THE MALLEE’S FARMING NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2026 Farmers left high and dry Page 6
Parties on notice Page 8
Hall of Fame induction Page 11
FRESH PERSPECTIVE A century-old Mallee farm is finding new momentum thanks to Melinda Hinkson (pictured), whose fresh eyes and willingness to learn are reshaping life on the land. Her work on-farm and in regional policy circles is helping drive vital conversations about resilience, water and the future of rural communities. STORY - PAGE 12-13
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Virtual fencing revolution By Sam James ALONG with hands-free herding, a cattle collar is enabling farmers to maximise their properties’ grazing potential through herd and pasture monitoring and management. Agricultural technology brand Halter has designed a virtual fencing and pasture management platform in the form of a 1.4kg solar powered smart collar and an app, suited to both beef and dairy cattle herds. Farmers are able to create virtual fences, remotely move cattle and manage grazing from their phone. “Virtual fencing is the core of what we do, and that drives insights in pasture production and management, brings those insights together in our system to give data on pasture growth, ground covers, forage estimates and residuals,” Halter head of southern states Hamish Irvine said. “There are big benefits in terms of infrastructure costs and labour, but the impacts are even greater, allowing producers to intensively graze livestock, utilise and grow more pasture, and reduce supplemental feed.” “The labour benefits allow for more high-value activities on farm, minimising time spent on lowimpact activities standing behind cows or always having to check on cattle, allowing producers to execute stock management decisions quickly and virtually.” Since launching the system in 2022, participating farms have seen improvements in dairy and beef herd outcomes, and less strain on bottom lines, without changing the fundamentals of farming. “Dairy farmers have seen an increase in stocking rates and milk solids, and decreases in the costs of supplemental feeds, labour, and fuel and machinery servicing costs, which flows through to the bottom line,” Mr Irvine said. “Beef farmers have seen an increase in stocking rates, being able to manage more cattle per hectare, an increase in weening rates and betterment on reproduction. “Owner/operators have better oversight of
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Halter received a permit to deploy virtual fencing in Victoria in February this year. PICTURE: Supplied
decision making, while being able to get off farm to live their life more, watch the kids play footy or dance, which can make a huge difference to what family is in rural communities. “The fundamentals haven’t changed too much, Halter is just increasing the ability to intensively and selectively graze, to utilise the available grass in smaller patches for a shorter period of time, get the herd off, backfence, and give the pasture more time to recover and regrow. “By allowing each small patch of pasture to recover, and grow more as a result.” After a 10-day herd training period, where they learn the three cues in relation to a physical fence that is gradually distanced, the Halter operating system has three components. The fencing and herding system is the fundamental platform, which enforces fences through a speaker on each side of the collar and a positive vibration to direct the animal, and
a localised low-energy pulse if those cues are ignored. “As they train more and more over the 10-day period, we move the physical fence out until it is no longer present, so that when animals see the fence, we train them to hear the fence,” Mr Irvine said. “Around 78 to 80 per cent of cattle never interact with the fence, and very few test the low-energy pulse over time.” Through the same platform, insights from the collars are gathered and recorded on grazing, ruminating, moving, weather and more, and translates that to how much pasture each cow will need, and forecasting how much feed will be required on farm, to allow farmers to more informed decisions for pasture and supplementary feed. The collar also tracks and reports on animal behavioural models, including heat and health of
Fences can be drawn and moved through the app, which will signal the collars to herd cattle.
each cow, and has an in-built health alerts system for when a cow is sick or has not been moving, as well as being able to detect when a cow is on heat or calving. “Our mission is to make an impact on global agriculture, global landmass, and habitable landmass,” Mr Irvine said. “If we can continue to take feedback from farmers on where they are seeing challenges, what they are seeing improve, that’s where we see the benefit. “Halter will never be finished, we will always take more insight and feedback from our farmers to improve cattle management.”
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
October 2026 | 3
Victoria bucks national harvest downturn By Peter Bannan VICTORIAN grain growers are on track for one of their biggest harvests in recent years, bucking a national downturn in winter crop production. The state’s harvest is forecast to reach 11.21 million tonnes, up 11.2 per cent on last season, with strong yields putting Victoria among the nation’s standout performers. Rabobank’s 2026/27 Australian Winter Crop Forecast, released on Tuesday, predicted national production would reach 62.9 million tonnes. While down 7.9 per cent on last year’s bumper harvest, the second-largest on record, production would remain 2.6 per cent above the five-year average. RaboResearch senior grains and oilseeds analyst Vitor Pistoia said contrasting seasonal conditions had created a significant divide between cropping regions. “Production is more concentrated in southern and western regions of the country this year,” Mr Pistoia said. “Below-average rainfall across the northern east coast is expected to reduce output in Queensland and New South Wales. “By contrast though, favourable moisture levels and strong yields are supporting production increases in South Australia and Victoria.” Mr Pistoia described Victoria’s outlook as a “top tier” crop, potentially ranking alongside the state’s largest recent harvests. South Australia was also enjoying an exceptional season, with production forecast to jump 43.7 per cent to a record 12.44 million tonnes. The state benefited from its largest planted area on record, favourable rainfall, strong subsoil moisture and limited frost damage. Across the border, NSW production was forecast to fall 26.3 per cent to 13.52 million tonnes, although good growing-season rainfall had supported crops across the eastern Riverina and Murray regions. Queensland faced the steepest decline, with
RaboResearch senior grains and oilseeds analyst Vitor Pistoia said contrasting seasonal conditions had created a significant divide between cropping regions. Picture: Supplied
production expected to plunge 47.6 per cent to 2.03 million tonnes following poor rainfall. Western Australia’s harvest was forecast to fall 13.3 per cent to 23.73 million tonnes, although this remained above historical averages.
Wheat production falls NATIONAL wheat production was forecast to decline 13.3 per cent to 31 million tonnes, sitting 9.7 per cent below the five-year average. Lower production in Queensland, NSW and WA would be partly offset by strong Victorian and South Australian crops. Despite reduced volumes, wheat prices were receiving support from Black Sea shipping disruptions and potential El Niño impacts. “The global wheat market is moving into 2027 with adequate supply, but reliable export availability is becoming a price driver,” Mr Pistoia said.
Disruptions to Black Sea ports had increased shipping costs, improving Australia’s freight advantage into Asian markets. Mr Pistoia said further El Niño impacts could encourage grain movements from WA and SA into eastern livestock markets, similar to conditions between 2018 and 2020. “This points to a potentially stronger eastern Australian wheat basis in 2027,” he said.
Barley and canola outlook AUSTRALIAN barley production was forecast to reach 16.5 million tonnes, down 1.2 per cent but still the nation’s second-largest crop on record. Abundant supplies could pressure harvest prices before exports supported a recovery early next year. Higher US corn prices, lower European cereal production and shipping disruptions were
improving barley’s international competitiveness. Canola was the standout performer, with production forecast to rise 5.3 per cent to a record 8.1 million tonnes. WA was expected to produce 59 per cent of the national crop, supported by a 41 per cent increase in planted area. Strong global oilseed consumption and growing biofuel demand were expected to support prices. Meanwhile, pulse production was forecast to fall 12.9 per cent to 5.5 million tonnes, although this remained 25.3 per cent above the five-year average. Ample global supplies were limiting pulse prices, while tighter chickpea production supported premiums. Despite generally firmer grain prices, Rabobank warned high fertiliser, diesel, agrichemical and freight costs continued to squeeze grower margins.
