Matt Dalgleish

OPINION: A move away from Merino sheep is reshaping farming practices and economic outlooks in the sector.

OPINION: WA farmers are already dealing with the financial fallout from the approaching end to the live sheep export trade.

OPINION: Demand for sheep meat is expected to rise and WA producers could be in the box seat.

OPINION: Efforts to broaden the appeal of plant-based meat substitutes are faltering over issues such as price, quality and sustainability.

OPINION: A number of strategies are available that could help fortify cattle producers and processors against economic shocks and market volatility.

ANALYSIS: Sheep farmers ponder their next moves as they and the wider sector face multiple challenges.

The government seems willing to ignore the significant supply chain adjustments that need to be made.

Producers and marketers of red meat face several challenges, many beyond their control, to secure better market share.

A combination of strategies will likely be necessary to achieve the ambitious climate goals set for 2050.

The MV Bahijah saga has highlighted vulnerabilities in Australia’s live export operations.

Vigilance and adaptability will be the watchwords for producers as they navigate fluctuations in livestock markets.

Eggs have long been a cost-effective option for many Australian families.

Addressing the protein needs of a growing world population will prove difficult, given emissions goals.

The landscape for Australian heavy steer pricing has evolved dramatically this year.

Should emissions from food production be considered in the same light as those generated by disposable consumer goods?

Phasing out the live sheep sector will require many WA sheep farmers to reconsider their stocking plans, or even their future in the business.

It’s more important now than ever that farmers, conservationists, and animal rights activists find common ground.

Meat substitute products have issues with scalability, cost competitiveness and consumer acceptance of the final product.

The trade agreement with India presents a major opportunity.

Diesel and petrol prices are moving to a more traditional price spread after a tumultuous 2022.

An ongoing tight labour market is unlikely to provide any cost relief to farmers into 2023.

The looming phase-out of the merino-dominated live sheep export trade may hit WA producers.

Other states’ recent appetite for WA sheep is an aberration, not a long-term solution to a market under pressure.

Favourable seasonal conditions on the land aren’t always reflected in the share price fortunes for listed ag firms.

August was a good month for red meat exports, with China posting surprisingly strong demand.

The risk of FMD emerging in Australia remains low but the consequences would be severe if it got in.

Amid news of an increased threat of foot and mouth disease to Australia’s north, concerns are also growing about another biosecurity threat.

The new Labor government and Independents such as Kate Chaney would do well to remember the broad benefits to the WA rural economy of the live sheep trade.

Australia seems to be missing the mark in terms of producing the agriculture leaders of the future.

Australian trade with Russia is comparatively small, but sanctions’ effect on supply chains elsewhere could be felt here.

The decision to keep WA’s border closed is likely welcomed by meat processors, given workforce constraints in the east due to Omicron.

A shift in focus to cattle in NZ provides an opportunity for Australian sheep producers.