Commodity Conversations
290 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 11 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
Unprecedented times or history repeating? - 25th March 2022
March 25, 2022 04:10 - 25 minutes - 18.7 MBPrices for most agricultural commodities (and inputs) have increased to record levels due to the trio of tight supply, stretched supply chains & the war in Ukraine. But are we really in unprecedented times? We’ve seen prices shoot up for commodities before, like during the GFC of 2008, but this time round, while some things are the same, there’s certainly a lot more factors at play & uncertainty in the global economic outlook. To help us untangle the current volatility in the market, we’ve g...
Russian roulette, volatility on the rise - 18th March 2022
March 18, 2022 06:29 - 20 minutes - 17 MBWith the Russian war on Ukraine dragging on, we’re taking a look at how this war is reverberating around the globe and in particular it’s flow-on effects on markets that are directly affected, such as the wheat & oilseeds, to the in-directly affected livestock & wool markets. Rob & Olivia are back in the drivers seat this week for our podcast.
Market wrap with Adrian & Dave - 11th March 2022
March 11, 2022 08:01 - 17 minutes - 13 MBThis week Adrian & Dave from Mecardo discuss the main movements in the wool, sheep, cattle & grains movements this week. As always, there's plenty happening for us to talk about - head to the website if you want to read the full analysis of each topic we've covered this week. Our thoughts are with all of the flood victims up north, we hope that the clean up efforts continue and the towns and communities recover.
Wheat sweats on New World order – 4th March 2022
March 04, 2022 07:05 - 17 minutes - 12.8 MBThe wheat market has been up and down like a yo-yo in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The two countries together provide more than a quarter of world wheat supply, so we asked our resident grain expert, Nick Booth from Next Level Grain Marketing, on to help us understand the seismic impact this terrible situation is having on global grain market dynamics.
Online is on trend – 25th February 2022
February 25, 2022 09:31 - 26 minutes - 20.5 MBOnline platform AuctionsPlus has gone from strength to strength in the past few years with more and more producers getting on board. AuctionsPlus is now arguably the nations largest livestock ‘selling centre’ which now not only provides cattle & sheep auctions, but auctions for everything from farm machinery, properties, goats, working dogs, cars, charity fundraisers and more. On this episode we’re fortunate to have AuctionsPlus’ chief economist Tim McRae on to give his perspective on why ...
Tipping the protein scales - 18th February 2022
February 18, 2022 05:28 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBLivestock prices have rarely been higher but what does the global protein supply and demand balance tell us about the outlook? Robert Herrmann and Simon Quilty presented on this topic at Gippsland Red Meat Conference recently and have joined us for this weeks episode to discuss the key factors.
The profitability playoffs: 2020/21 benchmarking review – 11th February, 2022
February 11, 2022 09:54 - 26 minutes - 20.5 MBThere were many price records broken last year and plenty of profits made in the process for some (despite the increasing cost of production and inputs). And although it’s easy to get distracted by the ‘hype’ around livestock markets, we’re lucky to have Sandy McEachern, Director of Aggregate Consulting, explain just which enterprises were the most successful, or profitable, in 2020/21, according to his latest benchmarking review.
Herd rebuild in the hands of the north, MLA cattle projections update - 4th February 2022
February 04, 2022 06:02 - 15 minutes - 11.6 MBThis week Rob & Olivia from Mecardo help tell the story behind some of the key figures in Meat & Livestock Australia’s latest cattle projections update along with the usual market overviews for grain, sheep & wool.
Global grains & oilseeds outlook – 28th January 2022
January 28, 2022 06:16 - 20 minutes - 15 MBMark Tully, senior grains analyst for Nutrien Canada, shares his perspective of how the Canadian grain & oilseed growers are going coming off the back of some of the worst droughts in Canadian history. We also dive into the geopolitical tensions in western Europe & discuss what impact escalation of conflict there could mean for grain & oilseed markets internationally. Finally, Mark gives us his outlook on the global supply & demand equation and key market drivers to watch out for in 2022.
