February
The Bangkok teacher who saved the Lukin tuna empire
When pioneering fisherman Dinko Lukin died in 2011, nobody thought his wife – 31 years his junior – could save the business he had left drowning in debt.
Commodities on verge of ‘breakout’ after two-year slump
The sector is trading back at levels last seen during the 2022 boom, led by a surge in precious metal and agriculture prices.
January
How Australia became a test bed for the future of farming
Experimental fungi and “robotic bees” are among the agtech innovations being trialled in a country on the front line of climate change.
Why 2025 could be a bumper year for these Australian farmers
The agriculture sector may be in for a stellar 2025 but much still depends on the weather, Trump’s tariffs, and the war in Ukraine.
December 2024
Succession drama at Elders triggers huge protest vote again
A botched succession planning process where CEO Mark Allison was re-hired after the company signalled that he would be stepping down has enraged shareholders.
Orchard and vineyard values down 15pc as livestock farms rally
Farmland planted with permanent crops such as wine grapes and nuts has fallen 15pc on average over the past 12 months, according to a key index.
Why grapes (for eating) are so expensive
Australians are increasing consumption of table grapes in a near $1 billion industry whose exports to China were unscathed when the wine industry was hit hard by tariffs.
US issues order mandating bird flu testing of milk supply
The virus has infected more than 500 dairy herds in top milk state California, and more than 700 nationwide since March.
‘Authentic’ Jeremy Clarkson tops polls in disaffected, desperate UK
His shift from Top Gear cars to Diddly Squat cows has so enhanced Clarkson’s everyman appeal that people are asking if a political future beckons.
How salmon could cost Labor majority government
A fierce backlash over a review into fish farming in Macquarie Harbour in the state’s west that is costing the party votes in battleground electorates.
End of sanctions as China lifts bans on beef
China has removed sanctions from two Australian abattoirs, bringing to an end an avalanche of tariffs and de facto bans that began four years ago.
Macquarie buys $175m stake in fresh fruit producer
Macquarie Asset Management adds a controlling stake in one of the country’s largest citrus, berry and table grape producers to its $4.7 billion agricultural portfolio.
November 2024
The ‘bad habit’ that turned into a $7.5m business opportunity
Using refurbished components to overcome supply shortages for renewables projects turned into a lucrative business.
Elders supercharges agribusiness consolidation with $475m Delta buy
One of the country’s largest farm services groups is buying its private equity-backed rival in a deal expected to be scrutinised by the competition regulator.
GrainCorp profit dries up as weather and competition bite
Chief executive Robert Spurway says that crop variability in Australia and strong overseas production have dented earnings.
IPF spreads a little wisdom to keep farmers in fertiliser
Incitec Pivot Fertilisers has won the Established Business to Business category in The Australian Financial Review Customer Champions list 2024.
Lex Greensill scuttles English farm project
The fallen financier says he is – for now – no longer buying a 502-acre tract of park and farmland in his home village, Saughall, amid an entrenched local rift.
October 2024
Cobram Estate shows AGM season proxy advice can be a slippery slope
Annual shareholder meetings often bring out the nitpickers. A push against the founder and chairman of the ASX-listed olive oil producer is a prime example.
Why $31 billion will not be enough to build Inland Rail
Australia’s grand plan to transport goods by rail from Melbourne to Brisbane in less than 24 hours is cutting corners to stay on track, say residents of one city on the route.
Equipment financier Coex Capital secures $200m warehouse, fresh equity
A major Australian bank provided the senior funding while credit fund Alexander Funds tipped in mezzanine debt.