Business Research & Insights

NAB is proud to recognise the leadership and contribution women provide to their rural communities.

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.

Rural businesses are looking for equipment funding solutions that meet their needs in an evolving environment. Article originally published in The Advisor on 20/09/23

The NAB Rural Commodities Index fell further in August, down by 1.6% mom, with the index declining for ten months in a row.

How NAB’s business finance for green equipment helped the Herrmanns build up both productivity and resilience against climate and commodity risk.

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.

Very slow growth likely across the states in 2023-24

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.

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.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index has continued to fall over autumn and into winter, largely reflecting steep declines in cattle and lamb prices.

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.

Download the latest NAB Regional and Agribusiness Horizons Report for data-led insights on the state of play in regional and rural Australia.

Positive business conditions and a rising interest rate environment have fuelled a significant rise in Farm Management Deposits* (FMDs), new NAB data has revealed.

Our economists stayed up all night so they could break down the Federal Budget for Australian businesses. Watch their take.

Business owners can look forward to energy bill relief, cash flow support and an extension of the instant asset write-off as part of this year's Federal Budget measures.

Biosecurity was a big focus for this year's Federal Budget, with agribusinesses also set to benefit from energy bill relief and the instant asset write-off.

Listen to our latest Regional & Agribusiness Outlook podcast episode: Farm management deposits 101 and how they can be utilised as a risk management tool.

Population rebounding but growth slowdown looms

There’s never been a better time for regional professional services firms to take on their city counterparts. From new recruitment models to technological advances and more, here’s how to make the most of the opportunity.

After steep falls in late 2022 and early 2023, Australian agricultural commodity prices were more stable last month.

The growing importance of sustainability as a consumer issue. Are SMEs ready?

Find out why NAB’s Khan Horne sees good times ahead for our regions – despite ongoing global concerns.

Australian agricultural commodity prices have continued to fall in the new year.

Multi-generational farming family take an integrated approach as they grow their business with one eye firmly on the future.

Always looking ahead is helping a regional Victoria builder create a sustainable future in an industry that’s faced many recent tests.

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.

Two decades ago, cattle breeders Wendy and Ben Mayne went back to nature on their NSW stud. It’s been an award-winning decision.

For Irribiz, part of the ICI Industries family, designing sustainable water solutions for growers across Australia is only the start of the journey.

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.

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.

A reactive ownership team prepared to make quick decisions on growth opportunities is creating an agricultural equipment regional powerhouse.

Goolwa PipiCo was born when competition became cooperation. An expanded workforce, improved skillsets, new products and markets, and certified sustainability have been the result.

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.

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.

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.

Australian agricultural commodity prices retreated on average last month, with the NAB Rural Commodities Index down 2.6% m/m in November.

NAB senior leaders discuss the 2023 business outlook and where the opportunities will lie.

On 18th of November we celebrate #NationalAgDay and the many people and businesses in the agricultural value chain who keep this vital and valuable sector going 24/7.

Remote Queensland cattle station invests in a greener future for generations to come with support from NAB Agri Green Loan.

COVID disruptions continue to fade while growth remains strong and labour markets are tight everywhere

NAB senior leaders, and business leaders share their views on society today and how women are adapting. Watch now.

Australian agricultural commodity prices have continued to unwind, posting a second month of lower prices as measured by NAB’s Rural Commodities Index. This comes against a backdrop of continued excellent seasonal conditions, but elevated input costs and rapidly rising interest rates to control global inflation.

A volatile night where earlier price action in Asia was largely reversed.

A broad rise in core global yields has been the big news overnight, fuelled by a better-than-expected US ISM report and news UK PM Truss is planning a huge debt-funded fiscal stimulus.

Eurozone bonds yields and stocks falling on the latest jump in energy prices – both oil and gas – following confirmation the NordSteeam1 gas pipeline will remain shut while Russian sanctions are in place.

A goldilocks payrolls report failed to support risk assets on Friday, with equities and the USD quickly reversing on news that Russia was not restarting gas flows through the Nord Stream pipeline

The bond sell-off shows no signs of abating with a stronger than expected US ISM Manufacturing helping to drive the US 10yr yield up.

August has been a terrible month for balance fund investors with no diversification gains from holding a portfolio of equities and bonds.

Hear from business experts on supply chain issues and opportunities - the impact on regional & agribusinesses, and how businesses are adapting

Goldman’s noted inflation could hit 22.4% y/y in the UK in early 2023 if gas prices don’t moderate and if there is little in the way of cost of living relief.

