Commodity Conversations
290 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 6 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingCommodity conversations explores all the moves in Australian agricultural markets and the stories behind what's driving them.
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Episodes
What to make of the Wool market - 15th July 2024
July 14, 2024 22:14 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MBThis week Rob is joined by Stewart Raine, State Wool Manager for Nutrien Ag Solutions. Stewart and Rob discuss the finish to the 2023/24 wool season and the market dynamics impacting pricing and demand currently.
Winter wondering about the land - 28th June 2024
June 28, 2024 07:20 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBThis week Rob Hermann is joined by Michael Whitehead, Head of Agribusiness Insights at ANZ. He joins us to discuss what the winter has delivered and key insights from the 2024 Winter ANZ AGRI INFOCUS commodity insights report.
Steaks getting higher for cattle - 21st June 2026
June 21, 2024 06:32 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBThis week Rob Herrmann is joined by Cattle Australia Deputy Chair Adam Coffey. Adam joins us to discuss the ongoing work of Cattle Australia as it handles a myriad of issues that currently or could potentially impact grassfed cattle producers in Australia.
Supply, demand and the recent rain for the livestock market - 31st May 2024
May 31, 2024 04:36 - 15 minutes - 20.7 MBRobert Herrmann is joined by Ron Rutledge, Nutrien Ag Solutions Livestock Development Manager to discuss the impact that the recent rain will have on the livestock market, and the news that is China removing import suspensions on five Australian processors.
How will the live export ban impact the wool industry? – 24 May 2024
May 24, 2024 03:10 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBThis week Rob Herrmann is joined by Jo Hall CEO of Wool Producers Australia to chat about some of the major policy debates currently shaping the farming landscape including shedding some light on the proposed live export ban.
An update on the Fertiliser market -16th May 2024
May 16, 2024 04:32 - 17 minutes - 24.4 MBThis week Olivia is joined by Mark Tully, Global Market Research Manager for Nutrien Ag Solutions based in Calgary, Canada. Mark joins us to discuss the latest drivers for key inputs for 2024 and beyond.
Decline in wool production on the cards for 2024/25 - 3rd May 2024
May 03, 2024 06:30 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBThis week Rob is joined by Stephen Hill, National Committee Chairman for the Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee to discuss the April report for 2024.
Key Market Updates Quarter 1 2024 - 22nd April 2024
April 22, 2024 04:02 - 24 minutes - 34.2 MBThis week, Rob Hermann, Olivia Agar and Ethan Woolley discuss the key takeaways from the latest Mecardo quarterly report for Q1 2024. to sign up to the mailing list please reach out to us through email: [email protected]
Prime lamb under pressure and benchmarking for success - 19th April 2024
April 19, 2024 07:38 - 21 minutes - 30 MBThis week Rob is joined by John Francis, Director at Agrista Agricultural consultancy to discuss his recent article ( https://www.agrista.com.au/articles-podcasts-tools-analysis/ ) and the key drivers impacting profitability for prime lamb producers.
When it rains it pours - 5th April 2024
April 05, 2024 06:25 - 7 minutes - 9.99 MBThis week Olivia is joined by Andrew Holt, Senior Account Manager & Divisional Livestock coordinator with Nutrien Ag Solutions. They discuss the impact of the big rain event on the East Coast for cattle markets in the short term.
Impacts of the Middle East Bag Lamb market
March 22, 2024 05:27 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MBThis week Rob is joined by Mecardo's Senior Livestock analyst Angus Brown to give an update on the lamb job. They discuss the impacts of elevated slaughter and the return of the Middle East Bag Lamb market.
Why the NZ sheep flock is in decline - 15th March 2024
March 15, 2024 06:10 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBThis week, Olivia Agar is joined by Matthew Haddrell, Senior Agricultural Analyst with Beef + Lamb New Zealand LTD. Matthew joins to discuss how the livestock markets in New Zealand are shaping up in 2024 and some of the key drivers causing changes in the flock.
What is driving demand in the wool market - 8th March 2024
March 08, 2024 01:49 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MBThis week Rob is joined by Mark Symes, Southern Region Wool Manager for G.Schneider. Rob and Mark discuss what is driving demand in the wool market with insights from key customers in China and Europe.
