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The NAB Rural Commodities Index was up 0.7% in August, with grain, lamb and wool prices on the rise, but cattle and dairy lower. Continued drought conditions in the east is likely to see elevated grain prices but lower cattle prices.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index gained 1.3% month on month in July, following a 1.4% gain in June. On a year on year basis, the index was down 0.3% in July.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index gained 1.4% month on month in June, following a 3.1% gain in May. On a year on year basis, the index was down 2.9% in June. The monthly gain reflects strong lamb, wool and cotton prices.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index gained 3.1% month on month in May after falling 2.8% in April. On a year on year basis, the index was down 4.4% in May. The monthly gain reflects strong grain, horticultural, dairy, wool and cotton prices.

2018 has been exceptionally dry across much of Australia, with knock-on downside to restocker interest and young cattle prices.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index gained 3.0% month on month in March, its second consecutive rise.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index gained 1.2% month on month in February, following a drop of 1.8% in January. On a year on year basis, the index was down 2.9% in February. The gain was driven by higher grain, fruit and dairy prices, offsetting falls in beef, lamb and sugar.

2018 has seen a fairly mixed start to the year, with significant differences between regions and industries.

Dairy prices have trended downwards overall since mid last year, and although 2018 has brought some relief in USD terms, the higher AUD has eroded these gains.