years, and with more women pursuing a career in rural industries, the future looks bright. Agribusiness View talks to Growcom’s ‘Women in Horticulture’ coordinator, Jane Muller.
A major survey conducted by NAB Agribusiness found that farmers approaching retirement are far less certain about how and when they’ll transition out of the business compared to younger farmers. Read on for more survey findings
Where many farming families trip up is that they have no succession plan in place. Help keep your farm’s future secure by rolling out a succession plan now, cautions NAB’s Agribusiness Wealth National Manager, Bill Adams. He explains the process.
Australian farmers are experiencing price volatility, so how can hedging help them take advantage of boosted demand for Australian exports following the US drought? NAB’s Head of Agribusiness for Business Markets, Rod Fraser, explains.
From grants to farming apps, read our review on what’s happening in the agribusiness sector.
TNB TULIPS, in Victoria’s Monbulk, explains how rolling out an innovative automation system has helped its business bloom.
Which agribusiness sectors in Australia are well placed to trade with India? Read our India overview.
We profile Robert Radford from Radfords – a Gippsland family-run meat processing company with an annual turnover of $30 million.
What’s the key to long-term business growth? Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory explain how they’ve adapted to keep going strong for over 120 years.
In the world of agribusiness, coping with adversity is often part of the job. However, when a serious accident or illness strikes, both the farm and family security are at risk unless steps have been taken to protect income and assets. “Because most farm businesses rely on family members to keep the productive unit running, […]
Increasingly, Australian agribusinesses are competing with supply from South America and Africa to feed Asia and the northern hemisphere. NAB’s 2010 Agribusiness Leader of the Year, Alan Winney, explains how to profit from this trend.
Self-managed superannuation can help you build personal wealth away from the farm. But you need to be aware of the rules.
Investing in assets away from your agribusiness can be a worthwhile strategy for diversifying risk. We outline some pointers to consider when diversifying off-farm to help reduce exposure to factors such as weather cycles and commodity price fluctuations.
China, the food bowl of Asia and the world’s fastest-growing economy, offers valuable trade opportunities for our beef and dairy sectors. We outline some of those opportunities, from westernisation of the Chinese palate to animal husbandry.
Keeping up to date with technological advances can produce significant efficiency benefits for Australia’s agribusiness sector. From knowing when to update equipment to staying abreast of computerised farming techniques, technology management’s integral to an agribusiness plan.
Working with a partner can take your agribusiness brand to the next level. Using Certified Australian Angus Beef as a case study, we highlight how entering into a brand partnership can sharpen competitive edge.
Businesses need to differentiate themselves from competitors if they’re to be successful in the quest for talented staff. The quest for talent is set to heat up and as businesses compete for staff, there are strategies managers can use to ensure that their businesses attract and retain good people. Suzie Ward, senior consultant at specialist […]
Managing a cash squeeze is a challenge for many agribusinesses, especially when faced with unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, injury or even a fleet of late payers. Read our five-point strategy for healthy cash flow management.
Good cash flow management is critical to business success. While at times it may prove difficult to manage, it’s important to recognise there are different levers that agribusinesses can consider to help improve their payment systems and free up more cash. Glenn Cox, Senior Agribusiness Manager at the Griffith Agribusiness Centre, suggests businesses consider the […]
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