This report builds on our existing fortnightly Data Insights series and includes more detail on NAB business customer inflow data across various agricultural industries and states.

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.

Confidence & conditions rally as economy strains capacity limits

Podcast: Livestock solutions 101 - to help take advantage of a strong outlook.

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.

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.

When it comes to sustainability and eco-innovation, this fifth-generation wine-making family is an Australian success story.

Business confidence falls further while conditions hold up.

Global Central Banks have been lifting interest rates to combat 40-year high inflation numbers. What does this mean for commercial borrowers? Watch now.

Global Central Banks have been lifting interest rates to combat 40-year high inflation numbers. What does this mean for commercial borrowers? 

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.

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.

Confidence eases but conditions and outlook remain strong.

Download NAB’s Regional & Agribusiness Horizons Report for compelling new insights into regional and rural Australia.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has started raising rates for the first time since November 2010. What does this mean for commercial borrowers? Watch now.

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.

Conditions rise further on Recreation & Personal Services recovery.

Conditions surge higher as costs, prices hit records.

Podcast: Farm management deposits 101 and how they can be utilised as a risk management tool.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index ticked up another 0.9% on a monthly basis in February - its eleventh consecutive gain to another record high.

COVID disruptions have continued but State economies have been resilient and labour markets are strong.

Activity, employment strengthen as prices push higher.

This NAB Private Wealth webinar delivers insights into Cyber Security and Fraud.

Peter Loukas, Property Executive NAB presents his insights on the residential property survey.

Optiweigh founder Bill Mitchell developed a machine that improved his own beef production operations. Now cattle farmers are knocking down his door.

As the grains logistics industry changed, forward-thinking Jim Riordan evolved his business to stay ahead.

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.

Conditions deteriorate as Omicron peaks.

As agriculture’s record run continues, what’s ahead for 2022.

We look at the domestic and global interest rates outlook for 2022 and why interest rate risk management is an important consideration for many businesses.

Omicron dampens confidence, price pressures continue.

Conditions stabilise as reopening progresses

NAB senior leaders discuss the economy and the opportunities for business in 2022.

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.

Conditions and confidence rise out of lockdown.

Cybercriminals are targeting Australian businesses at unprecedented rates, and a strong cyber security program has never been more important.

The good news just keeps rolling on for Australian agriculture, with already very good seasonal conditions boosted by the increasing possibility of a La Nina event, combined with ongoing commodity price strength.

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.

Hear from NAB and Industry leaders who share their views on women adapting to change in Regional Australia. Watch now.

Confidence rebounds on the back of roadmaps, vaccination.

COVID 19 continues to be the main driver of growth both in the recovery phase and as the Delta variant spreads. With vaccines looking promising 2021 looks like being a bounce back year.

A rebound in Australia’s cotton industry has seen business cash inflows of NAB Agribusiness cotton grower customers surge since early 2021 on the back of booming production.

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.

Confidence and conditions tick up.

We look at how the proposed Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement could mean new import and export opportunities. Watch now.

NAB Rural Commodities Index hits a record high sitting 12.6% above August 2020 levels.

Along with its many challenges, climate change is set to deliver forward-thinking farmers a huge opportunity.

Confidence and conditions fall further with ongoing lockdowns.

Lower currency continues to buoy Australian agriculture.

A new, younger generation of Australians is choosing life on the land… and that promises to bring exciting, innovative times for Australian agriculture. 

Confidence falls on virus fears.

A new phase of growth emerges across the states following a fast rebound.

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.

Agricultural commodity prices continue to perform generally very well, rounding out a generally strong period for many agricultural producers.

Bumper winter crop predicted to put Australian agriculture on top.

Business conditions continue to boom.

Podcast: We discuss how farm management deposits can be utilised as a risk management tool.

Beef producers and industry stakeholders from across Australia flock to the triennial event.

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.

Business confidence and conditions hit new highs.

Commodity prices stay strong amid rising Australian Dollar.

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.

Business conditions reach a record high.

Autumn rain lifts EYCI outlook in the short-term.

Farmers are faced with a multitude of agtech solutions. Finding the right one is all about knowing to ask the right questions.

Rising commodity prices underpin positive outlook.

This podcast focuses on the Japanese Yen – what’s been happening over the last 12 months and NAB’s forecast.

Business conditions bounce, confidence rises further.

Celebrating and recognising the crucial role that women play in Regional Australia.