What we have heard about the US cattle herd- 1st March 2024
March 01, 2024 07:54 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBThis week Rob is joined by Ripley Atkinson, Australian Livestock and Commodities Manager with StoneX Financial. With cattle herds in Australia and the US a big topic of discussion, Ripley joins us to discuss the opportunities and key drivers behind the future US herd rebuild and the resulting opportunities for the Australian Beef Industry.
Making the most out of the current lamb market -16th February 2024
February 16, 2024 06:55 - 23 minutes - 32.5 MBThis week Rob is joined by Prime lamb producer Charlie de Fegely who manages the Quamby property in Ararat, Victoria. Charlie, his partner Liz, and their sons have been innovative, progressive producers looking to maximise productivity and Charlie discusses how they've managed the last 12 months of the turbulent lamb and sheep market.
On the lookout for more cattle- 9th February 2024
February 09, 2024 07:31 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MBThis week, Rob is joined by Jessica Clarke, Market Reporter for Argus Media to discuss the Northern cattle indicators and how the season is developing for grain fed cattle markets this season.
Key Market Updates Quarter 4 2023 - 30th January 2024
January 30, 2024 06:18 - 21 minutes - 30 MBThis week the Mecardo team (Rob Hermann, Olivia Agar & Ethan Woolley) discuss the key insights from quarter 4 of 2023 in commodity markets including the livestock market turnaround, freight issues and wool premiums. To be added to the Quarterly report mailing list, please reach out to us on [email protected]
Impact of large volumes for wool in 2024 - 19th January 2024
January 19, 2024 06:29 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBThis week, Rob is joined by Stewart Raine, Victorian Wool brokerage lead with Nutrien Ag Solutions, to discuss the impact of the large wool offerings at auction to begin 2024 and the improving sentiment as we approach superfine sales in the next few weeks.
What’s driving this strong start for Cattle and Sheep markets? -12th January 2024
January 12, 2024 07:01 - 24 minutes - 33 MBThis week Rob is joined by commodity conversations regular Ron Rutledge, Livestock Development Manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions, to talk about the positive start to the year for cattle and sheep markets. They discuss recent weaner sales and the balance of the market drivers and new found confidence in buyers and sellers.
Takeaways from a rollercoaster year in commodities- 15th December 2023
December 15, 2023 06:18 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MBThis week Rob is joined by commodity conversations regular Michael Whitehead, Head of Food, Beverage and Agribusiness Insights with ANZ. Rob and Michael discuss some key takeaways from the Summer edition of the ANZ "Agri InFocus" Commodity insights report.
The Merino of the future - 1st December 2023
December 01, 2023 05:03 - 18 minutes - 25 MBThis week Rob Hermann is joined by Tom Silcock, former president of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association. Rob and Tom discuss the future of Merino Sheep and market influences on breeder ram choices.
Where grains, oilseeds and wool are at in 2023 - 24th November 2023
November 24, 2023 06:04 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MBThis week we continue with Part 2 of Rob's discussion with David Cornish, Director of the Centre for Professional Development at Marcus Oldham College which can also be heard on the AgTalk Podcast. In this iteration, David and Rob discuss where the world is at with grain, oilseeds, and wool markets.
How cattle and sheep markets have changed - 17th November 2023
November 17, 2023 05:49 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBThis week David Cornish, Director of the Centre for Professional Development at Marcus Oldham College interviews Mecardo's Robert Hermann as a 2-part series which can also be heard on the AgTalk Podcast. In this iteration, David and Rob discuss how cattle and sheep markets have changed in recent times.
Leaning on weaning - 10th November 2023
November 10, 2023 06:32 - 19 minutes - 27 MBThis week Ethan Woolley is joined by Courtney Tourle, Animal Production Specialist with Nutrien Ag Solutions based in Central West NSW. Courtney discusses the benefits of early weaning and livestock nutrition strategies to make the most out of dry conditions.
Sugar, spice and everything price - 3rd November 2023
November 03, 2023 05:50 - 12 minutes - 16.7 MBThis week Olivia Agar and Ethan Woolley discuss harvest progress, drivers impacting the global grain market as well as an update on the sugar and cotton markets.
