Saturday 17 October 2026
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News

Strong uptake of EID for sheep and goats in NSW saleyards

NEW South Wales saleyards are playing a key role in the successful rollout of electronic identification for sheep and goats, with strong uptake across the supply chain ahead of mandatory requirements from 1 January next year, according to NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty…Read More

1
Sheep Central, October 15, 2026

Markets

Larger wool auction offering tests buyer demand

AUSTRALIA’S largest wool offering in five weeks has tested demand and prompted increased grower withdrawals from auctions…Read More

Sheep Central, October 16, 2026

Processing

New vision technology delivers cut-to-carcase traceability

New vision sensing technology has demonstrated that vacuum packaged primals can be traced back to the individual carcase with 100 percent accuracy in commercial research trials…Read More

Sheep Central, October 15, 2026

Lamb Production

Agtech: Putting a price on a blade of grass

A tool originally built to improve grape quality in vineyards is being repurposed to measure pasture biomass across Australian grazing paddocks, with research suggesting more accurate biomass measurement could lift livestock farm profitability by 11-15 percent…Read More

1
Sheep Central, October 15, 2026

Property

How are property values looking in central and southern Qld?

The spring rural property market in Central and Southern Queensland is steady, selective and quietly recalibrating, valuers Will McLay and Tim Cavanagh suggest. The season is dry, but typical for this time of year, cattle prices remain strong and buyers are still active – just more discerning…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, October 16, 2026

Property

Weekly property review: Feedlot values double as sector experiences unprecedented investment cycle

Australia’s grainfeeding sector has been identified as the standout performer across the rural property market over the past 12 to 18 months, recording the highest volume of transactions in more than three decades and a dramatic escalation in asset values…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, October 16, 2026

News

Wild dog control needed in national parks to protect livestock and native animals

The case for controlling wild dogs in national parks is the same for both farmers and environmentalists, or at least it should be according to the NSW Farmers Association…Read More

1
Lydia Burton, October 14, 2026

Processing

Automated lamb leg deboning tech heading for Australian trial

The first prototype of a machine for lamb leg deboning suitable for Australian meat processing has been built and tested in Japan, and is heading to Australia for a six week plant trial…Read More

Sheep Central, October 14, 2026

News

Australia’s winter crop harvest forecast ‘large but lower’
Sheep Central, October 14, 2026

News

NSW Govt Bill to establish first independent Office of Animal Welfare
Sheep Central, October 14, 2026

News

Australia-China red meat partnership strengthens through industry exchange
Sheep Central, October 14, 2026

Weather

BOM weekly rainfall update 13 October 2026 + outlook map
1
Bureau of Meteorology, October 13, 2026

Sponsored Content

Why lamb feedlots are rethinking supplementation
Sponsored Content, August 10, 2026

Wool Production

Kiwis’ wings clipped by Aussie blades in historic shearing match
Doug Laing, Shearing Sports New Zealand, October 12, 2026

Industry Dashboard

Carbon Trading Market

Aust. Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) - $/tonne of CO2 equiv.

Today

38.70
Source: Jarden

$A / $US

Updated 7am daily

Today

0.7062
Source: NAB

ASX Market Index

17 Oct 2026 (updated 10am daily)
Company Price Trending
Elders $8.96
Australian Agricultural Co $1.52
Graincorp $7.29
Ridley $2.12
Woolworths $36.64
Wellard $0.06
Source: ASX

SOI Graph

Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

Today

-27.88
Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology

ESTLI

Eastern States Trade Lamb Indicator. Ac/kg cwt

Last Week

1166
Source: MLA's NLRS

EMI

Eastern Market Indicator. c/kg clean

Today

1873
Source: Australian Wool Exchange

Goat

Eastern States 12.1-16kg c/kg cwt

Today

Source: MLA

ASX Market Index

17 Oct 2026 (updated 10am daily)
Company Price Trending
Elders $8.96
Australian Agricultural Co $1.52
Graincorp $7.29
Ridley $2.12
Woolworths $36.64
Wellard $0.06
Source: ASX

What readers are saying

Agtech: Putting a price on a blade of grass

Combine this with virtual fencing and you have to wonder what comes next?....

John Marriott
More
Strong uptake of EID for sheep and goats in NSW saleyards

As a sheep farmer, I am OK with electronic devices; however, the ear tag is a clumsy way to do it as they are lost easily and in sheep....

Martha Truelove
More
Wild dog control needed in national parks to protect livestock and native animals

Thanks for keeping us informed about what is happening nationally.....

Rhonda Crawford
More
BOM weekly rainfall update 13 October 2026 + outlook map

Nice to see a change in the weather; wetter is a positive start.....