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THE MALLEE’S FARMING NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED monthly in The Guardian (Swan Hill), Sunraysia Daily (Mildura) and Gannawarra Times (Kerang/Cohuna) ___
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Over the past year, rice production in Australia has fallen by an estimated 66 per cent to 178,000 tonnes.
By Lara Prust RICE farmers are being left high and dry this year due to water scarcity in the region. A dramatic fall in Australian rice production has resulted in mass layoffs across Victoria and New South Wales, with critical impacts on the industry. According to Moulamein farmer China Gibson, many farmers in the area rely on rice profits. “There are a lot of dedicated rice growers in the region, and they’re all feeling it,” he said. “Sunrice in Deniliquin had to lay off over 70 workers, and their processing mill has gone from 24/7 production down to eight hour shifts, five days a week.” “It’s not a good situation.” Over the past year, rice production in Australia has fallen by an estimated 66 per cent to 178,000 tonnes as reported in the Australian Crop Report. According to the report, this is the smallest harvest since the 2020 drought.
The overall area planted to rice is also estimated to have fallen by 63 per cent, “reflecting lower availability of irrigation water”. Mr Gibson said the Australian rice industry could not thrive under these conditions. “We need rice and it’s great for the district, but you need a lot of water to grow it,” he said. “Right now, the price of water is too high, and it’s almost what you would make from the rice itself.” He said water allocation has dropped significantly in the past year. The high security water allocation in the NSW Murray now lies at 22 per cent, having dropped from the 110 per cent which was held for four consecutive years between 2021 and 2025. “Water is my life,” Mr Gibson said. “We need more water allocation up here, and it’s all going to South Australia now thanks to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.” He said that he was concerned for the NSW and Victorian Farmers who were experiencing a spike
in water prices and a decrease in the resource’s availability. Mr Gibson said the Murray-Darling Basin Plan’s recent Restoring Our Rivers Act had left established rice farmers in the region with an unexpected change in conditions and production constraints which could worsen due to severe weather predictions. “We’re still waiting on El Nino, and we don’t want the water allocation to reach zero like it did during the millennium drought, or we’ll be in trouble again,” he warned. The 2026 Basin Plan Review, managed by the MDBA, is currently in its final phase, following public consultation and discussions around climate adaptation, sustainable water limits, First Nations engagement and regulatory simplification. The final report will be released in late 2026 and will outline recommendations to governments on how to improve Basin water management.
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October 2026 | 7
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Farmers put parties on notice VFF president Ryan Milgate said farmers had built one of the world’s most productive food and fibre industries but were increasingly being held back by government decisions. PICTURE: File
By Peter Bannan VICTORIAN farmers have put political parties on notice ahead of November’s state election, demanding billions for regional roads, an end to controversial taxes and stronger protections for farmland and water. The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has unveiled a five-point election platform, calling on every party and candidate to commit to 15 measures aimed at cutting costs, boosting agricultural production and revitalising regional Victoria. Titled Back Victorian Farmers, the plan called for an additional $2 billion to repair deteriorating regional roads over four years, the permanent abolition of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund and a major rethink of controversial renewable energy transmission projects. It also demanded stronger protections against federal water buybacks, tougher rural crime penalties and better access to housing, healthcare and childcare. VFF president Ryan Milgate said farmers had built one of the world’s most productive food and fibre industries but were increasingly being held back by government decisions. “Victorian farmers have spent generations building one of the most productive food and fibre economies in the world,” Mr Milgate said. “Through the good years and the bad, we have seen what our sector can achieve when it is given the right conditions.” He said unnecessary bureaucracy, contradictory regulations and rising costs were undermining the industry’s potential. “Far too often we are held back by needless bureaucracy, contradictory rules, rising costs and decisions made by governments without any real understanding of life at the farm gate. “This election is a chance to change that.” The VFF’s first priority was removing what it described as unfair taxes and regulations. Alongside scrapping the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund, it wanted a commitment to no new taxes targeting farmers or farmland and a dedicated agricultural red tape reduction plan. The organisation argued farmers were already paying income tax, GST and council rates, often without receiving the same level of services available in metropolitan areas. Regional infrastructure was another major focus, with the VFF warning years of underinvestment had left roads, rail corridors and freight routes struggling to meet the demands of modern agriculture. It called for an additional $2 billion in roads funding, annual publication of road condition data and a transparent strategy to clear the maintenance backlog. A dedicated Victorian Agricultural Freight Strategy covering roads, rail and ports was also proposed.
The federation said deteriorating infrastructure was forcing farmers to endure longer journeys, vehicle damage and higher transport costs. Protecting productive agricultural land and securing water supplies formed the third priority. The VFF wanted a Land Use and Food Security Commissioner appointed to monitor farmland losses, alongside mandatory agricultural impact assessments for major developments. It also called for the controversial VNI West and Western Renewables Link transmission projects to be taken back to the drawing board. The federation argued farming communities had been given too little say over the projects and warned productive agricultural land was being lost to urban expansion and poorly planned developments. Water security was equally critical, with the organisation demanding delivery of the Western Victoria water security and pipeline strategy. It also wanted the next Victorian government to continue opposing federal water buybacks, which it argued threatened irrigation-dependent agricultural production. The VFF’s fourth priority focused on defending farms against biosecurity threats, pests and landuse conflicts. It sought an expanded regional truck wash network to reduce disease transmission, stronger wild dog and vertebrate pest control across public and private land, and new Right to Farm laws
protecting legitimate commercial agricultural operations. The organisation warned a major disease outbreak, such as foot-and-mouth disease, could devastate export markets and cause lasting economic damage. Its final priority centred on supporting regional communities and attracting the next generation of agricultural workers. The federation called for expanded agricultural training through regional TAFEs, industry-led career pathways and improved access to essential services. It also demanded tougher penalties for rural crime, unlawful farm trespass and biosecurity breaches. The VFF warned workforce shortages and limited access to housing, healthcare and childcare were making it increasingly difficult for young people and farming families to remain in regional communities. The platform highlighted the industry’s enormous contribution to Victoria’s economy. Despite occupying just three per cent of Australia’s agricultural land, Victorian farmers produce almost a quarter of the nation’s agricultural output by value. Victoria’s food and fibre exports reached $22.1 billion in 2024-25, the highest of any Australian state, following four consecutive years of export growth.
