UPDATE: Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors are on track for a historic surge, with production values expected to exceed $100 billion this financial year. The federal government’s commodities forecaster has confirmed that rising livestock prices are the primary driver behind this remarkable growth.
As of September 2025, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource and Economics and Sciences released a compelling commodities report, revealing that the overall agriculture sector’s production value is forecasted at $94.7 billion, marking an unprecedented achievement. This surge is largely attributed to skyrocketing livestock and livestock product values, anticipated to rise by $1.1 billion this year alone.
Jared Greenville, the bureau’s executive director, emphasized the impact of robust global demand, stating, “We’ve seen high prices lately for both livestock and animal products, like beef, lamb, and milk.” The value of livestock production is projected to reach an astonishing $41.6 billion, bolstered by increased consumer interest and re-stocker activity.
However, the report also highlights concerning trends in crop production. Despite the overall growth, crop values are expected to decline year-on-year due to adverse conditions in regions like South Australia and Victoria, which experienced significant rainfall in July. The slow start to the winter cropping season in New South Wales has raised alarms about soil moisture levels, potentially impacting yields.
Amid these challenges, Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, praised the resilience of Australian farmers. “The continued growth in our agriculture sector is good for our farmers, regional economies, and trade relationships,” she stated. “This record forecast reflects the increased demand for our world-class products and the collaborative efforts between the government and industry.”
Looking ahead, the agriculture sector is poised for a $685 million increase in gross production for the financial year, with significant contributions from livestock. Lamb and sheep slaughter is projected to rise by $500 million, while milk and cattle sectors are set to gain $400 million and $200 million respectively.
Despite the optimistic outlook for livestock, the agriculture community remains cautious about crop production. The report indicates that while the forecast value would still be the third highest on record, the decline in crop production value is an area of concern. The industry is urged to remain vigilant as seasonal conditions evolve.
As Australia gears up for this record-breaking year in agriculture, the combined efforts of farmers and government officials are crucial in navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by a dynamic global market. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops!