Key Market Updates Quarter 3 2023 - 24th October 2023
October 24, 2023 05:09 - 20 minutes - 27.9 MBThis week Rob Hermann and Ethan Woolley discuss some of the key market highlights in commodities covered in Mecardo's latest Quarterly report. To access the quarterly report, reach out to the Mecardo team by email, [email protected]
Making sense of the Lamb market-13th October 2023
October 13, 2023 06:26 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBThis week on episode 250, we have a heavy focus on the lamb market as Rob is joined by one of our favourite guests, Will Barton, CEO of Gundagai Meat Processors. Rob and Will discuss the supply and demand system at play with lambs currently and look ahead to the Summer.
Traceability for wool, farm gate to wool tops - 2nd October 2023
October 06, 2023 05:43 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MBThis week Rob is joined by Debora Tricarico, Authentico brand manager with the Schneider Group. Debora talks us through the importance of traceability and transparency in the wool supply chain.
Finding opportunity in today’s Lamb and Sheep market - 29th September 2023
September 29, 2023 06:14 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBThis week Rob is joined by Angus Brown, analyst with Mecardo to discuss identifying opportunities during the current downturn in Lamb and Sheep markets. They discuss store lamb trades, merino wether opportunities, and the current state of the market.
”Dairy Beef” production and opportunity - 22nd September 2023
September 22, 2023 07:40 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBThis week, Rob is joined by Sarah Bolton, Dairy Beef and Animal Welfare Manager with Greenham. Sarah talks to us about the developing Dairy beef market including what's required to participate, how other countries have developed the industry, and finding sustainable ways to improve outcomes for Dairy producers.
Driving Success for Australian Wool - 15th September 2023
September 15, 2023 05:35 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MBThis week Rob is joined by Jo Hall, CEO of Wool Producers Australia. We discuss the benefits of the Indian trade agreeent for Australian Wool, the economic feasibility of domestic wool processing, traceability, and the education of international processors through the Trust in Australian Wool Program.
Navigating the challenges ahead for livestock-8th September 2023
September 08, 2023 07:25 - 27 minutes - 38 MBThis week, Rob is joined by Jason Strong, Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia. Jason and Rob discuss priorities for the Red Meat and Livestock Industry, such as the big supply and demand issues the current market is facing as well as the strategic goals for long-term growth including processing and export markets.
Canola’s role in the Biofuel Boom- 1st September 2023
September 01, 2023 07:24 - 24 minutes - 33.4 MBThis week Olivia is joined by Nick Goddard, Executive Director of the Australian Oilseeds Federation. Nick discusses the latest drivers in Canola and oilseed markets including the latest supply and demand dynamics, the biofuel boom and ISCC certification news.
Where to for Wool - 25th August 2023
August 25, 2023 07:17 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MBThis week Rob is joined by Stephen Hill, National Committee Chairman for the Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee. Stephen talks us through some key findings from the latest forecast and discusses for what is ahead for wool production in Australia.
A Tonne of Mutton and lambs to come - 4th August 2023
August 04, 2023 09:10 - 17 minutes - 24.4 MBThis week Rob is joined by Mecardo livestock analyst Jamie-Lee Oldfield to discuss everything lamb and sheep markets with spring approaching. Jamie-Lee is based out of a sheep and cattle operation in Coolac, NSW and is well placed to run us through the boom in supply, the lamb crop to come and what is happening to the flock across the ditch.
The US Cattle Markets differing fortunes- 28th July 2023
July 28, 2023 07:28 - 20 minutes - 27.7 MBThis week, Rob has returned from the United States and is keen to discuss with the Mecardo team what he saw including some of the key insights from Mecardo's recent analysis of the US cattle market and its potential impact on the Australian market.
Key Market Updates Quarter 2 2023 - 20th July 2023
July 20, 2023 04:28 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MBThis week Olivia and Ethan from Mecardo discuss the key insights from the latest Mecardo Quarterly Commodity Report. They discuss wool at the crossroads, the weather market impacts on grain, mutton milestones and cattle export signals.
Regional Cropping Update - 14th July 2023
July 14, 2023 06:36 - 21 minutes - 29.2 MBThis week Olivia travels across Australia with some of the Nutrien Ag Solutions network to get a regional update on the winter cropping season so far. Olivia is joined by Greg Toomey: Branch Manager at Elmore, Victoria; Nick Brennan: Agronomy account manager at Wee Waa NSW; and Tom Shaw: Farm Services Support Agronomist based in WA.