The industry supports 153,840 jobs across farming and food manufacturing, with more than half in food and beverage manufacturing. Food and fibre accounts for about 60 per cent of Victoria’s overseas exports. The state produces 63 per cent of Australia’s milk, 40 per cent of its vegetables and 20 per cent of its wheat crop, while holding 28 per cent of the national beef cattle herd. China remained Victoria’s largest food and fibre export market, worth $4.8 billion in 2023-24, followed by the United States at $2.1 billion and Japan at $1.9 billion. New Zealand and Indonesia each accounted for $1 billion. Meat exports were worth $5.7 billion, followed by grain at $4.9 billion, dairy at $2.5 billion, animal fibre at $2.1 billion and horticulture at $1.5 billion. Mr Milgate said agriculture had the potential to deliver even greater economic benefits if governments removed unnecessary barriers. “Farmers are problem-solvers by nature,” he said. “Give us the right settings, get the barriers out of the way, and we will deliver a stronger, more productive Victoria for generations to come.” The VFF said it would assess the major political parties against all 15 commitments and publish an election scorecard before polling day, allowing voters to see where each party stood on agricultural issues.
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Stray livestock rail warning and disruptions to passengers’ journeys. “Every train withdrawn from service for repairs presents a significant cost to the taxpayer and V/ Line often has to call in replacement coaches to transport passengers.” The warning came as warmer months approached, when livestock could wander from properties in search of food. In 2025, V/Line recorded 61 livestock strike incidents across its network, involving 53 sheep, two cattle, five pigs and one goat. Almost 5000 strikes involving animals, including livestock, were reported across the network between January 2023 and June this year. There were 1409 strikes in 2023, rising to 1881 in 2024 before falling to 1099 last year. Another 532 strikes were recorded between January and June this year, taking the total since
the beginning of 2023 to 4921. The figures included collisions with wildlife such as kangaroos as well as livestock. About 25 per cent of trains that required washing after an animal strike had been struck by livestock, with kangaroos and other wildlife accounting for the remainder. Mr Tieppo said livestock strikes also had a direct impact on passengers. When livestock were struck, about one train a day was taken off the network to be washed at V/ Line’s train maintenance facilities. Taking a train out of service resulted in the loss of about 440 passenger seats while it was unavailable. V/Line urged property owners near railway reserves and tracks to keep fences secure and prevent livestock from straying onto the rail corridor.
CEO resigns
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel has called time at the organisaton. Picture: File
V/Line recorded 14 incidents involving trains striking livestock in the first six months of 2026. Picture: File
FARMERS and landowners have been urged to secure livestock near railway corridors as V/Line warned animal strikes are putting livestock, trains and passenger services at risk. V/Line recorded 14 incidents involving trains striking livestock in the first six months of 2026, with individual incidents potentially involving multiple sheep, cattle or goats. Chief executive Will Tieppo encouraged farmers and landowners to regularly inspect fences, closely monitor their animals and remain aware of trains travelling through their area. “Animal strikes are a concern across the V/Line network, with cattle, sheep, horses and other livestock in danger of being hit by a train when they wander away from properties looking for food,” Mr Tieppo said. “Not only are these incidents a significant loss to owners, they can also cause damage to trains
GRAINGROWERS chief executive Shona Gawel will step down before Christmas, with recruitment for her successor already under way. The organisation confirmed Ms Gawel had resigned, bringing an end to her leadership of the national grains industry body. GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton praised her contribution to Australian grain farmers, particularly during a challenging 2026. “Shona’s passion for GrainGrowers and our industry has ensured Australia’s grain farmers have benefited from outstanding advocacy, which has guaranteed action and results on the challenges facing growers in uncertain times,” Mr Turton said. He said Ms Gawel had strengthened the reach and diversity of the organisation’s capacitybuilding programs while investing in industry leadership initiatives to help address emerging risks. Among her achievements was the introduction of a new membership category for State Farming Organisations, confirmed at Wednesday’s annual general meeting. Mr Turton said the change reflected her commitment to improving the organisation for its members. “Shona has built a great team within GrainGrowers and nurtured a positive culture,” he said. “She leaves the organisation in a strong, well respected and impactful position. “She has been a great leader of our organisation and ambassador for the grains sector. “While Shona will be sorely missed, we wish her all the best in her new role.” Ms Gawel thanked the organisation’s board, members and staff for their support. “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as CEO of GrainGrowers,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the support of our board and our wonderful members across the country.” She also acknowledged the dedication and expertise of staff who had helped the organisation achieve its goals.
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
October 2026 | 11
Almond Hall of Fame induction By Almonds Australia chief executive Tim Jackson
Merbein’s Neale Bennett has been inducted into the Australian Almond Industry’s Hall of Fame during the 2026 Australian Almond Conference held in Adelaide from 13-15 October. As a grower, industry representative and business owner, he has helped strengthen both the community around almond production and the services growers rely on. The Bennett family’s connection with horticulture in the Merbein district stretches back to the early 1920s. Neale became the third generation on the family farm, following his grandfather, WG ‘Bill’ Bennett, and his father, Harold. Each generation brought fresh ideas to the property, but it was Neale who encouraged the family to make the move into almonds. In 1992, the Bennetts planted their first 3.5 acres of almond trees on the family’s 40-acre property near Merbein, Victoria. At the time, the Australian almond sector was still regarded as a cottage industry. What began as a modest trial developed into the cornerstone of the family’s farming future, with almond production eventually expanding across the property. Neale has often described the decision as the best move he ever made.
Neale’s contribution reached well beyond his own orchard. His formal industry service began with two years on the Australian Almond Growers Association (AAGA) Board, prior to the formation of the Almond Board of Australia (ABA). Combined, his service to the AAGA and ABA represents almost 26 years of board-level commitment to the Australian almond industry. He served as ABA chairman from 2013 to 2019, which remains the longest tenure in the position. Over the years Neale has also chaired a number of ABA sub-committees which are used to identify and prioritise potential research projects. His long service reflected an exceptional commitment to the industry’s collective progress and provided continuity through a period of significant growth and development. Together with his wife Deb, Neale founded Cowanna Almond Harvesting Sales, Parts and Service in 2006. Establishing the business required substantial personal investment, but it addressed a critical industry need. Cowanna supplies parts and service for imported harvest equipment, helping growers access support that had previously been difficult to obtain in Australia. Before this service was available, many growers needed to maintain their own parts inventories, making equipment maintenance both challenging and costly. Cowanna now features a team of more than
30 people supporting various nut industries, while Neale has continued to share his extensive practical knowledge with growers who seek his advice. Neale has also been a strong advocate for innovation and sustainability through his involvement in Whole Orchard Recycling. Inspired by research he encountered in California, he established a 2.6-hectare trial at his Merbein property to evaluate recycling old orchard trees back into the soil during orchard redevelopment - believed to be the first scientific trial of its kind conducted in Australia. Undertaken with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and supported through Hort Innovation, the project aimed to examine soil moisture, soil respiration, organic carbon and overall soil fertility. As Neale has put it, “there is no doubt that we have an obligation to grow as sustainably as possible,” adding that the Australian almond industry “has a great record for embracing change and innovation.” He has openly shared the trial’s successes and challenges with growers, helping advance industry understanding of orchard redevelopment practices. Using his trademark personable nature and extensive industry knowledge, Neale has consistently invested his time, expertise and resources for the benefit of others. His generosity, integrity and vision have helped foster the enduring legacy of collaboration that has become synonymous with the Australian almond industry.