Shear gas – beer, shearer wages & GHG emissions
January 21, 2022 05:53 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBWhat’s beer and gas got to do with livestock and wool? This week we go left of field with our resident wool guru Andrew Woods from ICS commodity services to take a broad look at greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture and revisit whether the beer purchasing power of shearers has improved in the last few years, some good conversations starters for your local pub.
Shear gas: beer, shearer wages & GHG emission - 21st January 2022
January 21, 2022 05:53 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBWhat’s beer and gas got to do with livestock and wool? This week we go left of field with our resident wool guru Andrew Woods from ICS commodity services to take a broad look at greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture and revisit whether the beer purchasing power of shearers has improved in the last few years, some good conversations starters for your local pub.
Weaners all round – Summer cattle update 14th January 2022
January 14, 2022 04:39 - 23 minutes - 17.4 MBRed hot weaner cattle sales are the talk of the market, so this week we chat with Andrew Hosken from Hosken stock and land about who's buying the cattle and which markets they are destined for. As always, Andrew has his finger on the pulse when it comes to the cattle markets in Australia, tune in to hear the conversation.
What does 2022 have in store for us? - 7th January 2022
January 07, 2022 04:33 - 42 minutes - 36.5 MBJoin us as David Cornish and Robert Herrmann recap 2021 and look at what 2022 may have in store. This episode was originally recorded on the Marcus Oldham AgTalk podcast on the 20th of December 2021. David is the Director of the Centre for the Study of Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham Agricultural College with over 30 years experience in Agricultural finance. In his spare time, he is involved in a family farming operation based at Casterton in Western Victoria. Take a look at the full list ...
Good signs for agriculture in 2022 - 22nd December 2021
December 22, 2021 01:25 - 34 minutes - 27 MBFor our final podcast of 2021 we have Michael Whitehead, head of agribusiness insights ANZ, on to discuss ANZ’s December Commodity Insights report. We hope you enjoy the episode and from the team at Mecardo we wish you have a safe and happy holidays and we’ll see you in 2022 for more episodes of Commodity Conversations.
Merino wool, a global perspective - 20th December 2021
December 19, 2021 23:50 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBFor the 2nd last podcast of 2021 we have Roberto Cardellino, director of DELTA consulting Uruguay on to discuss his latest report titled, 'The volume and diameter of merino wool in the main producing countries of the world'. Roberto shares his key findings from the report and also his outlook for merino wool production going forward.
Changing dynamics, the processors point of view – 10th December 2021
December 10, 2021 06:05 - 22 minutes - 16.5 MBLast time we caught up with Will Barton, Chief Executive Officer at Gundagai Meat Processors, he spoke about his concerns around labour shortages, particularly heading into the ‘normal’ spring flush of lambs. This week we find out how the spring supply has eventuated and also how demand is looking from the consumer side.
Mutton to worry about - lamb and sheep market update with Ron Rutledge - 3rd December 2021
December 03, 2021 07:14 - 15 minutes - 11.7 MBThis week Nutrien Ag Solutions Livestock Manager, Ron Rutledge, joins us to give the low down on which yards are starting to get hit with lambs in the south and how producers and processors coping with the late 'spring flush'. Ron also gives us an insight into the first big weaner sale of the summer 21/22 season and a taste of what's to come in this space.
November rain - Mecardo market update 26th November 2021
November 26, 2021 05:33 - 19 minutes - 15.2 MBThe east coast is soaked, and the timing has been poor for those trying to harvest winter crops. This week Olivia and Rob from Mecardo take a look what implications the continued wet will have on the grains market.
Navigating the seasons & keeping lambs alive - 19th Novemeber 2021
November 19, 2021 09:32 - 24 minutes - 17.5 MBSubdued lamb growth rates have been a major factor in the flow of lambs to market this season. This week, Jason Trompf, consultant and leader in the field of lamb survival, joins us to talk about why lamb growth has been slow this year, pasture management and keeping lambs alive.
Contradictory factors push & pull wool - 12th Novemeber 2021
November 12, 2021 05:25 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBSwings in wool supply have a large impact on price, and any price premiums, but the market is also balancing a number of demand influencing factors from overseas. This week resident wool analyst, Andrew Woods from Independent Commodity Services joins Robert Herrmann to discuss these price drivers. The supply chain also has some big questions about wool quality schemes and supply, which we shed some light on in this episode, comparing Australia to South Africa. Responsible Wool Standards, ot...
