Farmanco Facts - June Edition
- tnankivell
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
Upcoming Events:
Farmanco proudly presents our Carbon On-Farm Workshops: Understand, Measure and Manage it Profitably.
Katanning and Dowerin (July 1st and 24th), Jerramungup and Esperance (September 18th and 19th) and Yarrawonga, NSW (October 16th).
Follow Farmanco socials for more information and visit Eventbrite to RSVP.
The excellent articles in this edition of Farmanco Facts were written by our Farmanco Consulting team with welcome additions by external contributors David McCarthy and the Chris O’Callaghan of Liebe Group.
Uncertainty: The Trump Effect
David McCarthy (Bedbrook McCarthy, Private Wealth Management)
President Trump’s announcement of increased tariffs on US imports has created significant uncertainty in world trade and negatively affected world stock markets.
The current trade crises are another in a long line of events that have negatively impacted stock market valuations over the short-term. The Coronavirus lockdowns of 2020 saw stock markets fall more than 30% in a month.
Long-term investment success is achievable by ignoring the day-to-day events and focussing on your long term plan. Investment market returns have been above average over the last five years, despite the most recent setbacks.
President Trump’s second term in office has commenced with significantly less predictability than most previous presidents. Trump doesn’t follow a consistent ideology and is very much subject to tactical decision making.
The Other Trade War: Non-Tariff Trade Barriers
Mae Connelly (Grain Marketing Consultant)
Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) are trade restrictions like complex paperwork, shifting biosecurity standards, and inconsistent testing rules.
NTBs are rising and now cost Australian agricultural exporters the equivalent of a 19% tariff.
Grain Trade Australia (GTA) plays a key role in reducing NTBs and supporting technical market access.
Last month in Farmanco Facts (May 2025), we looked at the big-picture trends in global trade and how a more polarised, protectionist world could affect Australian grain exports — and our prices.
VRT: The Concept Hasn’t Changed. How We Use It Has.
Giles McMeikan (Agronomy Consultant)
Same concept, smarter tools – VRT is now powered by live data and powerful platforms.
Seamless connectivity – Sync maps and adjust rates in real time.
Iterate to improve – Trial, review, and refine each season.
Data-built zones – Use soil, yield, protein or topography layers to guide inputs.
Start small, scale smart – Begin with one input, expand with confidence.
Variable Rate Technology (VRT) has been around for years — and the idea has never really changed. Get the right input, in the right place, at the right time. What has changed is the tech that enables it.
Three Years of Strip and Disc System Trials
Chris O’Callaghan (Executive Officer, Liebe Group)
This project has made a start on evaluating the system but there is still more to learn and practical issues to solve before there will be an increase in adoption of the system.
From a research point of view, understanding the soil moisture dynamics further will provide additional insights into where the system would be best utilised.
From a practical point of view, seeding into the tall stubble requires precision and machines need to be well set up. Stripper fronts can also only be used in taller cereal crops, requiring farmers to still have a second front for canola and legume crops and any short or lodged cereals.
The high cost of the stripper and disc machines require a commitment to the system. The efficiencies are there, however, some data in this project and the economics of the system are still being analysed and will be released when available.
If you would like to discuss this project and the financial implications of Strip and disc farming systems, please contact Greg Easton, Farmanco Consultant.
A GRDC Investment looking into stubble management has been running for the last four years. Trials were set up in Maya, Latham, Corrigin, Wickepin and Kendenup as paddock-scale strip trials implemented by the host farmer, with intensive measurements taken by grower group staff. A key component of the trial work was testing the ‘strip and disc’ farming system against conventional draper and tyne or disc seeding operations.
Interest Rates & Exchange Rates
David Ward (Farm Management Consultant)
RBA cash rate falls again.
Recovery part of cycle.
Time to review your interest rate management strategy.
Time to review your grain marketing strategy.
Seek expert, qualified advice around your hedging strategy.
Right now, uncertainty means opportunity. Take the opportunity to review your own risk by engaging with your financial services providers.
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