Debbie and Neale Bennett established Cowanna Almond Harvesting Sales, Parts and Service in 2006 to provide servicing and parts for imported harvesting equipment.
The second person inducted into the Hall of Fame at the conference was South Australian Don Costa who helped shape almond hulling and shelling in Australia. While an outstanding service award was presented to Trevor Sluggett for more than 30 years work as a soils and irrigation agronomist.
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Willing hands and a fresh perspective After three years working a dryland farm in Werrimull, alongside her partner Ian Arney, Melinda Hinkson does not pretend to have all the answers. By Matt Elliott WHAT she does have is a pair of willing hands and a fresh perspective that Mr Arney says has “changed his attitude” towards farming. The Arney family recently celebrated 100 years on their property, and like most Mallee dryland operations, many of those years have been a hard slog. “Farming can be tough,” Mr Arney said. “It’s seven days a week with constant spot fires to put out. Having someone by your side, who also takes an interest in the farm, is incredible.” Thursday, 15 October was the International Day of Rural Women, with this year’s celebration choosing the theme of building resilience for the future, so it is fitting that a woman who spent much of her life in the city is now taking an active leadership role throughout Millewa and Sunraysia. In addition to her life on the farm, Dr Hinkson serves as a director and researcher for the Institute for Future Cooperation, a group seeking practical solutions to the economic and climate challenges facing rural communities. This work includes the public conversation series Talking Big, hosted by La Trobe University Mildura and presented by Creative Sunraysia at the Brian Grogan Lecture Theatre from 7pm on Wednesday, 21 October. This month’s topic focuses on water, featuring a panel discussion titled “Water: To sell or not to sell?” with Wentworth Shire mayor Daniel Linklater, retired dried fruit grower Bill McClumpha, and RuralCo Water director Phil Grahame. At the helm as moderator will be Dr Hinkson who said, despite her vast academic credentials,
The Arney family recently celebrated 100 years on their property with more than 70 people in attendance. Picture: Supplied
Ian Arney’s 19-year-old son Ethan is spending a gap year working on the property. (582835)
lived by a mantra to accept that “you know nothing” and maintain a willingness to “understand the perspectives of people you have never met before.” Dr Hinkson said the upcoming discussion was essential to the region’s future, as creating spaces for vibrant community activity was vital to building strong towns. “When we look to the future there is no more pressing issue than water,” she said. “Reduced inflows and over-extraction have done catastrophic damage to ecosystems along the Murray-Darling. There will be no life for any
of us without healthy environments. If we want to tackle these big challenges, we need to be able to talk, laugh, and dance together as well as lean in, shoulder to shoulder.” Growing up in Melbourne, with regular trips to central Victoria for outdoor adventures, Dr Hinkson was not born into agriculture. “As an anthropologist I always spent time in the bush,” she said. “My work also took me to Warlpiri Country in Central Australia, so I’ve spent plenty of time in the outback too.” It was anthropology that brought Dr Hinkson
Pictures: Ben Gross (582835)
to the Mallee, lured by restaurateur Stefano de Pieri to explore the history and possible futures of regional farming. A stint as a writer-in-residence for the Mildura Writers Festival in 2023 led to a deeper connection with local farming stories, and a new relationship with Mr Arney led to making Werrimull her permanent home. “The more people I spoke to, the more fascinated I became,” she said. “I am often in awe of farmers’ quiet, stubborn determination, their endless problem-solving, and ability to flexibly adapt to the curve balls that come their way.” As she listened to local farming stories, Dr Hinkson identified that their “deep attachments to place” and “mastery of their craft” reminded her of learnings from Warlpiri elders in the Central Desert. That deep connection to land resonated strongly when she joined 70 people at the recent 100-year celebration of their family farm. Among those attending was Mr Arney’s 19-yearold son Ethan, who is spending a gap year working on the property. “I am enjoying myself,” Ethan said, acknowledging that he arrived during a welcome stretch of good weather. “It’s the first good one I can remember,” he said, before admitting he has his eye on a career in real estate, rather than taking over the family farm. Working alongside the Arney men, Dr Hinkson acknowledges she is “by no means an expert” on-farm but provides an invaluable “sounding board” for Mr Arney. “Farmers spend a lot of time in their own head,” Dr Hinkson said.
October 2026 | 13
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
The property has been in Ian Arney’s family for 100 years. (582835)
Melinda Hinkson said a “willingness to learn” and “have a crack” were essential to adapting to Mallee life. (582835)
“I offer fresh eyes and enthusiasm, so I feel I can often help Ian with problem solving.” She added that a “willingness to learn” and “have a crack” were essential to adapting to Mallee life. “Anthropologists often take themselves into new situations,” she said. “As a result, I believe that humility is a profoundly important principle. It’s important to accept that we will make mistakes, we will stuff up, but we can always live and learn.” Mr Arney said a positive outlook has been vital over recent dry years, which forced the couple to confront worst-case scenarios and focus on farm diversification. “In the more difficult times we have been looking at how we can value-add through vertical integration, such as growing supplementary feed for sheep and cattle,” Mr
Arney said. Mr Arney also credits Dr Hinkson with restarting native tree planting on the property and sharing his mindset that a farmer’s role is to leave the land in better condition than they found it. “A lot of farmers, especially corporate, are focused on profits,” Mr Arney said. “Often it’s good marketing, rather than sustainable farming, that drives this desire to please shareholders.” He points to standard supply chain margins as an example of this economic pressure. “The cheap loaf of bread is $3.50, the expensive loaf is $8.50, the wheat farmer gets 11 to 12 cents, where does that money go?” he asked. While it had been the sort of frustration a battle-weary grower might dwell on, Mr Arney said he was far less inclined to do so after Dr
Hinkson’s arrival. “Farming in the Millewa has always been a tough gig,” she said. “A hotter drier climate with more frequent extreme weather events is ratcheting up those challenges for everyone in agriculture and horticulture.” However, her focus remains firmly on practical solutions. “One way to navigate such uncertainty is to diversify your farming base at the same time as looking for opportunities to reduce carbon emissions,” she said. On the Box Tank property, that includes participating in the Bushbank program to return 50 hectares of marginal cropping land back to native Mallee vegetation. “In the last two years we’ve planted 4000 trees, all hyper-local Mallee species, some raised from
seed we have collected and germinated onfarm,” Dr Hinkson said. She said next season they planned to plant thousands more, laughing as she recalled a friend who had joked that “planting trees in the current climate was like playing violin on the Titanic.” While Mr Arney admitted to sustained periods of doubt born from decades of tough seasons, Dr Hinkson maintained a strong sense of optimism. “I think you’ve got to remain fiercely optimistic at the same time as having your eyes wide open,” she said. “The history of adaptation and invention in this region, that endless cycle of people interacting with environments and climate and shifting their practice over time, is probably what gives me the most hope for the future.”