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.

Business confidence rises, while conditions pull back.

Australian agriculture set for solid year.

Business conditions improve to multi-year highs.

Recovery from COVID-19 continues across Australia

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.

Despite new research showing small to medium businesses are struggling to keep pace with digital transformation with the added challenge of COVID, there are ways to get programs back on track.

Further gains as the economy continues to open up

How high can Australian cattle prices go?

How building better business sense and developing critical thinking skills are preparing tomorrow’s agriculture workforce to meet new challenges.

2020-21 on track to deliver above average winter crop.

Pathway to profit: how Australia’s agri operators can boost their bottom line through smart thinking and easily achievable changes.

Market and seasonal conditions strengthen Australian agriculture.

NAB senior leaders share their views on society today and how women are adapting. Watch now.

It’s time for farmers to turn good land management into financial success.

Latest restrictions will hit Victoria’s economy hard, but COVID-19 has impacted all states.

Demand fundamentals limiting outlook for wool.

Appreciating AUD takes gloss off positive seasonal outlook.

How Australian producers can maximise their export opportunities in a COVID world.

Food service spending under pressure amid new restrictions.

Record cattle prices face risks amid global pandemic.

Podcast: How well positioned is agri to respond to the latest set of challenges?

2020-21 winter crop prospects strong.

$1.1 billion withdrawal emphasises the importance of FMD’s to the sector

Listen to podcast: How agri businesses can get their finances back on track.

Improved seasonal conditions drive a 17-point jump in NAB’s National Agribusiness Conditions Index.

Uncovering the business impact of the bushfires through the eyes of over 500 Australian SMEs.

New podcast: Agribusiness a surprising bright spot in COVID-19.

No state or territory will be spared from COVID-19 economic fall-out.

Rural commodities continue to climb.

Rural commodities resilient amid COVID-19 crisis.

Risks remain amid rapid rise in cattle prices.

Uncovering the business impact of the bushfires through the eyes of over 500 Australian SMEs.

Good January rainfall across key agricultural production areas drove the NAB Rural Commodities Index 4.6% higher this month, despite the impact of bushfires and coronavirus.

Dairy dynamics: prices, drought and costs impacting dairy landscape.

What does next year hold for Australian business owners? Listen to our podcast for NAB Chief Economist Alan Oster’s 2020 vision on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Agribusiness conditions flat despite strength of lamb and mutton.

After surviving multiple challenges to their market share in recent years, the nation’s wine producers have bounced back and look set to enjoy vintage times.

High cost of water dries up basin profit margins.

Wheat crop cops sharp downgrade amid tough spring.

The Australian economy grew by 1.4% over the year to the June 2019, its weakest growth since 2009.

Seasonal conditions and declining winter crop forecasts reflect drop in NAB Rural Commodities Index.

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.

A landmark PPP refinance meets the needs of investors for a low-risk investment as well as the needs of borrowers for longer-dated debt.

Our third Agribusiness Banker Survey brings a somewhat more encouraging headline figure for agribusiness conditions, although conditions in NSW and to a lesser extent Queensland remain challenging. Spring rain is sorely needed to see an improvement.

The looming generational change in agriculture will bring many development opportunities for the sector.

Australia’s agricultural sector generates mountains of waste each year, but new research programs aim to help farmers turn a profit on unwanted produce.

Resilient cattle and lamb prices sustain flat NAB Rural Commodities Index.

How sustainable farming methods are helping Australian farmers maintain the value of their natural assets over the long term.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index rose 0.5% in June.

Horticulture exports grow to rival Australian lamb and dairy.

Cattle markets and southern rain stabilises NAB's Rural Commodities Index

A report by CSIRO, NAB and 20 other organisations, draws on the latest scientific data and states that Australia is at a crossroads and faces a stark choice – strive towards a more positive future of growth and prosperity or suffer a slow decline.

National agribusiness confidence rises despite tough conditions.

We examine the last decade in Australian agricultural exports and what’s projected to come.

Overall, the NAB Rural Commodities Index rose 1.1% in April, largely reflecting higher cattle, lamb, dairy and cotton prices, offsetting further declines in grain.

$1.2 billion drawdown shows that the FMD scheme is working

Harnessing digital technology to drive productivity and profits. How new-generation agtech is changing the face of Australian farming.

Deterioration in conditions in most states, with current momentum negative. Household sector weakness evident, investment still ok (outside mining), while agri. facing easing prices and needs rain. Housing sector downturn, population growth centred on the eastern states, agricultural prices easing.

