Barenbrug Australian Update March 2018

By Robert Hedge

As I put pen to paper, we have had another tropical low develop in the Coral Sea off Australia, which follows on from several cyclones over the past few weeks.
This follows some significant rainfall over much of Eastern Australia since late February. After experiencing a very dry summer, these falls have dramatically changed the seasonal prospects over large areas of Queensland, the northern part of the Northern Territory, as well as eastern parts of New South Wales. Some areas in western Queensland have received their best falls since 2012.

 

These falls are positive for two reasons, they will set up pasture growth for much of Northern Australia for the winter (Northern Australia is predominantly summer wet, winter dry), as well as provide good sub soil moisture for major cropping areas for winter crops.

 

Local Domestic agricultural markets generally remain positive, with the rain dramatically reducing the number of stock coming onto the market since the falls started. The only negative to speak of is the lower volumes of pulses heading to India, since this country introduced significant tariffs on local product, due to a positive harvest there.

 

There has been strong demand for Diploid type Rhodes Grass over the past few months, however we still have quality stock to offer, with new crop starting to be harvested in April/May (depending on weather). The rain will also benefit species such as Buffel & Panics, and will set up some of the perennial tropical legume seed crops that were planted earlier in the year.

 

For a more comprehensive supply update, please refer to the "Tropical Product Availability” in this newsletter.

 

Queensland will once again be hosting Australia's National Beef Exposition, Beef Australia 2018 (held once every 3 years), at Rockhampton from 06 - 12 May. If you are planning to attend, please let me know, as Barenbrug will be available to meet with you during this well attended event.

 

And, as I did in our last newsletter, I would like to remind all our customers about the ISF Congress in 2018 being held in my home town of Brisbane from 03 - 06 June. The National Organising Committee have been working hard with the ISF organisers to ensure a unique “Australian” flavour to this year’s congress. If you have any questions at all, or need advice on what to see or do when you are here, we would be more than happy to provide some recommendations.

 

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and follow Barenbrug on Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest news and events.

 

Please do not hesitate to make contact should you have a specific requirement, and all the best for the selling season ahead.

 

 

back