Strike while the irons hot- 5th Novemeber 2021
November 05, 2021 06:45 - 18 minutes - 13.6 MBAs the state borders open up, we knew there would be one person to count on to see what’s happening in the saleyards and paddocks from south to north, east to west. In a red hot market, this week Andrew Hosken, from Hosken Stock and Land, joined us to discuss how producers have been able to take advantage of the extraordinary prices of late across the cattle market.
Lamb supply snakes & ladders - 29th October 2021
October 29, 2021 03:30 - 16 minutes - 13.2 MBThis week Nutrien Ag Solutions Livestock Manager, Ron Rutledge, gives us the low down on what's happening in local lamb and sheep markets, as the '8 million residents' are 'released' in Melbourne and Sydney and the restaurant trade returns, will supply meet demand?
A great time for a big crop - 22nd October 2021
October 22, 2021 07:27 - 19 minutes - 15.1 MBThis week our resident analyst Nick Booth from Next Level Grain Marketing on to fill us in on what's happening in his local patch, the Eyre Peninsular, but also what's happening in the international grains markets. As Australia looks set for another record/near record wheat crop and is still relatively cheap internationally, they're should be no shortage of demand in the foreseeable future.
Preparing the next generation of Ag - 15th October 2021
October 15, 2021 05:45 - 24 minutes - 17.3 MBThis week we got the chance to chat with current Director of Studies and soon to be Principal of Marcus Oldham College (2022), Andrew Baker. We asked Andrew how the current demand is in the Agricultural sector for new Ag graduates and what skillsets are employee's looking for in new graduates and where the varied fields they can end up working in.
Fibres, fashion and the fate of wool - 8th October 2021
October 08, 2021 07:10 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBThe recovery in apparel fibres over the past year looks to be a solid one and this week Andrew Woods, Mecardo analyst and Director of Independent Commodity Services, joins us to talk about what this all means for wool. We also break down the wool complex to discuss what is driving prices for fine, superfine, medium Merino and crossbred wool.
Good weather for wethers - 1st October 2021
October 01, 2021 05:16 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBSoaking spring rain has moved from the outlook to the paddock in areas, and with the weather warming up, feed is going to be abundant. It’s that time of year when NSW Merino wether lambs start to hit the market, and so it’s time Mecardo analyst Angus Brown joins us to share how the trade is shaping up this year and to discuss the underlying lamb demand outlook.
Rain, hail or shine - Long term weather outlook with Eric Snodgrass - 25th September 2021
September 25, 2021 05:49 - 23 minutes - 18.5 MBIn Australia we are coming into the critical finishing period of many crops so this week we were lucky to be joined by Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien, to find out what the weather outlook is for the west and east of Australia, whether there is much risk of frosts and how weather events around the globe are influencing our markets.
Kurra Wirra & Mecardo - a look back & forward - 18th September 2021
September 18, 2021 00:55 - 23 minutes - 17.2 MBAgriculture is built on relationships, and for our 150th episode we’re joined by one of Mecardo’s longest partners – Kurra Wirra stud. Anthony Close is the 3rd generation of farm management at Kurra Wirra and shares how they've responded to market changes, found new opportunities, and adopted new tools, innovations and data into their business.
What‘s the beef with Brazil? - 10th September 2021
September 10, 2021 06:04 - 15 minutes - 12.4 MBThis week on Commodity Conversations we have Adrian Ladaniwskyj and Robert Herrmann on from Mecardo to discuss the big news coming out of Brazil this week as well as take a closer look into our local sheep and cattle markets and how they are performing.
Have we hit peak agriculture? - 3rd September 2021
September 03, 2021 07:41 - 24 minutes - 19.5 MBThere’s a long road ahead to a $100bn agriculture sector and expanding acreage isn’t going to get us there. Michael Whitehead, head of agribusiness insights at ANZ, has been researching these trends and joins us today to chat about how we will get closer to the target, what this might look like at a farm level and some of the long term trends and adaptions in cotton and sugar sectors.