Overall, the NAB Rural Commodities Index fell 2.7% in March, largely reflecting lower cattle, grain and fruit prices.

NAB launches new measure of agribusiness and regional performance in Australia

Overall, the NAB Rural Commodities Index gained 0.2% in February – “above water” only due to strong gains in fruit and vegetables, dairy and to a lesser extent wool and sugar.

New NAB data reveals key factors for the wellbeing of small business owners.

Overall, the NAB Rural Commodities Index was up 0.5% in December but down 1.1% in January.

Agribusiness Customer Executive Neil Findlay shares some useful examples of how dairy farmers are planning ahead.

Global Dairy Trade auction results have seen some upside since December after a fairly weak run over much of 2018.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index fell 2.0% on a month on month basis in November, mirroring a 2.0% gain in October.

Harvest is now underway for 2018-19 winter crop, a season which will likely go down as one of the most mixed in years.

Technology in agriculture – ‘agtech’ – brings endless innovations to Australian farms. And despite cost challenges, it can improve the bottom line.

Wherever you look, the future is about technology – the way we invest, care for our health and even how we grow our food. We take a look at where technology might take us in 2019.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index rose 1.8% in October, following a 6.5% jump in September.

As harvest gets started, hear from growers and traders across the country on the first NAB Growers’ Podcast.

The NAB Rural Commodities Index rose 6.5% in September, recording the biggest monthly gain since December 2010.

Agricultural prices and production continues to be very region and commodity specific.

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 business conditions index rose by 2pts to +15 index points in August, recovering some of the ground lost in recent months. Business confidence fell 3pts to +4 index points and is now below average.

Our expectation for the Australian economy is that GDP will increase by just under 3.0% in 2018 and 2019.

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.

The business conditions index fell by 2pts to +12 index points in July, continuing its run of declines since April. Business confidence ticked up 1pt to +7 index points, an around average level.

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.

Lawyer turned whisky distiller Cameron Syme pioneered the whisky-making industry in Western Australia when he launched his business more than 10 years ago. His goal? To make the best single malt in the whole world.

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.

The NAB Residential Property Index fell sharply in the June quarter 2018, down 17 points to +6 to sit at its lowest level since mid-2016 and well below its long-term average (+14).

The business conditions index ticked up by 1pt to +15 index points in June, after easing in the previous month. The business confidence edged down 1pts to +6 index points, to be around its long-run average level.

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.

Thanks to social media, more people are pursuing the job they want, where they want it. Those who prefer country living no longer have to wonder why they’re going to work in the city each day simply to pursue a dream career – as this rural film-maker recently discovered.

In today’s Weekly, we take a closer look at the SA economy that’s shown a distinct improvement in the past year or so.

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.

The business conditions index decreased by 6pts to +15 index points, easing back from the historical highs seen in April. The business confidence index fell by 5pts to +6 index points, to be around its long-run average level.

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.

Home ownership is a key to wellbeing according to new research from NAB

Do you own a small business that’s selling overseas or importing products and equipment into Australia? Trade finance can help you make the most of opportunities without tying up your valuable working capital.

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.

Nationally dwelling values continued their downwards trend last month; the seventh consecutive month on month decline since the national index series peaked in September last year.

Keen to export to Asia? Make sure you understand what’s involved and how best to prepare.

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

Business conditions at record levels.

Heading overseas isn’t the only way to grow your business. Here are five ways to consider pumping up your revenue on home ground.

Setting goals can drive business success – but it doesn’t come naturally to many small business owners. Consultant and author Stephen Barnes shares tips on how to get started, how to set effective goals and how to motivate your staff to reach their targets.

From June 14 to June 25, I’ll be leading NAB’s 2018 Agribusiness Japan Tour. If your business involves cattle farming, sheep farming or horticulture and you’re interested in the connections, insight and strategies being used to succeed in Asian markets, I encourage you to join me.

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.

Australian dwelling values held firm in March, with the combined capitals continuing a softening trend, recording a 0.2% fall, while regional markets saw a 0.4% rise in values over the month.

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

Business conditions come off the boil, but still hot.

More Aussies are opening their wallets to charity, says NAB report.

Making wine is a very personal venture for this Barossa Valley-born and bred artisan combining two passions in his small-batch business.

The NAB Residential Property Index rose 3 points to +23 in the March quarter 2018 and remains well above its long-term average (+14).

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.