‘Yarranvale’ Tullakool, NSW
Extensive Broadacre Farming Plant & Machinery Clearing Sale
THE MALLEE’S FARMING NEWSPAPER
COMMENCING AT 9.30AM, FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2026 SELECTED LOTS INTERFACED WITH AUCTIONSPLUS FROM 12PM PRE-AUCTION INSPECTION DAYS: ‘YARRANVALE’ SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER (10AM - 2PM) AND THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER (10AM – 2PM). (PROPERTY SOLD BY ELDERS)
Jason Telford 0447 533 313 Matt Horne 0409 355 733 Elders Barham
bogie axle trailer; Shelbourne RSD24 Stripper front, single/bogie trailer; Farmor 14ft Laser Bucket Front Apron Rear Rippers Bartlett Ball Hitch one owner, Soucy Track System to suit JD Header. Additional plant and equipment onsite: ‘80 Mack R600 Prime Mover; ‘88 G88 Prime Mover w 8m bogie tipper fixed turntable;’ 79 Ford Louisville bogie tipper, grain bin & stock crate ‘82 Lusty Drop Deck Triaxle Trailer; ‘93 BYRNE 4 deck 40’ Triaxle stock trailer; ‘12 Knuckey SB143 Draper front Quick-Tech-front; ‘10 Phillips Swathmaster Draper front; Farmor 12m towable hyd. fold grader board; KB 13.6M towable smudger board; Ennor 14 Plate Rice Banker; Yeomans 3PL 5m 15 tine ripper; Ennor 9 tine lkge ripper; Kuhn FC600RG Mower Conditioner hyd. offset 3m cut; Bromar MF36 Multifeeder scales actuators rollover tarp; Proway 8M Towable sheep loading ramp; ‘24 Can Am Commander 1000R 4x4, 2,700kms winch, towball, tilt tray; ’17 Can Am Ranger 800,21,000kms, towball, tilt tray; ’16 Kawasaki SWV2 Mule; ‘98 Suzuki Siera Stockman ute; Redlift Diesel 3.5 T Forklift 295hrs; Toyota Gas 2T Forklift 845hrs; Atlas XAS88 Air Compressor 125hrs; 2 x ‘17 Can-am 570 4WD, ‘16 Can-am 650 4WD, Suzuki Eiger 400cc; 1500L Tandem Fuel Trailer; Cobb Court 1700L Tandem Fuel Trailer; Spectraphysics LL50 Precision Laser; Spectraphysic 945L Laserplane; Fulton hyd. 2.5M Grader Blade w rear wheel and so much more. Terms: Cash, cheque or EFTPOS on day of sale. GST applicable. Buyer registration onsite and Aplus online. Photo ID onsite required. All vehicles currently registered to be sold unregistered. Full descriptions online. Directions: ‘Yarranvale’ 208 Miller Road Tullakool NSW. Situated off the Barham-Moulamein Road, 25kms from Barham and 47kms from Moulamein. Signs erected on the day. Catering available.
Vendors: David 0427 539 248 Geoff 0428 539 340
Scan the QR code for more info
The all new
Plant & Equipment listed on APLUS: ’23 JD790 4WD Combine Harvester, 715 rotor hrs, 940 eng. hrs w ’23 JD740D Draper front Leith bogie/bogie trailer; ’14 JD680 4WD Combine Harvester, 2,721 rotor hrs, 3,804 eng. hrs w ’14 JD640D Draper front Hamilton Engineering bogie/bogie trailer; ’13 Case IH Patriot 4430 Sprayer, 5,097hrs; ’11 Kenworth T609 Prime Mover; ’14 Western Star W4900 FXT Prime Mover; ’05 Kenworth T404 Prime Mover; ’18 JD 9520R Scraper Special 4WD Tractor, 6,000hrs; ’12 JD 8310R FWA Tractor, 8,360hrs; ’18 JD 8295R FWA Tractor, 4,101hrs; ’18 JD 8175M FWA Tractor w JD 663R loader, 1,947hrs; ’03 JD 6420 FWA Tractor w JD 640 FEL, 5,244hrs; ’04 NH TG255 FWA Tractor, 8,897hrs; ‘96 Ford SLE Powerstar FWA tractor, 8,172hrs w Quike Q56 FEL; ’01 NH TM165 FWA Tractor with Challenge 4121 FEL, 8,804hrs; Dunstan 30T dual axle chaser bin; Dunstan 25T dual Axle chaser bin; Dunstan 80T mother bin; Brandt 1070 swing away auger, hyd. shift; Batco 1577 Grain Elevator; Grain Commander 4613 Auger; ’10 Hamelex Triaxle alum. Tipping Lead Trailer and ’10 Hamelex alum. Triaxle Tipping Trailer; ’98 Moore steel Triaxle Tipping Lead Trailer; ’02 Moore steel Triaxle Tipping Trailer; ‘01 Hercules alum. Triaxle Lead Tipping Trailer; ‘09 Hamelex alum. Triaxle Tipping Trailer; ‘86 Allison Triaxle dropdeck Low Loader hyd. ramps outriggers; K-Line 2900 Speed Tiller; Ennor 28 Series 92 hyd. fold Tandem Disc; Flexicoil 3450 Seeder & S820 43ft Bar; Flexicoil 1330 Seeder and C820 33 ft Bar; Flexicoil 1720 Seeder & C820 41ft bar; ‘21 Marshall 812T Spreader; ’21 Kuhn Axis 50.2 Lkge Spreader; ‘01 Mitsubishi Canter 4WD Spray Truck, 121,779km; Kobelco SK200 Excavator; ’22 NH Elite Telehandler, 522hrs; ’17 NH 4WD FEL Backhoe, 2,131hrs; ’64 Cat D6B Dozer; ’09 NH BR7070 Round Baler; ‘10 JD 925D Draper front, Leith single/bogie trailer; ‘18 Shelbourne RSD28 Stripper front, bogie/
Your business can easily reach your Mallee target audience/ prospective customers in the ‘NEW’ North West Farmer print publication. Published in the third week of each month the North West Farmer circulates across the Swan Hill region in addition to the Sunraysia, Gannawarra and Loddon regions. This gives your agricultural/
Print reach Reach over
23,900
Website readers each 2,902 edition
For further details contact
www.theguardian.com.au Phone: (03) 5032 2161
eldersrealestate.com.au
regionally based business the opportunity to promote your products and/or services throughout the Mallee via a suite of local newspapers distributed throughout North West Victoria – Gannawarra Times, The Guardian and Sunraysia Daily. Plus, the North West Farmer Website and each region’s most local news Facebook sites.