PTIC Plus – An Australian First? 27th August 2021
August 27, 2021 05:46 - 18 minutes - 13.3 MBThis week on Commodity Conversations we had Ken Miall, Livestock Manager from Nutrien Wagga Wagga on to tell us about what is possibly an Australian, if not worldwide first in cattle sales. For the first time, that we know of, PTIC’s were sold, with knowledge of the sex of their foetus/s, via the AuctionsPlus online market place. Join us to hear how this came about and what the results were, with Ken and Robert Herrmann, Managing Director of Mecardo.
From Pooginook to Paris, Wool connections with Mark Symes - 21st August 2021
August 20, 2021 23:35 - 23 minutes - 17.1 MBThis week Rob had a chat with Mark Symes, Southern wool manager at G.Schneider Australia, about how the wool markets have fared post the recent 3 week recess. Mark also shares some insights into the inspiration behind the "Wool Connect" community initiative, which the Schneider Group started last year, and what to expect at this years upcoming online conference scheduled for September 7th -9th.
The download on digital stock sales - 13th August 2021
August 13, 2021 07:03 - 21 minutes - 17 MBOnline livestock auctions have seen incredible growth and this week we welcomed Tim McRae, Chief Economist at AuctionsPlus, back to Commodity Conversations to talk through the underlying trends. Rob & Tim cover what drove the lift in volumes online, ewe throughput and breed trends and the flow of stock between regions.
Big beef abroad - 6th August 2021
August 06, 2021 05:43 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBWith a season of extremely low cattle slaughter and exports, the door has been opened for other exporters to move in on Australia's market share. South America is one of the competitors we are keeping a close eye on and this week Álvaro Pereira from the National Meat Institute (INAC) in Uruguay shares his insights into developments in Uruguayan beef production and markets.
Who will chop the spring lambs? - 30th July 2021
July 30, 2021 04:35 - 19 minutes - 14.2 MBWith a new season lamb supply not far on the horizon, we had Will Barton from Gundagai Meat Processors on to talk us through some of the challenges and opportunities in the months to come. We also got a unique insight into some of the innovative technologies they are incorporating into their day to day operations.
Cashmore 'Nudies' - 23rd July 2021
July 24, 2021 04:45 - 17 minutes - 13.2 MBHeard of 'nudie' sheep before? This week we have John Keiller from Cashmore Park on to Chat with Rob Herrmann about some of the history of Cashmore Park and the interesting breeding programs they have implemented there. John discusses some of the challenges and opportunities unique to their environment and how they have adapted.
Market update - 17th July 2021
July 16, 2021 22:56 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBWith plenty of rain continuing to soak most of the country and more to come on the horizon, will the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator nudge over the 1000 cent mark? This week we have the full team, Adrian Ladaniwskyj, Robert Herrmann and Olivia Agar, to discuss the EYCI's continued rise upward, droughts in Canada and what it means for Australian grain growers and finally a look at how far the wool market has come since this time last year as it moves into a three week recess.
Market recap - 9th July 2021
July 10, 2021 05:20 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBMarket recap with Olivia Agar and Adrian Ladaniwskj from Mecardo. This week the team discuss what’s driving the cattle market on its continued record-breaking streak and what the outlook is for the near-term future for cattle and commodities in general in Australia. Sheep prices have continued to do well also so the team looks a bit closer behind the numbers there with a brief finish up look at the wool market.
On the land in Central Queensland - 2nd July 2021
July 02, 2021 07:46 - 20 minutes - 14.6 MBQueensland's pastoral grazing zone is the backdrop to this weeks episode, where we're joined by Gordon Begg from Westfield Station near Longreach. Robert Herrmann caught up with Gordon to chat about their operation, the country and some of the challenges of running cattle, sheep and goats on their land.
All eyes on The Americas, a global crop update with Nick Booth – 25th June 2021
June 25, 2021 05:31 - 19 minutes - 14.6 MBCorn, soybeans, canola and wheat are under the spotlight this week as the world watches the weather and crop conditions in the northern hemisphere. Hear more about what’s happening in that region and the rest of the world with our resident Grain analyst, Nick Booth, and Mecardo’s Olivia Agar.
