Farmanco Facts - September 2025

Still to come, Farmanco Outlook Days in:

• Jerramungup, 23rd September (Sports Club); and

• Yarrawonga, 16th October (Club Mulwala).

To RSVP, visit Eventbrite. Follow Farmanco socials for updates.

 

Thanks to Farmanco team members — Holly Mackie (Albany) and Greg Easton (Perth) and External contributors — Samantha Hamilton (Key Choice) and Courtney McKinnon (RSM) for their articles.

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Division 296: The $3M Super Tax

Courtney McKinnon (RSM)

Summarised Key Points:

• Less impact than some may have initially feared.

• The $3m threshold relates to an individual member’s total super balance, not the overall fund balance.

• The tax applies to portions of balances above $3M, not any portion below $3M.

• The annual “earnings” to be taxed are reduced by the proportion calculation, before the 15% tax rate is applied”.

What exactly is this tax? Commonly referred to as Division 296, or as the media calls it — the $3 million super tax — it applies to ‘earnings’ on superannuation balances exceeding $3 million.

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Aphids in Cereal and Canola Crops: Identification, Risks and Management

Holly Mackie (Agronomy Consultant)

Key Points:

• Impact on crop: Aphids cause direct feeding damage as well as transmitting yield impacting viruses.

• Cereal Aphids: Oat and corn aphids spread BYDV. Virus infections in cereals can cause anywhere from 30% to 90% yield reductions especially in oats, while direct feeding damage can cause yield reductions of around 6%.

• Canola Aphids: Late season infections of Cabbage aphid and Turnip aphid on canola can cause losses up to around 0.5t/ha.

• Monitor species and population dynamics before spraying. Spray thresholds will depend on crop yield potential, growth stage and cost of application.

• Selecting chemical controls to preserve natural enemies: Using selective insecticides helps protect beneficials which naturally regulate aphid populations.

These small sap-sucking insects not only cause direct feeding damage but also transmit plant viruses that can severely reduce yields in crops.

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Cybercrime & Confidence: Australia’s Dual Reality in the Digital Age

Samantha Hamilton (Key Choice)

Key Points:

• Investor confidence remains strong in Australia.

• Cybercrime is rising sharply.

• Investment scams and social media fraud are surging.

• Older Australians are most affected.

• Phishing and SIM-swapping attacks are key tactics used by cybercriminals.

• Stronger cyber protection measures and public education efforts are vital.

Despite higher interest rates and increased mortgage repayments, investment activity is on the rise. Yet, as Australians grow their wealth, the country is facing another intensifying challenge: cybercrime.

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Where to for the West Australian Sheep Enterprise?

Greg Easton (Farm Management Consultant)

Key Points:

• Sheep Prices are at record highs. Will it last?

• Variable costs have increased; and

• Processor margins are tight.

The 2025 season has delivered a sharp rebound in sheep values, with smaller pens of lambs achieving record saleyard prices. The critical question is whether these gains can be sustained.

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