Lamb of the free, home of the brave-7th July 2023
July 07, 2023 06:20 - 20 minutes - 27.9 MBThis week Rob is joined by Heather Jones, a wool and meat sheep producer from Thermopolis, Wyoming. Heather talks to us about managing Rambouillet sheep through snow, mountain lions, badlands grazing and how the markets are treating lamb producers in the US.
On the Ranch with Rob - 30th June 2023
June 30, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBThis week Rob is in the Wild West of America and is joined by Art Butler, who sits on the Board of Directors of the American Angus Association and is the Owner and manager of Spring Cove Ranch in Idaho. We talk about the cattle market in the United States.
The Bovine Boom -23rd June 2023
June 23, 2023 06:30 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MBThis week Mecardo's Ethan Woolley is joined by Ripley Atkinson, Senior Market Information Analyst with Meat & Livestock Australia. Ripley talks us through MLA's June update on cattle projections and discusses the fundamentals which are shaping cattle supply, demand and pricing this year.
Global grain update - 16th June 2023
June 16, 2023 07:19 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MBThis week the Mecardo team is joined by Nick Booth, Mecardo Analyst and Director of Next Level Grain Marketing. This week is all about cropping, as we dive into the ABARES crop progress report, global balance sheets in grain and the factors that will impact the upcoming season.
Seeding Success at Tax Time - 9th June 2023
June 09, 2023 06:24 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBThis week, the Mecardo team is joined by John Gibson, Director of ProAdvice to discuss the upcoming end of the financial year. We discuss family farm finances including new changes to be aware of and other strategic planning opportunities growers can focus on.
Wool walking a fine line this winter - 2nd June 2023
June 02, 2023 06:37 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MBThis week Rob is joined by Mark Symes Southern Wool Manager at G. Schneider Australia to discuss the latest in the wool market. Mark talks us through the balance between demand and supply in the current market and where to next for accredited wool and the finer wool market in general.
El need to know - Weather update- 26th May 2023
May 26, 2023 07:24 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBWith an El Nino looming and mixed conditions around the country, we turn to the skies this week with Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions. Today's episode covers all things climate drivers, diving into what to expect from an El Nino this season, the implications for rainfall, temperature and frost patterns, as well as what might be in store beyond the current season. You can check out Eric's latest fortnightly weather forecast for Australia here, https:/...
Sticking to the biosecurity plan - 19th May 2023
May 19, 2023 06:08 - 19 minutes - 26.2 MBThis week Rob is joined by Scott Young, Livestock Council President of the Victorian Farmers Federation. Scott’s mandate is to improve the Biosecurity outcomes for all farmers, and he talks us through what VFF is doing behind the scenes to ensure Biosecurity plans can protect farmers from risks such as trespassing. Read more at https://www.vff.org.au/policy/animal-welfare-biosecurity/biosecurity/
Beef, Budgets and Biosecurity - 12th May 2023
May 12, 2023 05:26 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MBThis week Rob is joined by Luke Bowen, the Inaugural CEO of Cattle Australia. We discuss the takeaways for the cattle industry with this week’s budget release and upcoming opportunities for the cattle industry.
Regional livestock roundup - 5th May 2023
May 05, 2023 06:37 - 24 minutes - 34 MBThis week Rob reaches out across the country to the Nutrien Ag Solutions livestock team, to get the latest insight into what exactly is happening in lamb and cattle markets. Andrew Holt, senior livestock account manager, talks about conditions for cattle up North. Leon Giglia, Regional Livestock Lead, runs us through supply situations in WA and Ron Rutledge, South-East Livestock Development Manager discusses the latest developments in South-East Australia.
Leadership success along the supply chain - 28th April 2023
April 28, 2023 05:58 - 24 minutes - 33 MBThis week, Rob is joined by David Cornish, Director at the Centre of the Study of Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham. The agenda is all about the landscape for developing and fostering the next generation of leaders in Agriculture.
Key Market Updates Quarter 1 2023 - 21st April 2023
April 21, 2023 06:30 - 21 minutes - 29.1 MBThis week the Mecardo team, Olivia Agar, Robert Hermann, and Ethan Woolley discuss the key market updates for commodity markets in 2023. We cover US Beef exports, wool supply surpluses, the ups and downs of the mutton job, Sugar cane success, cotton concerns, and barley back in China.