Whiskey, Stilton, Bentleys and lawyers - June 18th 2021
June 19, 2021 04:56 - 25 minutes - 18.9 MBThe newly announced Free Trade Agreement between the UK and Australia is nothing but good news for Australian farmers, and for those that like a nice UK scotch. With a lot of hype surrounding the new deal, we’re joined this week by David Cornish, Director of Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham Ag College, to chat about what the likely impact is for our trade and markets.
More records broken - 11th June 2021
June 11, 2021 05:41 - 9 minutes - 7.26 MBMore records broken - 11th June 2021 On Commodity Conversations you'll hear about what records have been broken again - it feels like we have been saying this a lot at Mecardo, but agricultural commodities keep going from strength to strength at the moment, in the middle of a world wide pandemic which is hard to believe. This week we have the full team from Mecardo giving you a breakdown of key movements in the markets this week.
A South American special - June 6th 2021
June 05, 2021 03:00 - 26 minutes - 20.4 MBThis week on Mecardo we travel to South America to hear from Director of Delta Agri Consultants, Uruguay, Roberto Cardellino, on the cattle situation in Argentina, after their government's recent 30 day beef export ban was implemented. Roberto chat's with our Roberto, Mecardo's Managing Director, Robert Herrmann, to help understand the possible reasons for and impacts of the ban, as well as give an overview of the main challenges of being a livestock/grains producer in Argentina today and S...
What’s keeping livestock producers up at night? - 28th May 2021
May 28, 2021 06:57 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBHow confident are livestock producers in their financial future? This is one of the questions asked by AuctionsPlus in a survey on the challenges and opportunities faced by producers in Australia. This week Tim Mcrae, Chief economist at AuctionsPlus, joined Olivia Agar to chat about what they learnt from the research.
What to expect from the herd rebuild - 21st May 2021
May 21, 2021 06:12 - 12 minutes - 8.81 MBThis week we delve further into MLA's latest cattle projections update with Mecardo's managing director Robert Herrmann and our resident livestock analyst, Angus Brown. The two discuss the details of MLA's latest updates and what this could mean for the pace of the herd rebuild as well as price expectations going forward.
An MLA cattle projections update with Stephen Bignell - 14th May 2021
May 14, 2021 06:51 - 14 minutes - 6.71 MBThis week on the podcast we had Stephen Bignell, Manager of Market Information at MLA, to unpack MLA's latest cattle industry projections update. Could we be seeing a reverse of the big decline in recent years in terms of the aussie cattle herd size? Tune in to hear Stephen chat with Manager of Business Development at Mecardo, Olivia Agar, about the key points in MLA's recent update.
To hedge or not to hedge - 7th May 2021
May 07, 2021 06:16 - 17 minutes - 7.65 MBCanola prices are at extraordinary levels, with the whole oilseed market booming on tight supply and very strong demand. This week on commodity conversations our senior analyst Adrian Ladaniwskyj chats with Mecardo's managing director Robert Herrmann about the strong rises this year in oilseed prices. The two discuss ways in which producers can capitalise on strong prices through hedging strategies while at the same time minimising risk.
Rural land prices special + Market recap - 30th April 2021
April 30, 2021 07:22 - 14 minutes - 7.4 MBThis week on the podcast we have managing director of Mecardo, Robert Herrmann, and Manager of Business Development at Mecardo, Olivia Agar, on to chat about the recent increases in agricultural land prices and whose behind the buying, as well as a brief recap of the latest key moves and trends in the sheep, wool and cattle markets.
Market recap - 23rd April 2021
April 25, 2021 00:10 - 17 minutes - 11.1 MBThis week on the podcast we have managing director of Mecardo, Robert Herrmann, and Manager of Business Development at Mecardo, Olivia Agar, on to chat about the latest key moves and trends in the sheep, grain, wool and cattle markets. We hope you enjoy the episode.
The cattle conundrum - 16th April 2021
April 16, 2021 07:44 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBRecords are there to be broken, and restockers are doing a good job of pushing young cattle prices into the record books again and again. But how can producers make the most of these extraordinary prices? Ron Rutledge, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Livestock Development Manager joins Robert Herrmann to chat about what producers should be considering in the current market and how supply chains are managing the tight supply environment.