www.sunraysiadaily.com.au Phone: (03) 5023 0211
www.northwestfarmer.com.au
www.gannawarratimes.com.au Phone: (03) 5452 1733
14 | October 2026
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
Farmers demand end to water buybacks
From silage to school camps
By Peter Bannan
DAIRY with PAUL BETHUNE
buybacks would benefit rural communities, warning of the economic consequences for irrigation-dependent regions. “Taking water out of productive agriculture reduces production, impacts the businesses and jobs that depend on irrigation and ultimately reduces our capacity to produce affordable food,” Mr Leahy said. “If the Commonwealth is genuinely concerned about rural communities, it should invest in infrastructure and make better use of the environmental water already available.” He argued the success of the MurrayDarling Basin Plan should be measured by environmental improvements rather than the volume of water recovered. The federation also renewed its opposition to flooding private farmland to deliver environmental water, describing river operating constraints as an extremely sensitive issue for Victorian irrigators. “The VFF does not support flooding private land to deliver environmental water. That position has not changed,” Mr Leahy said. He acknowledged some Victorian constraints projects had focused on increasing flows within
river channels without inundating private property, an approach consistent with the federation’s position. However, he called on the Victorian Government to halt further work until Canberra guaranteed the 265-gigalitre shortfall would not trigger additional buybacks. The VFF has written to Victorian Water Minister Michaela Settle, urging the State Government to refuse to relax river operating constraints on the Murray and Goulburn rivers without a firm Commonwealth commitment. The federation wants Federal Water Minister Murray Watt to explicitly rule out using additional water purchases to address the SDLAM shortfall before further work proceeds. “Victorian farmers and communities cannot be expected to engage constructively on constraints while the threat of further water purchases hangs over their communities,” Mr Leahy said. “The Commonwealth must rule out further buybacks and focus on infrastructure, smarter use of existing environmental water and measurable environmental outcomes.”
PARDON the pun but silage season is nearly cooked. I think we have completed about 2500 tonne of dry matter or about 7300 tonne wet. We use about 2000 dry tonne each year. For risk management I try to do more than we need in case of low water allocations or a poor season. We now have this summer’s silage and the year after, plus a bit more in reserve. Silage is great feed for cows but because it’s 70 per cent water, you end up paying a lot more freight. A neighbour asked me what was next, and I foolishly replied, ‘We’re all good now until next autumn.’ Then I remembered we still have a paddock of vetch to cut, 600 cows to join in about three weeks, and grain harvest drawing closer by the day. So, as it turns out, we’re not quite as much in the clear as I’d hoped. Sally has ditched me again literally and gone over the ditch with Rory and Rohan on the Lake Boga Primary School grade six camp to New Zealand. It’s the fourth grade six camp and the last for our family. Sally has gone on all four trips to New Zealand and I am left here folding undies, burning lamb chops, scrubbing floors and feeding chooks. She says I wouldn’t be suited to ziplining, whitewater rafting and the luge, blatant discrimination and manipulation if you ask me. For years I’ve been telling my boys I’m as agile as a panther. Their response: ‘Maybe a stuffed panther, dad.’
THE Victorian Farmers Federation has demanded the Federal Government rule out further water buybacks after a new assessment identified a 265-gigalitre shortfall in Murray-Darling Basin environmental projects. The call followed the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) draft assessment of projects under the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM), raising fears more water could be taken out of productive agriculture. VFF water council chair Andrew Leahy warned the shortfall must not become an excuse for another round of Commonwealth water purchases. “These were important environmental projects designed to achieve outcomes that could only practically be delivered with the help of infrastructure,” Mr Leahy said. “Getting water onto floodplains by simply running rivers higher for prolonged periods can have unacceptable impacts on riverside communities, farms and infrastructure.” Mr Leahy pointed to projects such as Lindsay and Wallpolla as examples of infrastructure being used to deliver environmental benefits without unnecessarily affecting surrounding communities. He said the projects recognised the importance of getting environmental water where it was needed, when it was needed. However, he said strict legislative requirements and deadlines had resulted in some projects being withdrawn because they could not be completed by the end of 2026. “The answer cannot simply be to replace those projects with more water purchases,” Mr Leahy said. The VFF also rejected suggestions that further
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
October 2026 | 15
Vines vie for survival WINE GRAPES with COLIN FREE THE grapevines are blasting out of the blocks and growing well in the warm conditions. With most patches barely viable, each patch is wondering if they will be next to be removed, so they are all trying to outdo each other to grow the fastest and give a good impression. There is some disease pressure out there, so we are watching the weather carefully and are trying to apply fungicides at the critical times. We have started irrigating with the warmer weather now with us. I recently helped with the stewarding at
the wine show judging that’s held locally, and it was good to catch up with mates in the industry. A few of the fellow stewards are budding winemakers themselves and entered a few wines in the non-commercial classes. Our district irrigation supply pipeline had a major blowout recently and I think we should rename it an aquarium because of how little water goes through it. Creatures that were blown out of the pipeline included carp 50cm long, shrimps, yabbies which wandered off towards the drainage channel and about four cubic metres of mussels, which couldn’t wander anywhere. Chops, Shank and their mates have been making regular escapes from their hobby farm paddock and are causing a bit of trouble in one of the Cabernet patches. When looking back on my report for October exactly 10 years ago, it was a similar wet winter. Talk to your mates.
Finer mesh wire has been installed to keep sparrows out of the chicken coop. Picture: Sam James
Proactive coop restoration Sam James CHICKEN owners are bracing for the inevitable, and preparing their coops to protect their flocks from bird flu when it arrives in the region. Nyah West permaculturist Russell Calder is staying one step ahead of the H5 bird flu threat, tightening biosecurity around his coop to ensure his chickens remain separated from wild birds as the virus continues its spread along Australia’s southern coastline. “Bird flu is inevitable, unstoppable, and I’m a bit concerned about what will happen to the chicken meat supply when it gets into poultry,” he said. “I’ve put in a smaller gauge wire on the coop to stop the sparrows and sealed it all up so no wild birds can get in. “I only feed them and provide water inside the shed, from a sealed gravity-fed irrigation tank that only they drink from, so the chickens can’t access anything that other birds might have been swimming in or drinking from.”
The grapevines are growing well in the warm conditions.
The chickens still have access to an enclosed outdoor run that they can keep scratching in until bird flu is reported in the region. “It’s better to be proactive than reactive, and get started now,” Mr Calder said. “The other end of the coop is in progress, it’s a big job to upgrade the whole structure in one go, so it’s better to do something about it now and be prepared, or we won’t have chooks. “Bird flu is resilient in the environment from what I can tell, it doesn’t die in sunlight and doesn’t degrade in the environment, you have to take precautions to make sure chickens don’t come in contact with food or water wild animals have had access to.” As of last week, 700 positive bird flu events had been reported, with 238 events in Victoria, 70 in New South Wales and 330 in South Australia. Initial reports from a mass death of about 60 ibises and water hens in Bendigo indicated H5N1 bird flu was not responsible. Agriculture Victoria indicated that H5N1 bird flu has not yet been detected in poultry.