Angus Carter
More

News

Strong uptake of EID for sheep and goats in NSW saleyards

NEW South Wales saleyards are playing a key role in the successful rollout of electronic identification for sheep and goats, with strong uptake across the supply chain ahead of mandatory requirements from 1 January next year, according to NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty…Read More

Sheep Central, October 15, 2026

Wild dog control needed in national parks to protect livestock and native animals

The case for controlling wild dogs in national parks is the same for both farmers and environmentalists, or at least it should be according to the NSW Farmers Association…Read More

Lydia Burton, October 14, 2026

Australia’s winter crop harvest forecast ‘large but lower’

Australia’s winter crop is set to come in down on last year’s bumper harvest, but still at historically-high production volumes, according to Rabobank’s just-released 2026/27 Australian Winter Crop Forecast…Read More

Sheep Central, October 14, 2026

NSW Govt Bill to establish first independent Office of Animal Welfare

In a move to strengthen transparency and accountability of organisations responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws in New South Wales, the State Government introduced a Bill to Parliament yesterday to establish the state’s first independent Office of Animal Welfare…Read More

Sheep Central, October 14, 2026

Markets

Larger wool auction offering tests buyer demand

AUSTRALIA’S largest wool offering in five weeks has tested demand and prompted increased grower withdrawals from auctions…Read More

Sheep Central, October 16, 2026

Merino wool prices regain ground to stabilise market

MERINO fleece prices regained some lost ground in auctions this week, but crossbred wool values slipped…Read More

Sheep Central, October 9, 2026

No room to negotiate on Australia-EU FTA says new ambassador

THE European Union’s Ambassador to Australia Lawrence Meredith today pushed back on Coalition and farmer support for the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement to be renegotiated…Read More

Sheep Central, October 5, 2026

WA sheep producers and livestock carriers granted further $11.8 million

THE Albanese Labor Government has allocated another $11.8 million to Western Australian sheep farmers and livestock transport operators as part of the transition package for the phase out of live sheep exports by sea…Read More

Sheep Central, October 5, 2026

Sponsored Content

Why lamb feedlots are rethinking supplementation

Every feedlot has the same objective: achieving consistent growth across the entire mob. The challenge is that not every lamb behaves the same way. ..Read More

Sponsored Content, August 10, 2026

The skills crisis in Aussie meat processing and why experience alone can’t fix it

Australia’s red meat processors have long struggled to find skilled workers, but the stakes are rising and the cost of the gap is climbing. ..Read More

Sponsored Content, May 18, 2026

Why retailers need more than just product from meat processors

The relationship between major retailers and their meat processor suppliers has never been simple. But in the past three to five years, it has become measurably more demanding, meaning processors who understand that shift are finding themselves on the front foot for building strong, long-term retail relationships. ..Read More

Sponsored Content, May 11, 2026

Sheep Sustainability Framework opens recruitment for new chair and steering group

AUSTRALIA’S sheep and wool industry is seeking skilled and motivated leaders to help guide its sustainability future, with the Sheep Sustainability Framework now inviting applications for a new steering group chair and several group members…Read More

Sponsored Content, February 4, 2026

Lamb Production

Agtech: Putting a price on a blade of grass

A tool originally built to improve grape quality in vineyards is being repurposed to measure pasture biomass across Australian grazing paddocks, with research suggesting more accurate biomass measurement could lift livestock farm profitability by 11-15 percent…Read More

Sheep Central, October 15, 2026

Feedgrain Focus: Patchy rain a mixed blessing

Harvest has started in far northern NSW in the past week, with barley yields on this farm in the North Star district looking like 3.8-4t/ha and test weight around 70kg..Read More

Liz Wells, October 12, 2026

Qld sheep and goat producers support EID rollout delay

QUEENSLAND sheep and goat producers have backed a New South Wales push to delay the mandatory electronic identification rollout by two years to 1 January 2029…Read More

Sheep Central, October 12, 2026

AGBU launches Project Cygnet for Prof. Swan and ag science’s future

A NEW fund to foster young scientific talent working on animal breeding research has been launched by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit in honour of renowned mentor the late Professor Andrew Swan…Read More

Sheep Central, October 6, 2026

Wool Production

Larger wool auction offering tests buyer demand

AUSTRALIA’S largest wool offering in five weeks has tested demand and prompted increased grower withdrawals from auctions…Read More

Sheep Central, October 16, 2026

Agtech: Putting a price on a blade of grass

A tool originally built to improve grape quality in vineyards is being repurposed to measure pasture biomass across Australian grazing paddocks, with research suggesting more accurate biomass measurement could lift livestock farm profitability by 11-15 percent…Read More