MARSHALL MULTISPREAD The versatile range of trailing spreaders for all types of granular fertilizers and seeds as well as heavy rates of gypsum, lime, compost and manures. 2.5 Tonne to 16 Tonne models available including narrow-track orchard model with side spread option Available with i4M Variable Rate Controller, Weighing Systems, 3 Metre Axle & wheel options - Spare Parts and Workshop Service and Repairs available -
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Ph: 03 5450 3077
easternspreaders.com.au
16 | October 2026
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
LIVESTOCK REPORT
with Matt Rowlands
Quality sheep set for Wycheproof sale MORE than 7000 sheep will go under the hammer at Wycheproof later this month, with agents predicting one of the strongest offerings of breeding stock in years. The town’s renowned store sheep sale will be held on Friday, 30 October, with a 12.30pm start, showcasing first-cross Border Leicester-Merino and Merino sheep from leading breeder flocks across the Mallee and Riverina. Elders Swan Hill livestock agent Matt Rowlands said the quality of stock being prepared for the sale was exceptional, with strong interest already emerging from buyers across Victoria and interstate. “We’re set up to have an outstanding run of first-cross and Merino breeder sheep presented in Wycheproof,” Mr Rowlands said. “I think it’s going to present one of the best opportunities over the last five to 10 years for people sourcing breeding stock.” About 2000 first-cross Border LeicesterMerino ewes will be offered, with the sheep expected to present in excellent condition for joining during spring and summer. A further 2500 Merino ewes, ranging from one-and-a-half-year-olds to mature breeding sheep, will also be available. Mr Rowlands said most of the breeding ewes had been shorn within the past six to eight weeks and were presenting particularly well despite varying seasonal conditions across their regions of origin. The offering will also include about 2500 Merino wether lambs and a proportion of Merino ewe lambs from the 2026 drop, with both shorn and unshorn stock available. He said the younger sheep would appeal to producers looking to trade lambs, utilise feed or manage cropping stubbles during the approaching harvest. “It’ll be a fantastic opportunity for people looking to run lambs over their paddocks or get organised to have some stock to help with stubble management as they run into harvest,” he said. Mr Rowlands said Wycheproof had built a reputation over decades as northern Victoria’s premier store sheep selling centre, attracting quality livestock and buyers from across the country. “Wycheproof has had a decades-long standing as the premier store sale for northern Victoria, and what we’re anticipating on Friday will showcase exactly that,” he said. “There’s going to be runs of sheep with fantastic genetics, very well-bred, top-quality
Buyers will again line the rails at Wycheproof store sheep sale to compete for Breeders sheep on the 30th October. sheep that people can buy with great confidence. “Whether they’re looking to improve their flocks, increase their ewe numbers or trade into wether lambs, there’ll be opportunities for buyers.” He said the traditional saleyard format also allowed producers to inspect livestock firsthand rather than relying solely on online selling platforms. “People will have the chance to come and see the sheep in the flesh rather than trying to buy sheep through online markets,” he said. The livestock agent said breeders had spent considerable time preparing their consignments specifically for the Wycheproof sale. “All these sheep coming to the sale have been prepared over the past six months specifically for this event,” he said. “There’s a lot of confidence in the industry at the moment.” Interest had already been received from southwest Victoria and South Australia, where producers were looking to increase breeding numbers. Mr Rowlands said the strength of the wool market was also contributing to renewed confidence among sheep producers. “There’s a lot of confidence in the wool market across all micron levels for prices to be sustained,” he said. “That’s obviously being driven by a lack of
supply, with a lot of wool continuing to be sold while the market remains strong.” He said the combination of quality genetics, strong market conditions and buyer demand had created an encouraging outlook for the upcoming sale. Further entries may still be accepted, with producers interested in consigning sheep encouraged to contact their local Elders agent to discuss marketing opportunities. Full sale advertising, including details of individual consignments, breeding and stock classes, is expected to be released on social media later this week or early next week. The October sale will also kick off a major weekend for the Wycheproof community, with the annual Wycheproof Cup race meeting to follow on Saturday, 31 October. Mr Rowlands said the two events would provide a welcome boost for the town and surrounding district. “It’s a fantastic local event and a big date on the calendar for those in the area,” he said. “We’re happy to support the community and look forward to seeing everyone at the races on the Saturday after the sale.” A second Wycheproof sheep sale is scheduled for 28 November, providing another marketing opportunity for producers later in the season.
FOR SALE West Pine Hill & Kennedys, Nyah West, Victoria 367.07HA or 907.04AC* ‘West Pine Hill’, Bodinnar Rd, Nyah West, Vic 187ha/462.07ac*
‘Kennedys’, Bodinnar Rd, Nyah West, Vic 180.07ha/444.97ac*
• Undulating Mallee Sandy Loam and Red Loam soils. • Favourably planted to lentil crop this season. • Situated on the edge of Nyah West with bitumen frontage. • Secure Stock and Domestic Water from the Grampian Wimmera Mallee Pipeline System. Price: $995,000
• Mallee Sandy Loam and Loam soils. • Favourably planted to Pea crop this season. • Connected to Town Water Supply. • Bitumen road access off the Pira Rd. • Secure Stock and Domestic Water from Lower Murray Water. Price: $705,000
Terms: 10% deposit on signing of contract. Settlement 30/60 days or after harvest. Growing crops NOT included in sale. To be sold as a whole or two individual lots. eldersre.com.au | 300P182924 Elders Swan Hill 03 5036 0100 Matt Rowlands 0447 818 304 *approx Peter Robertson 0417 636 348
October 2026 | 17
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
WEATHER Mallee Forecast Mostly sunny
Sunny
Partly cloudy
Cloudy
Chance Shower Showers, Drizzle, Showers Rain shower or two storms chance rain
MILDURA Sat Sun Mon Tue
Fri
Windy
Warnings Information at www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings or Ph: 1300 659 210 (local call cost)
11° 13° 13° 14° 14° 24° 27° 29° 29° 30°
Fri
Rain, storms
Fri
OUYEN Sat Sun Mon Tue
Dust
Mallee Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the northwest in the afternoon. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning. Saturday. Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the northwest in the afternoon. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.
Snow
Swan Hill Sun protection recommended 9:40am - 4:40pm
Victoria Patchy early fog and frost in the east. Partly cloudy with possible light showers mostly about the north. Generally mild with moderate northeasterly winds. Saturday. Patchy early fog mostly about Gippsland. Partly cloudy with possible light showers mostly about the north. Generally mild with moderate north to northeasterly winds.
Sat Sun Mon Tue
9° 12° 11° 12° 14° 24° 27° 29° 29° 30°
SWAN HILL
9° 12° 12° 12° 14° 24° 26° 29° 29° 30°
Fog
Fri
Sun and Moon
Sat Sun Mon Tue
KERANG Fri
10° 12° 11° 12° 15° 24° 26° 28° 29° 30°
Sat Sun Mon Tue BIRCHIP
9° 11° 11° 11° 13° 23° 25° 27° 27° 28°
Edward River Edward River Murray River Murray River Murray River Murray River Murray River Murray River Murray River
AROUND AUSTRALIA
10am Saturday
DARWIN 34 1016 1016
1016
1016 1013
30 CAIRNS
BROOME 34
Sunset 7:41pm 7:42pm 7:43pm 7:44pm 7:44pm 7:45pm
Moonrise Moonset 9:49am 12:23am 10:42am 1:15am 11:39am 2:01am 12:39pm 2:40am 1:39pm 3:14am 2:40pm 3:44am
River Heights
© Commonwealth of Australia 2026
w w w. b o m . g o v. a u Issued October 14, 2026
10am Friday
Sunrise 6:42am 6:41am 6:39am 6:38am 6:37am 6:36am
Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Moulamein 1.37 Liewah 1.64 Swan Hill 1.98 Wakool Junction 3.92 Boundary Bend 2.86 Euston Weir DS 2.19 Colignan 2.82 Mildura DS (AHD) 31.33 Wentworth 3.28
steady steady steady steady steady steady steady steady steady
River height in metres from 12pm Wed Oct 14 ALICE SPRINGS 32 1015
1024
1024
Water Storages
BRISBANE 23
Capacity % Full 1016 1016 1000
1032
1032
1008
ADELAIDE 25
1016 1024
1024 1008 1032
1037
1000
1032
Dartmouth 3,856,232 78.4 Hume 3,005,157 88.1 Eildon 3,334,158 62.3 Others 1,421,545 96.4 Total 11,617,092 78.5
PERTH 23
21 SYDNEY 18 CANBERRA
MELBOURNE 23
1038
23 HOBART
Chances of exceeding median maximum temperature.
Chances of exceeding median rainfall.
Weekly Change
Last Year
3,022,341 13,195 2,647,814 -15,122 2,075,739 4,639 1,369,733 -5,995 9,115,627 -3,283
2,782,810 1,605,545 1,866,985 893,590 7,148,930
Current
Storage data via Goulburn-Murry Water & MDBA from Wed Oct 14
Indian Ocean Dipole +2.0 +1.0 0.0 -1.0 -2.0 I
I
I
I
I
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Southern Oscillation Index +20 +10 0 -10 -20 -30 I 2022
Wimmera Mallee rainfall figures Rainfall mm Annuello ................................................. 10.8 Birchip (Marbled).................................... 5.0 Birchip (Marbled Comparison) ............. 15.4 Boundary Bend...................................... 23.0 Bronzewing ............................................ 16.0 Canary Island .......................................... 7.5 Charlton ................................................. 10.4 Charlton (Donald St).............................. 24.2 Coonooer Bridge ........................................na Dimboola ............................................... 13.4
Donald ........................................................na Dunolly ................................................... 22.4 Hopetoun Airport ................................... 10.4 Inglewood ...................................................na Jeparit .................................................... 11.4 Kaniva .................................................... 30.6 Kerang.................................................... 10.4 Kerang (Meran Downs) ......................... 11.0 Lake Boga.............................................. 15.4 Lindsay Point ........................................... 7.4
I
I
I
I
2023
2024
2025
2026
September 2026 Manangatang ........................................ 12.0 Mildura .................................................... 7.2 Mincha .................................................... 9.2 Murrayville ............................................. 15.6 Nhill ........................................................ 15.0 Ninyeunock.................................................na Ouyen ..................................................... 13.8 Paringi.........................................................na Pira ......................................................... 19.9 Quambatook South ............................... 16.4
Sea Lake ................................................ 18.6 Swan Hill ................................................ 11.6 Tutye....................................................... 13.0 Ultima..................................................... 14.5 Walpeup.................................................. 17.2 Werrimull................................................. 6.0 Woomelang............................................ 18.4 Wycheproof.................................................na Yaapeet .................................................. 11.8 Warracknabeal Airport ........................... 8.0
18 | October 2026
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
October 2026 | 19
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
Southern Basin Water Market Update Southern Basin storages continue to benefit from recent rainfall and reduced seasonal demand. As of 13 October 2026, storages are sitting at 71%, compared with 65% at the same time last year. This improvement is likely to support allocation increases expected to be announced on Thursday, 15 October, after this publication goes to print. Improved water availability is already contributing to optimism around future allocations. Victorian Murray High Reliability (HR) water shares are currently allocated at 75%. If inflow forecasts continue to track above the dry scenario, allocations could potentially reach 100% by late November. In contrast, inflows into Lake Eildon have not kept pace with Murray storages. As a result, a 100% allocation determination for the Goulburn system may not occur until February, if at all. In New South Wales, the Murrumbidgee market remains closed to trade into the Murray. General Security allocations currently sit at 45%. With cotton and rice planting decisions across the Riverina now being finalised, Thursday’s allocation announcement is expected to play an important role in shaping water demand. NSW Murray General Security entitlement holders have now received 30% allocations. Any further increases cannot occur until the Barmah-Millewa borrowing account has been repaid. Whether recent inflows have been sufficient to achieve this will be a key consideration in Thursday’s update. Adding further complexity to the market, Victorian Murray HR entitlement holders received an updated spill risk assessment this week. While many expected last month’s spill risk to exceed 50%, the Northern Victoria Resource Manager (NVRM) incorporated forecast water usage into its assessment and maintained the spill risk at 45%. This week, however, the risk increased to 55%, triggering the closure of the trade from NSW into Victoria. As highlighted in previous updates, Menindee Lakes reached the critical 480GL trigger point last week and
Back row: Jon Armstrong, Grant Stoeckel, Phil Grahame. Front row: Gokul Parambalath, Wendy Saunders, Allan Anderson. now remains isolated from trade into and out of the Murray system.
demand. As a result, prices are likely to remain sensitive to changes in seasonal conditions.
Attention will also turn to the next Goulburn-to-Murray Inter-Valley Trade (IVT) announcement, scheduled for 16 October. Available trade volumes depend on water usage measured at Torrumbarry. Given usage has been well below expectations, the volume available for trade is currently estimated at approximately 5GL.
For irrigators intending to participate in the market this season, securing at least a portion of water requirements early may help manage the risk of higher prices later in the season.
Looking ahead, below-choke demand is likely to increase over coming months. With drier conditions persisting and limited rainfall forecast, market participants will be watching developments closely.
At a time when uncertainty remains elevated and market conditions can shift quickly, informed decision-making is critical. Engaging with a trusted water broker can help irrigators develop and implement water strategies aligned with both operational requirements and risk tolerance.
The water market will continue to be driven by the fundamental supply and demand, including rainfall, inflows, allocation announcements and irrigation
- Wendy Saunders Operations Manager Ruralco Water
Water Market Alert!
Temporary Allocation Market
Price Range
SA Murray Zone 12 Class 3 VIC Murray Zone 7 High Reliability VIC Goulburn Zone 1A High Reliability NSW Murray Zone 11 - High Security
$8, 00/ML - $8, 00/ML $7, 00/ML - $7, 00/ML $4,000/ML - $4, 0/ML $ 50/ML - $9,2 /ML Current as at 14 October 2026
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ALL STORAGES 30%
WEEK
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100%
97%
SA
SA
NSW Murray
HR
RI
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0408 596 678
0419 937 982
0447 058 873
0419 369 944
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Indicator
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68%
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20 | October 2026
NorthWestFarmer.com.au
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