Sheep Central, October 15, 2026

Kiwis’ wings clipped by Aussie blades in historic shearing match

TWO blade shearers have saved the day for Australia with an historic win in a trans-Tasman test match at the New Zealand Spring Shears in the South Canterbury town of Waimate…Read More

Doug Laing, Shearing Sports New Zealand, October 12, 2026

Zentera pushes for more non-mulesed wool from Australia

NEW Zealand’s Zentera Wool Company is upping the ante to source more non-mulesed wool from Australian growers, with longer term contracts and a continued derogation for ‘ceased mulesing’ production…Read More

Sheep Central, October 12, 2026

Processing

New vision technology delivers cut-to-carcase traceability

New vision sensing technology has demonstrated that vacuum packaged primals can be traced back to the individual carcase with 100 percent accuracy in commercial research trials…Read More

Sheep Central, October 15, 2026

Automated lamb leg deboning tech heading for Australian trial

The first prototype of a machine for lamb leg deboning suitable for Australian meat processing has been built and tested in Japan, and is heading to Australia for a six week plant trial…Read More

Sheep Central, October 14, 2026

Gundagai lamb processor saves on gas by recycling heat

NEW South Wales lamb plant Gundagai Meat Processors has implemented a staged heat recovery system that reduces natural gas consumption, improves refrigeration efficiency and removes the need for a major boiler upgrade…Read More

Sheep Central, September 30, 2026

VFF lobbies to avoid truck wash biosecurity timebomb

VICTORIA’S peak farmer body has called for bipartisan political support to upgrade the state’s truck wash capability, claiming the current network is ‘a biosecurity disaster ticking timebomb.’..Read More

Sheep Central, September 16, 2026

Trade

Over-charged, over-regulated and over it – ALEC leader

AUSTRALIA’S peak livestock exporter body is urging the Albanese Government to abandon its push towards full cost recovery for regulatory charges, backing a call for an independent audit of export cost recovery, in this opinion piece by chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton…Read More

By Australian Livestock Exporters Council chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton, August 11, 2026

Lamb prices to continue to follow beef upward

AUSTRALIAN sheep producers have been told the current run of high lamb and mutton prices could extend for up to three years despite global quota restrictions and tariffs, as beef and sheep meat supplies stay limited globally…Read More

Terry Sim, July 9, 2026

UK signals intent to align with EU Deforestation Regulations

THE United Kingdom is looking like adopting regulations similar to the European Union’s Deforestation Regulations (EUDR), that could potentially impact Australian red meat exports into the UK market…Read More

Sheep Central, July 2, 2026

Mooralla Merino story to be told at BestWool BestLamb conference

WESTERN District sheep producers Ricky and Marni Luhrs have contracts for their wool and the eggs from their pasture-raised hens – the next phase in their marketing will be being..Read More

Sheep Central, June 19, 2026

Property

How are property values looking in central and southern Qld?

The spring rural property market in Central and Southern Queensland is steady, selective and quietly recalibrating, valuers Will McLay and Tim Cavanagh suggest. The season is dry, but typical for this time of year, cattle prices remain strong and buyers are still active – just more discerning…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, October 16, 2026

Weekly property review: Feedlot values double as sector experiences unprecedented investment cycle

Australia’s grainfeeding sector has been identified as the standout performer across the rural property market over the past 12 to 18 months, recording the highest volume of transactions in more than three decades and a dramatic escalation in asset values…Read More

Property editor Linda Rowley, October 16, 2026

Rural listings feature quality grazing, cropping and carbon options

THIS week’s property review includes interesting recent listings for sale in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia…Read More

By property editor Linda Rowley, October 9, 2026

Central west NSW property Ashford Heath sells to recycler

THE sale of central west New South Wales property Ashford Heath heads up this week’s review of property dealings across NSW and Queensland…Read More

By property editor Linda Rowley, October 9, 2026

AgCarbon Central

Tasmania’s Low Emissions Livestock project to include Merino sheep

TASMANIAN Merino producers could have an opportunity to participate in the marketing of low emission wool as part of the state’s Low Emissions Livestock project…Read More

Sheep Central, October 7, 2026

Call for food production protection in carbon market development

WITH the Federal Government reviewing the main policy underpinning demand for carbon credits, the National Farmers Federation says it needs to make sure food production is protected…Read More

Sheep Central, September 30, 2026

AWI project to verify biogenic carbon flow in wool production

A NEW project to demonstrate a practical, and scalable way for Australian wool growers to measure, model and verify the carbon performance of wool production systems has been funded for two years…Read More

Sheep Central, July 28, 2026

New livestock carbon accounting method to encompass sheep

A PROPOSED new Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme livestock method under development by Meat & Livestock Australia will be applicable to lamb, mutton and beef production…Read More

Sheep Central, April 15, 2026
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